Japanese girl with no legs: A cheerful life story put on-screen

A teenage girl from Japan has been confined to wheelchair after losing both legs in an accident. But her enthusiasm has not failed her, though, as her positive attitude towards life has attracted the attention of filmmakers – her life story and acting skills will be presented onscreen in a film scheduled for release next year.

Netizens in Japan have praised 19-year-old Minya as the female version of Ototake Hirotada due to their shared physical disabilities, as well as her spirited response. Still, a period of depression loomed over Minya upon knowledge of the loss before she retained her cheerfulness.

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"No matter what, this is what I am. I may choose to grieve, but I prefer loving the way I am right now." She confessed that it was terribly painful at the beginning to accept such immense loss. Knowing that things as they are though, she has come to accept her loss and began to rejoice what is left in her. Recently, she has indulged herself in a new hobby, making dessert.

Minya frequents and fills TV shows with her cheerfulness and enthusiasm, sharing with the audience her experience after the accident. It is perhaps no surprise that her story has attracted great media attention, her ‘kawaii’ outlook though is another source of attraction that steals the heart of male audiences. Praises are heaped on Minya with comments of fondness, "she is very charming, I want to make friends with her!" another reads "Kawaii and tough girl, I think I am infatuated with her". In addition, she will be starring in a film about her life story next year.

NARA, Japan (AP) — In Japan's ancient capital, Nara, deer moved through grass fields and shaded paths, lowering their heads toward visitors holding special crackers made just for them.

Nara this week hosted a Japan–South Korea summit, with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is from the city, welcoming South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

But despite the high-level diplomacy, the deer were still stars of the show.

Tourists around the park stopped to watch or feed the animals with crackers, sold by vendors, that are made from flour and rice husks.

When the deer fix their gazes on visitors, many responded by pulling out crackers and stepping closer.

Not all encounters were gentle. Some deer nudged visitors from behind, sniffing backpacks and shopping bags. Others tried to nibble at coat pockets or chew at clothing when they suspected food was hidden there.

Some visitors hesitated, appearing nervous, but fed the deer anyway. As the animals stepped closer, many tourists recoiled, taking a step back or letting out brief screams. Others lifted their phones to take pictures.

More than 1,000 deer live in the park and surrounding areas. They roam freely across lawns, sidewalks and temple grounds, resting under trees or gathering near food stalls. A few deer were seen wandering into nearby shops.

The deer are protected and are considered sacred according to local Shinto beliefs. Legend has it that a deity arrived in Nara riding a white deer more than a thousand years ago.

Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital in the eighth century and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Todaiji temple and Kasuga shrine.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.