Photos show sacred deer wandering through Japan's ancient capital during Japan-South Korea summit

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.

Deer stroll at a Torii shrine gate at Kasuga Taisha shrine in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A deer walks into a shop at a park in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Deer wait for food from tourists at a park in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Deer are fed by a staff at a park in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A deer waits for food from tourists at a park in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A deer stands in a park in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, near a banner reading "Welcome Japan-South Korea Summit Meeting" hoisted at a public building.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A deer waits for food from tourists near Todaiji temple, in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A tourist feeds deer at a park, in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Tourists pose for their selfie as a deer waits for food at a park, in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A deer pokes its head into a tourist's bag while looking for food at a park, in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A deer peeks behind of a sign at a park in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Deer stroll at a park in Nara, western Japan, early Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Police officers stand guard as a deer walks by in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Deer wait for food from tourists at a park in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, where more than 1,000 free-roaming deer considered sacred in Shinto belief have become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A deer rests at Todaiji temple in Nara, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Nara, western Japan, as police officers walk by. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish prosecutors are studying allegations that Grammy-winning singer Julio Iglesias sexually assaulted two former employees at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

The Spanish prosecutors’ office told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the allegations were related to media reports from earlier this week that alleged Iglesias had sexually and physically assaulted two women who worked in his Caribbean residences between January and October 2021.

Iglesias has yet to speak publicly regarding the allegations. Russell L. King, a Miami-based entertainment lawyer who lists Iglesias as a client on his website, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment by the AP.

The Spanish prosecutors’ office that handles cases for Spain’s National Court said that it had received formal allegations against Iglesias by an unnamed party on Jan. 5. Iglesias could potentially be taken in front of the Madrid-based court, which can try alleged crimes by Spanish citizens while they are abroad, according to the court’s press office.

Spanish online newspaper elDiario.es and Spanish-language television channel Univision Noticias published the joint investigation into Iglesias’ alleged misconduct.

Spanish government spokeswoman Elma Saiz said that the media reports regarding Iglesias “demanded respect.”

“Once again I can reaffirm this government’s firm and complete commitment to take on any act of violence, harassment or aggression against women,” Saiz said Tuesday after the media reports were published.

Panky Corcino, spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office in the Dominican Republic, declined to comment, saying he couldn't confirm or deny an investigation.

By law, any case in the Caribbean country that involves sexual aggression or violence must be investigated by prosecutors, even if no one has filed a complaint.

The 82-year-old Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful musical artists after having sold more than 300 million records in more than a dozen languages. After making his start in Spain, he won immense popularity in the United States and wider world in the 1970s and ‘80s. He’s the father of pop singer Enrique Iglesias.

Julio Iglesias won a 1988 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance for his album “Un Hombre Solo.” He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2019.

Suman Naishadham in Madrid, and Martín Adames in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, contributed to this report.

FILE - Spanish singer Julio Iglesias smiles during his star unveiling ceremony at the Walk of Fame in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, file)