National
Tokyo reports 619 new coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 1,779
The Tokyo metropolitan government on Wednesday reported 619 new coronavirus cases, up 184 from Tuesday. The average for Tokyo over the past seven days stands at 422.7. People in their 20s (165 cases), their 30s (129) and 40s (101) accounted for the highest numbers. The number of infected people hospitalized… Read
Giant panda gives birth to twin cubs at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo
A month ahead of the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, the city has another reason to celebrate - giant panda Shin Shin has given birth to twin cubs at Ueno Zoo, the first panda birth there in four years. The Tokyo zoo's website listed the two newborn pandas as being born… Read
As Japan reboots 44-year-old nuclear reactor, experts sound alarm
The head of a major inquiry into Japan's nuclear disaster and a former senior cabinet adviser have sounded alarm over plans this week to restart a 44-year old reactor, saying the industry and government have not taken on board the lessons from Fukushima. Kansai Electric Power, which serves Osaka and… Read
Japan cash handout discriminated against Korean students: U.N. experts
Four U.N. human rights experts said in a letter revealed on Tuesday that the exclusion of students at Korea University from the Japanese government's cash handout program to mitigate financial difficulties amid the coronavirus pandemic was discriminatory. The letter was sent to the government in February, and a month later… Read
Volcano erupts on southwestern Japanese island
A volcano on a southwestern Japan island erupted early Wednesday, sending large rocks almost 1 kilometer from the crater, and prompting the weather agency to raise its alert level to restrict people's entry to the area surrounding mountain. The eruption occurred at the crater of Mt Otake on Suwanose Island… Read
Tokyo reports 435 new coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 1,437
The Tokyo metropolitan government on Tuesday reported 435 new coronavirus cases, up 199 from Monday. The average for Tokyo over the past seven days stands at 405.9. People in their 20s (130 cases) and their 30s (83) accounted for the highest numbers. The number of infected people hospitalized with severe… Read
'Conbini warp' an increasing traffic problem for businesses, authorities across Japan
Driving in Japan is certainly not without its share of problems. Narrow winding streets and blind corners abound for motorists, while widespread disregard for basic rules of the road plague pedestrians. But one issue has become an increasing headache for law enforcement and business owners in Japan. It’s called the “conbini warp” and describes the… Read
WHO to discuss Olympics COVID risks with Japan, IOC
The World Health Organization said on Monday it would discuss managing COVID-19 risks with Japanese authorities and the International Olympic Committee, after organizers announced some spectators would be permitted to attend the Tokyo Games. Mike Ryan, head of WHO's emergencies program, noted that infection rates in Japan have been falling,… Read
Japan to donate AstraZeneca vaccines to Thailand
Thailand's health minister said on Monday Japan's government would donate some AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, as the Southeast Asian country seeks to shore-up supplies after some early delays in its vaccinations. An agreement would be signed on Thursday with the vaccines to be delivered around July, Anutin Charnvirakul said in a… Read
More companies, universities begin on-site vaccinations
Japan's COVID-19 vaccination program for people aged under 65 got into full swing Monday as universities and government ministries and agencies joined companies in launching on-site inoculations. With Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga aiming to complete vaccinations by November, the government has allowed companies and universities to launch their own inoculation… Read
