News from Japan
Vaccines for older people delayed as Japan finds 1 million more health workers
The rollout will be delayed by about two weeks as ramping up inoculations is unlikely to be possible before May at the earliest, an official ...
Corporate selloffs reflect tough times in Japan amid pandemic
Leading Japanese companies are considering selling off prestigious headquarters in central Tokyo as COVID-19 continues to reshape business operations.
Japan recorded fewer deaths in 2020 for first time in 11 years
The smaller total may be linked to a sharp fall in seasonal influenza infections as people took strict infection prevention measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lost in translation: Japan fumbles pandemic communication with foreign communities
Growing concern over access to up-to-date, accurate official information highlights the government’s larger struggle to convey pandemic-related policies and support.
Japan to distribute COVID-19 vaccines for older people based on population
Taro Kono, minister overseeing the inoculation program, said he was not considering prioritizing vaccine distribution based on numbers of infections in different regions.
Japanese WHO expert casts doubt on China’s cold-chain virus claim
When the Japanese expert, Ken Maeda, visited Wuhan market — the center of the initial outbreak — in February, local officials said no live mammals ...
Emperor Naruhito ‘thankful’ for strength of Japanese people amid pandemic
In a birthday message, the emperor also spoke of his wish to visit the Tohoku region to mark 10 years since the Great East Japan ...
Japan extends ¥30 billion in loans to Mauritius after oil spill
The Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Wakashio ran aground off the southeast coast of Mauritius on July 25, spilling more than 1,000 tons of oil into the ...
Prefectures set to ask government to lift virus emergency early
Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures are set to ask the central government to lift the emergency at the end of the month, ahead of its ...
Japan and U.S. coast guards hold rare joint drills near Ogasawara islets
The exercises came as the China Coast Guard continues to send ships near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
Japanese man freed from Chinese prison to return home: consulate
The man was detained by the National Security Bureau on suspicion of spying during a visit to Guangzhou in February 2018.
Osaka firm accused of helping Vietnamese work illegally
An Osaka-based company and its owner have been accused of hiring Vietnamese who overstayed their visas because they were unable to return to their home ...
Tokyo reports lowest daily COVID-19 total since Nov. 9
The figure came as the pace of increase in newly confirmed infections nationwide slowed for the sixth consecutive week under a virus state of emergency ...
Japan holds annual event to push claim to South Korea-held Takeshima islets
The ceremony in Matsue has been held every Feb. 22 since 2006 after the Shimane Prefectural Government designated the day as Takeshima Day in 2005.
Seven more officials found to have been wined and dined by Suga’s son
The officials join four senior bureaucrats who were treated to expensive meals by Seigo Suga, a son of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and are already ...
Japan eyeing waiting lists for COVID-19 vaccines
Taro Kono, who is in charge of the vaccine rollout, indicated that the central government will call on municipalities tasked with administering shots to come ...
Funding crunch hampers preservation of sites hit by 2011 disasters
Officials say maintaining the sites has become an increasing struggle amid public apathy and drops in both donations and paying visitors.
Fukushima struggling to lure people back, 10 years after disaster
One survey showed that greater access to shopping and medical and welfare services is needed for evacuees to return to their hometowns.
Japan orders airlines to ground Boeing 777 jets after U.S. incident
The move comes after after a United Airlines 777 landed safely at Denver International Airport on Saturday after its right engine failed, spraying debris over ...
Japanese government mulls lower Go To Travel payments if program restarts
Several options are under consideration. One of them is to reduce the amount to ¥10,000 first before cutting it further in stages, sources said.