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Ryusei Takahashi
For Ryusei Takahashi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
Dec 8, 2020
Let's discuss a possible state of emergency
Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of Japan’s coronavirus response, has cautioned the nation that a state of emergency may have to be imposed if further spread of the virus is not contained, saying the next three weeks will be “crucial” to prevent taking such strong measures.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 3, 2020
As virus spreads, Japan looks to extend — not cancel — Go To Travel
The central government is planning to move the deadline for the travel subsidy campaign from January to June.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 2, 2020
Local businesses left in limbo as Japan's politicians squabble over Go To Travel campaign
By leaning on governors to determine whether travel and dining subsidies should be suspended in their area, Suga is delegating responsibility — or accountability — to local leaders.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 1, 2020
Tokyoites over 65 or with pre-existing conditions urged to refrain from using Go To Travel
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike made the request shortly after a meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 1, 2020
Olympic rings reinstalled in Tokyo Bay ahead of postponed games
The 15-meter-tall, 69-ton structure was first installed in January to mark six months until the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 28, 2020
Outbound travel from Sapporo and Osaka added to travel campaign curbs
Osaka Prefecture reported 383 new cases of the virus on Friday, a day after recording a high of 12 deaths, while Hokkaido recorded 252 and a record nine deaths.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 25, 2020
Koike urges Tokyo shops to close early amid virus surge
Tokyo's governor urged residents to avoid nonessential outings and take necessary social distancing measures if they do need to go out.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Nov 24, 2020
Sapporo and Osaka suspended as Go To Travel destinations
Residents of Sapporo and Osaka looking to travel elsewhere will continue to have access to discounts offered under the government-run campaign.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 21, 2020
Government revises Go To Travel campaign amid nationwide surge
Suga abruptly announced Saturday that areas experiencing the brunt of a nationwide surge in COVID-19 infections will be removed indefinitely from the campaign.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 20, 2020
Hospitals in Japan's hard-hit areas stretched amid COVID-19 surge
There is concern that a rising trend in the number of severely ill patients could overwhelm hospitals, health care facilities and intensive care units, delaying critical care.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 19, 2020
Japan sets another daily record with 2,388 coronavirus cases
“It's crucial that people don't become complacent,” Toshio Nakagawa, president of the Japan Medical Association, stressed.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Nov 19, 2020
Tokyo Olympics in the balance as COVID-19 surges around world
Proceeding with plans to host the postponed 2020 Games during what could be an ongoing pandemic is, at best, a gamble with increasingly high stakes and a dubious payoff.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 18, 2020
Tokyo to raise alert as Japan sets daily record with 2,000-plus COVID-19 cases
The alert level was established to warn residents to exercise further caution but can also be used to signal the announcement of additional virus countermeasures.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Nov 13, 2020
Japan faces another coronavirus wave, but this one’s different
A high number of asymptomatic cases compared to previous outbreaks, as well as more transmissions in households and workplaces, are forcing a rethink.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Nov 11, 2020
Tokyo logs 317 COVID-19 cases — most since August — amid nationwide surge
The spike in coronavirus cases is prompting concern at the highest levels of government, with a virus subcommittee urging officials to take countermeasures.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Nov 11, 2020
Japan's surge in COVID-19 cases reignites debate over tougher virus law
Experts say changes are an immediate necessity and could be achieved within months if not for complacency and bipartisan politics.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 10, 2020
Japan sounds alarm bells as coronavirus cases surge in Hokkaido
Officials warn the sharp rise in new infections in Japan's northernmost prefecture could be the beginning of an explosive surge across the country.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 1, 2020
Photo essay: This is Halloween ... in Tokyo 2020
Despite officials' pleas to stay home, crowds of revelers — with and without masks — converge for a costume street party in Shibuya.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Oct 30, 2020
Exhausted emergency fund may force Tokyo into debt and deep cuts
The metropolitan government has already begun to slash expenses, reroute money from other designated funds and borrow cash to alleviate the pressure.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Oct 26, 2020
Suga aims for greener Japan with carbon pledge, but details lacking
Some fear the prime minister's plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 may lack the mechanisms and vision to actually deliver decarbonization.

Longform

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