For Junko Horiuchi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
For now, people may bask in the heroic performances of the Olympic athletes, but some experts say the government may soon face a backlash for going ahead with the Games amid the pandemic.
Although the surge in COVID-19 cases has not been directly linked to the Games, the celebratory atmosphere that followed their kickoff may play a role in the virus's spread, one expert said.
Japanese food items, both traditional and popular, including ramen and udon noodles, rice balls, tempura and okonomiyaki pancakes are on the menu at the athletes village.
The inaugural virtual sports series marked the global sports body's first foray into an online gaming world that has boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around 18,000 athletes and officials are set to live together in 21 residential buildings inside the 44-hectare village in the Harumi waterfront district of Tokyo.
Experts suggest Japan, in partnership with ASEAN, broker talks between the junta and the National Unity Government as the country has ties with both sides.
To address the matter, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government is set to release a new carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions target for fiscal 2030.
Concerns among fishermen and consumers are rooted in persistent distrust among the Japanese public toward the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.
As Suga scrambles to contain the coronavirus, he has been treading carefully not to invite more criticism over the government's handling of the pandemic ahead of a fall election.
Trade talks are likely to differ substantially in style compared to those under Donald Trump, but Biden is still likely to push for greater market access and make tough demands.
