National Jan 2, 2022

How the pandemic changed Japan’s health care system

COVID-19 has overhauled work practices and exposed the divisions between the public and private sectors of the medical system.

National | FOCUS Dec 28, 2021

Omicron offers stark reminder of human cost of Japan's border controls

The administration’s response to the new variant has again shone a light on the impact of tough countermeasures, and demonstrated the country’s continued willingness to pay the price.

National Dec 23, 2021

Concern grows as highly transmissible omicron variant finds foothold in Japan

The Kyoto Prefectural Government said it has confirmed that one person has been infected with the variant, and that their infection route has not been traced so far.

National Dec 3, 2021

Japan suspends visas for would-be residents amid crackdown on inbound travel

Effective Thursday, the central government temporarily suspended for one month visas that have been issued but not used to enter Japan.

National Dec 1, 2021

Japan tells airlines to halt inbound flight bookings over omicron fears

People with existing bookings will still be able to fly into Japan despite the 'emergency measure' that came the same day the country logged its second case of the omicron variant.

National Nov 30, 2021

Japan confirms first case of omicron coronavirus variant

Genomic screening had detected the variant in a male Namibian diplomat in his 30s who had landed in Tokyo on Sunday traveling from from Namibia.

National | FOCUS Nov 30, 2021

Scores hoping to enter Japan in limbo — again — after latest entry ban

The country’s new entry measures — which together with Israel are among the world’s most stringent — mean that from Tuesday all new visitors are barred from entry.

National | FOCUS Nov 29, 2021

Boosters, logistics and shots for kids: Challenges remain as Japan hits vaccine turning point

As the country finishes its initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, Japan must simultaneously gear up to distribute a third dose.

National Nov 29, 2021

Japan to bar all new foreign visitors as omicron fears grow

The measures close the border to business travelers, foreign students and foreign interns starting Tuesday but it does not affect re-entry for Japanese nationals and foreign residents.

National Nov 16, 2021

New normal takes shape as Japan announces 'vaccine-test package'

Those showing proof of vaccination or a negative test result would be able to enter eating and drinking establishments as normal, even under a state of emergency.