Suga to declare emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo
Effective Sunday, department stores, shopping centers, movie theaters and other large commercial facilities will be asked to close in four prefectures until May 11.
Japan confirms five 'double mutant' variant coronavirus cases
The variant, confirmed in India, is believed to be highly infectious and have an impact on the effect of COVID-19 vaccines.
The figure comes as the government is set to put the capital and Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto prefectures under a fresh state of emergency.
Japan’s consumer prices maintain downtrend amid ongoing virus restrictions
Ministry data showed the nationwide core consumer price index was down for the eighth month as energy prices fell, although the pace of decline eased.
Looming Olympics fail to instill urgency in Japan's vaccine rollout
With three months left until the games, the country has fully vaccinated less than 1% of its population.
Participants were briefed on their role as a leader, which includes holding meetings prior to shifts, checking on volunteers and confirming the roster for the next day.
'Father TikTok': Catholic priests in the Philippines turn to virtual pulpit
For Fiel Pareja, social media has offered a chance to pray, dance and lip-sync Christian pop music for the benefit of his 1.6 million followers.
Suga's push to raise minimum wage faces uphill battle amid pandemic
There is stiff opposition to the plan from small and midsize firms worried about their survival, and from ruling party lawmakers fearing a political backlash.
How South Korea stepped up specialty syringe production for COVID-19 vaccines
South Korea's relative abundance of low dead space syringes has helped it give 3.4% of its population at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, compared with 1.1% in Japan.
Governors of areas near Tokyo seeking to halt serving of alcoholic drinks
The figures from Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures are hoping to implement the move as a measure against the spread of the coronavirus.
'Beg, borrow, steal': The battle for oxygen among New Delhi's hospitals
Hospitals are unable to guarantee basic services and thousands of lives hang in the balance — a stark warning of how India's health care system is buckling.
Japan coronavirus emergency areas may face ban on serving alcohol
Bars and restaurants in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures are likely to be told to turn off the taps until the state of emergency is lifted, sources say.
