National Jan 20, 2022
Japan panel approves Pfizer shot for children age 5 to 11 as omicron spreads
by Osamu Tsukimori
The health ministry is expected to quickly issue fast-track approval to ease the age restriction for receiving the Pfizer shot.
Commentary / World Jan 20, 2022
The consistency and novelty in Kishida’s foreign policy
by Kuni Miyake
The nation's mainstream media seems to be ambivalent about Kishida’s realist-based diplomacy.
Business Jan 19, 2022
Kishida vows to push for green and digital transformation in Davos message
In a speech to the World Economic Forum, the prime minister expressed his hope of creating a "zero-emissions" community in Asia as the region faces geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.
Business Jan 18, 2022
Last year, the average increase in monthly pay among large companies came to 1.84%, slipping below 2% for the first time in eight years.
National / Politics Jan 17, 2022
Kishida vows to lay out road map for 'new capitalism' in the spring
by Kanako Takahara
Covering topics ranging from COVID-19 to climate change and diplomacy, the prime minister offered a comprehensive wrap-up of his policy agenda at the start of the parliamentary session.
National / Politics Jan 17, 2022
Kishida-Biden meeting to go virtual as omicron wreaks havoc
by Jesse Johnson
Kishida's push to promote "summit diplomacy" takes a hit as COVID-19 caseloads grow in both countries.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jan 16, 2022
Kishida gears up for test of his mettle in parliament ahead of key election
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Success for the prime minister depends on how well he oversees the passage of a record-breaking fiscal 2022 budget — all while tackling COVID-19 and fending off opposition challenges.
Asia Pacific Jan 15, 2022
North Korea says it fired railway-borne missiles in 'short-notice' drill
by Jesse Johnson
The launch of two “tactical guided missiles” Friday was conducted by the nuclear-armed country’s new railway-borne missile regiment, state-run media said Saturday.
National Jan 14, 2022
Japan shortens interval for COVID booster by a month amid omicron's spread
by Kanako Takahara and Osamu Tsukimori
The gap for people under 65 has now been shifted to seven months, and the government has also cut the isolation time for close contacts to 10 days.
National Jan 14, 2022
Overwork and lack of information-sharing blamed in Japan construction data scandal
An investigation committee has recommended improving personnel distribution, promoting acquisition of expertise by relevant personnel and clarifying ways to deal with problems as they occur.
Asia Pacific Jan 14, 2022
North Korea launches two apparent ballistic missiles
by Jesse Johnson
The short-range launches came hours after Pyongyang vowed a “stronger and certain reaction” to U.S. sanctions over a recent spate of provocations.
National Jan 13, 2022
Japan eyes relaxed rules on COVID-19 close contacts
by Kanako Takahara
A group of infectious disease experts announced a draft proposal that recommended isolation periods for close contacts be shortened to 10 days in principle.