Osaka requests extension to quasi-emergency COVID-19 measures
In a letter to Suga, Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura noted that the weekly rolling average of new infections was increasing, especially for young people.
Japan's metropolises urge government to prioritize vaccines for large cities
Facing the possibility of a coronavirus vaccine supply crunch, governors of major prefectures are lobbying the government to prioritize densely populated areas.
While new COVID-19 cases are decreasing, Kansai is not yet out of the woods
“Although we’re finally starting to see a decrease in the number of Kansai-area infections, we have to see whether this trend will continue," a prominent medical adviser said.
Pandemic response highlights fractures in Japan's political system
Since the onset of the pandemic, the balance of power has oscillated between the central government and prefectural governors — undermining trust in the former.
As Osaka’s COVID-19 crisis worsens, Tokyo and Aichi offer to take patients
Hospitals have been forced to turn away patients who, in some cases, then had to spend hours in an ambulance before they could finally gain admission.
Behind the scramble over Japan's third coronavirus emergency
Behind the scenes, the central and local governments bickered over how best to effectively implement COVID-19 countermeasures, even as cases surged to fresh highs.
Suga declares 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.
Coronavirus emergency for Tokyo and Osaka region set to start Sunday
A resurgence of infections is putting pressure on the medical system with just three months until the opening of the Tokyo Olympics.
Osaka governor faces backlash over expansive virus closure requests
The push and pull in Osaka provides a taste of what happens when a public official tries to take proactive measures in Japan, where virus measures remain largely voluntary.
Tokyo, Osaka and Hyogo set for third coronavirus state of emergency
There are fears that the latest wave — fueled by deadlier, more contagious variants — will be impervious to whatever measures a third emergency might entail.
Osaka governor open to talks on releasing Fukushima No. 1 water into Osaka Bay
Hirofumi Yoshimura has previously said that the treated water should be allowed to be released into the sea if it meets environmental standards backed by scientific evidence.
Osaka to seek another state of emergency declaration over virus
The decision to request a declaration is expected to be formalized at a prefectural task force meeting Tuesday.
