National Nov 30, 2021
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura cancels visit to Dubai Expo
The governor was due to visit the expo on Dec. 11 to coincide with Japan Day. The city of Osaka is set to host Expo 2025.
National Nov 28, 2021
Nippon Ishin sticks with Ichiro Matsui as chief even as it seeks younger leadership
by Eric Johnston
Nippon Ishin no Kai, which saw its seat count nearly quadruple in the Lower House election, decided to keep Ichiro Matsui on as leader after deciding not to hold a presidential election
National Sep 11, 2021
Cardboard Olympic beds to be reused for COVID-19 patients in Osaka
The recyclable beds from the athletes village in Tokyo are likely to be used at a temporary medical facility to be set up by the prefecture by the end of this month.
National Jul 7, 2021
Osaka requests extension to quasi-emergency COVID-19 measures
by Eric Johnston
In a letter to Suga, Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura noted that the weekly rolling average of new infections was increasing, especially for young people.
National Jul 2, 2021
Japan's metropolises urge government to prioritize vaccines for large cities
by Eric Johnston
Facing the possibility of a coronavirus vaccine supply crunch, governors of major prefectures are lobbying the government to prioritize densely populated areas.
National May 21, 2021
While new COVID-19 cases are decreasing, Kansai is not yet out of the woods
by Eric Johnston
“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.
National | FOCUS May 10, 2021
Pandemic response highlights fractures in Japan's political system
by Ryusei Takahashi
Since the onset of the pandemic, the balance of power has oscillated between the central government and prefectural governors — undermining trust in the former.
National Apr 29, 2021
As Osaka’s COVID-19 crisis worsens, Tokyo and Aichi offer to take patients
by Eric Johnston
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.
National | FOCUS Apr 25, 2021
Behind the scramble over Japan's third coronavirus emergency
by Satoshi Sugiyama
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.
National Apr 23, 2021
Suga declares emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo
by Ryusei Takahashi
Effective Sunday, department stores, shopping centers, movie theaters and other large commercial facilities will be asked to close in four prefectures until May 11.
National Apr 22, 2021
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.
National Apr 21, 2021
Osaka governor faces backlash over expansive virus closure requests
by Ryusei Takahashi
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.