National Dec 15, 2020
The facility was built within the premises of the prefectural government-sponsored Osaka General Medical Center.
National Dec 7, 2020
Hokkaido city seeks dispatch of SDF nurses amid COVID-19 surge
Asahikawa, Hokkaido's second-largest city, has recently seen a series of cluster infections, including at some major hospitals.
National Dec 6, 2020
Osaka governor to ask SDF to send nurses for COVID-19 patients amid shortages
by Eric Johnston
The prefecture is expected to make a request early this week to the SDF to provide as many nurses as it can for a 30-bed temporary emergency facility for seriously ill coronavirus patients.
National Dec 4, 2020
Osaka Prefecture signals coronavirus red light as severe cases surge
by Eric Johnston
As of Thursday, 66% of beds available for serious coronavirus patients were occupied, with the figure expected to rise to 70% by early next week.
National / Social Issues Nov 27, 2020
Shorter hours begin in Osaka nightlife areas amid COVID-19 surge
by Eric Johnston
Restaurants and bars still operating had hoped the usual December bōnenkai parties would provide a much-needed boost.
National / Politics | View from Osaka Nov 14, 2020
Osaka Ishin and Nippon Ishin must adapt or risk extinction
by Eric Johnston
Despite polls showing Osaka Ishin remains popular that the anti-merger faction won by only 17,000 votes of over 1.37 million cast, the party and its movement are in deep trouble.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Nov 2, 2020
Osaka referendum defeat raises questions about future of city's politics
by Eric Johnston
The focus for many in local political party Osaka Ishin no Kai is now on how — or even if — they can continue under a new generation of leadership.
National / Politics Nov 1, 2020
Osaka voters say no to merger. Again.
by Eric Johnston
The referendum defeat dealt a heavy blow to the Osaka Ishin no Kai local political group, with Mayor Ichiro Matsui vowing to retire at the end of his term.
National Oct 12, 2020
Campaigns begin ahead of second referendum on Osaka metropolis plan
The initiative calls for the restructuring of the city's 24 administrative districts into four special wards with greater authority and elected leaders.
National / Politics Sep 3, 2020
Osaka referendum on metropolis plan set with assembly approval
The plan is aimed at achieving more effective governance through cost-cutting.