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.
Osaka governor warns he may seek coronavirus state of emergency
The effect of stricter measures could start emerging in the week of April 19, and authorities will decide then if an emergency declaration is needed.
Osaka declares local medical emergency as coronavirus cases hit record 878
“We’ve seen a rapid spread of infections, including the spread of virus variant infections. There’s a danger the medical system will collapse,” Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura said Wednesday.
Spread of U.K. strain casts shadow over Kansai COVID-19 measures
In Osaka, new rules have faced questions and criticism over their enforcement and whether or not the policies will actually reduce the number of coronavirus infections.
Rocked by virus rebound in Osaka, Suga forced to call tougher steps
Suga was initially reluctant to designate the coronavirus semi-emergency status to the prefectures of Osaka, Hyogo and Miyagi, according to people familiar with his thinking.
