Japan set to expand COVID-19 emergency to seven more prefectures
The declaration is expected to expand to Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures in the Kansai region, as well as Aichi, Gifu, Fukuoka and Tochigi prefectures.
Kansai governors ask government to be included in virus emergency
The governors of Aichi, Gifu and Tochigi prefectures are also considering making similar requests, prefectural officials have said.
Kansai governors urge Suga to expand emergency declaration
Within a day of measures for the Tokyo area taking effect, a growing number of other prefectures have already asked for the order be expanded as cases continue to increase.
Kansai leaders declare state of emergency for New Year's period
Concerned about a spike in infections, and anxious to prevent a collapse of medical systems, governors are calling on residents to avoid returning to their hometowns over the holidays.
From Expo 2025 to tourists, Kansai’s hopes for the coming year
Economic recovery and making plans for a post-coronavirus world are set to be on the minds of residents and businesses in the region going into 2021.
Referendum a pivotal moment for Osaka and its politicians
On Nov. 1, the city's residents will be asked whether to merge Osaka's 24 wards into just four.
Japan to pitch Kansai and Fukuoka as post-pandemic financial hubs
In identifying the two areas, the government is shifting from its Tokyo-focused approach to creating a global financial center.
Meteorological Agency issues weekend flood and landslide warnings as rain front rolls across Japan
The Meteorological Agency is warning that floods and landslides might hit western and eastern Japan this weekend as a rain front and low pressure system envelop a large portion of the archipelago. Some regions will experience very heavy rain, including thunderstorms, through Sunday, the agency ...
Why we're marching for Black lives in Japan
What we are witnessing is a simple matter of human rights, which makes it an issue for everyone.
Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo residents ambivalent about lifting emergency
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also offered praise for the business-minded "Osaka model" Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura drafted to bounce back from the virus.
Kansai fears virus relapse as Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo blaze own trails
Despite regional concerns in Kansai, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo are going their own way on reviving their economies amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Lack of aid guarantees divides prefectures over emergency business closures
The possibility of closures has prompted concerns that without financial guarantees from the central government, the impact could devastate local economies.
