Japan expected to let COVID-19 state of emergency expire this week
If the order is lifted entirely, it will be the first time since early April that no prefecture is under a state of emergency or quasi-emergency measures.
The government has been looking to ease restrictions around November, when it aims to finish vaccinating all those who wish to be inoculated against COVID-19.
Japan's health minister says COVID-19 emergency likely to be lifted this month
"We're starting to expect that the situation will improve enough for the lifting in many regions around the end of September," health minister Norihisa Tamura said.
Difficult to end COVID-19 emergency as planned, health minister says
Norihisa Tamura said the number of daily COVID-19 cases in Tokyo, for example, must fall below 500 for the state of emergency to be lifted. The capital recorded 3,081 cases on Sunday.
Japan backs 'revolutionary' COVID-19 drug Ronapreve to help tame crisis
The antibody cocktail, intended for mildly and moderately ill patients, could in the near future be used to treat those quarantining at home, helping to ease the strain on hospitals.
Explosive COVID-19 surge rekindles debate over lockdowns in Japan
The idea of harsher restrictions and penalties has become a political football, with conservatives arguing constitutional revision is needed to enhance the government's powers.
Suga declines to roll back controversial COVID-19 hospital policy
The PM said he would seek public understanding that the policy, which asks patients with less serious symptoms to isolate at home, wouldn't necessarily be implemented uniformly nationwide.
Japan's health minister urges public to avoid activities with high virus risk
Norihisa Tamura has said that the highly transmissible delta variant is responsible for the current rapid spread of infections in Japan.
Hiroshima hibakusha have won their 'black rain' lawsuit. This is how they got there.
The government has decided not to appeal a landmark ruling that extends benefits to A-bomb victims affected by fallout outside of a government-designated area.
Advocacy groups ask Japanese government to rethink harsher anti-cannabis law
The group claims a stricter Cannabis Control Law could deny both jobs and housing to those convicted of minor drug offenses, leading people into a "vicious cycle" of poverty and crime.
Japan set to approve Pfizer's COVID-19 shot for 12- to 15-year-olds
The move comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lowered the minimum age for the vaccine to 12 on May 10.
Suga's top-down management style under scrutiny after series of rapid policy shifts
The prime minister's approach could backfire and is already undermining the government's traditional chain of command.
