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.
New agency intended to put Japan’s child policies under one roof
Currently at least five different government bodies are in charge of policies related to children, often causing confusion among parents.
Stricter virus countermeasures expanded to more Japan regions
As a fourth wave fueled by elusive, deadlier variants picks up speed, countermeasures meant to target localized outbreaks have quickly expanded.
Three Japanese health ministry officials who partied late into the night contract COVID-19
Health minister Norihisa Tamura has said the large farewell party held in the glitzy Ginza district had “betrayed the people’s trust."
Ministry eyes punishing 23 employees who flouted virus protocol with late-night party
Health minister Norihisa Tamura apologized for "betraying the people's trust" after revelations that the group held a large party at a Tokyo restaurant last week.
Japan to use seven-shot insulin syringes for COVID-19 vaccines
Health minister Norihisa Tamura said Tuesday the move, pioneered by Uji-Tokushukai Medical Center in Kyoto Prefecture, could speed up the country's vaccine rollout.
Japan to lift state of emergency over COVID-19 in six prefectures from Monday
With the decision to cancel the declaration in Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Aichi, Gifu and Fukuoka starting March 1, the focus in those areas will shift to suppressing any resurgence of the virus.
Japan keeps COVID-19 emergency in place as hospital occupancy remains high
A health ministry advisory board warned that while new cases were declining in most areas, clusters at hospitals and care facilities could propel death tolls to high levels.
Japan to draw up guidelines on how to transport COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccines developed by various pharmaceutical firms have different characteristics and logistical challenges.
As emergency eases, Diet focus turns to next stage of virus fight
The central government is reportedly seeking to convene a virus task force meeting Friday, at which Suga may lift the state of emergency in some regions.
