National Jan 18, 2021
The number of severely ill patients counted under Tokyo’s criteria rose by five to 143, as fears of hospitals overwhelmed by the virus grow.
Business Jan 17, 2021
FSA opens office to give English guidance to foreign financial firms entering Japan
Higher taxes and language barriers are often cited as the reason Japan is generally deemed less attractive than other Asian rivals as an international financial hub.
National | View from Osaka Jan 16, 2021
Kansai's 2030 vision is to think like a penguin
by Eric Johnston
Kansai Economic Federation, which includes some of Kansai's largest and most influential firms, hopes to tap patrons with the spirit of a “first penguin” to revive the region's fortunes.
Business / Corporate Jan 14, 2021
Surging virus cases in Japan tanks Nintendo theme park opening
The facility won’t open on Feb. 4 as planned, and has been put on indefinite hiatus in accordance with the government’s urging to restrict non-essential travel and activities.
National Jan 14, 2021
Osaka coronavirus deaths top Tokyo's as Japan logs 6,607 new cases
A panel of experts warns that a recent rise in Tokyo cases with untraceable infection routes indicates an "explosive expansion" of infections.
National Jan 13, 2021
State of emergency expanded to seven more prefectures
by Ryusei Takahashi
Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Gifu, Tochigi and Fukuoka have all been added, making the order effective in 11 of Japan’s 47 prefectures.
National Jan 13, 2021
Osaka police program encourages older drivers to try carless life
Participants are encouraged to take public transportation or ride bicycles instead of driving a car and are asked to note down records of their trips when they drive.
National Jan 12, 2021
Japan set to expand COVID-19 emergency to seven more prefectures
by Eric Johnston
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.
National | FYI Jan 12, 2021
Osaka expo plans quietly move forward despite cost and virus worries
by Eric Johnston
There are concerns expo-related costs could greatly increase, like those for the Tokyo Olympics, and also over whether there will be adequate time to prepare.
National Jan 10, 2021
Suga says a 'few days' needed to judge whether to extend emergency to Kansai
"I was told that we need to observe the situation for a few days, so I am thinking along those lines," he said, referring to experts' opinions.
National Jan 9, 2021
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.
National Jan 8, 2021
Kansai governors urge Suga to expand emergency declaration
by Ryusei Takahashi
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.