National Apr 17, 2021
Tokyo confirms 759 COVID-19 cases Saturday, most since Jan. 30
Virus hot spot Osaka, meanwhile, logged 1161 new cases and 12 deaths.
National Apr 16, 2021
Stricter virus countermeasures expanded to more Japan regions
by Ryusei Takahashi
As a fourth wave fueled by elusive, deadlier variants picks up speed, countermeasures meant to target localized outbreaks have quickly expanded.
National Apr 16, 2021
Osaka reports fresh record of 1,209 COVID-19 cases as Tokyo confirms 667
The government is expected to add Aichi Prefecture and three prefectures neighboring Tokyo to the list of areas in need of stricter measures to curb a rebound in coronavirus infections.
National Apr 15, 2021
Osaka confirms record 1,208 COVID-19 cases Thursday as Tokyo logs two-month high
Experts called the nationwide resurgence of infections a "fourth wave" and urged the government to consider a fresh state of emergency.
National Apr 15, 2021
Top Japan virus expert acknowledges fourth wave as variants take hold
"Due in part to the impact of variant strains, now is the time to flexibly take quasi-emergency measures," said Shigeru Omi, who heads a government panel of experts on the coronavirus.
National Apr 14, 2021
A total of 27 torchbearers were initially scheduled to run on Matsuyama's roads.
National Apr 14, 2021
Japan marks over 4,000 new COVID-19 cases as Osaka logs record 1,130 infections
The nationwide figure surpassed 4,000 for the first time since Jan. 28, when some areas including Tokyo were under a state of emergency.
National Apr 14, 2021
Organizers celebrate 100 days until problem-plagued Tokyo Games
by Ryusei Takahashi
Countless controversial elements regarding restrictions on spectator attendance and the priority vaccination of competing athletes, among others, remain undecided.
National Apr 13, 2021
Osaka reports record 1,099 new COVID-19 cases, topping 1,000 for first time
The figure tops the previous record of 918 reported on Saturday.
National Apr 13, 2021
Olympic torch carried through empty Osaka park as COVID-19 cases rise
The Tokyo Organizing Committee decided not to run the relay along public roads in Osaka last week after authorities declared a medical state of emergency in the city over the virus.
National Apr 12, 2021
Tokyo recorded the highest number of cases on a Monday since Feb. 1 as the bulk of the capital and several urban centers began imposing stricter measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
National | ANALYSIS Apr 12, 2021
Virus variants could propel fourth wave to new heights as Japan's cities clamp down
by Ryusei Takahashi
A significant increase in testing and genomic screening would better reveal the spread of virus variants, but experts question the country’s ability and willingness to do so.