National Jan 19, 2021
Japan eyes use of robots to boost COVID-19 testing as Olympics loom
A Kawasaki Heavy Industries-built prototype uses a robotic arm to take a sample from a person's nose and can deliver the results in about 80 minutes.
National Jan 15, 2021
Hiroshima considers free coronavirus tests for up to 800,000 people
The voluntary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing will target all residents and workers in the heart of the city of Hiroshima, where infection numbers are rising.
National / Science & Health Dec 27, 2020
The popularity seems to reflect demand from people planning to visit their parents' homes during the year-end and New Year's holiday period.
National / Science & Health Dec 24, 2020
Demand for private COVID-19 testing surges ahead of New Year's holiday
by Tomohiro Osaki
Many planning visits home are hoping to take precautions before they go, even as the health ministry warns of the pitfalls of unofficial testing.
Lifestyle Dec 23, 2020
Need to get a PCR test? Here’s what to expect from Japan’s new low-cost testing facilities.
by Louise George Kittaka
With COVID-19 entrenched in daily life, people are more open about testing and the private sector is stepping in to expand testing options.
National / Social Issues | FYI Nov 17, 2020
What you need to know about the latest travel restrictions for Japan
by Magdalena Osumi
Japan is cautiously relaxing its strict border control policy to start allowing more foreign nationals to enter the country.
National Oct 30, 2020
Japan to ease entry rules for business travelers and returnees
by Magdalena Osumi
The change will only apply to residents of Japan who are planning to spend no more than seven days at their overseas destinations.
National Oct 25, 2020
Japan looking to make PCR tests easier for those with no COVID-19 symptoms
The minister in charge of Japan's coronavirus response says the government is working on ways to let people take tests "as smoothly and inexpensively as possible."
National Oct 22, 2020
Two-hour coronavirus test to be made available at Narita airport
The facility will offer negative test certificates and will be able to process 700 people per day.
National Sep 24, 2020
Japan plans website for booking coronavirus tests before travel
Authorities hope the service, for business travelers and professional athletes in principle, will assist with navigating different countries' entry regulations.
National Aug 3, 2020
Japan to impose stricter re-entry procedures for travelers from four countries
by Magdalena Osumi
Controls will be imposed for Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines and Peru after higher numbers of COVID-19 cases were found in arrivals from those countries.
Business / Corporate Jul 29, 2020
SoftBank Group launches PCR testing firm to boost test availability
SoftBank Group Corp. announced Wednesday that it has launched a subsidiary that will conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coronavirus tests using saliva, with the aim of providing more tests at a lower cost. To start, SoftBank said it will conduct the tests on its employees ...