Japan expands COVID-19 state of emergency to Osaka and areas around Tokyo
The government of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has added Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama and Osaka prefectures to areas under the emergency from Monday through Aug. 31.
Japan's June jobless rate improved to 2.9% after virus emergency was lifted
Despite the improved numbers, a newly expanded state of emergency will cloud the employment outlook going forward.
Tokyo restaurant and bar owners angry over COVID-19 aid system
A new system is offering relief quick payments, but many operators have yet to see aid from an existing program that is facing delays.
Abraham 'Araji' Oppong: ‘Chefs with an original style will attract people from all over’
Recruited from a hotel in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, chef Abraham "Araji" Oppong came to Japan and built a new life in the western region of Kansai.
We’re still in the middle of the pandemic. So why do new restaurants keep opening in Tokyo?
Despite the pandemic straining Japan’s hospitality industry, new restaurants across the capital continue to open their doors. Has opening during the “new normal” allowed them to adapt?
Japan's top COVID-19 official faces calls to quit over pressure on private sector
Yasutoshi Nishimura had said the government would pressure banks and liquor retailers to rein in restaurants that are flouting alcohol guidelines amid a COVID-19 state of emergency.
Japan retracts controversial policy to pressure restaurants to stop serving alcohol
The minister leading the government's COVID-19 response had suggested financial institutions could "encourage" compliance with COVID-19 countermeasures.
With a fresh state of emergency having been declared for the capital, a loss of earnings is on the minds of some owners.
Japan's bars and restaurants toast eased COVID-19 alcohol measures
Workers at eating and drinking establishments in Tokyo and other parts in Japan expressed happiness at being able to serve alcoholic drinks for the first time in months.
Okinawa children's cafeterias strive to maintain support amid pandemic
The prefecture has the highest number of children's diners offering free meals per elementary school nationwide.
