National Mar 1, 2021
The shipment of up to 526,500 doses of the first vaccine against the novel coronavirus that Japan has approved for use was delivered to Narita Airport near Tokyo from Belgium.
National Feb 28, 2021
Japan likely to receive boost to COVID-19 vaccine stock in April
Vaccine rollout chief Taro Kono said he expects the government to have enough doses so older people can receive their second shots in May and June.
National Feb 27, 2021
Survey shows many of Japan's seniors are undecided about COVID-19 vaccines
A survey conducted on people who require home nursing care earlier this month showed 43% were unsure about receiving shots while 15% were against it entirely.
National Feb 26, 2021
Japan on high alert for COVID-19 vaccination scams
by Tomohiro Osaki
Vaccine-linked scams emerged in January, according to an official, when the approach of the vaccine program quickly captured national attention.
National Feb 25, 2021
COVID-19 vaccinations for older residents to start on April 12, Suga says
Vaccinations of older people will start on a small scale nationwide before ramping up from April 26, the country's vaccine czar, Taro Kono, told reporters.
National Feb 23, 2021
Vaccines for older people delayed as Japan finds 1 million more health workers
The rollout will be delayed by about two weeks as ramping up inoculations is unlikely to be possible before May at the earliest, an official said.
National Feb 23, 2021
Japan to distribute COVID-19 vaccines for older people based on population
Taro Kono, minister overseeing the inoculation program, said he was not considering prioritizing vaccine distribution based on numbers of infections in different regions.
National Feb 22, 2021
Taro Kono, who is in charge of the vaccine rollout, has suggested prioritizing the reduction of vaccine waste over sticking to the order of inoculation in cases of people canceling.
National Feb 19, 2021
Japan to receive second shipment of Pfizer vaccine on Sunday
Taro Kono said at a news conference the shipment of up to 452,790 doses is set to arrive after the European Union gave approval under its new vaccine export controls.
National Feb 17, 2021
Twitter star to vaccine czar: Taro Kono's moment in the spotlight
by Elaine Lies
Kono has seen his popularity surge even as the government of his boss, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, has been battered by criticism over the pandemic.
National Feb 16, 2021
Vaccination of health care workers to begin in Japan, with older people slated for April
by Ryusei Takahashi
Municipal governments are being encouraged to spend no longer than two months and three weeks to complete the phase of giving shots to older people.
Business / Corporate Feb 10, 2021
Clubhouse tops Japan chart as CEOs and celebrities embrace chat app
by Vlad Savov and Marika Katanuma
The invite-only drop-in conversation app, currently only on iPhones, topped the country’s download charts with more than 440,000 new installs last week.