National Jan 21, 2022
The decision was made "due to the continuing increase of COVID-19 cases throughout Japan," fueled by the rapid spread of the highly contagious omicron variant.
National Jan 9, 2022
For two weeks starting Monday, the movement of U.S. forces personnel outside base facilities will be restricted to essential activities, a joint statement by the two governments said.
National Jan 9, 2022
Japan's COVID-19 quasi-emergency takes effect in three areas as cases spike
The new measures come in response to a surge in COVID-19 infections that local governors say are linked to the spread of the omicron variant at U.S. military bases.
National Jan 8, 2022
Yamaguchi and Hiroshima already eyeing upgrade to state of emergency
Hiroshima Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki expressed caution about the recent infection situation in the prefecture, saying, "There is a need to think comprehensively."
National Jan 8, 2022
Japanese cities struggle to hold Coming of Age Day ceremonies due to COVID-19 surge
Municipalities are struggling to safely organize the ceremonies amid another surge of COVID-19 cases, with many of them holding the upcoming events virtually.
National Jan 7, 2022
Japan wary of anti-U.S. base sentiment after COVID-19 infection spike
The governors of Okinawa, Yamaguchi and Hiroshima have expressed anger about the situation, with Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki placing blame for the surge of cases on U.S. military bases.
National Jan 7, 2022
Virus measures for three prefectures as COVID-19 case numbers surge
by Osamu Tsukimori
Amid fears of a further spread of the virus over the three-day weekend, governors in the greater Tokyo area are planning an emergency meeting to discuss their response to the alarming spike.
National Jan 6, 2022
Japan seeks restrictions on U.S. troop movements as Okinawa reports record cases
Following a recent surge in coronavirus infections among American military personnel, Japan's foreign minister has asked the U.S. to take thorough preventive measures.
National / Social Issues | Regional Voices: Hiroshima Nov 29, 2021
Experts claim that companies in rural areas must create a welcoming environment for sexual minorities in order to attract new hires.
National Nov 14, 2021
The creation of the unit follows the launch in May last year of Japan's first space operation unit tasked with monitoring space debris, asteroids and other threats to satellites.
National / Politics | FOCUS Oct 25, 2021
Shizuoka by-election boosts opposition's hopes ahead of Lower House poll
by Eric Johnston
The LDP is taking stock of what went wrong after a ruling coalition-backed candidate lost despite campaigning by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
National / Politics Oct 24, 2021
Kishida and coalition suffer by-election blow ahead of Lower House poll
by Eric Johnston
The ruling LDP triumphed in its Yamaguchi stronghold while an opposition-backed candidate won in Shizuoka, in the first tests of the Fumio Kishida administration since it was inaugurated earlier this month.