Virus variants could propel fourth wave to new heights as Japan's cities clamp down
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.
Yuriko Koike requests stricter virus measures for Tokyo as infections rise
Tokyo reported 545 new cases on Thursday, a day after it saw 555, its highest daily figure in more than two months.
Tokyo eyes tighter virus restrictions as cases rebound in capital
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said the capital was preparing to request that the central government apply quasi-emergency measures similar to the state of emergency it exited on March 21.
New recruits mark first day at work, many joining ceremonies online
Last year many events marking the start of the new business year were canceled due to the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, but this year some have resumed.
Restaurant chain sues Tokyo government over restrictions on opening hours
A Tokyo-based restaurant chain operator filed a damages suit Monday against the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for ordering that business hours be reduced as a public safety measure during the coronavirus pandemic. Global-Dining Inc. claims the order "is illegal and unconstitutional as it infringes the right ...
Tokyo business closure orders spur confusion days before capital reopens
The decision was likely meant to send a message to noncompliant establishments and test how effective the measure would be.
Impact of virus measures wane as Tokyo looks to cautiously reopen
The emergency declaration’s effectiveness seems to have reached its limit as the number of new cases in the capital region stubbornly refuses to decline.
Suga announces two-week extension to state of emergency in Tokyo area
The move is understood to be aimed at easing burdens on hospitals — and wrestling back prominence as a leader, in the public eye, from Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike.
Suga says two-week emergency extension 'necessary' for Tokyo
The prime minister said he will make a decision after consulting with virus experts and the four governors in the region around the capital.
Tokyo to call for two-week extension of emergency, report says
Citing a slowdown in the decline of COVID-19 cases, Tokyo will ask the government to maintain restrictions in the capital and three neighboring prefectures, the Nikkei reported.
Japan to lift state of emergency over COVID-19 in six prefectures from Monday
With the decision to cancel the declaration in Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Aichi, Gifu and Fukuoka starting March 1, the focus in those areas will shift to suppressing any resurgence of the virus.
Only a crisis will make room for women at top of LDP, ex-minister says
While women have expressed interest in the LDP leadership, they have never marshaled the factional backing that is critical to success.
