In first, court rules Tokyo's order to cut business hours amid COVID spread was 'illegal'
The court said that the order did not constitute the necessary conditions in COVID legislation that allow authorities to fine businesses for refusing to cooperate.
Tokyo disaster officials mull removing utility poles from remote islands
The disaster prevention measure is being taken after typhoon winds knocked down utility poles in the Izu island chain, causing blackouts and communication disruptions.
DPP and Tomin First to back each other's candidates in Upper House poll
The DPP and Tomin First, for which Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike serves as special adviser, aim to bolster their cooperation to help each other earn more votes in the election.
It's cherry blossom season in Japan, but not everyone is ready to celebrate
Authorities have canceled events or asked people to cut down on drinking at viewing parties due to COVID-19 concerns.
Experts concerned about continued strain on Tokyo medical system
"The infection situation remains critical," experts said at a Tokyo Metropolitan Government meeting for monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the capital.
Tokyo governor remains cautious over emergency despite rising hospital bed occupancy rate
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike has pointed to the need to closely watch the bed occupancy rate of severely ill patients and those with moderate COVID-19 symptoms.
Fearing economic and social impact, Japan plays down need for virus state of emergency
The government is hesitant to declare an emergency because it believes that certain social and economic activities are possible as long as the current precautions are in place.
Japan eyes relaxed rules on COVID-19 close contacts
A group of infectious disease experts announced a draft proposal that recommended isolation periods for close contacts be shortened to 10 days in principle.
Virus measures for three prefectures as COVID-19 case numbers surge
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.
Tokyo confirms first case of omicron community transmission
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said Friday a doctor with no recent history of overseas travel has been confirmed to have been infected.
Tokyo to introduce a same-sex partner system
Gov. Yuriko Koike has said the capital plans to put the policy into effect by March 2023.
The system, developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, was made ready for use on Friday. Previous tests were unable to distinguish the new variant from other strains.
