Japan's health ministry says a third case of a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, following a coronavirus vaccination has been reported in the country. (NHK)

Japan will maintain tight controls on the entry of foreign nationals following the extension of a state of emergency covering Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures to curb COVID-19, just weeks before preparations for the Olympics begin in earnest. (Nikkei)

Tokyo's Ueno Zoo has announced that a pair of giant pandas have mated for the first time in four years. (NHK)

Two members of a criminal syndicate were shot during a fight in Isesaki City on Thursday, police said, reports Jiji Press (tokyoreporter.com)

The Japanese government has extended a state of emergency imposed to contain the coronavirus for two more weeks in Tokyo and the three neighboring prefectures of Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa. (NHK)

Japan's COVID-19 cases are falling thanks to, or perhaps despite, loose restrictions on economic activity. But with zero hour approaching for a decision on the fate of the Tokyo Olympics, the government is taking no chances and extended the state of emergency in the capital Friday evening. (Nikkei)

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have made an online visit to Iwate, one of three northeastern prefectures hit hard by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (NHK)

A group of students in Japan has asked the country's government and lawmakers to support citizens of Myanmar protesting last month's military coup there. (NHK)

Aichi Prefectural Police have arrested a male teacher over the alleged illicit filming of a woman in Okazaki City last month, reports Chukyo Television Broadcasting (tokyoreporter.com)

A woman in her 30s is believed to have committed suicide by setting herself on fire in the trunk of a vehicle in Hachioji City, police have revealed, reports Fuji News Network (tokyoreporter.com)

Osaka Prefectural Police have arrested a secretary for the Liberal Democratic Party over the alleged illicit filming of a woman in Osaka City last year, reports NHK (tokyoreporter.com)

Toko Shinoda, a Japanese avant-garde artist internationally renowned for her unique style of abstract sumi ink paintings, has died of natural causes. She was 107. (Kyodo)

Shizuoka Prefectural Police have arrested four persons, including a Brazilian national, who are suspected members of a marijuana trafficking ring, reports Fuji News Network. (tokyoreporter.com)

A middle school teacher in custody for allegedly abducting a girl last year has been further accused of paying another minor for sex, police have revealed, reports the Asahi Shimbun (tokyoreporter.com)

The Tokyo Olympics organizing committee on Tuesday said it would appoint 12 new female members to increase women's representation on the board to 40%. (Nikkei)

Japanese flea market app Mercari will sell products in China through Alibaba Group Holding's e-commerce platforms, accelerating its expansion overseas. (Nikkei)

Two Americans accused of helping former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan have arrived at Narita Airport near Tokyo, after being extradited by US authorities. Michael Taylor, a former Green Beret, and his adult son Peter face charges, including enabling a suspect to escape. (NHK)

A University of Tokyo graduate school has criticized Hong Kong authorities for charging one of its students for violating the territory's national security law. (NHK)

The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station has announced that it completed the removal of all remaining nuclear fuel assemblies from the storage pool of a reactor building for safe storage in a facility in the plant's compound. (NHK)

Not long after Japan ramped up its fight against coronavirus last spring, Nazuna Hashimoto started suffering panic attacks. The gym in Osaka where she worked as a personal trainer had suspended operations, and her friends were staying home at the recommendation of the government. (irishtimes.com)

Tamayo Marukawa, Japan’s new minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, has come under fire for joining a campaign against a selective dual surname system for married couples. (Japan Times)

Japan's Kengo Suzuki became the first runner from East Asia to run a men's marathon in under two hours and five minutes, as he claimed the 76th and final Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon on Sunday. (Japan Times)

In Japan, a state of emergency in some areas is ending on Sunday. The government imposed the measure in January to fight the coronavirus. (NHK)

Athletes participating in this year's Olympic Games in Tokyo can begin entering Japan after it lifts its emergency declaration order next month, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Friday. (Japan Today)

Possibly the earliest motion picture footage of Japanese Maiko entertainers. (glamourdaze)