Marriage and childbirth go hand in hand in Japan, perhaps more so than in many other developed countries, but for Rei Kakyoin, a self-identified asexual, the former was never an option. (Kyodo)

Japan set a single-day record for COVID-19 cases on Saturday, passing the 3,000 threshold for the first time ever, NHK reported, as Tokyo also confirmed a record 621 new infections and Osaka registered 429 — a two-week high for the prefecture. (Japan Times)

The number of bankruptcies in Japan's dining industry will likely hit an all-time high in 2020 as many establishments struggle to restore their cash flow amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the results of a recent survey showed. (Japan Today)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have referred a YouTuber to prosecutors over a stunt carried out near JR Shibuya Station earlier this year, reports TBS News (tokyoreporter.com)

Seventeen people being held at a police station in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward have been confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus. (NHK)

Prominent Japanese comedian and actor Masao Komatsu, known for the comedy song 'Shirakedori Ondo,' died of liver cancer at a Tokyo hospital on Monday. He was 78. (Japan Times)

Japanese authorities and experts are preparing for the next steps in the fight against the coronavirus as a crucial three-week period draws to a close. (NHK)

The number of people who killed themselves in Japan in November increased 11.3% from a year earlier to 1,798, rising for the fifth straight month, data from the National Police Agency shows. (Japan Times)

A Japanese think tank has ranked Tokyo third in its list of the world's most attractive cities. The Institute for Urban Strategies has given Japan's capital the same spot for the past 5 years. (NHK)

A university in Japan is introducing an entrance exam method in which applicants can use smartphones and tablet computers to search for information. (NHK)

In Japan, the spike in coronavirus cases continues to reach new peaks and upend daily life for people across the country. Tokyo reported more than 600 new infections on Thursday... a record daily tally. (NHK)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police are hunting for a man who slashed a male pedestrian in Nakano Ward on Thursday, reports TV Asahi (tokyoreporter.com)

NHK has learned that the number of elderly people found to be infected with the coronavirus has nearly doubled in Tokyo from the figure in August, when Japan was hit by the second wave of infection. (NHK)

Medical experts say a surge in new coronavirus cases in Tokyo is starting to overstretch its healthcare system, making it very difficult to provide care for other patients. (NHK)

Japanese authorities reported more than 2,700 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. That's a record daily tally. The healthcare system is threatening to buckle under the weight of the spike. (NHK)

The government will establish in March a center for monitoring the health of visitors from overseas during their stay amid the coronavirus pandemic, as it plans to accept small group tours ahead of the postponed Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday. (Japan Times)

A 29-year-old man in custody for allegedly dumping the body of a missing woman in Tochigi Prefecture earlier this year is also suspected of molesting a young girl, police have revealed, reports TBS News (Dec. 8). (tokyoreporter.com)

One of Tokyo's most popular spots for viewing the first sunrise of the year will be closed on New Year's Day, due to precautions against the spread of coronavirus infections. (NHK)

A 35-year-old man on trial over the alleged sexual abuse, including rape, of several young girls in Nara Prefecture has admitted to the allegations, reports NHK (Dec. 1) (tokyoreporter.com)

Tokyo public prosecutors indicted Alfresa Corp. and two other major Japanese drug wholesalers on Wednesday on charges of rigging bids to supply prescription medicines to an independent administrative body. (Japan Times)

A capsule released by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's space probe Hayabusa2 arrived at a lab near Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday. (NHK)

The only female member of a town assembly in Japan has been voted out of her seat after she accused the mayor of sexual assault, in a setback for the country’s nascent #MeToo movement. (theguardian.com)

Russian citizens of the disputed Kuril Islands are, according to US officials, actually Japanese – a result of the US’ policy of insisting much of the archipelago, governed by Moscow since World War II, rightly belongs to Tokyo. (RT)

Athletes competing at next year's Tokyo Olympics will have a shorter than usual stay at the world's biggest multi-sports event due to tight COVID-19 health protocols. (yahoo.com)

Japanese sushi and hamburger chains are opening new outlets in Tokyo despite the coronavirus scourge. They are counting on rising demand for quick bites and take-out food to boost revenues. (NHK)