The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Sunday reported 189 new cases of the coronavirus, down 105 from Saturday. The number is the result of 5,444 tests conducted on Nov 5. (Japan Today)

The number of Japanese companies introducing early retirement programs in the first 10 months of the year was more than double the level over the entirety of the previous year amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey by a research firm. (Japan Times)

Officials in Japan are reporting more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the third consecutive day. (NHK)

Officials in Japan reported over 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day in a row. In particular, the northern prefecture of Hokkaido is under the spotlight as infections there are surging. (NHK)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested the 78-year-old director of a kindergarten for allegedly spitting on an elementary school girl in Koganei City, reports Fuji News Network (Nov. 5). (tokyoreporter.com)

As the climb in the global count of COVID-19 cases further dampens hopes for a return to normal life, it has underlined a huge challenge facing Japan, which is set to host the Summer Olympics in eight months' time, experts at an infectious disease conference hosted by Nikkei and the FT have said. (Nikkei)

Yokozuna Hakuho, who has won a record 44 top division titles, has pulled out of the upcoming November Grand Sumo Tournament due to complications with his surgically-repaired knee, the Japan Sumo Association said Friday. (Japan Times)

A driverless taxi took to the streets of Tokyo on Thursday, giving a possible glimpse of the future on a short demonstration trip. (NHK)

A man in custody for attempting to flee from law enforcement in Yokohama City last month has been further accused of using stimulant drugs, police have revealed, reports Fuji News Network (Nov. 5). (tokyoreporter.com)

A Japanese university and a public job placement office in Tokyo signed an accord Thursday to support foreign students seeking jobs in Japan — the first such agreement concluded in the country. (Japan Times)

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performed Thursday in southwestern Japan as part of its first tour outside Austria in over six months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. (Kyodo)

The boss of a gang connected to the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi is among the two persons shot and wounded in Amagasaki City on Tuesday, investigative sources have revealed, reports Mainichi Broadcasting System (Nov. 4). (tokyoreporter.com)

The people selected as a Person of Cultural Merit in Japan in 2020 gathered for an award ceremony on Wednesday in Tokyo. (NHK)

Tattoos have long been considered taboo in Japan, where body art is most often linked to criminal gangs. (South China Morning Post)

Haneda Airport is Tokyo’s major hub for flights domestically and terminal 2 for ANA has a very interesting set of vending machines I think you’ll love! (ONLY in JAPAN)

A male passenger sustained minor injuries after being pepper sprayed at a subway station in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward on Tuesday. (Japan Today)

SAITAMA (TR) – Saitama Prefectural Police have arrested a 55-year-old man after the discovery of a mutilated corpse, believed to be that of his father, inside their apartment in Soka City, reports the Asahi Shimbun (Nov. 3). (tokyoreporter.com)

Japan's transport ministry on Wednesday allowed taxi drivers in Tokyo to refuse passengers who are not wearing face masks without a valid reason, amid persistent concern about the spread of the novel coronavirus. (Japan Times)

Katsuyuki Mori, a former member of superstar pop idol group SMAP, won the national championship Tuesday in auto race, a Japanese version of motorcycle speedway which allows gambling on races. (Kyodo)

Nearly half of kodomo shokudō eateries in Japan, which offer free or low-priced meals to children from families in need, have no prospects of restarting services amid the novel coronavirus epidemic, according to a survey. (Japan Times)

Hokkaido Prefectural Police are planning to question a man who is suspected of stabbing his former wife in Chitose City on Monday before attempting to take his life, reports NHK (Nov. 2). (tokyoreporter.com)

A wintertime illumination event has started in Kabukicho, a nightlife district in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward that was hit hard by the economic impact of the coronavirus. (NHK)

Japanese police suspect involvement of a group of Vietnamese behind the disappearance of hundreds of pigs and chickens, as well as thousands of pears and peaches, from farms this year in eastern Japan. (Japan Today)

A new survey shows that more people moved out of Tokyo than migrated to the metropolis in the six months through September amid the spread of the coronavirus. (NHK)

Cruise ship operations have resumed at Yokohama Port, near Tokyo, after an eight-month suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak. (NHK)