Japan is to disband a panel of medical experts advising Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet on the response to the coronavirus after criticism of its transparency and lack of independence. (Japan Today)

Japan’s after-work drinking scene has been disrupted by the novel coronavirus pandemic, forcing its often jam-packed izakaya dining bars to reinvent themselves to survive. (Japan Times)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Thursday it had confirmed 48 new novel coronavirus infections, marking more than 40 cases daily for the second straight day. (Japan Times)

A plane full of Japanese business travelers has landed in Vietnam for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic prompted each country to issue travel bans. (NHK)

Japan's Mothers index, an equity benchmark comprised of emerging companies, has gained strong momentum after hitting a bottom in mid-March. (Nikkei)

Japanese officials will explore the development of preemptive-strike capabilities against enemy rocket launchers as a less-costly alternative to the Aegis Ashore missile shield, Nikkei has learned. (Nikkei)

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 struck off eastern Japan early Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. No tsunami warning was issued. (Kyodo)

A 31-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday for allegedly killing her two-year-old son by wrapping a Japanese-style mattress called futon around him at their home in Tokyo, police said. (Japan Today)

Official events have resumed at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for the first time in about three months, with measures in place to prevent coronavirus infections. (NHK)

Sources with the Tokyo Metropolitan government say 55 new cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed in the capital on Wednesday. (NHK)

Slow cycling around Shinjuku streets. Bars and nightclubs had been strongly requested to close by the government, but have finally been allowed to reopen. People are coming back to Shinjuku and very lively again. (NIPPON WANDERING TV)

A giant panda was a star attraction at Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens on Tuesday, when it reopened after a four-month-long closure amid the coronavirus outbreak. (NHK)

The homeless are some of the most marginalized and vulnerable people in society, and this is no different in Japan. (izanau.com)

Japan's health authorities reported 57 new coronavirus cases and four deaths on Tuesday. (NHK)

Japan will boost visa support, lure more international schools and streamline procedures for obtaining investment management licenses to attract highly skilled foreign finance workers, according to a draft proposal from the ruling party seen by Reuters. (wkzo.com)

A 48-year-old man died after he was dragged from a vehicle driven by another man in Shinjuku Ward on Monday. The driver is in custody, police said, reports the Yomiuri Shimbun (June 23). (tokyoreporter.com)

The operator of Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea says the theme parks will reopen on July 1. Located just outside Tokyo, both have been closed since February 29 due to the coronavirus outbreak in Japan. (NHK)

Welcome to Tokyo’s new Yamanote Line Station Takanawa Gateway Station 🚉 Y26 opened March 14, 2020! (ONLY in JAPAN)

The number of couples in Japan planning to hold wedding ceremonies is increasing gradually after the government lifted its coronavirus emergency in late May. (Japan Times)

On this day in 1965, twenty years after South Korea was liberated from Japan's colonial rule,...Seoul and Tokyo signed historic agreements normalizing their ties. (ARIRANG NEWS)

Four police officers in Osaka Prefecture have come under scrutiny after admitting to smoking marijuana. (tokyoreporter.com)

Arrested former Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai has admitted to handing out cash to local lawmakers and supporters but denied any intention to buy votes for his wife's election campaign last summer, sources familiar with the matter said Monday. (Japan Today)

A married woman living in Yokohama City has acknowledged engaging in sex with a middle school boy at her residence, police said last week, reports Nippon News Network (June 17). (tokyoreporter.com)

Britain will have to wrap up a post-Brexit trade deal with Japan by the end of next month, if it wants an agreement ratified this year. (CNA)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government confirmed 29 new coronavirus infections Monday for the fifth consecutive day logging more than 20 cases, officials said. (Japan Times)