Crowds of people were seen boarding trains and buses stations in Tokyo, as domestic travel restrictions across prefectures were lifted on Friday in an attempt to help the economy recover from the pandemic downturn. (Ruptly)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government confirmed 39 COVID-19 infections on Saturday, marking more than 20 new reported cases for three straight days in the capital. (Japan Times)

Experts have confirmed that more than 200 ants found at Aomi Pier on Tokyo Bay on Thursday are highly venomous fire ants. (NHK)

A total of 39 of Japan's 47 prefectures are offering or plan to offer customers discounts for staying at their hotels and inns to help spur demand that has fallen due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, a Kyodo News survey found Friday. (Japan Today)

Japanese baseball managed to do what American baseball has not — play ball. (Japan Today)

The roller coasters are back running in Tokyo but with requests to not scream. Restaurants are offering more take-out and outdoor seating. Major retailer Uniqlo’s new “cool and dry” mask, three for 990 yen, sold out Friday shortly after it was put on the shelves. (Japan Today)

Top bosses of Japan’s most popular thrill ride park sit down and shut up. (soranews24.com)

Tokyo confirmed 35 more coronavirus infections Friday, a level lower than the 41 logged on the previous day but still a source of concern after the capital entirely removed its business closure requests earlier in the day. (Japan Times)

Japanese electrical and electronic equipment maker Toshiba announced on Friday that Yoshimitsu Kobayashi, its chairman of the board, intends to resign from the post, a move seen as an indication the company has returned to a firm footing after the veteran executive was brought in to oversee its recovery from a wrenching scandal. (Nikkei)

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo says the government will lift travel restrictions across prefectural borders on Friday, as the daily number of coronavirus cases continues to fall nationwide, except in a few localities. (NHK)

Japan has gone its own way on the coronavirus pandemic from its beginning, with a delayed response, limited testing and a gentler lockdown. (PBS NewsHour)

A Tokyo-based national health center revealed on Tuesday that marijuana use in Japan is at an all-time high. (tokyoreporter.com)

South Korea has reopened a complaint with the World Trade Organization over Japan's tightened export controls on three high-tech materials. (NHK)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government confirmed 41 new coronavirus infections Thursday, NHK reported, marking the third time this week for the capital to log over 40 cases in a day. (Japan Times)

Japan's most-traveled bullet train line, a travel artery connecting Tokyo and Osaka, will restore service to nearly year-earlier levels in July and August, its operator said Thursday. (Nikkei)

Japanese casual clothing chain Uniqlo unveiled to the press on Thursday its new flagship store in Tokyo's upscale Ginza shopping district ahead of its grand opening the following day. (Kyodo)

When Shinzo Abe campaigned for the premiership in 2012, empowering women was a cornerstone of his plan to revitalize Japan. Seven years on, no failure better encapsulates how little success Abe has had remaking Asia's second-biggest economy. (Nikkei)

On a recent Friday night in the Kabukicho red-light district of Tokyo, blaring music and flashing disco lights signaled opening time for Cruise, one of a slew of host clubs that dot the vicinity. (Japan Times)

Tokyo confirmed 16 more coronavirus infections Wednesday in a first drop under 20 since June 10, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said. (Japan Times)

Testing by Japan's health ministry suggests that 0.1 percent of people in Tokyo have developed coronavirus antibodies. (NHK)

Japan Airlines has decided to fully reopen Terminal 1 for domestic flights at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on July 1 as more passengers are beginning to travel since the state of emergency was lifted on May 25 in Japan. (NHK)

A Japanese university team has succeeded in the first-ever mass proliferation of rainbow trout germline stem cells, or GSCs, in vitro, a technique that could pave the way for preservation of endangered fish and enable their mass production. (Kyodo)

Microsoft has helped the Japanese government create a contact-tracing app that officials hope will prevent a second wave of coronavirus infections, following more than monthlong delay in Tokyo's decision-making on the policy. (Nikkei)

It is less than a month since 22-year-old Hana Kimura, an up-and-coming professional wrestler, died. She was known for taking part in the popular Japanese reality show "Terrace House," which follows the lives of six young people who live under the same roof while looking for love. (Nikkei)

The rainy season may be in effect for much of the archipelago but temperatures are in mid-summer form. (tokyoreporter.com)