Garbage collectors operating amid the coronavirus crisis are risking infection and struggling to keep operations running smoothly, leading them to call for the distribution of more protective items. (Japan Times)

The Japan Racing Association said Thursday it will extend course closures through May 31 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, meaning the Japanese Derby and a number of other high-profile races will be run behind closed doors. (Kyodo)

When you think of X Japan frontman Yoshiki, a couple of things might spring to mind. Aside from his illustrious career as the King of J-Rock, Yoshiki is also well-known for his generous donations to organisations in need. (soranews24.com)

Ruling and opposition lawmakers are working on rent relief for restaurants and other businesses being forced to shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Japan Times)

Japan plans to impose an entry ban on travelers who have recently been in Russia and several Middle Eastern countries that have seen a recent surge in coronavirus infections, government sources said Thursday. (Japan Times)

Japan’s effort to distribute protective cloth masks in its coronavirus battle has been marred by complaints about mould, insects, and stains, fuelling further concern that the government has botched its handling of the pandemic. (Reuters)

Japan's government says the nation's economy is "getting worse rapidly in an extremely severe situation" due to the coronavirus outbreak. (NHK)

In early April, it took an average 5.5 days from when people in Japan developed fevers or coughs to receiving positive test results for the new coronavirus. As of Saturday, it had slowed to 7.3 days. (Nikkei)

In Japan, cuteness isn’t just for kids, but an important part of any organization’s PR efforts. So you can be sure that if even an enema company has an adorable mascot character in Japan, one of the country’s largest banks does too. (soranews24.com)

Politician wants people to know which businesses in one high-risk industry are ignoring warnings during the state of emergency. (soranews24.com)

An NHK survey has found that nearly 10 percent of people infected with the coronavirus in Japan are believed to have contracted the pathogen inside hospitals and other medical institutions. (NHK)

The mayor of the western Japanese city Osaka came under fire on social media on Friday after saying women take longer than men shopping for groceries as he tried to promote social distancing to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the city. (Reuters)

A Japanese surfers' association is asking its members to stay at home because a state of emergency is in place for the coronavirus pandemic. (NHK)

Tokyo’s first drive-through coronavirus test centre was launched this week, as Japan ramps up efforts to prevent its medical system crumbling under the growing weight of new infections. (Reuters)

The government is considering issuing a stronger shutdown request for pachinko parlors as some remain open — in defiance of existing requests by prefectural governors amid the coronavirus outbreak. (Japan Times)

The coronavirus pandemic throws a huge wrench into our public health system, economy and everyday life, leaving no corner untouched. While the sum of its long-term impact remains immeasurable, one industry already faces a destructive blow, tourism. (Nikkei)

Japan plans to prevent foreign companies from acquiring domestic pharmaceutical and medical equipment makers, Nikkei has learned. (Nikkei)

Takao Shimanuki, who heads Nihonkai General Hospital in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, feels it’s only a matter of time before his hospital will max out its ability to accept COVID-19 patients. (Japan Times)

Japan's primary and secondary students are at risk of falling behind the rest of the world as the country's wheels of bureaucracy have been slow to adapt to restrictions brought about by the coronavirus outbreak. (Nikkei)

Despite early signs that the number of new COVID-19 cases may be slowing, the government warned residents Wednesday they must continue to stay home and avoid nonessential travel even during the Golden Week holidays, which stretch from later this month to early May, in order to curb new infections. (Japan Times)

If you’re a fan of the fashion guru and comedy queen, then you’ll love her live videos! (soranews24.com)

Japanese electronics maker Sharp Corp. has temporarily suspended sales of face masks that were just released online this week. (Japan Times)

A care home in Tokyo for infants said Wednesday it has found eight cases of coronavirus infection among its children. (Japan Times)

No social distancing at parks, shops and tourist sites on a Sunny Sunday. (soranews24.com)

Japanese police say 11 people who died over the past month have posthumously tested positive for the coronavirus. (NHK)