Society

81 new coronavirus cases reported in Japan

May 13 (NHK) - Japanese health officials confirmed 81 new cases of coronavirus infection across Japan on Tuesday, bringing the total to 16,049.

With the 712 cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama added, the total of confirmed infections is 16,761.

By prefecture, Tokyo tops the list with 4,987 cases, followed by Osaka with 1,750, and Kanagawa with 1,191.

Officials say 314 infections were confirmed at airport quarantines and among crew members of the Costa Atlantica cruise ship docked in Nagasaki.

Fourteen cases were also found among people who returned to Japan from China on government-chartered planes.

The health ministry says 247 people remained in serious condition as of Tuesday, including four from the Diamond Princess.

Twenty one coronavirus related deaths were also reported on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 691, including 13 from the ship.

Student's Homemade Bomb Sparks School Lockdown in Sapporo

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan Grapples with Poverty and Rising 'Invisible Homeless'

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

World's First Fiber Made From Bagworm Silk Revolutionizes Industry

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

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