The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 2,447 new cases of the coronavirus in the capital on Thursday, setting a new high for the second day in a row.
The daily figure topped the 2,000-mark for the first time. It's a jump of more than 850 from Wednesday's total of 1,591. The daily tally surpassed 1,000 for the third straight day.
The total number of people who have tested positive in Tokyo now stands at 68,790.
Tokyo officials say the number of those in serious condition rose by eight from Wednesday to a new high of 121.
A senior official told NHK that the speed of the increase is surprising.
The official said the daily tally rose so quickly from 1,000 to 2,000, adding that Tokyo residents should have a sense of urgency and change their behavior.
The figure topped 1,000 for the first time on December 31.