Society

Tokyo and Osaka report record high COVID-19 caseloads

Jan 25 (Japan Times) - Tokyo reported record high 12,813 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, as the central government prepared to put 18 more prefectures on virus quasi-emergency measures amid the rapid spread of the omicron variant.

With the addition of more prefectures, 34 of the nation's 47 prefectures will now be under the COVID-19 restrictions.

Osaka Prefecture also reported a record high of 8,612 new cases on Tuesday, while ten new deaths were confirmed.

The seven-day average of new cases in Tokyo came to 9,675, compared to 3,858.6 a week before.

The number of severely ill patients under Tokyo's own criteria rose by two from Monday to 14, while no deaths from COVID-19 were reported on Tuesday.

The occupancy rate of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients in the capital came to 39.8%.

Japan's Agriculture Ministry Urges Nationwide Action to Combat Avian Flu

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries held an emergency meeting to address the rapid outbreak of avian influenza, urging prefectural governments to strengthen hygiene management measures.

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.

Japan's Year-End Jumbo Lottery Kicks Off Nationwide

Sales for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery, which offers a combined prize of 1 billion yen for the first prize and adjacent prizes, have officially begun.

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