Japan confirms first case of omicron XE variant

Apr 12, 2022 | News On Japan

Apr 12, 2022 (Nikkei) - Japan has confirmed its first case of the omicron XE derivative strain of the novel coronavirus in a woman upon arrival at Narita airport near Tokyo, the health ministry said Monday.

The woman in her 30s, who has stayed in the United States and showed no symptoms, arrived at the airport on March 26, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said, without specifying her nationality.

The woman has received two shots of vaccine developed by Pfizer, but she tested positive on arrival for the virus.

The XE strain was detected through genetic sequencing tests taken using samples from the woman at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

She was treated at a facility for infected individuals before being released once her quarantine period ended.

The strain is said to be a combination of the BA.1 and BA.2 subtypes of the omicron variant. One report says its infection rate is 12.6 percent faster than BA.2, although details on its severity are unknown. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

Typhoon No. 6 Enters Okinawa Wind Zone as Outages and Damage Spread

[updated 16:15 p.m.] Typhoon No. 6 has entered its storm-force wind zone over Okinawa Main Island, bringing increasingly powerful winds, scattered power outages, and property damage as the storm moved toward its closest approach later in the evening. The typhoon's wind field expanded across Okinawa during the afternoon, with Uruma recording a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 39.3 meters per second. While rainfall in Naha eased somewhat compared with the morning, winds strengthened significantly as the storm drew closer, according to reports posted at 3 p.m. on June 1st.

Koizumi Rebuts Accusations of 'New Militarism' at Security Forum

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi strongly rejected accusations that Japan is embracing "new militarism," describing such claims as false while delivering a speech at a major regional security conference in Singapore on May 31st.

Bear Sighting Hoax Posts Trigger Police Investigation in Aomori

A series of false bear sighting reports posted to an online alert system operated by Aomori Prefecture has disrupted schools, prompted a police investigation, and raised concerns about the growing impact of misinformation on public safety.

Saw, Iron Pipes and Shovel Seized as 30 Teens Get Ready to Rumble

A social media dispute between a 17-year-old high school student from Tokyo's Itabashi Ward and a 16-year-old boy from Edogawa Ward escalated into a planned group fight involving around 30 youths, some of whom allegedly brought weapons including a rusty saw, iron pipes, a special baton and even a shovel.

Japan's Population Falls by 3.1 Million in Five Years to 123 Million

Japan's population stood at 123.05 million in 2025, according to preliminary results from the national census released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, marking a decline of 3.097 million people over the past five years.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Driver Thrown From Vehicle After Crashing into Embankment on Tohoku Expressway

A driver was left in critical condition after being thrown from his vehicle and struck by a following car in an accident on the outbound lanes of the Tohoku Expressway in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, on May 31st.

Cosplayers Use Skills to Raise Awareness About Marine Debris

Cosplayers gathered in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district on May 30th to promote environmental conservation by taking part in a large-scale cleanup campaign aimed at reducing marine plastic waste and other litter.

Juso Retro Town Gets First Tower Condo, Bringing New Life

A major transformation is underway in Osaka's Juso district, where the area's first large-scale tower condominium has opened in a neighborhood long known for its retro downtown atmosphere and entertainment district. While the development is bringing new conveniences and attracting new residents, concerns are also emerging over rising rents and the future character of the community.

Saw, Iron Pipes and Shovel Seized as 30 Teens Get Ready to Rumble

Woman Dies After Leaning Out of Car Window in Gifu Accident

A traffic accident that occurred beneath an elevated section of the Meitetsu railway line in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture, on Thursday morning claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman who was riding in the front passenger seat of a car.

Japan's Population Falls by 3.1 Million in Five Years to 123 Million

Wanted Man in Mother-Daughter Killings Changed Clothes Many Times

Police in Hyogo Prefecture on May 27th released a new image of a wanted murder suspect believed to have changed clothes multiple times while fleeing after the killing of a mother and daughter in Tatsuno City, raising concerns that he may still be hiding in the surrounding area.

Monkey Attacks Continue in Himeji Neighborhoods

Two junior high school students were injured after being attacked by a monkey in a residential area of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, on May 26th, as reports of similar incidents continue across the city.

< 2 3 4 5 >