Japan to ease COVID curbs despite spike in new cases

Jul 23 (Nikkei) - Japan announced plans Friday to relax restrictions on close contacts of people who test positive for COVID-19, reducing the self-isolation period to as short as three days.

Under the new rules, those who test negative on the second and third day after close contact will no longer need to quarantine. The previous threshold had been five days. The self-isolation period for untested close contacts will be shortened from seven days to five.

Japan reported around 195,000 new COVID cases on Friday in an ongoing record surge. Rather than tightening restrictions on movement, the government is relaxing curbs with an eye toward preventing staffing shortages and the economic impact that would result.

"We are not considering new restrictions on movement at this point," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday at the Keidanren business lobby's summer forum in Karuizawa.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare that day expanded eligibility for those seeking a fourth vaccine dose to health care and nursing care staff.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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.

Japan, Canada to Establish Economic '2+2' Framework for EV Cooperation

Prime Minister Ishiba, attending the G20 summit in Brazil, held talks on November 18th with UK Prime Minister Starmer, where they agreed to establish an economic "2+2" framework involving foreign and economic ministers.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Ishiba vows to enhance cooperation with China, others after summits

Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has expressed his eagerness to develop cooperation with China and other nations after a series of summit meetings in South America. (NHK)

Japan, Canada to Establish Economic '2+2' Framework for EV Cooperation

China Awarded Hosting Rights for the 2026 APEC Summit

The 2024 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit successfully concluded in November in Lima, Peru. During this meeting, which brought together leaders from 21 member economies, in-depth discussions were held on topics such as regional economic integration, global trade, and sustainable development.

Trump's Victory: The End of Traditional Media in America?

"Harris is merely the runner-up; her media 'cheerleaders' are licking their wounds and will take longer to recover. After all, they were the ones who worked hardest to bring down Trump—yet, after eight years of effort, they’re weaker and more embarrassed than ever before," wrote Elle Purnell, an editor at The Federalist and one of the few traditional media figures who staunchly support Trump.

Middle East tensions are a crude awakening for Japan’s energy security strategy

Geopolitical risks in the Middle East have rapidly escalated since the October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. In addition to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, a regional war has grown likelier due to Iran–Israel tensions. This poses serious concerns for Japan’s energy security, which depends on Middle Eastern oil supply. (East Asia Forum)