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.

Typhoon No. 24 Poses Heavy Rain Threat to Okinawa

Typhoon No. 24 is currently located over the southern seas and is expected to track westward toward Vietnam later this week, with no direct impact anticipated on Japan. As of now, the storm’s central pressure is 1000 hectopascals, with maximum sustained winds reaching 20 meters per second. Satellite imagery shows a significant cloud mass developing in the southern region, indicating intensified activity around the system.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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