Japan lifts state of emergency in most prefectures

May 15 (NHK) - Japan is lifting its state of emergency for about 80 percent of the prefectures ahead of schedule.

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo said the government has decided to lift the state of emergency for 39 prefectures and to keep it in place for eight others.

Abe said his government will consider lifting the declaration for the rest of the country, including Tokyo and Osaka, as early as next week. The state of emergency is currently scheduled to be in effect until the end of the month.

At a news conference, Abe said experts and government officials made the decision to partially lift the declaration after assessing the number of recent infections, as well as the state of local medical and testing systems.

Abe said the government concluded that it was able to contain the spread of infection in the 39 prefectures to a level where further spread can be prevented by dealing with cluster infections.

He said the recent decline in the number of new infections in the country is the result of people's efforts to stay home and reduce human-to-human contact.

But he said many of those efforts need to remain in place.

Abe said that there is always a possibility of a second wave of infections. If the infection cases increase, the government may have to declare a state of emergency again. He said it is a challenge to prevent further infections, and at the same time to restore social and economic activities.

The prime minister thanked medical workers and pledged to boost testing capabilities. He said the government is also looking to ensure coronavirus patients have access to various treatment options.

Abe also said the government plans to roll out more emergency funds to protect jobs and support companies affected by the pandemic.

The latest move comes as more than 16,000 people have tested positive for the coronavirus across Japan. Over 700 people have died.

Nearly a third of the cases in the country have been confirmed in Tokyo. 30 new infections were reported in the capital on Thursday. That marks the 12th day in a row that the figure has fallen below 100.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Two Foreign Men Stabbed, One Dead in Ibaraki Town

A violent attack early on October 20th in Ibaraki Town, Ibaraki Prefecture left one man dead and another injured after they were stabbed with what appeared to be a bladed weapon inside an apartment. Police are investigating the case as a murder.

Woman Seriously Injured After Being Crushed in Mechanical Parking System in Tokyo

A woman in her 40s suffered a serious injury after being trapped in a mechanical parking system in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward on October 19th.

Pet Shop Owner Appeals 30-Year Sentence for Sexual Assaults

A former pet shop owner convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting several female employees and sentenced to 30 years in prison appealed his case at the Fukuoka High Court on October 14th, again claiming that the acts were consensual.

Architect’s 20-Year Dream Nears Completion

The relocation of Arimasu Tobiru, a distinctive architectural landmark on Hijirizaka in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, was carried out between August and October after nearly two decades of construction.

Brazilian Cocaine Smuggler Swallows 22.2 Million Yen Stash

A Brazilian man has been arrested and indicted for smuggling cocaine into Japan by swallowing the drugs and concealing them inside his body.

Death Penalty Sought for Crossbow Murderer

Prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for a man accused of killing three family members and seriously injuring another with a crossbow in 2020 in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture.

From Drug Raids to Visa Violations: Inside Japan’s Night Patrol Operations

A police officer approaches a parked car in a dark city parking lot — and what emerges from inside is shocking. How do professionals detect crimes that hide in the night? This investigation looks into the work of officers on the front line.

Woman Dies After Car Plows Into Pedestrians Near Nagoya Station

A woman who had been in critical condition after being struck by a small car near JR Nagoya Station was confirmed dead on October 15th, according to Aichi Prefectural Police. The 49-year-old victim was among three pedestrians hit at an intersection in Nakamura Ward when the vehicle veered out of its lane.

< 2 3 4 5 >