Society

Over 100 new coronavirus cases reported in Japan

Jun 27 (NHK) - New cases of coronavirus are once again rising in Japan including among young adults. The nation's daily tally surpassed 100 on Friday for the first time since early May.

More than half the cases came from Tokyo. It confirmed 54 infections, marking the second time the number has topped 50 this week.

The recent trend is on par with case numbers from before the nationwide state of emergency was lifted one month ago.

The metropolis says three quarters of the people who were just confirmed to have the virus are younger than 40.

Tokushima Prefecture in western Japan saw its first infection in months in a woman in her 20s. Officials do not know when she became infected, but say she recently visited a night club in Osaka. Now they're testing her close contacts.

Tokushima Governor Iizumi Kamon says, "This could spread or develop into a cluster. I have instructed local officials to set up a system so that we can take appropriate measures."

All told, more than 18,300 people have tested positive across the country. Over 970 people have died.

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