Society

Aichi reports around record 51 COVID-19 infections as cases outside Tokyo surge

Jul 22 (Japan Times) - In a sign that cases are rising outside Tokyo, Aichi Prefecture reported a record-high 51 new coronavirus cases Tuesday while Kyoto Prefecture also confirmed most-ever cases, with 27.

Osaka Prefecture reported 72 cases a day after confirming 89 cases in its second-highest daily total ever.

Meanwhile, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 237 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, surpassing 200 for the first time in three days.

That marks a rise from 168 cases on Monday but was below a record 293 cases reported last Friday. Total infections in the capital rose to 9,816 cases.

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike on Tuesday urged Tokyo residents to refrain from nonessential travel outside the capital during the four-day holiday from Thursday.

Infections are â€œspreading across various age groups,â€ Koike told reporters Monday, warning elderly residents to stay alert.

A total of 417 infection cases were recorded nationwide Monday. The national daily count topped 400 for the sixth straight day.

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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