Society

Tokyo confirms 360 new coronavirus cases; Osaka reports record 225

Aug 07 (Japan Times) - Tokyo confirmed 360 new cases of COVID-19 infection on Thursday, its 10th consecutive day reporting over 200, the metropolitan government said, while Osaka, Kanagawa and Chiba reported record-high numbers.

Thursday's figure, which brings the city's total infections to 14,645, again rose beyond the 300 line. Tokyo's daily count had dropped to 263 on Wednesday.

The records outside the capital came as prefectures nationwide brace for the start of the annual Bon holiday period next week, when many people living in urban areas return to their family homes across the nation. Osaka reported 225 cases, exceeding the previous record high of 221 cases on July 29, while Kanagawa logged 110 cases, exceeding the previous record of 89 on Tuesday.

In Chiba Prefecture, health authorities confirmed 76 new infections, a new record for the prefecture.

Okinawa Prefecture reported 73 new cases, bringing its cumulative total to 787. Okinawa's daily count hit a record 83 on Tuesday.

Still, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday reiterated that there is no immediate need to declare another state of emergency despite a recent resurgence in novel coronavirus infections.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Moves Toward Vietnam, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 20th show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

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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