Society

Tokyo Aug. virus infections reach monthly record with 8,126 cases

Sep 01 (Kyodo) - Tokyo confirmed on Monday a monthly record 8,126 new cases of the novel coronavirus in August, exceeding the 6,466 infections logged in July.

The metropolitan government reported 100 new cases the same day, bringing the capital's cumulative total to 20,817. August saw Tokyo hit daily cases in triple digits on every day bar one, marking a record 472 on Aug. 1.

The single-day increase in the capital compares with the 148 cases confirmed on Sunday.

The daily figures from the metropolitan government reflect the most recent totals reported by health authorities and medical institutions.

Nationwide, 437 new infection cases were confirmed Monday, bringing the accumulated number of infections in Japan to 69,147 including about 700 from the Diamond Princess, a cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama in February.

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country totaled 1,313, with 14 deaths confirmed Monday.

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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