Society

3 more prefectures to join state of emergency

May 15 (NHK) - The Japanese government has decided to add Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima prefectures to a state of emergency from Sunday due to rising coronavirus cases.

The measure, which is already in place for six prefectures including Tokyo and Osaka, runs until the end of May.

The government is aiming to curb infections and ease the strain on medical systems. It also plans to speed up the nation's vaccination rollout.

On Friday, Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said, "We will work closely with local governments in the areas under the state of emergency to implement strict anti-virus measures with a strong sense of urgency. Those measures include suspending serving alcohol or offering karaoke at bars and restaurants, as well as promoting remote working."

Suga also said it's important to take effective steps in line with the situation in each region, instead of nationwide measures.

Gifu Prefecture plans to ask the central government as early as Saturday to be added to the state of emergency due to a spike in cases.

Osaka Police End 14-Hour Siege

Police in Osaka arrested a 48-year-old man on October 22nd after a tense 14-hour standoff in which he allegedly held a woman at knifepoint inside an apartment. A special tactical unit forced entry into the residence late at night, ending the standoff without injuries.

Imperial Family Pays Tribute to War Victims

The Emperor, Empress, and their daughter Princess Aiko visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall in Sumida Ward on Thursday afternoon, marking their first visit to the site as Japan observes the 80th year since the end of World War II. They were greeted upon arrival by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and other officials.

First Snow Caps Mount Fuji, 15 Days Earlier Than Last Year

The Kofu Local Meteorological Observatory announced on October 23rd that the season’s first snow had been observed on Mount Fuji, which stands 3,776 meters tall. Around 6 a.m., an official visually confirmed that snow had clearly accumulated near the summit.

Tokyo’s Aging Expressway Reborn After Major Overhaul

After nearly a decade of construction, the newly rebuilt Haneda Line of the Metropolitan Expressway, one of Tokyo’s key arteries linking the city center with Haneda Airport, has been unveiled to the media ahead of its official switch to a new road on October 29th.

New Cabinet Takes On 'Takaichi Color'

The newly launched Takaichi Cabinet moved into full operation on October 22nd, with early personnel decisions revealing a clear conservative tone. Satsuki Katayama was appointed as finance minister and Kimi Onoda as minister in charge of foreign resident policy, underscoring what observers are calling the emergence of a distinct “Takaichi color.”

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Two Foreign Men Stabbed, One Dead in Ibaraki Town

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