Emergency declaration winds down as cases fall

Jun 15, 2021 | News On Japan

Jun 15, 2021 (NHK) - The clock is winding down in Japan on the emergency declaration for Tokyo, Osaka and eight other prefectures.

Osaka's Governor is calling for intensive quasi-emergency measures if the declaration is indeed lifted on June 20.

The number of new cases in Osaka Prefecture on Monday was 57. It's the first time the figure has fallen below 60 in over three months.

Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi visited a vaccination venue and told reporters the prefecture plans to consider easing the current restrictions on large-scale commercial facilities. But he's wary about returning to "normal" too quickly.

Governor Yoshimura said, "The measures involving bars and restaurants are more important than ever. The most important thing is that Osaka does not repeat the same mistakes. So with this in mind, we have to consider what needs to be done. Difficult decisions will be required."

In Tokyo, the number of new cases reported Monday was 209, down 26 from the figure reported last Monday.

But the average daily number of cases over the immediate seven-day period is higher than the last time the government decided to lift the emergency declaration.

One expert says it's too early to act just yet.

Professor Matsumoto Tetsuya of the International University of Health and Welfare said, "The number of new cases isn't at a level where the emergency declaration can be lifted safely. Now, there is more movement of people, including at night. This creates conditions that could trigger a surge in cases at any time. To avoid a rebound in Tokyo, for instance, the declaration should not be lifted unless the daily new cases drops to around 100."

The government's Chief Cabinet Secretary also weighed in on the issue.

Kato Katsunobu said, "The matter will be considered comprehensively and carefully by consulting experts and sharing information with local governments."

Nationwide, over 930 new cases were confirmed on Monday. 60 deaths from COVID-19 were reported.

The total number of patients in serious condition stands at around 850.

Typhoons No. 28 and 29 Bring High Waves to Japan's Pacific Coast

Two typhoons moving across the Pacific southeast of Japan are expected to remain well away from the Japanese mainland, but powerful swells could bring rough seas to a wide stretch of the country's Pacific coastline throughout the three-day holiday weekend, according to forecasts updated at 3 a.m. on October 10.

Cyberattacks Spread Across Japan

A series of cyberattacks has disrupted business operations and exposed millions of customer records across Japan, with a ransomware attack on a cloud service provider affecting 495 companies and local governments nationwide, while convenience store operator Lawson has disclosed a separate breach involving more than 2.15 million personal information records.

Japan's First 360-Degree Projection Mapping Opens in Osaka

Japan's first 360-degree projection mapping show will open at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts on October 10, transforming the historic building into an immersive world of light, music, and seasonal imagery, with organizers hoping the attraction will also help stimulate the city's nighttime economy.

Tokyo University Professor Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Tokyo University of Science professor emeritus Kenzo Soai has been awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry together with French chemist Henri B. Kagan for discoveries that transformed scientists' understanding of how chemical reactions can favor one of two mirror-image forms of a molecule.

US Military Halts All Okinawa Operations for 48 Hours

The US military suspended activities by all forces stationed in Okinawa for 48 hours from noon on October 7, an unusual measure following the arrest of a US Marine in connection with a robbery and murder case that has renewed scrutiny of crimes involving American service members.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Most Sightings of Fugitive Yoichi Hatta Reported in Kanto

Police in Oita Prefecture have revealed that the Kanto region accounts for the largest number of reported sightings of Yoichi Hatta, a fugitive wanted in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Beppu in 2022, with authorities preparing to distribute new wanted posters nationwide from November as the search enters its fifth year.