Society

Japan slowly opens economy after ending state of emergency

Oct 02 (Nikkei) - Japanese businesses are cautiously opening up on the first weekend since the government lifted the COVID-19 state of emergency across the country.

Theme parks and shopping districts were bustling on a sunny Saturday morning, a day after a strong typhoon swept through Tokyo and nearby areas on Friday.

Fun-seekers lined up outside Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, both of which on Friday raised the limit on visitors from 5,000 people a day to 10,000. The parks said they will also begin selling alcoholic beverages at restaurants again. But they are still operating on short hours, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., "for the time being," Oriental Land, operator of the theme parks, said in a news release.

Tickets to both parks are sold out through early November, according to the company's website.

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has also decided to gradually raise the daily limit on visitors from 5,000 people to 10,000 people. It will also start selling alcohol at some restaurants.

The easing of restrictions has brought out travelers as well. People with suitcases in tow were seen boarding trains at Tokyo Station on Saturday. "It has been a long time since I have traveled, and I feel like daily life is coming back a little," said a 29-year-old office worker who was setting out on a previously postponed trip to Toyama Prefecture with a friend. During the state of emergency the government asked people to refrain from traveling between prefectures.

Restaurants and izakaya pubs, some of which were closed during the state of emergency because they could not serve alcohol, are preparing to reopen. The number of reservations made at some 5,300 restaurants nationwide on Sept. 30 was 68,000, 30% higher than on Sept. 27, according to TableCheck, an online reservation service.

University of Tokyo Raises Tuition Fees for First Time in 20 Years

The University of Tokyo has officially decided to increase tuition by approximately 110,000 yen for incoming undergraduate students starting next academic year, bringing the total to 642,960 yen.

Japanese Ambassador Visits Dalian Following Student Death

Following the tragic stabbing and death of a child attending a Japanese school in China, Japanese Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, visited a local city to urge the Chinese government to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals residing in the area, as concerns grew among the local Japanese community.

Flooding Hits Temporary Housing in Quake-Stricken Wajima

Flooding has reached the temporary housing in Wajima City, built for earthquake victims, and volunteers have begun clearing the mud starting on September 24.

Russian military plane intrudes into Japanese airspace, Tokyo lodges protest

A Japanese government spokesperson says a Russian military airplane entered Japanese airspace three times on Monday. (NHK)

Kishida vows in meeting with Zelenskyy continued support for Ukraine

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has conveyed his country's intention to maintain support for Ukraine to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Woman in Floral Mini-Skirt Targets Zoo Outlets with Mysterious Tape

Strange incidents involving a woman placing black tape on outlets have been occurring around zoos in the Izu area of Shizuoka Prefecture.

Japanese Households with Buddhist Altars Has Drastically Decreased

As the number of households with Buddhist altars continues to decline, largely due to space limitations in modern housing, wholesalers of Buddhist goods are struggling with unsold inventory.

Twelve Referred to Prosecutors for Alleged Abuse at Kuwana Festival Horse Event

Twelve individuals involved in the traditional 'Ageuma Shinji' horse event held last year at Tado Shrine in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, have been referred to prosecutors on allegations of violent behavior toward horses, including forcing them up steep slopes.