Society

15 more Omicron cases confirmed in Japan

Dec 16 (NHK) - Japan's health ministry officials say 15 more infections from the Omicron coronavirus variant were confirmed on Wednesday.

They were all cases detected at airport quarantine stations, or in people who had been in close contact with infected people. They had been in Germany, the UK or the US. Officials say no community transmission has been confirmed. 32 Omicron cases have now been reported in Japan.

Nationwide, authorities confirmed 175 coronavirus infections on Wednesday. There was 1 death. Tokyo reported 29 new cases. The daily tally in the capital has been below 30 for almost 5 weeks.

Source: ANNnewsCH

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

New Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

Death Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

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Spring Break Meditation Teaches Kids Discipline and Focus

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Surge in Japanese Women Wearing Men's Suits

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