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Japan's COVID-19 entry ban spurs demonstrations around the world

Jan 22 (Japan Times) - Demonstrations against Japan’s tight border restrictions on nonresident foreign nationals, implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19, have been staged in several countries, with people urging the government to reconsider the measures they say are not based on science.

Protests initiated by “Stop Japan’s Ban,” a group launched on Twitter, began Tuesday, as foreign exchange students and business people barred from entering the country gathered at various locations, including in front of Japanese embassies in countries such as Mongolia, Poland, India and Malaysia.

The strict entry ban has been in place since Nov. 30, with Japan confirming its first case of the omicron variant later that day. Earlier this month, the entry ban was further extended until the end of February.

More protests are in the works this month in countries such as Germany, Austria, Spain and Argentina, as well as in Tokyo in front of the Prime Minister’s Office in February, according to organizers.

Demonstrators say most prospective exchange students have had COVID-19 booster shots and would adhere to necessary anti-virus measures when in Japan, and urged the administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to tell them clearly when all foreign nationals would be allowed to enter again.

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At the first tuna auction of the year held at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, a bluefin tuna from Oma, Aomori Prefecture, was sold for 207 million yen, the second-highest price in history.

Japanese weather officials are calling on people returning from their holidays in northern Japan to brace themselves for traffic disruptions. The warning comes as record amounts of snow pile up. (NHK)

During the New Year's holidays from January 1st to 3rd, two elderly men in Tokyo lost their lives after choking on mochi, according to the Tokyo Fire Department, which has issued a warning urging caution when consuming the traditional rice cake.

An elderly man in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward died on New Year’s Day after choking on mochi, prompting the Tokyo Fire Department to issue a safety warning.

Reports of rodent infestation have surged nationwide in recent years, posing increasing challenges for homeowners. The issue, which is particularly evident during the year-end season, has left many families struggling to find effective solutions.

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In 2025, all members of the postwar baby boomer generation will reach the age of 75 or older, becoming what is categorized as late-stage elderly. The sudden surge in people requiring care has raised concerns over the so-called "2025 Problem," posing a serious challenge to caregiving services.

On New Year’s Day 2024, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Japan's Noto peninsula and claimed nearly 470 lives. One year later, survivors of the devastating quake still live in temporary accommodation in the town of Wajima. (South China Morning Post)

Various traditional events marking the New Year were held across the country. In Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, the ‘Horanyenya’ festival, in which boats are rowed to rhythmic chants, took place.

A Shinto ritual wishing for abundant harvests and good fishing throughout the year was held at Hakozaki Shrine in Fukuoka City, one of Japan’s three major Hachiman shrines.

During the first general audience in two years at the Imperial Palace, attended by over 60,000 people, the Imperial Guard arrested a 46-year-old man from Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on suspicion of defacing a restroom on the palace grounds.

A fire broke out at a temple in Fukushima City, completely destroying its wooden single-story main hall. The incident occurred on January 1st, with authorities receiving a report around 7:20 p.m. about sounds of burning coming from the temple.

Reports of rodent infestation have surged nationwide in recent years, posing increasing challenges for homeowners. The issue, which is particularly evident during the year-end season, has left many families struggling to find effective solutions.

A 29-year-old man and a 15-year-old high school student were arrested for dangerous driving at the famous scramble crossing in Tokyo's Shibuya district.