Society

Tokyo reports record 31,878 new cases of COVID on Thursday

Jul 21 (NHK) - The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 31,878 new cases of the coronavirus, the highest ever daily tally, on Thursday.

It is also the first time that the daily figure has exceeded 30,000 in the Japanese capital.

The previous record was 21,562 set on February 2 during the peak of the sixth wave of infections.

The latest figure was up 15,216 from a week ago, or 1.9-times the total last Thursday.

Officials say the number of seriously-ill patients on ventilators or ECMO heart-lung machines is 15, down three from Wednesday.

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko urged everyone to take thorough anti-infection measures now that there is a higher chance of mingling with people who are infected with the coronavirus, or being in close contact with such patients.

Six people dead, two missing in Ishikawa Pref. after torrential downpours

Six people are dead in the wake of torrential downpours in Japan's central Ishikawa Prefecture that have caused rivers to flood and mudslides across the Noto region. Some people living in temporary shelters following the New Year's Day earthquake are once again facing recovery efforts, this time from flooding. (NHK)

First Snow of Season Observed at Mount Rishiri

Signs of winter are already arriving. Mount Rishiri in Hokkaido recorded the first snowfall of the season on Sunday, making it the first observed in Japan this year.

Flying Car Shows Potential for Disaster Relief

A test flight for flying cars was conducted in Wakayama Prefecture on Saturday, reaching an altitude of 40 meters, demonstrating stability in windy conditions.

Ohtani Hits Milestone with 52-52 Record

Shohei Ohtani returned to Dodger Stadium in spectacular fashion, hitting a home run and stealing a base in his first game back, raising his season total to 52 home runs and 52 stolen bases.

China to Lift Japanese Seafood Ban

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says Japan and China have reached an agreement that will lead to the resumption of China's imports of Japanese seafood. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Video of Penguins Chasing Butterfly Goes Viral

A group of Humboldt penguins at Tokuyama Zoo in Yamaguchi Prefecture has captured people's hearts, as they chase a butterfly that had accidentally flown into their pool enclosure.

Knife Attack at Anime Event Leaves Man Seriously Wounded

A man in his 30s was stabbed in the chest at an anime song event in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture on Sunday, leaving the victim serious injured.

Tokyo Launches Marriage App

Tokyo has launched an official matchmaking app in an effort to increase the number of marriages, particularly as the city struggles with the lowest birthrate in Japan.

YouTube Breast Pumping Videos Garner Millions of Views, Raising Ethical Concerns

A search for 'breast pump' 「搾乳機」on YouTube returns numerous videos with titles like 'Introduction to Breast Pumping.' But what exactly are these videos?

Teenage Gang Attacks Boy with Airgun in Tokyo Park

Four high school students, aged 16 to 18, have been arrested on suspicion of injuring a third-year junior high school boy in a park in Machida City, Tokyo, in May of this year.

500-Year-Old Sacred Tree Burns at Ibaraki Shrine

A fire broke out at a shrine in Ami-machi, Ibaraki Prefecture, burning a sacred tree over 500 years old, with police investigating the cause as a lightning strike.

Operator of sightseeing boat that sank off Hokkaido in 2022 arrested

A regional headquarters of the Japan Coast Guard has arrested the head of the operating company of a sightseeing boat that sank off the coast of Hokkaido, northern Japan, in 2022. (NHK)

Chinese Dragon Members Arrested over Apple Store Clash

Seven members of the organized crime group 'Chinese Dragon,' including 50-year-old Kazujirou Shirai, were arrested for disrupting business operations by causing a public disturbance in front of an Apple store in Omotesando, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.

< 2 3 4 5 >