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.

PM Takaichi’s Favorite Bag and Pen Spark Shopping Frenzy

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has quickly become Japan’s newest fashion icon. Since taking office just ten days ago, the 63-year-old leader’s signature style -- defined by her understated black tote bag and soft pink pen -- has sparked a nationwide shopping craze.

Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions.

Japan to Introduce Free High School Education Next Year

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Komeito have reached an agreement on the framework for Japan’s new free high school tuition program, which will begin in fiscal 2026. Under the plan, tuition support for private full-time high schools will be capped at 457,000 yen, while correspondence courses will have an upper limit of 337,000 yen.

Sense of Crisis in World Heritage Shirakawa Village: ‘Never a Year with So Many Bears Before’

Bear sightings have surged across Japan, and in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village—home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go—local authorities held a nighttime drill on October 28th to prepare for possible emergencies.

Japan Mobility Show Opens, Toyota Unveils Century Coupe

The Japan Mobility Show opened on October 29th, marking the start of Japan’s premier automotive exhibition, where foreign manufacturers are stepping up their entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

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Trump Meets Japan's Emperor for First Time in Six Years

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University Worker Arrested Again for Spraying on Girl's Shorts

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Man Arrested Near U.S. Embassy After Wielding Knife, Injuring Riot Officer

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