Japan may start inoculation against Omicron by end of September

Sep 01 (Japan Today) - The government may start inoculating the public specifically against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus by the end of September, rather than mid-October as originally planned, government sources said Tuesday.

U.S. pharmaceutical firms Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc have each applied to the Japanese health ministry for the production and sale of their COVID-19 vaccines tailored for the highly transmissible variant. An experts panel of the ministry is expected to discuss soon whether they should be approved.

Health minister Katsunobu Kato stressed at a news conference on Tuesday that the government will work hard to make the additional inoculation happen sooner than planned, saying that many members of the public have high expectations of it.

The ministry panel this month decided to make Omicron-specific COVID-19 boosters available to all who have completed at least the first two-shot regimen and to make preparations so the additional inoculation can begin in mid-October or later.

If health authorities approve the Omicron boosters, their imports can begin by the end of September. The exact timing of the start of the additional vaccination, however, will depend on when imports can happen and the degree of preparations local authorities will make ahead of the new drive, one of the sources said. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

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.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

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.

Takaiichi and Trump Emphasize Importance of Japan-U.S. Alliance

Prime Minister Takaiichi’s first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Trump drew high praise from officials at the Prime Minister’s Office, who described the atmosphere as friendly and open. According to government sources, the two leaders addressed each other by their first names, “Sanae” and “Donald,” a gesture that one senior official called “120 points,” underscoring the success of the meeting.

Japan's Defense Ministry Mulls Bear Countermeasures

The Defense Ministry is considering deploying the Self-Defense Forces to Akita Prefecture following a series of bear attacks that have injured residents in recent weeks.

Koizumi Pushes for Global Expansion of Japan’s Defense Technology

Defense Minister Koizumi inspected Self-Defense Force bases and expressed his intention to boost defense equipment exports through stronger top-level sales efforts.

Osaka to Halt New Special Zone Minpaku Applications

Osaka City has decided to stop accepting new applications for “special zone minpaku” lodging facilities at the end of May 2026 following a sharp rise in neighborhood disputes over noise and garbage disposal.

Japan’s New Leader Joins Global Talks to Back Ukraine

Prime Minister Takaichi made her de facto diplomatic debut by joining an online summit of a coalition supporting Ukraine, where she expressed Japan’s commitment to continue providing assistance.

Sanae Takaichi's ascent to PM: Will she lead Japan out of the development dilemma faced by turmoil under a fragile alliance?

At around 1:45 p.m. on October 21, Sanae Takaichi won a majority of 237 votes in a key vote in the House of Representatives (more than the 233 votes required for half), and was successfully elected as Prime Minister, becoming the first female Prime Minister in Japanese history.

New Cabinet Takes On 'Takaichi Color'

The newly launched Takaichi Cabinet moved into full operation on October 22nd, with early personnel decisions revealing a clear conservative tone. Satsuki Katayama was appointed as finance minister and Kimi Onoda as minister in charge of foreign resident policy, underscoring what observers are calling the emergence of a distinct “Takaichi color.”

< 2 3 4 5 >