Society

Japan's COVID-related death toll continues to surge

TOKYO, Jan 16 (NHK) - The number of people who died after contracting the coronavirus in Japan is rising at a faster pace in the country's eighth wave of the pandemic.

The total death toll since January 2020 had reached 62,264 by Saturday.

The health ministry says 12,620 of them have died since December last year. This means that almost one in five victims died in the past month and a half.

The number of deaths was 1,864 in October and 2,985 in November. The figure rose to 7,622 in December.

The death toll in the first two weeks of January stood at 4,998.

Of those who have died since December, the ages of 6,505 people are known. Most of them are senior citizens.

People in their 70s account for 17.25 percent, those in their 80s, 40.55 percent, and those in their 90s or older, 34.76 percent.

Japan Faces Legal Hurdles in Deploying Military for Bear Control

Japan’s worsening bear problem has prompted calls for national intervention, but legal and operational barriers have complicated the government’s response. In 2025, bear attacks have reached record levels, leaving 12 people dead—double the previous high of six fatalities in 2023.

Moths Threaten Kyoto’s Famous Bamboo Shoots

Kyoto’s prized bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy that graces dining tables each spring, are facing an unprecedented crisis this year. The culprit is the Chinese bamboo moth (Sinachiku nomeiga), whose larvae feed on bamboo leaves, weakening the plants and severely reducing harvest yields.

Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) Moves West, No Direct Impact on Japan

Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) is currently located east of the Philippines and moving west-northwest. The storm is expected to continue on a westward track, passing near the Philippines before entering the South China Sea. Weather agencies forecast that the typhoon will not have a direct impact on Japan.

Shibuya Crowds Subdued in Rain Soaked Halloween

Halloween Eve in Shibuya still drew a festive atmosphere, with people gathering in costume and enjoying the night. Tokyo police deployed several hundred officers, including the well-known “DJ police,” to manage the crowds and prevent congestion at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

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.

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Shibuya Crowds Subdued in Rain Soaked Halloween

Takarazuka Crossbow Killer Spared Death Sentence

A man accused of killing and injuring four family members with a crossbow in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, was sentenced to life in prison on October 31st, after the Kobe District Court rejected the prosecution’s demand for the death penalty.

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.

Hachiko Statue Sealed Off Ahead of Halloween in Shibuya

Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward has installed barricades around the Hachiko statue in front of Shibuya Station as part of safety measures ahead of Halloween on October 31st.

Abe Shooting Suspect Admits Murder

The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, the 45-year-old accused of fatally shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, began on October 28th at the Nara District Court. While Yamagami has admitted to killing Abe, the central issue now lies in determining his sentence.

Miyakojima’s Paantu Festival: Mud-Covered Gods Chase Away Evil Spirits

The traditional ritual of Paantu, in which masked gods covered in mud ward off evil spirits, took place on October 28th in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, filling the village with laughter and screams.

Car Crashes Into Dealership in Gunma

A passenger car crashed into a Nissan dealership in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, on October 29th, damaging a total of nine vehicles including those on display.

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

Emperor Naruhito met with former U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time in six years at the Imperial Palace on October 27th. The two exchanged greetings in English, with the Emperor saying, "I’m pleased to see you again," as he welcomed Trump to the Imperial residence around 6:30 p.m.

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