Information on containing the virus, symptoms to watch out for and how governments are helping is widely available, but mostly in Japanese. Some foreigners in Japan who have trouble understanding the language say they feel left behind.
Kobayashi International Clinic in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, offers services in six languages including Thai and Tagalog.
The clinic has been receiving inquiries from foreign residents about the virus since the start of March.
Clinic head Kobayashi Yoneyuki says even Japanese find it hard to understand the system for testing for the virus, and that foreigners know little about it.
Japan's health ministry set up a hotline in January, but it does not accept calls in foreign languages.
A Japan Tourism Agency emergency line for foreign tourists received about 6,400 calls related to the outbreak from January 22 through March 31.
More and more foreigners have been expressing concern about the lack of information.
Tokyo-based nonprofit organization TELL Lifeline offers psychological counseling in English by phone.
The NPO used to get about 20 calls a day, but since February it has been getting at least 100, mostly about the virus.
One caller expressed concern about the overwhelming lack of information in English compared to Japanese.
Another asked about the effectiveness of wearing masks, citing contradictory views in Japan and abroad.
TELL Lifeline director Vickie Skorji said it would be helpful if some government resources were linked to organizations at the grassroots level and communities of foreigners.
She said that would help them get information and reduce their anxiety.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials say 314 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in the Japanese capital on Monday.
(NHK)
Governors across Japan have called on the government to let them know as soon as possible about any changes to its programs designed to promote travel and dining.
(NHK)
Health ministry data has shown the occupancy rate for hospital beds for seriously ill patients as of Wednesday last week rose in 17 of Japan’s 47 prefectures from a week before.
(Japan Times)
On this a three-day holiday weekend here in Japan, plenty of people have been venturing out and traveling, despite the risks of coronavirus infection.
(NHK)
The daily tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan has hit a record for the fourth day and a senior official says Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s government may reimpose limits on sports and other large events to curb the surge. (aljazeera.com)
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 hit off the coast of Japan's eastern prefecture of Ibaraki on Sunday night, but no tsunami warning was issued, according to the weather agency. (Kyodo)
Chinese state media lashed out against Japan and Australia last week over their “confrontational” new defense pact and said the two countries would “pay a corresponding price” if it threatens China’s security.
(TomoNews US)
In sumo, Ozeki champion Takakeisho has won the November grand tournament. It is his second victory and the first in the current rank.
(NHK)
Police in Tokyo said Sunday they have arrested a 20-year-old unemployed man on suspicion of killing a 24-year-old woman who was found stabbed to death in her Kyoto apartment last month.
(Japan Today)
Infectious disease experts have weighed in on Saturday's decision by the government to review its Go To Travel tourism promotion campaign, criticizing the move as too late and likely to have little effect in preventing the further spread of COVID-19.
(Japan Times)
Holding a large festival may not be a wise idea during the coronavirus pandemic. But organizers of one of Japan's traditional festivals are test-staging the event, with ample social distancing.
(NHK)
The Japanese economy has failed to improve its reduction of carbon emissions over the last quarter-century, Nikkei has learned.
(Nikkei)
The SoftBank Hawks built up a big early lead before easing their way to a second straight win in the Japan Series on Sunday, trouncing the Yomiuri Giants 13-2 with three home runs including a seventh-inning grand slam from Alfredo Despaigne. (Kyodo)
Yasutoshi Nishimura — the nation’s COVID-19 point man — paused momentarily at one point during a recent news conference, seemingly debating internally how best to broach discussion of virus clusters among foreign residents, a subject that could be a lightning rod for criticism and claims of xenophobia if handled poorly. (Japan Times)
Japanese Capsule Hotels are an experience everyone needs to have. (Only once). (Abroad in Japan)
Japan's health ministry says 705 working-age men in their 20's to 50's committed suicide in September.
(NHK)
Officials in Japan reported a record 2,586 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday.
(NHK)
Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has announced that he's partially halting government programs brought in to boost travel and dining out.
(NHK)
Previously... My name is Sutan. I'm 19-month-old baby living in Tokyo. My mom suddenly said to go buy a bike. I've never ridden a bike before, so I wasn't too happy about it. Anyway, watch the video to see what happens. (Kimono Mom)
A man being sought over the murder of a 64-year-old homeless woman in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward last week turned himself in at a koban (police box) on Saturday morning.
(Japan Today)