Society

Japan eyes lifting state of emergency as planned

Sep 25 (NHK) - As the daily tally of new coronavirus infections continues to fall, the Japanese government appears ready to lift its state of emergency for at least some prefectures at the end of this month.

Health Minister Tamura Norihisa said, "If the downward trend continues, I expect that most of the affected areas will meet, or will be close to meeting, the criteria for lifting the declaration next Thursday."

Nearly 2,100 new cases were reported across the country on Friday. Tokyo reported 235 new infections.

The number has been under 1,000 for nine consecutive days. Tokyo and 18 other prefectures are currently under a state of emergency.

Experts for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government say it's still too early for people to let their guard down.

Disease Control and Prevention Center Director Ohmagari Norio said, "In preparation for the winter when infections are expected to spread, the number of new cases needs to be lowered further through anti-virus measures and vaccinations."

Experts have called for thorough infection prevention measures even as vaccinations progress.

They note although the shots greatly reduce the risk of severe illness, fully vaccinated people can still become infected and transmit the virus.

A final decision about the state of emergency is set for next week, after Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide returns from the United States.

Safety Warning After Elderly Man Chokes on Mochi

An elderly man in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward died on New Year’s Day after choking on mochi, prompting the Tokyo Fire Department to issue a safety warning.

Year-End Jumbo Lottery Drawn

A draw for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery, with a total prize of 1 billion yen for the first prize and related prizes combined, was held in Tokyo on December 31st.

Rodent Infestation A Growing Concern Across Japan

Reports of rodent infestation have surged nationwide in recent years, posing increasing challenges for homeowners. The issue, which is particularly evident during the year-end season, has left many families struggling to find effective solutions.

Foreign Residents in Japan Exceed 3.5 Million, Tokyo's Indian Community Thrives

This year, the number of foreign residents in Japan surpassed 3.5 million, marking a record high. In Tokyo’s "Little India," there may be clues on how to build a harmonious coexistence.

Flu Infections Reach Alarm Levels in Tokyo for the First Time in Six Years

Influenza infections in Tokyo have reached alarm levels for the first time in six years. As the virus spreads, restaurants and hotels are struggling with a surge in last-minute cancellations during their peak earning season.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Dangerous Driving at Shibuya Scramble Crossing Leads to Arrests

A 29-year-old man and a 15-year-old high school student were arrested for dangerous driving at the famous scramble crossing in Tokyo's Shibuya district.

End-Of-Year Shrine Visits: A New Tradition Before New Year’s

End-of-year shrine visits, known as "Nenmatumoude," are a growing tradition observed from mid-December until New Year’s Eve. This practice allows people to express gratitude for the past year and set intentions for the coming one. But what makes these visits particularly appealing?

Foreign Drivers Line Up For Japanese Licenses

Foreign tourists in Japan have exceeded 30 million this year, marking a record high. Among them, many are flocking to driver’s license centers across the country.

Tokyo Landfills Near Full Capacity

The year-end and New Year period often leads to an increase in garbage, but Tokyo’s landfill sites are nearing their capacity. Despite the massive amount of waste generated daily in Tokyo’s 23 wards, many residents remain unaware of its final destination.

The only child in Japan's 'puppet village'

Kuranosuke Kato is the only child in the Japanese village of Ichinono, a community that has become so depopulated that locals joke it is home to more puppets than people. Two-year-old Kato is the first child being raised in the village in two decades. (South China Morning Post)

Harsh Realities Faced by Japanese Women in the Unification Church

The shadowy practices of the former Unification Church, involving Japanese female members, have come under scrutiny in recent months. From forced adoptions to missionary assignments and massive financial contributions, these practices highlight the harsh realities faced by these women.

Foreign Residents in Japan Exceed 3.5 Million, Tokyo's Indian Community Thrives

This year, the number of foreign residents in Japan surpassed 3.5 million, marking a record high. In Tokyo’s "Little India," there may be clues on how to build a harmonious coexistence.

Aesthetic Surgeon Posts Donor Images on Social Media, Faces Ethical Backlash

An aesthetic surgeon’s social media post of images from an anatomy training involving human donors abroad has sparked controversy.

< 2 3 4 5 >