Politics | Jan 28

Japan to count COVID cases using method for seasonal flu

TOKYO, Jan 28 (NHK) - Japanese health authorities say they will start counting coronavirus infections using the same method they do for cases of seasonal influenza.

About 5,000 medical institutions nationwide disclose their data on the flu once a week.

An expert panel of the health ministry is set to convene next month to discuss implementing the same approach for the coronavirus.

The panel will also discuss how to pick the institutions that will report the cases.

Current measures stipulate that all cases of COVID-19 must be reported.

Starting May 8, the government will reclassify COVID-19 as a disease on par with the flu. ...continue reading

MORE Politics NEWS

Revealing the Hidden World of Japan's Public Security Police

Akira Ikegami engages in a compelling conversation with Enkaku Katsumaru, a former member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Public Security Bureau, Foreign Affairs Division.

Tokyo Moves to Curb "KasuHara"

Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials say "customer harassment" of service staff and other workers is a growing problem across the capital. (NHK)

Kishida Government to Discontinue 15 Fund Projects, Redirecting 540 Billion Yen

In a significant move against what has been labeled as "breeding grounds for waste," the Japanese government has decided to terminate 15 state-funded projects, planning to return more than 540 billion yen to the national treasury.

POPULAR NEWS

Brave Seven-Year-Old Rescues Kidnapped Four-Year-Old Sister

In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, a seven-year-old girl in Kitakyushu successfully rescued her four-year-old sister who had been kidnapped. The incident, which unfolded on April 13th, began when the siblings were approached by a stranger while playing on the street.

Unpacking Japan's Lavish School Lunch

Japan's Cabinet Office's Government Public Relations Office recently stirred controversy with a social media post showcasing an overly lavish depiction of school lunches, leading to a public outcry over the authenticity of the meals presented.

Gotanda JP Building Opens Doors with Hoshino Resort on High Floors

Tokyo's Shinagawa district welcomes a new landmark with the grand opening of the Gotanda JP Building on Friday, April 26, featuring a dog-friendly hotel by Hoshino Resort, co-working spaces, and a vibrant culinary scene.

BBC Accused of Distorting Smile-Up President's Comments

Japanese company Smile-Up, the former talent agency known as Johnny & Associates, says it has sent a letter of protest to Britain's public broadcaster BBC over its program on sexual abuse by its late founder. (NHK)

Japan's Population Crisis: 744 Municipalities Could Disappear by 2050

A private organization has revealed that approximately 40% of the national municipalities, totaling 744, could potentially disappear by 2050 due to declining populations.

FOLLOW US