Politics
Panel approves extension of coronavirus emergency
NHK - May 28
An advisory panel to the Japanese government has approved an extension of emergency coronavirus measures for Tokyo and eight other prefectures.
No longer top dog, Japan languishes at fifth place in foreign aid
Nikkei - May 27
Japan doled out more foreign aid than other countries in the 1990s but now ranks only fifth, partly on the ending of assistance to China.
Japanese government offices hacked
NHK - May 27
Hackers have accessed information-sharing software developed by Japan's Fujitsu, resulting in data leaks from Japanese government offices.
Gov't considers new cash handout for needy households
Japan Today - May 26
Japan's government is considering another cash handout program of up to 100,000 yen each for needy households to help ease the financial strain of the prolonged coronavirus pandemic, sources close to the matter said Tuesday.
Ex-town councillor found strangled in Kumamoto
tokyoreporter.com - May 25
KUMAMOTO (TR) – Kumamoto Prefectural Police have launched a murder investigation after a former town councillor was found dead in Kumamoto City, reports TBS News.
LDP OKs bill promoting greater awareness of LGBT in Japan
Kyodo - May 25
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party approved Monday a cross-party bill to promote greater awareness among the public of sexual minorities in Japan.
Japan administers 1st Moderna vaccine shots to SDF members
Japan Today - May 24
The Defense Ministry said Sunday it administered Moderna Inc.'s coronavirus vaccine among Self-Defense Forces members, the first confirmed use of the vaccine in Japan.
Japan may consider halting economic aid to Myanmar
NHK - May 22
Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu has indicated that his ministry may consider halting the country's current economic assistance to Myanmar, whose military has been oppressing protesters.
Japan adds Okinawa to state of emergency
NHK - May 22
Japan's Prime Minister has confirmed the southern prefecture of Okinawa will be added to the coronavirus state of emergency.
French president to attend Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony
Japan Today - May 22
French President Emmanuel Macron plans to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, France's sports minister said on Friday.
Japan health panel approves Moderna, AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines
Reuters - May 21
Japanese regulators recommended the approval of COVID-19 vaccines developed by Moderna Inc and AstraZeneca PLC on Thursday, paving the way for the country to speed up its slow-moving vaccination campaign.
Japan ready to freeze all Myanmar development aid: Motegi
Nikkei - May 21
TOKYO -- Japan will consider cutting off all official development assistance to Myanmar, even for ongoing projects, if the situation there does not improve, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told Nikkei.
Japanese who received Biden checks should return them, says IRS
Nikkei - May 20
U.S. President Joe Biden's COVID relief checks sent to ineligible Japanese by mistake are causing much confusion, with banks in Japan flooded with inquiries and the Internal Revenue Service asking for the return of the payments.
Japan to scrap 1% GDP cap on defense spending: Minister Kishi
Nikkei - May 20
TOKYO -- Japan plans to boost defense spending without worrying about sticking to its long-standing limit of 1% of gross domestic product, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi told Nikkei on Wednesday.
Suga: Tokyo Games can be held safely
NHK - May 19
Japan's prime minister says he believes that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics can be held in a safe manner by implementing thorough anti-virus measures.
Japan withdraws immigration bill after death of Sri Lankan sparks criticism
Reuters - May 19
Japan's government on Tuesday withdrew a bill that would have made it easier to deport failed applicants for refugee status, officials said, after the death in March of a Sri Lankan woman at an immigration detention centre sparked criticism.
