National
Tokyo reports 729 coronavirus cases; record-high 1,208 in Osaka
The Tokyo metropolitan government on Thursday reported 729 new cases of the coronavirus, up 138 from Wednesday and the highest number since Feb 4. Osaka Prefecture once again reported the most number of cases in Japan, with a record-high 1,209. In Tokyo, the number (387 men and 342 women) is… Read
Fukushima locals criticize government for tone-deaf tritium mascot
A mascot launched by the Japanese government to coincide with its decision to release treated water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean has become the target of criticism by local residents, with many saying it is out of sync with the harsh reality of the… Read
Japan has entered 4th wave of COVID-19 infections, says gov't panel chief
Osaka Prefecture on Wednesday reported a record 1,130 daily coronavirus cases, bringing the nationwide tally to the highest in over two months, as the country grapples with what medical experts describe as a "fourth wave" of the pandemic. Osaka saw another record of infections after topping the 1,000 mark for… Read
TEPCO banned from restarting nuclear plant over safety flaws
Japan's nuclear regulator on Wednesday effectively banned Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc TEPCO) from restarting its largest nuclear plant due to serious safety flaws, dealing a blow to the utility's efforts to turn its business around following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The Nuclear Regulation Authority formally issued the… Read
Kumamoto commemorates 5th anniversary of deadly quakes
The southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto on Wednesday commemorated the fifth anniversary of a pair of massive earthquakes that killed 276 people, with hundreds still living in makeshift homes despite progress in the rebuilding of infrastructure. "The memory of sadness on that day will never disappear. My family has got… Read
Tokyo reports 591 coronavirus cases; record-high 1,130 for Osaka
The Tokyo metropolitan government on Wednesday reported 591 new cases of the coronavirus, up 81 from Tuesday. Osaka reported the most cases in the nation, with a record-high 1,130. In Tokyo, the number (369 men and 222 women) is the result of 1,829 tests conducted on April 11. By age… Read
Fukushima plant water release to prolong seafood safety woes
The Japanese government stresses the release of accumulating water used to cool melted nuclear fuel at the crippled Fukushima power plant will be regulated in line with international standards, but concerns remain among consumers, fishermen and environmentalists over the impact on marine products. The concerns are in no small part… Read
Osaka reports record infections, as gov't eyes tougher measures for Aichi
Daily coronavirus infections continued to rise in Osaka Prefecture and topped 1,000 for the first time on Tuesday, while the Japanese government plans to add Aichi Prefecture to the list of areas requiring tougher restrictions to fight COVID-19, sources with knowledge of the matter said. The quasi-state of emergency, already… Read
Narita airport starts facial recognition trial for faster travel
Narita airport on Tuesday started trial use of facial recognition for international travelers, with no need to show passports or flight tickets after check-in. The trial of "Face Express," which is meant to speed up the boarding process and provide a touchless experience for passengers, only involved airport staff and… Read
Tokyo reports 510 coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 3,452
The Tokyo metropolitan government on Tuesday reported 510 new cases of the coronavirus, up 204 from Monday. The number (305 men and 205 women) is the result of 4,650 tests conducted on April 10. By age group, people in their 20s (156 cases) and their 40s (100) accounted for the highest… Read
