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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
'Please drink' treated Fukushima water, China asks Aso
China on Wednesday asked Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso to drink treated radioactive water accumulated at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, after he said it is safe to drink it. "A Japanese official said it is okay if we drink this water, so then please drink it,"… Read
Koike pledges utmost anti-virus steps to deliver 'wonderful' Tokyo Olympics
Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike on Wednesday pledged to suppress the spread of the coronavirus in the Japanese capital to ensure a safe Olympics as it quietly marked 100 days to go until the global sporting event. "I sincerely look forward to seeing all athletes from Japan and abroad, who have… Read
2 top LDP officials say Olympics cancelation, no fans still an option
Two officials in Japan's ruling LDP party on Thursday said changes could be coming to the Tokyo Olympics. One suggested they still could be canceled, and the other said even if they proceed, it might be without any fans. Toshihiro Nikai, the No. 2 and secretary general of the ruling… Read
'Time to end the forever war,' Biden says on pulling U.S. troops from Afghanistan
President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he will begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan on May 1 to end America's longest war, rejecting calls for U.S. forces to stay to ensure a peaceful resolution to that nation's grinding internal conflict. In a White House speech, Biden acknowledged that U.S. objectives… Read
Japanese hospital worker infected with coronavirus after 2 vaccine shots
A hospital worker in central Japan who has received two vaccine shots was confirmed Sunday as infected with the novel coronavirus, as the country reported 2,777 daily cases with Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture continuing to see a rebound in infections. Local authorities said the temporary staffer at a hospital in… Read
Japan's neighbors react strongly to Fukushima water release decision
China, South Korea and Taiwan on Tuesday expressed opposition to Japan's decision to release into the Pacific treated radioactive water that has accumulated at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in two years' time, with Beijing calling the move "extremely irresponsible." But Japanese government officials pointed out some other… Read
One dead, one wounded at Tennessee school shooting
A shooting at a Tennessee high school killed one person and wounded a police officer just before the bell rang Monday, coming as the community reels from off-campus gun violence that has left three students dead this year. No one else was hurt at Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville,… Read
Japan trails world in COVID vaccine rollout 2 months after its start
Japan's coronavirus inoculation campaign has been progressing slowly, with over 99 percent of the population yet to receive a shot about two months after its start, trailing many developed nations. Japan, which currently completely depends on imports for its coronavirus vaccine supply, began inoculating about 36 million seniors aged 65… Read
Large numbers of people out and about despite gov't antivirus pleas
Large numbers of people on Saturday flooded transport hubs in major population centers across Japan despite the government designating Tokyo, Kyoto and Okinawa prefectures as requiring more stringent coronavirus countermeasures just a day earlier. The government response puzzled some travelers while others questioned the need for authorities to ask people… Read
