Japan

The turnaround came in the wake of a fifth wave of infections that peaked in August. Japan is trying to figure out why its COVID-19 case numbers and fatalities have plummeted.

The possible suspect is believed to be among the three people who survived the fire and were in severe condition, police said.

A fire that spread from a fourth-floor mental clinic in an eight-story building in what police were investigating as a possible case of arson and murder. Police were searching for a possible suspect.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida dissolved the lower house of parliament. The move paves the way for elections Oct. 31, which will be Japan's first of the pandemic.

Fumio Kishida, a former foreign minister, seemed to acknowledge popular wishes for a kinder, more responsive and socially progressive party.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced Tuesday that virus restrictions will be eased gradually.

The Mongolian-born wrestler, who has won a record 45 grand sumo tournament titles, announced his decision to retire to the Japan Sumo Association on Monday.

The Japanese Army systematically raped women in the Philippines. What's become of the aging survivors of this wartime atrocity in the midst of the pandemic?

Taro Kono is seen as a political maverick with liberal views on social policy. He is popular with the public, but his own party's power brokers may hesitate to make him the leader next week.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's exit raises the specter of a return to a "revolving door" succession of Japanese leaders.

The health ministry said contamination was reported from multiple vaccination sites. The news raises concern of a supply shortage as Japan tries to accelerate vaccinations amid a surge in cases.