Japan

The Olympic rings float in the water at sunset in the Odaiba section in Tokyo earlier this month.

Tokyo Olympics Organizers Aim To 'Simplify' Games

4:58pm June 10, 2020

by Austin Horn

Japanese organizing officials said Wednesday that they want to "streamline" the games, which may include seeking to reduce the total number of participants. They haven't provided specific details.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe leaves a news conference Monday in Tokyo, after lifting the country's nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus.

World News

Japan's Shinzo Abe Lifts Coronavirus State Of Emergency As Critics Swarm

9:40am May 25, 2020

by Colin Dwyer

Even though Japan has not seen the same devastating numbers as some others, its prime minister is still grappling with dissatisfaction at home over what critics call a botched response.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, seen in parliament on Tuesday in Tokyo, said it would be "impossible" to hold the already delayed Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2021 if the disease is not brought under control.

No Tokyo Olympics Next Year Unless COVID-19 Can Be Contained, Japan's Abe Says

9:54am April 29, 2020

by Scott Neuman

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said it would be "impossible" to hold the already delayed Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2021 if the disease is not brought under control.

A man reads a sports newspaper on the street amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Tokyo on Tuesday. The move for dentists to administer tests is aimed at relieving the burden on doctors and boosting capacity.

Japan To Allow Dentists To Conduct Coronavirus Tests

10:22am April 28, 2020

by Scott Neuman

Japan currently conducts about 9,000 tests per day, and the move for dentists to administer them is aimed at relieving the burden on doctors and boosting capacity.

An illustration of an Amabie, a sea monster from 19th century Japanese folklore, that has become an Internet meme and pop culture mascot in the fight against COVID-19.

In Japan, Mythical 'Amabie' Emerges From 19th Century Folklore To Fight COVID-19

2:57pm April 22, 2020

The sea monster from folklore has emerged in art, food and fashion as a symbol of hope and pop culture mascot. Its first depiction was in 1846, telling people to draw it and "be free from disease."

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the state of emergency will last until May 6, adding that the goal is for residents to limit contact with others by up to 80%.

Japan Declares Nationwide State Of Emergency As Coronavirus Spreads

12:52pm April 16, 2020

by Brakkton Booker

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the declaration will last until May 6 and that the goal is for residents to limit contact with others by up to 80%. Every citizen will get stimulus funds of about $930.

The ancient Takizakura cherry tree, in Miharu, Japan, in March, just days before bursting into bloom. A pathway for tourists at the base of the tree will see less use this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

World News

'A Reminder That Nature Is Strong': In Japan, A 1,000-Year-Old Cherry Tree Blooms

10:18am April 14, 2020

by Kat Lonsdorf

For now, the coronavirus pandemic has stopped tourists from visiting the ancient tree in Fukushima prefecture. "No matter what," says the tree's caretaker, "the cherry blossoms are still there."

Passersby wearing protective masks walk on a snow-covered street in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, in late February during the first wave of the novel coronavirus. Now, officials have declared a new state of emergency as cases in Hokkaido spike.

Emergency Declared In Japanese Prefecture Hit By 2nd Wave Of Coronavirus Infections

9:07am April 13, 2020

by Scott Neuman

Hokkaido, which saw the country's highest incidence of coronavirus as the pandemic first swept through Asia, had been returning to normal until a sudden recent spike in cases.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a plenary session at the upper house of parliament in Tokyo on Friday. Abe says he will declare a state of emergency this week in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan's Shinzo Abe Will Declare State Of Emergency As Coronavirus Cases Surge

9:41am April 06, 2020

The prime minister confirmed Monday that he would issue the declaration that allows governors of hard-hit prefectures to issue stay-at-home directives.

A security guard and pedestrians stand at a closed cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo's Ueno Park on March 28. Japan has so far avoided the explosion of cases that China and South Korea have seen.

Japan 'On The Brink' But Government Resists Declaring Coronavirus State Of Emergency

1:32pm March 30, 2020

by Anthony Kuhn

Japan has so far avoided the explosion of cases that China and South Korea have seen. The Japan Medical Association has called for declaring an emergency that could lead to a three-week lockdown.