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Ryusei Takahashi
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 9, 2021
Tokyo Olympics to bar fans under new COVID-19 emergency
Organizers made the unprecedented decision to close venues in the Tokyo area just two weeks ahead of the opening of the games.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 2, 2021
As Tokyo heads to the polls, it's shaping up to be a race for second place
While projections and public polls vary, the LDP is expected to win anywhere from 50 to 55 metropolitan assembly seats on Sunday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 2, 2021
Fifth virus wave looms over Tokyo with little time until Olympics
A perfect storm is brewing in Tokyo as the capital struggles to smother a burgeoning COVID-19 surge just weeks before the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 24, 2021
Tokyo already showing early signs of another COVID-19 spike
Scientists fear the delta variant could soon overtake all other strains and trigger a surge of cases, which could then spread to neighboring prefectures and across the country.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 23, 2021
A quarter of ticket holders to lose place at Tokyo Games
The number of ticket holders will be reduced by some 910,000 people to a total of 2.72 million, and the results of a lottery will be announced on July 6.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 22, 2021
One month out, Tokyo Olympics enter 'full delivery phase'
In the Olympics, 339 gold medals will be up for grabs across 33 sports, including five competitions making their Olympic debut or being reintroduced to the event.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 21, 2021
It’s official (for now): 10,000 fans to be allowed at Olympic events
If an emergency is declared in the capital or anywhere venues are located after July 12, organizers said restrictions will be brought in line with whatever measures are put in place.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 18, 2021
Japan's top COVID-19 adviser seeks Olympics without spectators
It would be 'desirable' to hold the games without fans in the stands to lower the risk to public health, Shigeru Omi and other experts recommended.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 17, 2021
Japan to lift state of emergency for nine prefectures
The move comes as coronavirus cases are declining nationwide and vaccinations are ramping up, though there are fears of a resurgence in infections leading into the Tokyo Olympics.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 16, 2021
Japan to cap big event audiences at 10,000 after COVID-19 emergency
The announcement — made less than five weeks before the opening ceremony of the Olympics — effectively determines how many local fans will be able to attend the games in person.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 10, 2021
Top Japanese health adviser warns of another state of emergency in August
As parts of Japan near the planned end of a third state of emergency, infectious disease experts warn that a fourth declaration in Tokyo might be right around the corner.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jun 10, 2021
How the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is being held during the pandemic: What we know
While organizers insist the sporting event can be held safely, some critics fear the games will trigger a superspreader event in the capital.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 8, 2021
Local fans lose out as events linked to Tokyo Olympics canceled or repurposed
With the country in the midst of its third state of emergency, promotional events for domestic fans have become a gamble some are no longer willing to take.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jun 4, 2021
In Japan, the light at the end of the pandemic's tunnel remains distant
The vaccine rollout may be accelerating, but the nation remains far away from a return to normalcy.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 3, 2021
As the vaccine rollout picks up speed, Japan turns to private sector for added boost
A slew of large companies in Japan have announced they will open COVID-19 vaccination sites on June 21 for their employees following a decree by the health ministry Wednesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 28, 2021
Suga extends Japan's COVID-19 state of emergency to June 20
Restrictions of varying intensity are now in effect in more than three quarters of the country's 47 prefectures.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
May 27, 2021
Why Japan's young are bearing the psychological brunt of the pandemic
Despite missing classes, struggling to see friends and lacking entertainment, the nation's youth are being scapegoated by some Japanese media over the spread of COVID-19.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 25, 2021
Two months before Olympics, U.S. advises against travel to Japan
“Necessary travel has not been prohibited,” Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tuesday as officials maintained the sporting event would not be affected.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 21, 2021
State of emergency expanded to Okinawa as calls grow for stronger steps
The state of emergency will be in place from Sunday through June 20 in the country's southernmost prefecture.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 17, 2021
Pressure grows for Japan to call nationwide state of emergency
Kamon Iizumi, president of the National Governors' Association, has said a national emergency “may be necessary considering the situation in a growing number of prefectures.”

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