Tag - covid-19

 
 

COVID 19

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks at a government task force meeting on coronavirus response on Jan. 27.
JAPAN
Aug 20, 2023
Four-year outlays on COVID and inflation relief to hit ¥68.5 trillion
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces the urgent task of carrying out spending reforms as the world's third-largest economy recovers from the economic slump.
After enjoying robust demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, air cargo firms are now reeling from overcapacity.
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Aug 19, 2023
Air travel boom creates crosswinds for air cargo
Passenger jets grounded during the pandemic are flying again and transporting goods, upping the competition with dedicated air freighters.
Tourists walk along the road that leads to Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto on Friday.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 14, 2023
New coronavirus variant EG.5 gains momentum in Japan
The prevalence of EG.5, called Eris by health experts, nearly doubled in July to account for 22% of cases in Tokyo.
Sendai Station is one of the train stations to see the biggest gains in foot traffic compared to pre-pandemic levels.
JAPAN
Aug 12, 2023
30% of Japan prefectures see crowds surpass pre-COVID levels
Based on an analysis of major train stations, 13 locations, or 28%, recorded more people than during the same period in 2019.
Whether it is a hot summer or a cold winter, humans spend 90% of their time inside and there is little evidence that seasonal changes affect COVID-19 transmission significantly. 
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 10, 2023
COVID-19’s summer resurgence resists easy answers
Be wary of anyone with a pat explanation for why COVID-19 waves rise and fall.
Travellers walk through Beijing Daxing International Airport on April 24.
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 11, 2023
China reopened its doors, but tourists are staying away
A rebound in domestic tourism hasn't been mirrored by inbound tourists, with several barriers harming the country's appeal.
Visitors at the Todaiji temple in Nara in June
JAPAN / Society
Aug 10, 2023
China lifts pandemic-era ban on group tours to Japan
The decision marks the first time since January 2020 that groups of Chinese tourists will be allowed to visit Japan.
A health ministry panel has approved the messenger RNA vaccine Daichirona.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 1, 2023
Japan panel endorses first domestically developed COVID vaccine
The shot is based on the original strain of the coronavirus, making it unlikely that it will be used in Japan or elsewhere.
Former sumo wrestler Daisuke Yanagihara discusses his lawsuit against the Japan Sumo Association during a news conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan on Monday.
SUMO
Aug 1, 2023
Former wrestler sues sumo association for alleged mistreatment
The former fourth-division rikishi said he was told to fight or quit as coronavirus cases rose in Tokyo ahead of the 2021 New Year Basho.
An elderly couple at a shrine in Tokyo in 2020
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jul 28, 2023
Japan's average life expectancy continued to fall in 2022
The decline for both men and women were "largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic," a ministry official said.
In the international market, a larger number of airlines went bankrupt compared to domestic fliers due to the pandemic, with low-cost, long-haul carriers getting hit particularly hard.
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 28, 2023
Post-pandemic travel boom is running out of steam
Fare promotions and other signs of weakening domestic demand show business is leveling out for airlines after post-COVID-19 boom.
Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attend the opening ceremony of the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka on July 14.
JAPAN
Jul 25, 2023
Crown Princess Kiko tests positive for COVID-19
Her infection was confirmed in a test conducted after she developed a fever on Monday evening, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
The Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. Tourists are flocking to Kyoto and other popular spots in Japan, highlighting the country's severe shortage of hotel staff.
BUSINESS / Economy
Jul 25, 2023
As tourism booms, Japan struggles with labor shortages and weary locals
The return of tourists has given the country a boost, but it has also highlighted several issues, including a severe lack of hotel staff.
A platform is crowded with travelers at Tokyo Station on Aug. 11 last year. People plan to spend more this summer as COVID restrictions have been fully lifted.
JAPAN
Jul 21, 2023
Japanese consumers to spend more in summer break for second straight year
The survey results come as Japan enters its first summer holiday period since COVID-19's legal status was downgraded.
Tokyo's Asakusa area is crowded with tourists last week.
JAPAN
Jul 24, 2023
More Japan tourist hot spots imposing hotel taxes to fund promotions
Tokyo is considering increasing its tax for the first time since it became the first area in the country in 2002 to implement the system.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Jul 20, 2023
First genetic clue why some people do not get sick from COVID-19
Those who have two copies of a particular genetic variant are eight times more likely to never get any symptoms from COVID-19, according to a new study.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 19, 2023
Don’t write off China’s economic recovery
While China's post-pandemic economic recovery has so far lagged well behind expectations, a supportive policy package can go a long way toward changing that.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 19, 2023
Haneda Airport Terminal 2 reopens to international flights after hiatus
ANA, which seeks to increase the number of departures and arrivals in the near future, will use Terminal 2 alongside Terminal 3 for its international flights.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 18, 2023
Rise in new COVID-19 cases in Japan shows little sign of abating
Experts predict the trend will continue amid high heat, declining population-level immunity and the start of the holiday season.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Longform
Jul 17, 2023
After last train in Tokyo, a second city comes to life
Partying tourists, a busy fish market and and global businesses all play a part in a world most of us sleep through.

Longform

Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
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