Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China.

Since last year, Japan has identified China as its main national security threat, pointing in a July policy paper to a "sense of crisis" over Beijing's threat to Taiwan, which lies close to Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea.

The ministry's budget proposal, released on Tuesday, seeks an increase of 2.6 percent in spending, to a record 5.48 trillion yen ($49.93 billion), for the year starting April 1.

Finance ministry officials will review, and could amend, the request before sending it to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet for approval.

However, Japan's defence spending increases are not enough to keep pace with China's expanding military budget, which increased 6.8% this year and is already about four times more than Japan's, and second only to the United States in size.

Instead, Tokyo's strategy is to build a force armed with the latest equipment to deter Beijing from military action to settle territorial or other disputes in the region.

Big-ticket spending requests include 130 billion yen for 12 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, four of which will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants operating off converted helicopter carriers.

The defence ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about $40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Japan's forces, which defend its islands alongside U.S. units, also want money for new compact warships and funds to buy and develop longer-range missiles to strike distant enemy targets, including land bases.

The ministry is also seeking funds for space-related forces, such as satellites and lasers to track targets beyond the atmosphere. It also wants 34.5 billion yen to strengthen defences against cyber attacks.

Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China.

Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China. Since last year, Japan has identified China as its main national security threat, pointing in a July policy paper to a "sense of crisis" over Beijing's threat to Taiwan, which lies close to Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea. The ministry's budget proposal, released on Tuesday, seeks an increase of 2.6 percent in spending, to a record 5.48 trillion yen ($49.93 billion), for the year starting April 1. Finance ministry officials will review, and could amend, the request before sending it to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet for approval. However, Japan's defence spending increases are not enough to keep pace with China's expanding military budget, which increased 6.8% this year and is already about four times more than Japan's, and second only to the United States in size. Instead, Tokyo's strategy is to build a force armed with the latest equipment to deter Beijing from military action to settle territorial or other disputes in the region. Big-ticket spending requests include 130 billion yen for 12 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, four of which will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants operating off converted helicopter carriers. The defence ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about $40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Japan's forces, which defend its islands alongside U.S. units, also want money for new compact warships and funds to buy and develop longer-range missiles to strike distant enemy targets, including land bases. The ministry is also seeking funds for space-related forces, such as satellites and lasers to track targets beyond the atmosphere. It also wants 34.5 billion yen to strengthen defences against cyber attacks.

Japan's defence ministry seeks fresh hike in military spending

Ten years ago, 19-year-old art student Monami Ohno picked up a cardboard box for a homework assignment and made what she described was a "bike-like thing". Her imaginative, almost life-like cardboard sculptures have gradually gained a following in recent years.

Japanese artist turns cardboard boxes into lifelike sculptures

Japan has closed a school in the eastern city of Chiba for the rest of this week, after confirming COVID-19 infections in two teachers who accompanied students to watch the Paralympic Games, a city official said on Monday.

The two were among six teachers of the Kaizuka Junior High School who had tested positive for the disease by Sunday, said the official of the city's education board, after a trip with 18 students in two buses to last Wednesday's goalball event.

The Paralympics are set to run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5, mostly without spectators, since much of Japan, including Chiba and the Games host city of Tokyo, are under a state of emergency, aiming to rein in the disease.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-eligible-to-compete-discus-thrower-vinod-kumar-loses-bronze-at-tokyo-paralympics-409452">'Not eligible to compete': Discus thrower Vinod Kumar loses bronze at Tokyo Paralympics</a>

But organisers have invited municipal authorities to have school children attend events, as long as they follow safety measures and receive caregivers' consent.

One of the school's teachers reported a fever two days before the trip, followed by several more reporting symptoms, with positive tests from Aug. 26 to Sunday, the official told Reuters.

The school, which had been due to start the fall term on Monday like others run by the city, will be closed at least through this week, the official added.

The city will run PCR tests on about 120 students who were in contact with the infected teachers over the summer holidays, as well as other teachers and staff at the school.

The city said it would continue with the Paralympics visits with appropriate safety measures.

Japan has closed a school in the eastern city of Chiba for the rest of this week, after confirming COVID-19 infections in two teachers who accompanied students to watch the Paralympic Games, a city official said on Monday.

Japan has closed a school in the eastern city of Chiba for the rest of this week, after confirming COVID-19 infections in two teachers who accompanied students to watch the Paralympic Games, a city official said on Monday. The two were among six teachers of the Kaizuka Junior High School who had tested positive for the disease by Sunday, said the official of the city's education board, after a trip with 18 students in two buses to last Wednesday's goalball event. The Paralympics are set to run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5, mostly without spectators, since much of Japan, including Chiba and the Games host city of Tokyo, are under a state of emergency, aiming to rein in the disease. ALSO READ | 'Not eligible to compete': Discus thrower Vinod Kumar loses bronze at Tokyo Paralympics But organisers have invited municipal authorities to have school children attend events, as long as they follow safety measures and receive caregivers' consent. One of the school's teachers reported a fever two days before the trip, followed by several more reporting symptoms, with positive tests from Aug. 26 to Sunday, the official told Reuters. The school, which had been due to start the fall term on Monday like others run by the city, will be closed at least through this week, the official added. The city will run PCR tests on about 120 students who were in contact with the infected teachers over the summer holidays, as well as other teachers and staff at the school. The city said it would continue with the Paralympics visits with appropriate safety measures.

Japan finds COVID-19 infections in teachers who took students to Paralympics

Contaminant found in a batch of Moderna vaccine was believed to be a metallic particle, reported Japan's public broadcaster NHK citing health ministry sources.

On Thursday, Japan suspended use of 1.63 million doses shipped to 863 vaccination centres nationawide.

However, production of Moderna (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccines at a plant in Spain can continue, the European Union drugs regulator said on Friday, while it carries out its investigation of a suspected metallic contamination incident.

The European Union drugs regulator said it was investigating the incident at the Spanish plant run by Rovi (ROVI.MC), but did not find reasons to seek a temporary suspension of production after an initial assessment.

"COVID-19 vaccine production in Rovi is able to continue, following a preliminary risk assessment," the European Medicines Agency told Reuters in a statement.

"An investigation into the root cause is ongoing. EMA will be able to provide more information as the investigation progresses," it added.

Moderna has so far delivered to the EU nearly 75 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, EU public data show. The company has two contracts with the 27-nation bloc for up to 460 million shots.

Spanish pharma company Rovi, which bottles Moderna vaccines for markets outside of the United States, said the contamination could be due to a manufacturing issue on a production line. A spokesperson said the company could not say anything more while it was investigating.

Moderna put the lot in question and two adjacent ones on hold.

(With inputs from agencies)

Contaminant found in a batch of Moderna vaccine was believed to be a metallic particle, reported Japan's public broadcaster NHK citing health ministry sources. On Thursday, Japan suspended use of 1.

Contaminant found in a batch of Moderna vaccine was believed to be a metallic particle, reported Japan's public broadcaster NHK citing health ministry sources. On Thursday, Japan suspended use of 1.63 million doses shipped to 863 vaccination centres nationawide. However, production of Moderna (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccines at a plant in Spain can continue, the European Union drugs regulator said on Friday, while it carries out its investigation of a suspected metallic contamination incident. The European Union drugs regulator said it was investigating the incident at the Spanish plant run by Rovi (ROVI.MC), but did not find reasons to seek a temporary suspension of production after an initial assessment. "COVID-19 vaccine production in Rovi is able to continue, following a preliminary risk assessment," the European Medicines Agency told Reuters in a statement. "An investigation into the root cause is ongoing. EMA will be able to provide more information as the investigation progresses," it added. Moderna has so far delivered to the EU nearly 75 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, EU public data show. The company has two contracts with the 27-nation bloc for up to 460 million shots. Spanish pharma company Rovi, which bottles Moderna vaccines for markets outside of the United States, said the contamination could be due to a manufacturing issue on a production line. A spokesperson said the company could not say anything more while it was investigating. Moderna put the lot in question and two adjacent ones on hold. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan: Moderna vaccine contaminant believed to be metallic particle

Japanese former foreign minister Fumio Kishida challenged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday for the&nbsp;leadership of the&nbsp;ruling&nbsp;party, as the premier struggles with crumbling approval rates ahead of a general election.

Suga repeated he would seek re-election in the&nbsp;Sept.&nbsp;29&nbsp;race for Liberal Democratic&nbsp;Party&nbsp;(LDP) president, while ex-internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi also threw her hat in the ring.

The winner is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the&nbsp;LDP's majority in parliament's lower house. The&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;chief must lead the&nbsp;party&nbsp;to a general election by Nov. 28, which the Sankei newspaper said will be held in October or later. [L1N2PX0E0]

"The people feel that their voices are not reaching the&nbsp;LDP," Kishida, 64, told a news conference.

"I am running ... to show that the&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;listens to the people and is a&nbsp;party&nbsp;that offers broad choices, and to protect our nation's democracy," said Kishida, adding he would aim for a more equitable, diverse society.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghanistan-minister-now-delivers-pizzas-in-germany-report-408316">Also read |&nbsp;Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report</a>

The challenges to Suga may not topple him as&nbsp;leader, said Hiroyuki Ueno, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management. "My sense is, most people in markets expect Suga to win unless he decides to quit by himself."

The&nbsp;LDP-led coalition is not expected to lose its majority in the powerful lower house, but forecasts suggest that Suga's&nbsp;party&nbsp;could lose the majority that it&nbsp;holds on its own, an outcome that would weaken whoever is leading the&nbsp;LDP.

Suga, 72, took office last&nbsp;September with support of about 70% but his ratings have sunk below 30% as Japan battles its worst wave of COVID-19 infections and many of his&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;lawmakers fear for their seats.

LDP&nbsp;Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, who was key to Suga's victory last year, said on Wednesday he still backs the prime minister. The&nbsp;party's smallest faction, led by former cabinet minister Nobuteru Ishihara, was also lining up behind Suga, Jiji news agency reported.

Other&nbsp;party&nbsp;bosses, including former premier Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso, have not commented publicly.

KISHIDA LOW-KEY, LOW-POPULARITY

Unlike last year, grass-roots&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;members will vote along with the&nbsp;party's members of parliament, which could make the outcome harder to predict. And novice MPs, fearful of losing their seats, may be wary of following their elders' orders.

Kishida, a soft-spoken lawmaker from Hiroshima, had been seen as the preferred heir to Abe, who stepped down last year as prime minister citing ill health.

But Kishida lost the ensuing&nbsp;party&nbsp;poll after factions coalesced around Suga, who had been Abe's right-hand man for eight years.

Kishida said he'd aim to reduce income gaps and support the economically vulnerable such as workers in insecure jobs and women, an apparent effort to differentiate his stance from Suga, who has stressed self-reliance before public support.

He called for an economic stimulus package as soon as possible, but did not specify its size.

The low-key Kishida has ranked low in surveys of voters' preferred next prime minister, well below other possible rivals such as Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono, who is leading&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;vaccination rollout, and former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba.

"Unless they chose someone like Ishiba who is more popular with the public, it will be hard to recover lost support," said Hiroyoshi Sunakawa, a professor at Tokyo's Rikkyo University.

Takaichi, a conservative Abe disciple seen as a long-shot to become&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;first female premier, told reporters she wanted to finish what Abe had left undone, including hitting a 2% inflation target that has eluded policy makers.

Suga had hoped to call the general election in&nbsp;September after hosting the Olympics, but a spike in COVID-19 cases upended that scenario.

Suga's pandemic response suffered another setback after Moderna Inc said it has withheld 1.63 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Japan after a report of contamination.

Japanese former foreign minister Fumio Kishida challenged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday for the leadership of the ruling party, as the premier struggles with crumbling approval rates ahead of a general election.

Japanese former foreign minister Fumio Kishida challenged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday for the leadership of the ruling party, as the premier struggles with crumbling approval rates ahead of a general election. Suga repeated he would seek re-election in the Sept. 29 race for Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president, while ex-internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi also threw her hat in the ring. The winner is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the LDP's majority in parliament's lower house. The LDP chief must lead the party to a general election by Nov. 28, which the Sankei newspaper said will be held in October or later. [L1N2PX0E0] "The people feel that their voices are not reaching the LDP," Kishida, 64, told a news conference. "I am running ... to show that the LDP listens to the people and is a party that offers broad choices, and to protect our nation's democracy," said Kishida, adding he would aim for a more equitable, diverse society. Also read | Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report The challenges to Suga may not topple him as leader, said Hiroyuki Ueno, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management. "My sense is, most people in markets expect Suga to win unless he decides to quit by himself." The LDP-led coalition is not expected to lose its majority in the powerful lower house, but forecasts suggest that Suga's party could lose the majority that it holds on its own, an outcome that would weaken whoever is leading the LDP. Suga, 72, took office last September with support of about 70% but his ratings have sunk below 30% as Japan battles its worst wave of COVID-19 infections and many of his LDP lawmakers fear for their seats. LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, who was key to Suga's victory last year, said on Wednesday he still backs the prime minister. The party's smallest faction, led by former cabinet minister Nobuteru Ishihara, was also lining up behind Suga, Jiji news agency reported. Other party bosses, including former premier Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso, have not commented publicly. KISHIDA LOW-KEY, LOW-POPULARITY Unlike last year, grass-roots LDP members will vote along with the party's members of parliament, which could make the outcome harder to predict. And novice MPs, fearful of losing their seats, may be wary of following their elders' orders. Kishida, a soft-spoken lawmaker from Hiroshima, had been seen as the preferred heir to Abe, who stepped down last year as prime minister citing ill health. But Kishida lost the ensuing party poll after factions coalesced around Suga, who had been Abe's right-hand man for eight years. Kishida said he'd aim to reduce income gaps and support the economically vulnerable such as workers in insecure jobs and women, an apparent effort to differentiate his stance from Suga, who has stressed self-reliance before public support. He called for an economic stimulus package as soon as possible, but did not specify its size. The low-key Kishida has ranked low in surveys of voters' preferred next prime minister, well below other possible rivals such as Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono, who is leading Japan's vaccination rollout, and former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba. "Unless they chose someone like Ishiba who is more popular with the public, it will be hard to recover lost support," said Hiroyoshi Sunakawa, a professor at Tokyo's Rikkyo University. Takaichi, a conservative Abe disciple seen as a long-shot to become Japan's first female premier, told reporters she wanted to finish what Abe had left undone, including hitting a 2% inflation target that has eluded policy makers. Suga had hoped to call the general election in September after hosting the Olympics, but a spike in COVID-19 cases upended that scenario. Suga's pandemic response suffered another setback after Moderna Inc said it has withheld 1.63 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Japan after a report of contamination.

Japan's Suga faces challengers in ruling party leadership race

Highlighting the increasingly heavy toll a recent wave of COVID-19 infections is taking on Japan's economy. The country's factory activity growth slowed in August, while that of the services sector shrank at the fastest pace since May last year.

World Business Watch: Japan's private-sector activity hit by COVID-19 surge

A close ally of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was defeated in a high-profile mayoral election in Yokohama, Suga's home turf. Opposition-backed scientist Takeharu Yamanaka comfortably beat Suga confidante Hachiro Okonogi.

Ally of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga defeated in mayoral election in Yokohama

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday called on Tokyo to release the Islamic republic's funds that have been frozen in Japan because of US sanctions over its nuclear programme.

"Delaying the release of Iran's assets in Japanese banks is unjustifiable," Raisi told visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the government website reported.

Japan and to a larger extent South Korea are both major exporters of technology, and hold billions of dollars in Iranian assets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-record-covid-deaths-as-country-lifts-all-restrictions-407649">Iran reports record Covid deaths as country lifts all restrictions</a>

These funds have been frozen since the former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Tehran in 2018.

Washington said in mid-July that it was allowing Iran to use the frozen funds to settle debts in South Korea and Japan, but insisted that it did not allow any to be transferred to Tehran itself.

Talks between Iran and world powers aimed at reviving the 2015 accord have stalled since late June. The United States has been involved indirectly in the talks.

Motegi arrived in Tehran early Sunday after visiting Turkey and Iraq during a regional tour, and he will also go to Qatar.

At a press briefing after meeting Raisi, Motegi told Japanese reporters that during his visits he had discussed the situation in Afghanistan following the capture of Kabul by the Taliban.

He said he agreed with Iran, Turkey and Iraq on the need to cooperate to avoid Afghanistan becoming a "further destabilising factor".

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday called on Tokyo to release the Islamic republic's funds that have been frozen in Japan because of US sanctions over its nuclear programme.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday called on Tokyo to release the Islamic republic's funds that have been frozen in Japan because of US sanctions over its nuclear programme. "Delaying the release of Iran's assets in Japanese banks is unjustifiable," Raisi told visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the government website reported. Japan and to a larger extent South Korea are both major exporters of technology, and hold billions of dollars in Iranian assets. Also read | Iran reports record Covid deaths as country lifts all restrictions These funds have been frozen since the former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Tehran in 2018. Washington said in mid-July that it was allowing Iran to use the frozen funds to settle debts in South Korea and Japan, but insisted that it did not allow any to be transferred to Tehran itself. Talks between Iran and world powers aimed at reviving the 2015 accord have stalled since late June. The United States has been involved indirectly in the talks. Motegi arrived in Tehran early Sunday after visiting Turkey and Iraq during a regional tour, and he will also go to Qatar. At a press briefing after meeting Raisi, Motegi told Japanese reporters that during his visits he had discussed the situation in Afghanistan following the capture of Kabul by the Taliban. He said he agreed with Iran, Turkey and Iraq on the need to cooperate to avoid Afghanistan becoming a "further destabilising factor".

Iran's Raisi calls on Japan to release frozen funds

US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is nominating Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel as top envoy to Japan. &nbsp;

For months, the two top diplomatic positions have been in the process of finalisation but were made official only in an announcement by the White House in the midst of the biggest foreign policy crisis of the administration till now. &nbsp;

Career diplomat Burns has served presidents of both the parties. If he gets confirmed, the diplomat would assume one of the most critical ambassador posts in the administration. The rise of China is highly likely to be at the centre of several important policy discussions. &nbsp;

Burns, who is a former member of the foreign service, has previously served as State Department spokesman, Ambassador to NATO and to Greece, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and on the National Security Council staff on Soviet and Russian Affairs.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Emanuel, who is a former Chicago mayor, a senior adviser for President Bill Clinton, chief of staff to President Barack Obama and a member of Congress representing Illinois, has drawn the ire of progressive Democrats. He was also considered for a number of jobs within the Biden administration. &nbsp;

When Emanuel faces confirmation hearing, his track record in politics may get overshadowed by a series of controversies during his tenure as Chicago mayor. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is nominating Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel as top envoy to Japan. For months, the two top diplomatic positions have been in the process of finalisation but were made official only in an announcement by the White House in the midst of the biggest foreign policy crisis of the administration till now.

US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is nominating Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel as top envoy to Japan. For months, the two top diplomatic positions have been in the process of finalisation but were made official only in an announcement by the White House in the midst of the biggest foreign policy crisis of the administration till now. Career diplomat Burns has served presidents of both the parties. If he gets confirmed, the diplomat would assume one of the most critical ambassador posts in the administration. The rise of China is highly likely to be at the centre of several important policy discussions. Burns, who is a former member of the foreign service, has previously served as State Department spokesman, Ambassador to NATO and to Greece, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and on the National Security Council staff on Soviet and Russian Affairs. Meanwhile, Emanuel, who is a former Chicago mayor, a senior adviser for President Bill Clinton, chief of staff to President Barack Obama and a member of Congress representing Illinois, has drawn the ire of progressive Democrats. He was also considered for a number of jobs within the Biden administration. When Emanuel faces confirmation hearing, his track record in politics may get overshadowed by a series of controversies during his tenure as Chicago mayor. (With inputs from agencies)

US President announces picks for ambassador to China, Japan positions

Japan’s core consumer prices narrowed their annual pace of falls for three straight months in July, a sign global commodities inflation was offsetting some of the deflationary pressure from a pandemic-induced spending slump.

Japan’s core consumer prices narrow their annual pace of falls for three straight months

Global semiconductor shortage is giving way to a different kind of rivalry. Japan is worried that America's plan to put billions into chip manufacturing to stop China could wipe out what was left off at the Japanese semiconductor industry that once dominated the world.

Japan worried of America's plan to put billions into chip manufacturing

Japan has a new island. A volcanic eruption has given the 6,000 islands&nbsp;Japan archipelago&nbsp;this new island.

It is located 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, about 50km south of Minami Ioto, one of the southernmost islands of the Ogasawara group.

Approximately one kilometre in diameter, the new island is crescent-shaped. However, if history suggests that, the island's presence, however, could prove fleeting.

In terms of durability, ash and other fragments will not be able to withstand a constant battering from waves, but lava flows produced by volcanic activity might form a harder shell later on.

In the same area, there have been similar islands formed in 1904, 1914, and 1986, all of which have disappeared.

Weeks of volcanic explosions in 2013 merged Nishinoshima with another island, creating a landmass that, for a short period, looked like Snoopy the cartoon dog.

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8月16日(月)、<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%B5%B7%E4%B8%8A%E4%BF%9D%E5%AE%89%E5%BA%81?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#海上保安庁</a> は、<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E7%A6%8F%E5%BE%B3%E5%B2%A1%E3%83%8E%E5%A0%B4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#福徳岡ノ場</a> の火山活動の観測を実施しました。新島は、形状が一部変化し、浮遊物は約100㎞先まで達していました。 
詳細は <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%B5%B7%E6%B4%8B%E6%83%85%E5%A0%B1%E9%83%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#海洋情報部</a> ホームページをご覧ください。 
 
▼広報資料▼<a href="https://t.co/pEFTN78Yuw">https://t.co/pEFTN78Yuw</a> 
 
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— 海上保安庁 (@JCG_koho) <a href="https://twitter.com/JCG_koho/status/1427543101921398789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, Japan's meteorological agency has warned that the latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue and that smoke and large chunks of ash could result from it.

It also said the coastguard had found deposits of pumice (volcanic rock) floating on the sea across a wide area after discovering the island from the air following the eruption on Sunday.

New islands in Japan's southwestern reaches may have geopolitical implications if their location allows the country to expand its territory, even just a few hundred metres.

In any case, even if the newest mass of land survives and is incorporated into Japan's territory, its location near Minami Ioto makes changes to the country's territorial waters or exclusive economic zone unlikely, the Mainichi reported.

Japan has a new island. A volcanic eruption has given the 6,000 islands Japan archipelago this new island. It is located 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, about 50km south of Minami Ioto, one of the southernmost islands of the Ogasawara group.

Japan has a new island. A volcanic eruption has given the 6,000 islands Japan archipelago this new island. It is located 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, about 50km south of Minami Ioto, one of the southernmost islands of the Ogasawara group. Approximately one kilometre in diameter, the new island is crescent-shaped. However, if history suggests that, the island's presence, however, could prove fleeting. In terms of durability, ash and other fragments will not be able to withstand a constant battering from waves, but lava flows produced by volcanic activity might form a harder shell later on. In the same area, there have been similar islands formed in 1904, 1914, and 1986, all of which have disappeared. Weeks of volcanic explosions in 2013 merged Nishinoshima with another island, creating a landmass that, for a short period, looked like Snoopy the cartoon dog. 8月16日(月)、#海上保安庁 は、#福徳岡ノ場 の火山活動の観測を実施しました。新島は、形状が一部変化し、浮遊物は約100㎞先まで達していました。 詳細は #海洋情報部 ホームページをご覧ください。 ▼広報資料▼https://t.co/pEFTN78Yuw ▼動画(海域火山データベース)▼https://t.co/OKOoDc1Xf8 pic.twitter.com/czQasamg3U — 海上保安庁 (@JCG_koho) August 17, 2021 × According to the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, Japan's meteorological agency has warned that the latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue and that smoke and large chunks of ash could result from it. It also said the coastguard had found deposits of pumice (volcanic rock) floating on the sea across a wide area after discovering the island from the air following the eruption on Sunday. New islands in Japan's southwestern reaches may have geopolitical implications if their location allows the country to expand its territory, even just a few hundred metres. In any case, even if the newest mass of land survives and is incorporated into Japan's territory, its location near Minami Ioto makes changes to the country's territorial waters or exclusive economic zone unlikely, the Mainichi reported.

Undersea volcanic activity gives Japan a new island

Who says volcanic eruption brings only destruction, an undersea activity of same sorts has created a new landmass in Japan. All thanks to the eruption, the 6,000-plus islands, which make up the Japanese archipelago, have got a new addition around 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo, said scientists. &nbsp;

After observing the eruption in the air, the island was discovered by the Japan’s Coast Guard on Sunday, a report in the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said.&nbsp;

The island has come up naturally in the Pacific Ocean. It is about 50km south of Minami Ioto, which is the southernmost island of the Ogasawara group.&nbsp;

The new island is crescent-shaped and has a diameter of about 1km, said the coast guard. Taking history as a precedent, its appearance may be ephemeral.&nbsp;

Some islands had formed in 1904, 1914 and 1986 in a similar way in the area but all disappeared due to erosion.&nbsp;

It depends on the material it is formed from. Ash and other fragments are highly unlikely to bear the constant battering of waves, but continued volcanic activity has the power to produce lava flows that eventually form a more durable hard shell.&nbsp;

The latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue, said Japan’s meteorological agency. It has also issued warnings about smoke and large ash deposits in the nearby waters.&nbsp;

Who says volcanic eruption brings only destruction, an undersea activity of same sorts has created a new landmass in Japan. All thanks to the eruption, the 6,000-plus islands, which make up the Japanese archipelago, have got a new addition around 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo, said scientists.

Who says volcanic eruption brings only destruction, an undersea activity of same sorts has created a new landmass in Japan. All thanks to the eruption, the 6,000-plus islands, which make up the Japanese archipelago, have got a new addition around 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo, said scientists. After observing the eruption in the air, the island was discovered by the Japan’s Coast Guard on Sunday, a report in the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said. The island has come up naturally in the Pacific Ocean. It is about 50km south of Minami Ioto, which is the southernmost island of the Ogasawara group. The new island is crescent-shaped and has a diameter of about 1km, said the coast guard. Taking history as a precedent, its appearance may be ephemeral. Some islands had formed in 1904, 1914 and 1986 in a similar way in the area but all disappeared due to erosion. It depends on the material it is formed from. Ash and other fragments are highly unlikely to bear the constant battering of waves, but continued volcanic activity has the power to produce lava flows that eventually form a more durable hard shell. The latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue, said Japan’s meteorological agency. It has also issued warnings about smoke and large ash deposits in the nearby waters.

Volcanic eruption under sea creates new crescent-shaped island in Japan 

Japan's economy rebounded more than expected in the second quarter after slumping in the first three months of 2021. Q2 GDP grew faster than expected.

Japan's economy rebounds in second quarter after slumping in first 3 months

The&nbsp;Japanese government is set to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;its&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;soft&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;measures in Tokyo and other regions to&nbsp;September&nbsp;12&nbsp;and expand the curbs to seven more prefectures, public broadcaster&nbsp;NHK&nbsp;reported on Monday.

The current&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;is due to expire on August 31, but a continuing surge in coronavirus cases has spurred calls to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;it. Tokyo announced 2,962 new daily cases on Monday, after a record 5,773 on Friday.

The government will expand the&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;curbs to the prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka, the public broadcaster said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-kabul-descended-in-chaos-india-was-ready-for-unsc-meet-on-afghanistan-on-sunday-405889">Also read |&nbsp;As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday</a>

It will also expand less strict "quasi-emergency" measures to four additional prefectures,&nbsp;Miyagi, Yamanashi, Toyama and Gifu - to cover more regions of the country, Jiji news agency reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters earlier on Monday that the government will seek the view of experts on&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;and less strict "quasi-emergency" curbs for all regions on Tuesday, without giving more details.

Though the&nbsp;Japanese government has instituted repeated&nbsp;states of&nbsp;emergency, their effectiveness has been limited due to laws mandating that the government can only request cooperation.

Pandemic fatigue and summer vacations have also been blamed for contributing to the latest&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;surge in a nation where only around 36% of people have been fully vaccinated.

The Japanese government is set to extend its state of emergency soft lockdown measures in Tokyo and other regions to September 12 and expand the curbs to seven more prefectures, public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday.

The Japanese government is set to extend its state of emergency soft lockdown measures in Tokyo and other regions to September 12 and expand the curbs to seven more prefectures, public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday. The current state of emergency is due to expire on August 31, but a continuing surge in coronavirus cases has spurred calls to extend it. Tokyo announced 2,962 new daily cases on Monday, after a record 5,773 on Friday. The government will expand the state of emergency curbs to the prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka, the public broadcaster said. Also read | As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday It will also expand less strict "quasi-emergency" measures to four additional prefectures, Miyagi, Yamanashi, Toyama and Gifu - to cover more regions of the country, Jiji news agency reported. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters earlier on Monday that the government will seek the view of experts on emergency and less strict "quasi-emergency" curbs for all regions on Tuesday, without giving more details. Though the Japanese government has instituted repeated states of emergency, their effectiveness has been limited due to laws mandating that the government can only request cooperation. Pandemic fatigue and summer vacations have also been blamed for contributing to the latest COVID-19 surge in a nation where only around 36% of people have been fully vaccinated.

Japan to extend COVID-19 state of emergency lockdown to September 12 - NHK

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three&nbsp;Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism.

While Suga himself did not visit the shrine, according to a report by the Sankei newspaper, he reportedly sent a ritual offering through his secretary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-lash-wide-areas-of-japan-three-feared-dead-after-landslide-405605">Also read |&nbsp;Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide</a>

In commemoration of the end of World War Two, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Japan would never again wage war.&nbsp;

"Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a country that values peace," Suga said in a speech at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo. "We must never again repeat the devastation of war. We will continue to remain committed to this conviction."

The visit of Suga's minister came after two other cabinet members, including Japan's defence minister, visited the&nbsp;Yasukuni&nbsp;Shrine&nbsp;on Friday, sparking outrage in China and South Korea.&nbsp;Earlier today, China's Association of Performing Arts also boycotted Chinese actor Zhang Zhehanthe for visiting the shrine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-boycotts-actor-after-photos-of-visit-to-japans-yasukuni-shrine-405647">China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine</a>

Even after almost&nbsp;eight decades since the end of the war, the conflict continues to cause friction between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and North and South Korea, with the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo at&nbsp;the focal point of the conflict.

Japan's Yasukuni Shrine honours&nbsp;2.5 million&nbsp;war dead, including 14 Second World War leaders convicted as "Class A" war criminals, which has made it a flashpoint for tension.&nbsp;

While the Koreans remain bitter over Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the Chinese remain resentful of Japan's invasion and brutal occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945.

Conservatives say leaders should be able to commemorate the war dead, similar to the many Japanese who pay respect to relatives at the shrine

Despite this, China and both Koreas have expressed opposition due to the inclusion of war criminals among those honoured at Yasukuni.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while reacting angrily to Sunday's visit, said:&nbsp;"The actions of some Japanese politicians on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine are a blasphemy of historical justice and serious injury to the feelings of the people from victimised countries in Asia, including China.".

(With inputs from agencies)

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism.

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism. While Suga himself did not visit the shrine, according to a report by the Sankei newspaper, he reportedly sent a ritual offering through his secretary. Also read | Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide In commemoration of the end of World War Two, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Japan would never again wage war. "Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a country that values peace," Suga said in a speech at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo. "We must never again repeat the devastation of war. We will continue to remain committed to this conviction." The visit of Suga's minister came after two other cabinet members, including Japan's defence minister, visited the Yasukuni Shrine on Friday, sparking outrage in China and South Korea. Earlier today, China's Association of Performing Arts also boycotted Chinese actor Zhang Zhehanthe for visiting the shrine. Also read | China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine Even after almost eight decades since the end of the war, the conflict continues to cause friction between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and North and South Korea, with the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo at the focal point of the conflict. Japan's Yasukuni Shrine honours 2.5 million war dead, including 14 Second World War leaders convicted as "Class A" war criminals, which has made it a flashpoint for tension. While the Koreans remain bitter over Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the Chinese remain resentful of Japan's invasion and brutal occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945. Conservatives say leaders should be able to commemorate the war dead, similar to the many Japanese who pay respect to relatives at the shrine Despite this, China and both Koreas have expressed opposition due to the inclusion of war criminals among those honoured at Yasukuni. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while reacting angrily to Sunday's visit, said: "The actions of some Japanese politicians on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine are a blasphemy of historical justice and serious injury to the feelings of the people from victimised countries in Asia, including China.". (With inputs from agencies)

As ministers visit controversial shrine, Japanese PM Suga vows not to wage another war

Japan braces for further downpours as rescuers sort through landslide and flood damage following record rainfall that killed at least six people,&nbsp;

In the Southwest, residents are returning to check on their mud-covered homes after dozens of rivers overflowed, forcing nearly two million to seek refuge.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/it-was-so-so-scary-rain-sparks-floods-landslides-in-japan-405571">'It was so, so scary': Rain sparks floods, landslides in Japan</a>

Recent rainfall levels have been termed "unprecedented" by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Scientists warn that in Japan and elsewhere, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a> increases the chance of heavy rains owing to a warmer atmosphere that holds more water.

The town of Ureshino, located in Saga prefecture, experienced about one metre (three feet) of rain during just four days. In the entire year 2020, the same town had 3.3 meters of rain, and in the year 2019, it had 2.3 metres.

There were fewer showers on Sunday in the hardest-hit region, with weather alerts downgraded&nbsp;from the top level, but more rain was predicted to fall late Sunday night.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-lash-wide-areas-of-japan-three-feared-dead-after-landslide-405605">Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide</a>

"It is still possible that extreme, severe rain will continue in many areas across the nation," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at an emergency cabinet meeting.

"Because it has been raining so much, ground soil in many areas is becoming looser, and large-scale disasters could happen at any time," he said, advising residents to exercise caution and stay in shelters.

Landslide warnings have been issued in 372 municipalities across Japan after 44 were detected, a quarter of them in Nagasaki,&nbsp;the land ministry said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/millions-urged-to-seek-shelter-as-floods-and-landslides-hit-japan-405681/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last month, heavy rains triggered a devastating wave of landslides in the central resort town of Atami, killing 23 people. Four more are unaccounted for.

There were more than 200 fatalities from floods and landslides in western Japan during the annual rainy season of 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan braces for further downpours as rescuers sort through landslide and flood damage following record rainfall that killed at least six people, In the Southwest, residents are returning to check on their mud-covered homes after dozens of rivers overflowed, forcing nearly two million to seek refuge.

Japan braces for further downpours as rescuers sort through landslide and flood damage following record rainfall that killed at least six people, In the Southwest, residents are returning to check on their mud-covered homes after dozens of rivers overflowed, forcing nearly two million to seek refuge. Also read | 'It was so, so scary': Rain sparks floods, landslides in Japan Recent rainfall levels have been termed "unprecedented" by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Scientists warn that in Japan and elsewhere, climate change increases the chance of heavy rains owing to a warmer atmosphere that holds more water. The town of Ureshino, located in Saga prefecture, experienced about one metre (three feet) of rain during just four days. In the entire year 2020, the same town had 3.3 meters of rain, and in the year 2019, it had 2.3 metres. There were fewer showers on Sunday in the hardest-hit region, with weather alerts downgraded from the top level, but more rain was predicted to fall late Sunday night. Also read | Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide "It is still possible that extreme, severe rain will continue in many areas across the nation," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at an emergency cabinet meeting. "Because it has been raining so much, ground soil in many areas is becoming looser, and large-scale disasters could happen at any time," he said, advising residents to exercise caution and stay in shelters. Landslide warnings have been issued in 372 municipalities across Japan after 44 were detected, a quarter of them in Nagasaki, the land ministry said. Last month, heavy rains triggered a devastating wave of landslides in the central resort town of Atami, killing 23 people. Four more are unaccounted for. There were more than 200 fatalities from floods and landslides in western Japan during the annual rainy season of 2018. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan floods: Scientists warn climate change may cause erratic rain patterns worldwide

More than a million people have been urged to seek shelter as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides in western Japan. According to reports, at least three people have died in the incident.

Millions urged to seek shelter as floods and landslides hit Japan

China's Association of Performing Arts on Sunday called for a boycott of a Chinese&nbsp;actor&nbsp;after&nbsp;photos&nbsp;of him at&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;controversial&nbsp;Yasukuni&nbsp;Shrine&nbsp;taken in 2018 and 2019 circulated online and sparked outrage among Chinese netizens and media.

The&nbsp;Yasukuni&nbsp;Shrine&nbsp;is seen by&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;neighbouring countries as a symbol of that country's past militarism, and remains a flashpoint for tension with&nbsp;China.

The&nbsp;shrine&nbsp;honours&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;war dead, including 14 World War Two leaders convicted by an Allied tribunal as war criminals.&nbsp;China, which was occupied by the Japanese from 1937 to 1945, takes offence at&nbsp;visits to the&nbsp;shrine.

"The misbehaviour of&nbsp;actor&nbsp;Zhang Zhehan severely harms national feeling and brings baneful influence to his young age-group audience. Hence, we demand members not to engage him in any employment," said the association in a statement on Sunday.

Zhang, 30, apologised on Chinese social media on Friday saying he is "ashamed of his ignorance". Still, state-backed People's Daily commented that Zhang should "pay a heavy price" for the "challenge of national dignity".

More than 25 companies in&nbsp;China, including U.S. beverage maker Coca-Cola Co and Danish jeweller Pandora A/S, have announced the termination of partnerships with Zhang.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-lash-wide-areas-of-japan-three-feared-dead-after-landslide-405605">Also read |&nbsp;Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide</a>

Separately,&nbsp;China&nbsp;protested on Friday a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to the&nbsp;shrine&nbsp;by Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters&nbsp;China&nbsp;was "greatly dissatisfied and firmly opposed" to the&nbsp;visit.

The&nbsp;visit&nbsp;showed "the wrong attitude with how Japan treated its history of invasion and its malicious intention in challenging the post-war international order," Wu said.

China&nbsp;has lodged stern representation to Japan on this matter, Wu said.

China's Association of Performing Arts on Sunday called for a boycott of a Chinese actor after photos of him at Japan's controversial Yasukuni Shrine taken in 2018 and 2019 circulated online and sparked outrage among Chinese netizens and media.

China's Association of Performing Arts on Sunday called for a boycott of a Chinese actor after photos of him at Japan's controversial Yasukuni Shrine taken in 2018 and 2019 circulated online and sparked outrage among Chinese netizens and media. The Yasukuni Shrine is seen by Japan's neighbouring countries as a symbol of that country's past militarism, and remains a flashpoint for tension with China. The shrine honours Japan's war dead, including 14 World War Two leaders convicted by an Allied tribunal as war criminals. China, which was occupied by the Japanese from 1937 to 1945, takes offence at visits to the shrine. "The misbehaviour of actor Zhang Zhehan severely harms national feeling and brings baneful influence to his young age-group audience. Hence, we demand members not to engage him in any employment," said the association in a statement on Sunday. Zhang, 30, apologised on Chinese social media on Friday saying he is "ashamed of his ignorance". Still, state-backed People's Daily commented that Zhang should "pay a heavy price" for the "challenge of national dignity". More than 25 companies in China, including U.S. beverage maker Coca-Cola Co and Danish jeweller Pandora A/S, have announced the termination of partnerships with Zhang. Also read | Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide Separately, China protested on Friday a visit to the shrine by Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters China was "greatly dissatisfied and firmly opposed" to the visit. The visit showed "the wrong attitude with how Japan treated its history of invasion and its malicious intention in challenging the post-war international order," Wu said. China has lodged stern representation to Japan on this matter, Wu said.

China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine

Torrential&nbsp;rain&nbsp;lashed much of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;on Sunday, flooding roads and buildings in the western part of the country, while&nbsp;three&nbsp;people were&nbsp;feared&nbsp;dead&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;landslide&nbsp;in central Nagano prefecture.

Large parts of&nbsp;Japan, particularly the southernmost main island of Kyushu, have seen record levels of rainfall, causing rivers to overflow and triggering&nbsp;landslides.

While the rain had stopped in much of Kyushu as of Sunday morning, Tokyo and other parts of the country were pounded by the downpour.

Japan&nbsp;"will continue to face conditions in which a large-scale disaster could occur at anytime, anywhere," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at a ministerial meeting on Sunday. He called on local municipalities and relevant organisations to cooperate and act with speed on rescue missions and aid.

"We must be on high alert even in areas where the rain has tapered off," Suga added.

In Takeo, a city in Saga prefecture in Kyushu, entire roads were submerged as rescue workers in wetsuits dragged inflatable boats and surveyed the damage. Local residents carried broomsticks and buckets and waded knee-deep in water.

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"I've experienced&nbsp;three&nbsp;floods like this so far, but this is the worst," said Toshimi Kusumoto, a 68-year-old doctor whose clinic was flooded.

Kusumoto waited out the rain with his family on the second floor of his house, he said, located just behind the clinic.

The water reached his house, too, meaning most of the appliances on the ground floor would have to be replaced. His garage was bent out of shape, presumably from the pressure of the water.

His son Daigo said their family was prepared for the flooding but was concerned over the frequency at which&nbsp;torrential&nbsp;downpours were pummelling the area, and was considering re-building his house to raise the ground level.

He had re-built the house only four years ago and it had seen two floods already.

"It's a bit much if it happens this frequently," Daigo said, as he hosed down the mud in front of the house.

In 2019, Takeo city was hit by a record downpour that killed&nbsp;three&nbsp;people. The government at the time estimated that such a deluge would only happen once every few decades.

"But what can you do?" said Toshimi, with a slight shrug.

Takayuki Haraguchi, 68, who works as a caretaker at a local sports centre, had come to survey the damage briefly when it was raining on Saturday.

"It looked no different from the sea," he said as he recalled what he saw on Saturday morning.

Hitomi Fuchino, 41, evacuated on a boat to a local middle school in Takeo city on Saturday morning&nbsp;after&nbsp;her house and second-hand clothes shop were immersed in water.

Her children lounged on a makeshift cardboard bed at the evacuation centre, while a pair of shorts were hung to dry in front of a fan.

Fuchino was not sure when she would return to her house given that more rain was being forecast.

"We can't really move at this point," she said wearily.

Elsewhere in Saga, 113 patients at a local hospital and 69 nursing home residents at the same site were evacuated to higher floors&nbsp;after&nbsp;flooding, public broadcaster NHK said. On Saturday, rescue workers in the prefecture had airlifted four residents using a helicopter in areas where the flooding was intense.

After&nbsp;a&nbsp;landslide&nbsp;hit a house in Okaya city in central Nagano,&nbsp;three&nbsp;people including a boy aged under 10 were found without vital signs while two others were injured, NHK said.

Separate to the Okaya case, NHK reported that as of midday on Sunday&nbsp;three&nbsp;people were confirmed&nbsp;dead&nbsp;nationwide due to the&nbsp;rains&nbsp;and four others were missing.

Torrential rain lashed much of Japan on Sunday, flooding roads and buildings in the western part of the country, while three people were feared dead after a landslide in central Nagano prefecture.

Torrential rain lashed much of Japan on Sunday, flooding roads and buildings in the western part of the country, while three people were feared dead after a landslide in central Nagano prefecture. Large parts of Japan, particularly the southernmost main island of Kyushu, have seen record levels of rainfall, causing rivers to overflow and triggering landslides. While the rain had stopped in much of Kyushu as of Sunday morning, Tokyo and other parts of the country were pounded by the downpour. Japan "will continue to face conditions in which a large-scale disaster could occur at anytime, anywhere," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at a ministerial meeting on Sunday. He called on local municipalities and relevant organisations to cooperate and act with speed on rescue missions and aid. "We must be on high alert even in areas where the rain has tapered off," Suga added. In Takeo, a city in Saga prefecture in Kyushu, entire roads were submerged as rescue workers in wetsuits dragged inflatable boats and surveyed the damage. Local residents carried broomsticks and buckets and waded knee-deep in water. Also read | Russia's water bomber plane crashes in Turkey; 8 declared dead "I've experienced three floods like this so far, but this is the worst," said Toshimi Kusumoto, a 68-year-old doctor whose clinic was flooded. Kusumoto waited out the rain with his family on the second floor of his house, he said, located just behind the clinic. The water reached his house, too, meaning most of the appliances on the ground floor would have to be replaced. His garage was bent out of shape, presumably from the pressure of the water. His son Daigo said their family was prepared for the flooding but was concerned over the frequency at which torrential downpours were pummelling the area, and was considering re-building his house to raise the ground level. He had re-built the house only four years ago and it had seen two floods already. "It's a bit much if it happens this frequently," Daigo said, as he hosed down the mud in front of the house. In 2019, Takeo city was hit by a record downpour that killed three people. The government at the time estimated that such a deluge would only happen once every few decades. "But what can you do?" said Toshimi, with a slight shrug. Takayuki Haraguchi, 68, who works as a caretaker at a local sports centre, had come to survey the damage briefly when it was raining on Saturday. "It looked no different from the sea," he said as he recalled what he saw on Saturday morning. Hitomi Fuchino, 41, evacuated on a boat to a local middle school in Takeo city on Saturday morning after her house and second-hand clothes shop were immersed in water. Her children lounged on a makeshift cardboard bed at the evacuation centre, while a pair of shorts were hung to dry in front of a fan. Fuchino was not sure when she would return to her house given that more rain was being forecast. "We can't really move at this point," she said wearily. Elsewhere in Saga, 113 patients at a local hospital and 69 nursing home residents at the same site were evacuated to higher floors after flooding, public broadcaster NHK said. On Saturday, rescue workers in the prefecture had airlifted four residents using a helicopter in areas where the flooding was intense. After a landslide hit a house in Okaya city in central Nagano, three people including a boy aged under 10 were found without vital signs while two others were injured, NHK said. Separate to the Okaya case, NHK reported that as of midday on Sunday three people were confirmed dead nationwide due to the rains and four others were missing.

Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger.<o:p></o:p>

In the western region of Japan, landslides and floods led to the death of at least one local and three people who have been reported missing.<o:p></o:p>

Seven regions have issued the highest level of evacuation orders as the level of rains are expected to increase in the near future. The order has mainly been issued for residents of the Kyushu island.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-urges-travel-curbs-as-covid-19-cases-surge-before-paralympics-405197">Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics</a>

<o:p></o:p>

While rescue operations have already begun, a 59-year-old woman has been declared dead and two of her family members are reported missing after a landslide razed two houses in the Unzen and Nagasaki.<o:p></o:p>

"More than 150 troops, police and firefighters were dispatched to the site for rescue operations,"&nbsp;Takumi Kumasaki&nbsp;told news agency AFP. "They are carefully searching for the missing residents while watching out for further mudslides as the heavy rain continues."

<o:p></o:p>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-39-910-tonne-ship-splits-in-two-and-spills-oil-off-japans-coast-405004">Watch: 39, 910-tonne ship splits in two and spills oil off Japan's coast</a>

The reason behind 14 rivers bursting their banks and 14 landslides is climate change, scientists have claimed. Experts believe climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rainfalls in the area as a warmer temperature holds more water.<o:p></o:p>

"It's highly likely that some kind of disaster has already occurred,"&nbsp;Yushi Adachi, a meteorological agency official told local reporters. "The maximum alert is needed even in areas where risks of landslides and flooding are usually not so high."<o:p></o:p>

Local news reports have shown rescue officials going in boats to evacuate and save the locals from the affected areas.<o:p></o:p>

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger.

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger. In the western region of Japan, landslides and floods led to the death of at least one local and three people who have been reported missing. Seven regions have issued the highest level of evacuation orders as the level of rains are expected to increase in the near future. The order has mainly been issued for residents of the Kyushu island. Also read | Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics While rescue operations have already begun, a 59-year-old woman has been declared dead and two of her family members are reported missing after a landslide razed two houses in the Unzen and Nagasaki. "More than 150 troops, police and firefighters were dispatched to the site for rescue operations," Takumi Kumasaki told news agency AFP. "They are carefully searching for the missing residents while watching out for further mudslides as the heavy rain continues." Also read | Watch: 39, 910-tonne ship splits in two and spills oil off Japan's coast The reason behind 14 rivers bursting their banks and 14 landslides is climate change, scientists have claimed. Experts believe climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rainfalls in the area as a warmer temperature holds more water. "It's highly likely that some kind of disaster has already occurred," Yushi Adachi, a meteorological agency official told local reporters. "The maximum alert is needed even in areas where risks of landslides and flooding are usually not so high." Local news reports have shown rescue officials going in boats to evacuate and save the locals from the affected areas.

Several areas in Japan issue evacuation alert after floods and landslides

Japan will grant asylum to a footballer from Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home, reports said Friday.

Substitute goalkeeper&nbsp;Pyae&nbsp;Lyan&nbsp;Aung&nbsp;raised the three-finger salute as the national anthem played before a World Cup qualifier against Japan in May.

He then said he had decided to seek asylum in Japan because his life would be "in danger" if he returned to Myanmar.

The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, with over 900 killed and more than 7,000 arrested in a bloody crackdown, according to a local monitoring group.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/out-of-touch-north-koreas-state-tv-airs-tokyo-olympics-match-days-after-closing-ceremony-405095">Out of touch: North Korea's state TV airs Tokyo Olympics match days after closing ceremony</a>

The three-finger salute has frequently been used as a show of resistance by protesters during demonstrations.

Multiple major Japanese media outlets, citing anonymous sources, said the government had decided to grant the player refugee status.

The footballer's lawyer told AFP he was not aware of the outcome of the asylum claim, adding that his client was due to report to Osaka immigration office on August 20.

Public broadcaster NHK said Japan's immigration agency planned to certify the player's refugee status next week. The agency was not immediately reachable for comment.

Japan accepts just dozens of asylum applications each year.

But in May, the justice ministry said Myanmar residents already in the country would be able to extend their stays as an emergency measure.

Also in May, two officials at Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo were dismissed as the junta sacked diplomatic staff around the world who had opposed the coup.

The embassy told Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair would no longer be valid -- but no action has been taken to revoke their visas, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

Japan will grant asylum to a footballer from Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home, reports said Friday.

Japan will grant asylum to a footballer from Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home, reports said Friday. Substitute goalkeeper Pyae Lyan Aung raised the three-finger salute as the national anthem played before a World Cup qualifier against Japan in May. He then said he had decided to seek asylum in Japan because his life would be "in danger" if he returned to Myanmar. The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, with over 900 killed and more than 7,000 arrested in a bloody crackdown, according to a local monitoring group. ALSO READ | Out of touch: North Korea's state TV airs Tokyo Olympics match days after closing ceremony The three-finger salute has frequently been used as a show of resistance by protesters during demonstrations. Multiple major Japanese media outlets, citing anonymous sources, said the government had decided to grant the player refugee status. The footballer's lawyer told AFP he was not aware of the outcome of the asylum claim, adding that his client was due to report to Osaka immigration office on August 20. Public broadcaster NHK said Japan's immigration agency planned to certify the player's refugee status next week. The agency was not immediately reachable for comment. Japan accepts just dozens of asylum applications each year. But in May, the justice ministry said Myanmar residents already in the country would be able to extend their stays as an emergency measure. Also in May, two officials at Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo were dismissed as the junta sacked diplomatic staff around the world who had opposed the coup. The embassy told Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair would no longer be valid -- but no action has been taken to revoke their visas, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

Myanmar goalkeeper to be granted asylum in Japan: Reports

Japan&nbsp;will grant&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;to a footballer from&nbsp;Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home,&nbsp;reports&nbsp;said Friday.

Substitute&nbsp;goalkeeper&nbsp;Pyae Lyan Aung raised the three-finger salute as the national anthem played before a World Cup qualifier against&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;in May.

He then said he had decided to seek&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;because his life would be "in danger" if he returned to&nbsp;Myanmar.

The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, with over 900 killed and more than 7,000 arrested in a bloody crackdown, according to a local monitoring group.

The three-finger salute has frequently been used as a show of resistance by protesters during demonstrations.

Multiple major Japanese media outlets, citing anonymous sources, said the government had decided to grant the player refugee status.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-protesters-clash-with-pak-forces-after-man-dies-waiting-to-enter-spin-boldak-405191">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan protesters clash with Pak forces after man dies waiting to enter Spin Boldak</a>

The footballer's lawyer told AFP he was not aware of the outcome of the&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;claim, adding that his client was due to&nbsp;report&nbsp;to Osaka immigration office on August 20.

Public broadcaster NHK said&nbsp;Japan's immigration agency planned to certify the player's refugee status next week. The agency was not immediately reachable for comment.

Japan&nbsp;accepts just dozens of&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;applications each year.

But in May, the justice ministry said&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;residents already in the country would be able to extend their stays as an emergency measure.

Also in May, two officials at&nbsp;Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo were dismissed as the junta sacked diplomatic staff around the world who had opposed the coup.

The embassy told&nbsp;Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair would no longer be valid -- but no action has been taken to revoke their visas, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

Japan will grant asylum to a footballer from Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home, reports said Friday. Substitute goalkeeper Pyae Lyan Aung raised the three-finger salute as the national anthem played before a World Cup qualifier against Japan in May. He then said he had decided to seek asylum in Japan because his life would be "in danger" if he returned to Myanmar. The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, with over 900 killed and more than 7,000 arrested in a bloody crackdown, according to a local monitoring group. The three-finger salute has frequently been used as a show of resistance by protesters during demonstrations. Multiple major Japanese media outlets, citing anonymous sources, said the government had decided to grant the player refugee status. Also read | Afghan protesters clash with Pak forces after man dies waiting to enter Spin Boldak The footballer's lawyer told AFP he was not aware of the outcome of the asylum claim, adding that his client was due to report to Osaka immigration office on August 20. Public broadcaster NHK said Japan's immigration agency planned to certify the player's refugee status next week. The agency was not immediately reachable for comment. Japan accepts just dozens of asylum applications each year. But in May, the justice ministry said Myanmar residents already in the country would be able to extend their stays as an emergency measure. Also in May, two officials at Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo were dismissed as the junta sacked diplomatic staff around the world who had opposed the coup. The embassy told Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair would no longer be valid -- but no action has been taken to revoke their visas, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;on Friday urged people to refrain from&nbsp;travelling as&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;spiked to new records in Tokyo and nationwide, heaping pressure on the medical system.

His comments follow health expert recommendations to strengthen states of emergency now in place in the capital and other hot spots.

Days after the end of the Tokyo Olympics, Paralympic organisers decided to hold the event mostly without spectators to limit infection risks, local media reported.

Suga&nbsp;said the government will strive to restrain the flow of people in commercial areas, and he urged residents to avoid&nbsp;travelling during&nbsp;Japan's traditional Obon holidays.

"I would like to ask citizens to avoid going back to their home towns or&nbsp;travelling, and to refrain from going out unnecessarily,"&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;told reporters.

Japan&nbsp;is experiencing a fifth wave of&nbsp;COVID-19, driven by the highly infectious delta variant. A woman related to the Olympics was identified as&nbsp;Japan's first case of the lambda variant of the virus, first identified in Peru, Kyodo reported on Friday, citing government sources.

Planners of the Paralympic Games, due to start on Aug. 24, agreed on Thursday to limit spectators, following in the footsteps of their Olympics counterparts, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, citing Games sources. The organiser's office told Reuters that no decision on spectators has been made.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-9000-anti-asian-incidents-reported-in-us-since-start-of-covid-19-pandemic-405162">Also read |&nbsp;Over 9,000 anti-Asian incidents reported in US since start of COVID-19 pandemic</a>

The Tokyo government reported a record 5,773 new coronavirus infections on Friday, as well as an all-time high 227 patients with serious symptoms. New daily&nbsp;cases&nbsp;nationwide exceeded 20,000 for the first time, public broadcaster NHK said.

Tokyo is already under a state of emergency, the fourth so far in the pandemic, though some experts have said it should be expanded to cover the whole country.

Paralympic venues in Shizuoka, central&nbsp;Japan, will limit spectators to under 5,000 people, the Yomiuri said. Organisers are still considering inviting school children to events, it said. Officials previously said they planned to make a decision after the Olympics, which ended on August 8.

The Paralympic competitions include swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and basketball, with over 4,000 athletes with various impairments such as paraplegia.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday urged people to refrain from travelling as COVID-19 cases spiked to new records in Tokyo and nationwide, heaping pressure on the medical system.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday urged people to refrain from travelling as COVID-19 cases spiked to new records in Tokyo and nationwide, heaping pressure on the medical system. His comments follow health expert recommendations to strengthen states of emergency now in place in the capital and other hot spots. Days after the end of the Tokyo Olympics, Paralympic organisers decided to hold the event mostly without spectators to limit infection risks, local media reported. Suga said the government will strive to restrain the flow of people in commercial areas, and he urged residents to avoid travelling during Japan's traditional Obon holidays. "I would like to ask citizens to avoid going back to their home towns or travelling, and to refrain from going out unnecessarily," Suga told reporters. Japan is experiencing a fifth wave of COVID-19, driven by the highly infectious delta variant. A woman related to the Olympics was identified as Japan's first case of the lambda variant of the virus, first identified in Peru, Kyodo reported on Friday, citing government sources. Planners of the Paralympic Games, due to start on Aug. 24, agreed on Thursday to limit spectators, following in the footsteps of their Olympics counterparts, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, citing Games sources. The organiser's office told Reuters that no decision on spectators has been made. Also read | Over 9,000 anti-Asian incidents reported in US since start of COVID-19 pandemic The Tokyo government reported a record 5,773 new coronavirus infections on Friday, as well as an all-time high 227 patients with serious symptoms. New daily cases nationwide exceeded 20,000 for the first time, public broadcaster NHK said. Tokyo is already under a state of emergency, the fourth so far in the pandemic, though some experts have said it should be expanded to cover the whole country. Paralympic venues in Shizuoka, central Japan, will limit spectators to under 5,000 people, the Yomiuri said. Organisers are still considering inviting school children to events, it said. Officials previously said they planned to make a decision after the Olympics, which ended on August 8. The Paralympic competitions include swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and basketball, with over 4,000 athletes with various impairments such as paraplegia.

Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics

Tokyo awoke to a huge bill and soaring coronavirus cases on Monday after pulling off a mid-pandemic Olympics that at times looked impossible and had a mixed reception to the end.

Olympic officials have been predictably bullish, saying the Games offered hope and uplifting moments, and went off without any major coronavirus outbreaks.

"These Olympic Games have been a powerful demonstration of the unifying power of sport," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at his closing press conference.

But it will take longer for&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;to reckon with a Games that were highly controversial and unfolded as virus cases exploded in Tokyo and elsewhere.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>&nbsp;

The Asahi Shimbun daily, which had called for cancellation despite being a sponsor of the Games, said the nearly $15 billion event was a "gamble" with people's lives.

"This gamble went ahead, making the situation worse," it said on Monday.

A poll conducted by the paper over the last two days of the Games found 56 percent of Japanese supported holding the event, with 32 percent opposed. Just 32 percent said they felt the Games were "safe and secure", with 54 percent unconvinced.

Tokyo's 2020 Olympics were unlike any other, starting with last year's historic postponement that upturned years of planning for athletes.

Restrictions at the Games themselves meant masks for all, cheering for none, and fans banned from almost all venues for the first time.

'High praise'

Despite everything, as the Games opened there were signs that&nbsp;Japan's public might be having a change of heart.

Thousands flocked to the Olympic Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony fireworks and a chance to take their photo in front of the Olympic rings.

When the sport got under way, people defied requests to stay away from events held on public roads, and snapped up Olympic merchandise in stores across&nbsp;Japan.

"If you see these athletes running in front of you, you can't help but cheer for them," Hirochika Tadeda told AFP along the route of the triathlon, which passed in front of his home.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sustainable-development-report-ranks-australia-last-on-climate-action-395157">Sustainable development report ranks Australia last on climate action</a>

Tributes to the athletes were a key theme of editorials in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;on Monday, with the Yomiuri Shimbun offering "high praise for competitions into which they poured all their efforts."

There had been concerns about what the pandemic and the postponement would mean for sport at the Games.

But despite some high-profile disappointments, performances remained impressive, with world records broken and the successful introduction of several new sports including skateboarding and surfing.

The coronavirus cast a long shadow over the Games from the start, and several athletes' Olympic dreams were shattered by the results of a PCR test.

Most though were just happy the Games went ahead at all.

"Mid-pandemic they successfully held an amazing Olympics. Always greeting us with a smile and so much kindness. Thank you," wrote Australian footballer Alanna Kennedy on Twitter.

'Brightened the world'

"The Games have been held in the most challenging circumstances imaginable and the organisers have excelled," added Hugh Robertson, chairman of the British Olympic Association.

The Olympics were also a triumph for Japanese sport, with a record 27 gold medals in everything from baseball to skateboarding.

Japanese Olympic officials said they felt the gold rush drove public support for the Games, pointing to the families who brought children to venues to cheer outside or hung flags in their windows.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-bhavani-devis-efforts-to-neeraj-chopras-gold-historic-firsts-and-some-shining-moments-of-india-at-tokyo-olympics-404251">Historic firsts and some shining moments of India at Tokyo Olympics</a>

But behind the cheering, there is a looming sense of crisis over the sharp rise in virus cases during the Games.

Tokyo and many other parts of the country are under virus state of emergency, and only around a third of the country is fully vaccinated as the Delta variant fuels surging infections.

The issue could weigh on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's political future, as he faces a leadership race and then a general election by October.

For some though, the sporting highlights swept away concerns about the pandemic.

"It's true that I was a little worried," 21-year-old university student Reita Goto told AFP.

"But in the end the Olympics has brightened up not only&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;but also the world."

Tokyo awoke to a huge bill and soaring coronavirus cases on Monday after pulling off a mid-pandemic Olympics that at times looked impossible and had a mixed reception to the end.

Tokyo awoke to a huge bill and soaring coronavirus cases on Monday after pulling off a mid-pandemic Olympics that at times looked impossible and had a mixed reception to the end. Olympic officials have been predictably bullish, saying the Games offered hope and uplifting moments, and went off without any major coronavirus outbreaks. "These Olympic Games have been a powerful demonstration of the unifying power of sport," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at his closing press conference. But it will take longer for Japan to reckon with a Games that were highly controversial and unfolded as virus cases exploded in Tokyo and elsewhere. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list The Asahi Shimbun daily, which had called for cancellation despite being a sponsor of the Games, said the nearly $15 billion event was a "gamble" with people's lives. "This gamble went ahead, making the situation worse," it said on Monday. A poll conducted by the paper over the last two days of the Games found 56 percent of Japanese supported holding the event, with 32 percent opposed. Just 32 percent said they felt the Games were "safe and secure", with 54 percent unconvinced. Tokyo's 2020 Olympics were unlike any other, starting with last year's historic postponement that upturned years of planning for athletes. Restrictions at the Games themselves meant masks for all, cheering for none, and fans banned from almost all venues for the first time. 'High praise' Despite everything, as the Games opened there were signs that Japan's public might be having a change of heart. Thousands flocked to the Olympic Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony fireworks and a chance to take their photo in front of the Olympic rings. When the sport got under way, people defied requests to stay away from events held on public roads, and snapped up Olympic merchandise in stores across Japan. "If you see these athletes running in front of you, you can't help but cheer for them," Hirochika Tadeda told AFP along the route of the triathlon, which passed in front of his home. ALSO READ | Sustainable development report ranks Australia last on climate action Tributes to the athletes were a key theme of editorials in Japan on Monday, with the Yomiuri Shimbun offering "high praise for competitions into which they poured all their efforts." There had been concerns about what the pandemic and the postponement would mean for sport at the Games. But despite some high-profile disappointments, performances remained impressive, with world records broken and the successful introduction of several new sports including skateboarding and surfing. The coronavirus cast a long shadow over the Games from the start, and several athletes' Olympic dreams were shattered by the results of a PCR test. Most though were just happy the Games went ahead at all. "Mid-pandemic they successfully held an amazing Olympics. Always greeting us with a smile and so much kindness. Thank you," wrote Australian footballer Alanna Kennedy on Twitter. 'Brightened the world' "The Games have been held in the most challenging circumstances imaginable and the organisers have excelled," added Hugh Robertson, chairman of the British Olympic Association. The Olympics were also a triumph for Japanese sport, with a record 27 gold medals in everything from baseball to skateboarding. Japanese Olympic officials said they felt the gold rush drove public support for the Games, pointing to the families who brought children to venues to cheer outside or hung flags in their windows. IN PICS | Historic firsts and some shining moments of India at Tokyo Olympics But behind the cheering, there is a looming sense of crisis over the sharp rise in virus cases during the Games. Tokyo and many other parts of the country are under virus state of emergency, and only around a third of the country is fully vaccinated as the Delta variant fuels surging infections. The issue could weigh on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's political future, as he faces a leadership race and then a general election by October. For some though, the sporting highlights swept away concerns about the pandemic. "It's true that I was a little worried," 21-year-old university student Reita Goto told AFP. "But in the end the Olympics has brightened up not only Japan but also the world."

Tokyo counts cost of $15 billion pandemic Olympics 'gamble'

On the fateful day of&nbsp;August&nbsp;9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War.&nbsp;

Today's anniversary

76 years ago today, the Japanese city of Nagasaki was destroyed by an atomic bomb, and today, its mayor called on the global community to build on the new nuclear ban treaty.

With the rebuilding of Nagasaki post World War II, the city has become a spiritual centre for movements for the ban of nuclear weapons.

The ceremony is the first since an international treaty banning nuclear weapons went into effect last year.

"World leaders must commit to nuclear arms reductions and build trust through dialogue, and civil society must push them in this direction,"&nbsp;Nagasaki&nbsp;mayor Tomihisa Taue said.

<img alt="Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55145c04-63df-4aa5-9d08-155d3ab2fdd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163231.004.jpg" />

Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing.&nbsp;(Source:AFP)

"As the only country that has suffered atomic bombings during the war, it is our unchanging mission to steadily advance the efforts of the&nbsp;international community, step by step, towards realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons," Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So, what exactly happened that day?

Just three days earlier the city of Hiroshima had faced destruction, an atomic bomb code-named "Little boy" had brought devastation to the picturesque city resulting in the death of thousands.&nbsp;

On June 9th 1945, the city of Nagasaki faced the same fate, situated&nbsp;some 185 miles southwest of Hiroshima, at 11:02 am,&nbsp;another American bomber dropped its payload over Nagasaki. Between 60,000 and 80,000 people died in the bombing. Codenamed 'Fat Man'; it obliterated more than 30 per cent of Nagasaki.&nbsp;

<img alt="This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a &quot;Mitsubishi&quot; steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ebc9bed-014e-41b1-b656-d5a9f85741f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163648.829.jpg" />

This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a "Mitsubishi" steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force.&nbsp;(Source:AFP)

Why did the US resort to atomic bombs?&nbsp;

Japan's surrender was America's immediate objective, followed by ending World War II and avoiding further casualties for the Allies.&nbsp;

It is also believed that the superpower wanted to demonstrate its new technology's incredibly destructive capabilities to the world, and in particular to the Soviet Union.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why was Nagasaki targeted?

During the early 20th century, Nagasaki developed into a major shipbuilding city, which led the United States to target the city as a target for the atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II.

How many people actually died in this "massacre"?&nbsp;

<img alt="This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb4d708-d7c9-4f87-86e4-7152c85de918" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163637.586.jpg" />

This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945. (Source:AFP)

Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to calculate exact figures, as many records were destroyed by the bomb, and the destruction of the area prevented accurate counts of casualties. Nonetheless, they estimate some 40,000 people died within seconds of the attack, with many more dying from radiation exposure, burns, or injuries within months.

(With inputs from agencies)

On the fateful day of August 9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War.

On the fateful day of August 9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War. Today's anniversary 76 years ago today, the Japanese city of Nagasaki was destroyed by an atomic bomb, and today, its mayor called on the global community to build on the new nuclear ban treaty. With the rebuilding of Nagasaki post World War II, the city has become a spiritual centre for movements for the ban of nuclear weapons. The ceremony is the first since an international treaty banning nuclear weapons went into effect last year. "World leaders must commit to nuclear arms reductions and build trust through dialogue, and civil society must push them in this direction," Nagasaki mayor Tomihisa Taue said. Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing. (Source:AFP) "As the only country that has suffered atomic bombings during the war, it is our unchanging mission to steadily advance the efforts of the international community, step by step, towards realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons," Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the ceremony. So, what exactly happened that day? Just three days earlier the city of Hiroshima had faced destruction, an atomic bomb code-named "Little boy" had brought devastation to the picturesque city resulting in the death of thousands. On June 9th 1945, the city of Nagasaki faced the same fate, situated some 185 miles southwest of Hiroshima, at 11:02 am, another American bomber dropped its payload over Nagasaki. Between 60,000 and 80,000 people died in the bombing. Codenamed 'Fat Man'; it obliterated more than 30 per cent of Nagasaki. This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a "Mitsubishi" steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force. (Source:AFP) Why did the US resort to atomic bombs? Japan's surrender was America's immediate objective, followed by ending World War II and avoiding further casualties for the Allies. It is also believed that the superpower wanted to demonstrate its new technology's incredibly destructive capabilities to the world, and in particular to the Soviet Union. Why was Nagasaki targeted? During the early 20th century, Nagasaki developed into a major shipbuilding city, which led the United States to target the city as a target for the atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II. How many people actually died in this "massacre"? This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945. (Source:AFP) Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to calculate exact figures, as many records were destroyed by the bomb, and the destruction of the area prevented accurate counts of casualties. Nonetheless, they estimate some 40,000 people died within seconds of the attack, with many more dying from radiation exposure, burns, or injuries within months. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: Nagasaki bombing, the history, and significance of "Fat Man"

According to Russia's TASS news agency, Russia plans to build 51 more pieces of military infrastructure on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-fumes-as-russia-talks-of-free-trade-zone-on-kuril-islands-400782">Kuril islands</a>.

Russia has reportedly erected more than 30 buildings on the islands even as it is locked in a territorial dispute with Japan.

Last month Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had visited the Kuril islands and had declared that the country wanted to open free trade zone(FRZ) leading to protests in Japan.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-prez-putin-warns-to-knock-out-teeth-of-adversaries-386586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mishustin was on a tour to Russia’s Far East and Siberia with the Kuril Islands being his first stop.

The islands were seized by Soviet troops at the end of World War II. The two countries haven't signed a peace treaty since then calling an end to hostilities.

The Russian prime minister during his visit had proposed exempting the islands from customs duty and reducing taxes for businesses as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/are-japan-and-russia-ready-to-resolve-the-kuril-islands-dispute-190414">Japanese</a> foreign ministry protested against Mishustin's visit.

However, &nbsp;Kremlin said PM Mishustin visits regions "as he sees fit". Three years ago President Vladimir Putin had suggested that Russia and Japan should sign a peace treaty but it wasn't welcomed by Japanese&nbsp;officials who said the two countries should resolve the dispute first.

Japan claims the islands naming it as northern territory which includes four southernmost islands including other islands&nbsp;Iturup and Kunashir.

According to Japanese media, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party were in favour of an early meeting between President Putin and PM Yoshihide Suga after Mishustin’s recent trip.

"It is necessary to declare to the Russian side that we not only protest but are overwhelmed with fury, as well as to clearly point to the inadmissibility of what happened," the head of the party’s Committee on Territories Yoshitaka Shindo said as Japan's foreign ministry summoned Russian ambassador Mikhail Galuzin.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Russia's TASS news agency, Russia plans to build 51 more pieces of military infrastructure on the Kuril islands. Russia has reportedly erected more than 30 buildings on the islands even as it is locked in a territorial dispute with Japan.

According to Russia's TASS news agency, Russia plans to build 51 more pieces of military infrastructure on the Kuril islands. Russia has reportedly erected more than 30 buildings on the islands even as it is locked in a territorial dispute with Japan. Last month Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had visited the Kuril islands and had declared that the country wanted to open free trade zone(FRZ) leading to protests in Japan. Watch: Mishustin was on a tour to Russia’s Far East and Siberia with the Kuril Islands being his first stop. The islands were seized by Soviet troops at the end of World War II. The two countries haven't signed a peace treaty since then calling an end to hostilities. The Russian prime minister during his visit had proposed exempting the islands from customs duty and reducing taxes for businesses as the Japanese foreign ministry protested against Mishustin's visit. However, Kremlin said PM Mishustin visits regions "as he sees fit". Three years ago President Vladimir Putin had suggested that Russia and Japan should sign a peace treaty but it wasn't welcomed by Japanese officials who said the two countries should resolve the dispute first. Japan claims the islands naming it as northern territory which includes four southernmost islands including other islands Iturup and Kunashir. According to Japanese media, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party were in favour of an early meeting between President Putin and PM Yoshihide Suga after Mishustin’s recent trip. "It is necessary to declare to the Russian side that we not only protest but are overwhelmed with fury, as well as to clearly point to the inadmissibility of what happened," the head of the party’s Committee on Territories Yoshitaka Shindo said as Japan's foreign ministry summoned Russian ambassador Mikhail Galuzin. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia plans to build more military infrastructure on Kuril islands: Report

Support for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga slid below 30% for the first time since he took office, a survey showed on Monday, a sign the Tokyo Olympic Games failed to boost his ratings amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections. 
 
Roughly a third disapproved of holding the Games which closed on Sunday and 60% said they did not want Suga to stay on as premier, according to the poll conducted by Asahi newspaper, darkening his ruling party's prospects in general elections to be held later this year.

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In the poll conducted over the weekend, Suga's support slid to 28%, the lowest since he became prime minister in September last year.

Of those polled, 56% of those who replied said it was good to hold the Tokyo Games, while 32% thought it was a bad idea.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympic</a>

Japan's slow vaccination rollouts have hurt Suga's popularity and a spike in new infections, caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant, has overshadowed the Olympic Games with cases hitting a milestone of one million on Friday. 
 
Suga and Olympics organisers have said there was no link between the Games and the spike in cases.

Support for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga slid below 30% for the first time since he took office, a survey showed on Monday, a sign the Tokyo Olympic Games failed to boost his ratings amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections.

Support for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga slid below 30% for the first time since he took office, a survey showed on Monday, a sign the Tokyo Olympic Games failed to boost his ratings amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections. Roughly a third disapproved of holding the Games which closed on Sunday and 60% said they did not want Suga to stay on as premier, according to the poll conducted by Asahi newspaper, darkening his ruling party's prospects in general elections to be held later this year. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list In the poll conducted over the weekend, Suga's support slid to 28%, the lowest since he became prime minister in September last year. Of those polled, 56% of those who replied said it was good to hold the Tokyo Games, while 32% thought it was a bad idea. IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympic Japan's slow vaccination rollouts have hurt Suga's popularity and a spike in new infections, caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant, has overshadowed the Olympic Games with cases hitting a milestone of one million on Friday. Suga and Olympics organisers have said there was no link between the Games and the spike in cases.

Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals

New Zealand has hailed its athletes for an "incredible" Tokyo Games as the country of five million burnished its reputation for punching above its weight with a record medals haul.

New Zealand claimed seven golds, six silvers and seven bronzes to finish 13th on the medal table, edging countries including South Korea (16) and Spain (22).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-pm-yoshihide-sugas-support-slides-to-record-low-as-olympic-games-close-survey-reveals-404103" hreflang="en">Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals</a>

"There were some incredible performances," New Zealand chef de mission Robert Waddell told TVNZ on Monday.

"We have really enjoyed how the team has come together.

"I think partly because of the fact that we haven't had family and friends ... over here with us, it has been a really tight-knit team feeling and we've all drawn a lot of inspiration from each other's success."

New Zealand's tally was boosted by canoe sprint sensation https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/canoe-sprint-hungarys-csizmadia-briton-heath-ease-into-final-2021-08-05 Lisa Carrington, who became the country's most decorated Olympian with a three-gold haul at Tokyo, while claiming her third successive kayak single 200 metres title after Rio and London.

New Zealand's traditional strengths delivered, with rowing producing three golds and two silvers, the women's rugby sevens team dominating to win gold and the men taking silver.

But Waddell was thrilled by unexpected minor medals in boxing and trampoline.

"All those medals were across 11 different sports which is a great thing for New Zealand because it's not just one sport that's delivering," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-2020-british-team-hail-miracle-of-tokyo-after-big-medals-haul-404031" hreflang="en">Olympics 2020: British team hail 'miracle of Tokyo' after big medals haul</a>

"What Dylan Schmidt did in trampolining, what David Nyika did in boxing, those show a pathway for other young kids in New Zealand who might be able to follow in those footsteps and achieve at the same sort of level."

Following on from victory over cricket powerhouse India in the inaugural World Test Championship final in June, the Olympic haul continues New Zealand's track record of doing more with less.

"We're very collaborative," said Waddell. "We work together well and we're big enough that we can do that but not so big that we're clumsy."

New Zealand has hailed its athletes for an "incredible" Tokyo Games as the country of five million burnished its reputation for punching above its weight with a record medals haul.

New Zealand has hailed its athletes for an "incredible" Tokyo Games as the country of five million burnished its reputation for punching above its weight with a record medals haul. New Zealand claimed seven golds, six silvers and seven bronzes to finish 13th on the medal table, edging countries including South Korea (16) and Spain (22). ALSO READ: Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals "There were some incredible performances," New Zealand chef de mission Robert Waddell told TVNZ on Monday. "We have really enjoyed how the team has come together. "I think partly because of the fact that we haven't had family and friends ... over here with us, it has been a really tight-knit team feeling and we've all drawn a lot of inspiration from each other's success." New Zealand's tally was boosted by canoe sprint sensation https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/canoe-sprint-hungarys-csizmadia-briton-heath-ease-into-final-2021-08-05 Lisa Carrington, who became the country's most decorated Olympian with a three-gold haul at Tokyo, while claiming her third successive kayak single 200 metres title after Rio and London. New Zealand's traditional strengths delivered, with rowing producing three golds and two silvers, the women's rugby sevens team dominating to win gold and the men taking silver. But Waddell was thrilled by unexpected minor medals in boxing and trampoline. "All those medals were across 11 different sports which is a great thing for New Zealand because it's not just one sport that's delivering," he said. ALSO READ: Olympics 2020: British team hail 'miracle of Tokyo' after big medals haul "What Dylan Schmidt did in trampolining, what David Nyika did in boxing, those show a pathway for other young kids in New Zealand who might be able to follow in those footsteps and achieve at the same sort of level." Following on from victory over cricket powerhouse India in the inaugural World Test Championship final in June, the Olympic haul continues New Zealand's track record of doing more with less. "We're very collaborative," said Waddell. "We work together well and we're big enough that we can do that but not so big that we're clumsy."

Tokyo Olympics: New Zealand hails 'incredible' Games after record medals haul

As the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;nears its close, here is a look at how it played out under strict restrictions to ensure a "safe and secure" Tokyo 2020 amid a COVID-19 pandemic.

VIRUS CASES

Inside the Olympic "bubble" where athletes and others involved in the Games have spent the past two weeks, a total of 430 COVID-19 cases had been reported as of Sunday.

While organizers have touted the low infection rate among what they call the world's "most tested community", the Games have coincided with a surge in cases&nbsp;in the host city.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-closing-ceremony-when-and-where-to-watch-ist-time-theme-venue-indian-flag-bearers-403843" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony: When and where to watch; IST time, theme, venue, Indian flag bearers</a>

Tokyo has reported record daily case numbers in the past week and the number of infections in Japan has increased by more than 140,000 since the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;began on July 23. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Games organizers have reiterated that the event had not contributed to rising infections.

But senior medical adviser Shigeru Omi told parliament&nbsp;that hosting the Games may have affected public sentiment and eroded the impact of government requests for people to stay home.

MEDICAL SITUATION

Outside of the Olympic bubble, Japan has defended a new policy of asking patients with milder symptoms to isolate themselves at home rather than going to the hospital.

The number of serious cases have continued to increase in Tokyo, with the number of seriously ill patients rising to 150 as of Saturday.

Prime Minister Suga has said only patients who were seriously ill https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-covid-cases-hit-1-million-infections-spread-beyond-tokyo-2021-08-06 and those at risk of becoming so would be hospitalized, while others should isolate at home, a shift in policy some fear may lead to an increase in deaths.

SPECTATORS

Both foreign and domestic spectators were mostly absent from the Games, a decision was taken by organizers to reduce the potential risks of virus transmission.

At some events, noisy delegations&nbsp;made up for the lack of spectators, while announcers at other events tried to hype what little crowd they did have to cheer on the athletes.

Since most athletes were unable to bring their families to Tokyo, organizers set up special screens where athletes could see live feeds of their cheering family members after completing their competitions.

Isolation and the absence of family and friends, however, took a toll on athletes' mental health, with some struggling to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic while carrying their country's hopes on the global sports stage.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-closing-day-live-updates-final-events-underway-followed-by-ceremony-403835" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day, LIVE UPDATES: Final events underway followed by ceremony</a>

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the lack of spectators did not dent any excitement over the Games and that many viewers were still able to enjoy the event through TV and other platforms.

Though most venues did not allow spectators, crowds gathered outside the National Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony and many lined the streets&nbsp;to watch the triathlon.

PUBLIC OPINION

While most of the public remained opposed to the Games leading up to its opening, there have not been more recent polls since the start of the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;to compare public sentiment.

Voter support, however, for the government slid to 34%, the lowest since Prime Minister Suga took office last September.

The IOC has touted the high TV viewership of the Games to show the Japanese public's support of the event. The IOC has said that 113.5 million Japanese watched some coverage of the Games as of Aug. 1.

There were intermittent protests at the Games, including outside the National Stadium during the opening ceremony, but none large enough to significantly disrupt any of the events.

As the Olympics nears its close, here is a look at how it played out under strict restrictions to ensure a "safe and secure" Tokyo 2020 amid a COVID-19 pandemic.

As the Olympics nears its close, here is a look at how it played out under strict restrictions to ensure a "safe and secure" Tokyo 2020 amid a COVID-19 pandemic. VIRUS CASES Inside the Olympic "bubble" where athletes and others involved in the Games have spent the past two weeks, a total of 430 COVID-19 cases had been reported as of Sunday. While organizers have touted the low infection rate among what they call the world's "most tested community", the Games have coincided with a surge in cases in the host city. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony: When and where to watch; IST time, theme, venue, Indian flag bearers Tokyo has reported record daily case numbers in the past week and the number of infections in Japan has increased by more than 140,000 since the Olympics began on July 23. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Games organizers have reiterated that the event had not contributed to rising infections. But senior medical adviser Shigeru Omi told parliament that hosting the Games may have affected public sentiment and eroded the impact of government requests for people to stay home. MEDICAL SITUATION Outside of the Olympic bubble, Japan has defended a new policy of asking patients with milder symptoms to isolate themselves at home rather than going to the hospital. The number of serious cases have continued to increase in Tokyo, with the number of seriously ill patients rising to 150 as of Saturday. Prime Minister Suga has said only patients who were seriously ill https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-covid-cases-hit-1-million-infections-spread-beyond-tokyo-2021-08-06 and those at risk of becoming so would be hospitalized, while others should isolate at home, a shift in policy some fear may lead to an increase in deaths. SPECTATORS Both foreign and domestic spectators were mostly absent from the Games, a decision was taken by organizers to reduce the potential risks of virus transmission. At some events, noisy delegations made up for the lack of spectators, while announcers at other events tried to hype what little crowd they did have to cheer on the athletes. Since most athletes were unable to bring their families to Tokyo, organizers set up special screens where athletes could see live feeds of their cheering family members after completing their competitions. Isolation and the absence of family and friends, however, took a toll on athletes' mental health, with some struggling to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic while carrying their country's hopes on the global sports stage. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day, LIVE UPDATES: Final events underway followed by ceremony The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the lack of spectators did not dent any excitement over the Games and that many viewers were still able to enjoy the event through TV and other platforms. Though most venues did not allow spectators, crowds gathered outside the National Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony and many lined the streets to watch the triathlon. PUBLIC OPINION While most of the public remained opposed to the Games leading up to its opening, there have not been more recent polls since the start of the Olympics to compare public sentiment. Voter support, however, for the government slid to 34%, the lowest since Prime Minister Suga took office last September. The IOC has touted the high TV viewership of the Games to show the Japanese public's support of the event. The IOC has said that 113.5 million Japanese watched some coverage of the Games as of Aug. 1. There were intermittent protests at the Games, including outside the National Stadium during the opening ceremony, but none large enough to significantly disrupt any of the events.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Tokyo Games in the shadow of the pandemic

Japan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-india-end-41-year-medal-wait-in-mens-hockey-as-they-win-bronze-402994">Olympic</a> city Tokyo reported 4,166 new coronavirus cases as authorities sought to expand COVID-19 emergency restrictions in the country.

Reports say eight more prefectures will be included in the emergency restrictions as the country battles the virus amid the high profile Olympic mega-event.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-expand-state-of-emergency-as-covid-19-cases-spike-in-country-402068/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The total number of coronavirus cases have surged to nearly 1 million with the Delta variant surging in the country.

Japan's economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the situation in the hospital was "extremely severe" as new infections were growing at an unprecedented pace.

Hospitals in Tokyo are reportedly facing a crunch amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Authorities had imposed a state of emergency ahead of the Olympics in Tokyo as cases continued to surge along with six prefectures. Olympic organisers on Wednesday had reported 31 new COVID-19 cases taking the number of cases linked to the Games to 353.

The vaccination drive in the country has continued at a slow pace with just 31 per cent of people vaccinated. Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura had said earlier that some expert panel members had suggested imposing nationwide state of emergency as the Delta variant continues to spread in the country.

Japan has reported 14,200 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began last year with 15,221 fatalities.

Health minister Norihisa Tamura had earlier urged citizens to isolate at home who had mild symptoms with hospitals under pressure with COVID-19 patients, although the move was criticised by experts who said it would put people at risk.

"I would like to ask you to please understand that this policy is to ensure that we have enough hospital beds so that those who have to be hospitalised can be. If it doesn't work out, we will draw it back," Tamura said.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/with-a-medal-at-tokyo-olympics-re-live-the-glory-days-of-indian-mens-hockey-dhyan-chand-403033">Olympic</a> organisers had informed four members of the Greek artistic swimming team were infected with the virus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Japan's Olympic city Tokyo reported 4,166 new coronavirus cases as authorities sought to expand COVID-19 emergency restrictions in the country. Reports say eight more prefectures will be included in the emergency restrictions as the country battles the virus amid the high profile Olympic mega-event.

Japan's Olympic city Tokyo reported 4,166 new coronavirus cases as authorities sought to expand COVID-19 emergency restrictions in the country. Reports say eight more prefectures will be included in the emergency restrictions as the country battles the virus amid the high profile Olympic mega-event. Watch: The total number of coronavirus cases have surged to nearly 1 million with the Delta variant surging in the country. Japan's economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the situation in the hospital was "extremely severe" as new infections were growing at an unprecedented pace. Hospitals in Tokyo are reportedly facing a crunch amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases. Authorities had imposed a state of emergency ahead of the Olympics in Tokyo as cases continued to surge along with six prefectures. Olympic organisers on Wednesday had reported 31 new COVID-19 cases taking the number of cases linked to the Games to 353. The vaccination drive in the country has continued at a slow pace with just 31 per cent of people vaccinated. Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura had said earlier that some expert panel members had suggested imposing nationwide state of emergency as the Delta variant continues to spread in the country. Japan has reported 14,200 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began last year with 15,221 fatalities. Health minister Norihisa Tamura had earlier urged citizens to isolate at home who had mild symptoms with hospitals under pressure with COVID-19 patients, although the move was criticised by experts who said it would put people at risk. "I would like to ask you to please understand that this policy is to ensure that we have enough hospital beds so that those who have to be hospitalised can be. If it doesn't work out, we will draw it back," Tamura said. On Wednesday, Olympic organisers had informed four members of the Greek artistic swimming team were infected with the virus. (With inputs from Agencies)

Japan set to expand coroanvirus emergency restrictions amid surge in hospitalisations

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