Japan's core consumer prices rose 0.2% in June from a year earlier to mark the fastest annual pace in over a year, in a sign that the impact of global commodity inflation was gradually broadening.

World Business Watch: Japan's core inflation hits 15-month high on energy costs

Host-nation Japan is projected to improve its medals haul at the Tokyo Olympics by 50% from the Rio de Janeiro Games, according to data analysts Gracenote.

Japan won a record-breaking 41 medals in Rio in 2016 and could increase that to 60, buoyed by gains from new and returning disciplines, including skateboarding, sport climbing and baseball, Gracenote said on Tuesday.

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"Due to the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is potential for the Tokyo Summer Games to be more unpredictable than normal," Gracenote said, releasing its final 'Virtual Medal Table' before the start of the Games on Friday.

The United States was picked to top the table but its expected haul was cut to 96, compared to the 121 won five years ago.

Asian powerhouse China's medal count was put at 66 but Gracenote said it might be a conservative projection due to a lack of data on the country's athletes.

"Nearly 80% of the Chinese athletes ranked in the Virtual Medal Table top-8s have no results since the pandemic began and the forecast total may be underrating the country's actual performance," it said.

Russian athletes, who will be competing in Tokyo as representatives of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) after the country was stripped of its flag and anthem for doping offences, were projected to come second in the table with 68 medals.

Britain was placed fifth with 52 medals, 15 fewer than it won in Rio.

Host-nation Japan is projected to improve its medals haul at the Tokyo Olympics by 50% from the Rio de Janeiro Games, according to data analysts Gracenote. Japan won a record-breaking 41 medals in Rio in 2016 and could increase that to 60, buoyed by gains from new and returning disciplines, including skateboarding, sport climbing and baseball, Gracenote said on Tuesday.

Host-nation Japan is projected to improve its medals haul at the Tokyo Olympics by 50% from the Rio de Janeiro Games, according to data analysts Gracenote. Japan won a record-breaking 41 medals in Rio in 2016 and could increase that to 60, buoyed by gains from new and returning disciplines, including skateboarding, sport climbing and baseball, Gracenote said on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Two Mexico Olympic baseball players test positive for Covid-19 "Due to the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is potential for the Tokyo Summer Games to be more unpredictable than normal," Gracenote said, releasing its final 'Virtual Medal Table' before the start of the Games on Friday. The United States was picked to top the table but its expected haul was cut to 96, compared to the 121 won five years ago. Asian powerhouse China's medal count was put at 66 but Gracenote said it might be a conservative projection due to a lack of data on the country's athletes. "Nearly 80% of the Chinese athletes ranked in the Virtual Medal Table top-8s have no results since the pandemic began and the forecast total may be underrating the country's actual performance," it said. Russian athletes, who will be competing in Tokyo as representatives of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) after the country was stripped of its flag and anthem for doping offences, were projected to come second in the table with 68 medals. Britain was placed fifth with 52 medals, 15 fewer than it won in Rio.

Japan projected to improve medals tally by 50% in Tokyo Olympics: Gracenote

Two-thirds of people in Japan do not believe the country can host a safe and secure Olympics amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey published by the Asahi newspaper just four days before the opening ceremony in Tokyo. 
 
In the poll, 68% of respondents expressed doubt about the ability of Olympic organisers to control coronavirus infections, with 55% saying they were opposed to the Games going ahead. 
 
Three-quarters of the 1,444 people in the telephone survey said they agreed with a decision to ban spectators from events. 
 
As COVID-19 infections rise in Tokyo, forcing the government into a fourth state of emergency, public concern has grown about hosting an event that is bringing tens of thousands of overseas athletes, officials and journalists into Japan's capital. 
 
Games officials on Sunday reported the first COVID-19 case among competitors in the athletes' village in Tokyo, bringing the total number of cases connected to the Olympics to at least 10. 
 
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has said he hopes the Japanese public will warm to the Games once competition begins and as Japanese athletes begin winning medals.

Two-thirds of people in Japan do not believe the country can host a safe and secure Olympics amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey published by the Asahi newspaper just four days before the opening ceremony in Tokyo.

Two-thirds of people in Japan do not believe the country can host a safe and secure Olympics amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey published by the Asahi newspaper just four days before the opening ceremony in Tokyo. In the poll, 68% of respondents expressed doubt about the ability of Olympic organisers to control coronavirus infections, with 55% saying they were opposed to the Games going ahead. Three-quarters of the 1,444 people in the telephone survey said they agreed with a decision to ban spectators from events. As COVID-19 infections rise in Tokyo, forcing the government into a fourth state of emergency, public concern has grown about hosting an event that is bringing tens of thousands of overseas athletes, officials and journalists into Japan's capital. Games officials on Sunday reported the first COVID-19 case among competitors in the athletes' village in Tokyo, bringing the total number of cases connected to the Olympics to at least 10. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has said he hopes the Japanese public will warm to the Games once competition begins and as Japanese athletes begin winning medals.

Tokyo 2020: Two-thirds of Japanese doubt pandemic Olympics can be safe, says poll

A Tokyo court sentenced US Army Special Forces veteran Michael Taylor to two years in prison and his son to one year and eight months for helping former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn flee Japan, where he had faced charges of financial misconduct.

American father-son duo handed jail sentences for aiding Ex-Nissan CEO’s escape

The organisers did not specify whether the two infected athletes staying at the village will be quarantined elsewhere.

Tokyo Olympic 2020: 2 athletes test positive for Covid-19

India will be represented by a 228-strong contingent, including 119 athletes, at the Tokyo Olympics, which will be held under strict health protocols and without spectators in the wake of the raging pandemic.

First batch of India’s 88 Olympic-bound contingent reaches Japan

The International Olympic Committee on Saturday said it was aware of scepticism within Japan about staging the Tokyo Olympics during a pandemic but it is hoping success on the field of play for the host nation could change the mood. 
 
The Games will be held without spectators and amid draconian COVID-19 safety measures, while the Japanese public remains largely opposed to the event amid a resurgence of infections and concern that an influx of international visitors could turn the Tokyo Olympics into a super-spreader event. 
 
"We are well aware of the scepticism a number of people have here in Japan. My appeal to the Japanese people is to welcome the athletes for their competitions," IOC President Thomas Bach told a news conference. 
 
"We ask and invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world. They (athletes) have the same interest as the Japanese people for a safe and secure Games," he said. 
 
Organisers on Saturday recorded their first positive case within the athletes` village, an area that the IOC had been hoping would stay clean as proof that the Games could be held in a safe environment. The Games start on July 23. 
 
Critics of the Games in Japan earlier this week submitted a petition against the event that has garnered more than 450,000 signatures this month. 
 
"The Japanese can have this confidence (of a safe and secure Games) and we will try to continue this dialogue with them, knowing we will not succeed 100%," Bach said. 
 
"But we are also confident once the Japanese people will see the Japanese athletes successfully performing in the Olympic Games then the attitude may become less emotion, for not saying less aggressive."

The International Olympic Committee on Saturday said it was aware of scepticism within Japan about staging the Tokyo Olympics during a pandemic but it is hoping success on the field of play for the host nation could change the mood.

The International Olympic Committee on Saturday said it was aware of scepticism within Japan about staging the Tokyo Olympics during a pandemic but it is hoping success on the field of play for the host nation could change the mood. The Games will be held without spectators and amid draconian COVID-19 safety measures, while the Japanese public remains largely opposed to the event amid a resurgence of infections and concern that an influx of international visitors could turn the Tokyo Olympics into a super-spreader event. "We are well aware of the scepticism a number of people have here in Japan. My appeal to the Japanese people is to welcome the athletes for their competitions," IOC President Thomas Bach told a news conference. "We ask and invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world. They (athletes) have the same interest as the Japanese people for a safe and secure Games," he said. Organisers on Saturday recorded their first positive case within the athletes` village, an area that the IOC had been hoping would stay clean as proof that the Games could be held in a safe environment. The Games start on July 23. Critics of the Games in Japan earlier this week submitted a petition against the event that has garnered more than 450,000 signatures this month. "The Japanese can have this confidence (of a safe and secure Games) and we will try to continue this dialogue with them, knowing we will not succeed 100%," Bach said. "But we are also confident once the Japanese people will see the Japanese athletes successfully performing in the Olympic Games then the attitude may become less emotion, for not saying less aggressive."

Olympics: IOC aware of Japan scepticism over Games, hopes home success will shift mood

An Ugandan weightlifter who went missing from an Olympic training camp on Friday left a note saying he wanted to stay in Japan, media reports said, adding to confusion ahead of the Games which begin next week. 
 
Julius Ssekitoleko was discovered missing from the Ugandan team's training site in Izumisano, a city in Osaka, western Japan. 
 
Media reports said he left behind a note saying he wanted to stay and work in Japan, as life in Uganda was difficult. 
 
Ssekitoleko had not qualified to take part in the Tokyo Games, and was due to return to Uganda on next Tuesday. 
 
A nearby train station recorded him purchasing a bullet train ticket to Nagoya in central Japan, the reports said. 
 
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, postponed for a year due to the global pandemic, is being held under tight quarantine rules, restricting participants' movements to prevent the spread of infections.

An Ugandan weightlifter who went missing from an Olympic training camp on Friday left a note saying he wanted to stay in Japan, media reports said, adding to confusion ahead of the Games which begin next week.

An Ugandan weightlifter who went missing from an Olympic training camp on Friday left a note saying he wanted to stay in Japan, media reports said, adding to confusion ahead of the Games which begin next week. Julius Ssekitoleko was discovered missing from the Ugandan team's training site in Izumisano, a city in Osaka, western Japan. Media reports said he left behind a note saying he wanted to stay and work in Japan, as life in Uganda was difficult. Ssekitoleko had not qualified to take part in the Tokyo Games, and was due to return to Uganda on next Tuesday. A nearby train station recorded him purchasing a bullet train ticket to Nagoya in central Japan, the reports said. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, postponed for a year due to the global pandemic, is being held under tight quarantine rules, restricting participants' movements to prevent the spread of infections.

Missing Ugandan weightlifter wanted to stay in Japan: Reports

A foreign athlete and five Olympic workers in Japan have tested positive for COVID-19 just over a week before the opening ceremony. This has raised new concerns about the spread of coronavirus at a global sporting event.

An athlete, 5 Olympic workers test positive for COVID as opening ceremony nears

PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Rudraksha Convention Centre in Varanasi. This project is part of the 'Kyoto-Kashi' pact. Varanasi will also get projects worth $200 million to become a global tourist hub. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

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Just days before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics, a Ugandan athlete has reportedly gone missing after disappearing from his hotel at a training camp in the Japanese town.&nbsp;

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According to AFP, the town hosting the delegation said that 20-year-old weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko did not appear for his test of Covid-19 and wasn't also seen in his hotel room.

"One member of the Ugandan delegation, which the city received as a host town, has gone missing and cannot be reached," the city of Izumisano said in a statement."The city is making all efforts to search for the individual. We have reported the matter to police."

Athletes from Uganda arrived in Japan last month, they went to Izumisano in Osaka region for a pre-Games training camp.&nbsp;

However, a coach tested positive on arrival, and other delegation members were subsequently asked to self-isolate, with a second member later testing positive.

The Games will take place behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Tokyo. The Japanese capital is already facing a surge in COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

Athletes and other Olympic participants are subject to strict rules including regular testing and limits on their movement.

(Inputs from Agency)

Just days before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics, a Ugandan athlete has reportedly gone missing after disappearing from his hotel at a training camp in the Japanese town.

Just days before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics, a Ugandan athlete has reportedly gone missing after disappearing from his hotel at a training camp in the Japanese town. ALSO READ: Olympics: Tennis star Novak Djokovic confirms he will compete at Tokyo Games According to AFP, the town hosting the delegation said that 20-year-old weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko did not appear for his test of Covid-19 and wasn't also seen in his hotel room. "One member of the Ugandan delegation, which the city received as a host town, has gone missing and cannot be reached," the city of Izumisano said in a statement."The city is making all efforts to search for the individual. We have reported the matter to police." Athletes from Uganda arrived in Japan last month, they went to Izumisano in Osaka region for a pre-Games training camp. However, a coach tested positive on arrival, and other delegation members were subsequently asked to self-isolate, with a second member later testing positive. The Games will take place behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Tokyo. The Japanese capital is already facing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Athletes and other Olympic participants are subject to strict rules including regular testing and limits on their movement. (Inputs from Agency)

Tokyo Olympics: Athlete from Uganda goes missing in Japan - Reports

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has said that India and Japan share the same fundamental values and have a long history of exchanges. Suga was making comments at the inauguration of the International Cooperation and Convention Centre, Rudraksha in Varanasi by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian PM Modi in Varanasi: International centre symbolises India-Japan ties

Growing military tensions around Taiwan as well as economic and technological rivalry between China and the United States threaten peace and stability in East Asia as the regional power balance shifts in Beijing`s favour, Japan said in its annual defence white paper. 
 
"It is necessary that we pay close attention to the situation with a sense of crisis more than ever," the paper said in a new section on Taiwan. "In particular, competition in technological fields is likely to become even more intense," it said about the U.S.-China tussle. 
 
The defence review, which was approved by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government on Tuesday, points to China as Japan`s main national security concern. Beijing`s recent uptick in military activity around Taiwan has Tokyo worried since the island lies close to the Okinawa chain at the western end of the Japanese archipelago. 
 
Chinese President Xi Jinping this month pledged to complete the "reunification" with Taiwan and in June criticised the United States as a "risk creator" after it sent a warship through the Taiwan Straits separating the island from the mainland. 
 
Japan`s deputy prime minister and finance minister, Taro Aso, this month in a speech reported by Japanese media said Japan should join forces with the United States to defend Taiwan from any invasion. Aso later said any contingency over Taiwan should be resolved through dialogue when asked about the remarks, which drew a rebuke from Beijing. 
 
As the military rivalry between the United States and China deepens, their economic competition is fuelling a race to take the lead in key technologies, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. 
 
The emergence of the rival technology camps poses a challenge for Japan because its economy relies as much on business ties with China as it does with the United States. Japan will also have spend heavily to keep up with government funding for technology development in the United States, China and Europe. 
 
US&nbsp;Senate lawmakers recently passed the Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, which authorises $190 billion spending on technology including $54 billion to increase chip production. House of Representative lawmakers are debating a separate proposal that also promises generous funding, the "Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act," or EAGLE Act. 
 
The Japanese annual security review for the first time also includes a section on threats posed by climate change, which it says will increase competition for land and resources, and may trigger mass movement of climate refugees. An increase in disasters linked to global warming could also stretch military capabilities, it adds, while Arctic Sea ice melting could lead to the militarisation of northern waters.

Growing military tensions around Taiwan as well as economic and technological rivalry between China and the United States threaten peace and stability in East Asia as the regional power balance shifts in Beijing`s favour, Japan said in its annual defence white paper.

Growing military tensions around Taiwan as well as economic and technological rivalry between China and the United States threaten peace and stability in East Asia as the regional power balance shifts in Beijing`s favour, Japan said in its annual defence white paper. "It is necessary that we pay close attention to the situation with a sense of crisis more than ever," the paper said in a new section on Taiwan. "In particular, competition in technological fields is likely to become even more intense," it said about the U.S.-China tussle. The defence review, which was approved by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government on Tuesday, points to China as Japan`s main national security concern. Beijing`s recent uptick in military activity around Taiwan has Tokyo worried since the island lies close to the Okinawa chain at the western end of the Japanese archipelago. Chinese President Xi Jinping this month pledged to complete the "reunification" with Taiwan and in June criticised the United States as a "risk creator" after it sent a warship through the Taiwan Straits separating the island from the mainland. Japan`s deputy prime minister and finance minister, Taro Aso, this month in a speech reported by Japanese media said Japan should join forces with the United States to defend Taiwan from any invasion. Aso later said any contingency over Taiwan should be resolved through dialogue when asked about the remarks, which drew a rebuke from Beijing. As the military rivalry between the United States and China deepens, their economic competition is fuelling a race to take the lead in key technologies, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The emergence of the rival technology camps poses a challenge for Japan because its economy relies as much on business ties with China as it does with the United States. Japan will also have spend heavily to keep up with government funding for technology development in the United States, China and Europe. US Senate lawmakers recently passed the Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, which authorises $190 billion spending on technology including $54 billion to increase chip production. House of Representative lawmakers are debating a separate proposal that also promises generous funding, the "Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act," or EAGLE Act. The Japanese annual security review for the first time also includes a section on threats posed by climate change, which it says will increase competition for land and resources, and may trigger mass movement of climate refugees. An increase in disasters linked to global warming could also stretch military capabilities, it adds, while Arctic Sea ice melting could lead to the militarisation of northern waters.

Japan warns of crisis over Taiwan, growing risks from US-China rivalry

China's athletes were the first ones to show up in Japan for the Tokyo Olympics and fear that poor prevention measures at their lodging will expand the danger of getting COVID-19.&nbsp;

The pandemic has projected a shadow over the games with coordinators restricting all fans from settings in Tokyo and three adjoining prefectures, in an immense blow for the event.&nbsp;

A couple of remote regions are permitted to have a limited number of local fans, while overseas fans were prohibited months prior. Coordinators have guaranteed that the event will be safe by all means.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-to-be-held-behind-closed-doors-under-state-of-emergency-measures-396768" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics to be held behind closed doors under state of emergency measures</a>

Although, after they showed up in Enoshima, an island where the sailing event will occur, China's sailing team whined of lacking precautions at their hotel.&nbsp;

"The Chinese team lives on one floor, but mixing with tourists in the hotel is certainly a hidden danger. We are consulting with the Organizing Committee on this issue," said Zhang Xiaodong, head of the Chinese Sailing Association.

The International Olympic Committee has delivered a playbook offering security rules for events yet acquits itself of any obligation in the event that they get the virus. Covid concerns had prompted calls in Japan for the Olympics to be deferred or even dropped.&nbsp;

Coordinators have said competitors will be tested each day once they show up in Tokyo. Furthermore, however, it's anything but mandatory to be vaccinated, the IOC has said up to 80 per cent of competitors would have received the vials before the games start on July 23.

China's athletes were the first ones to show up in Japan for the Tokyo Olympics and fear that poor prevention measures at their lodging will expand the danger of getting COVID-19.

China's athletes were the first ones to show up in Japan for the Tokyo Olympics and fear that poor prevention measures at their lodging will expand the danger of getting COVID-19. The pandemic has projected a shadow over the games with coordinators restricting all fans from settings in Tokyo and three adjoining prefectures, in an immense blow for the event. A couple of remote regions are permitted to have a limited number of local fans, while overseas fans were prohibited months prior. Coordinators have guaranteed that the event will be safe by all means. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics to be held behind closed doors under state of emergency measures Although, after they showed up in Enoshima, an island where the sailing event will occur, China's sailing team whined of lacking precautions at their hotel. "The Chinese team lives on one floor, but mixing with tourists in the hotel is certainly a hidden danger. We are consulting with the Organizing Committee on this issue," said Zhang Xiaodong, head of the Chinese Sailing Association. The International Olympic Committee has delivered a playbook offering security rules for events yet acquits itself of any obligation in the event that they get the virus. Covid concerns had prompted calls in Japan for the Olympics to be deferred or even dropped. Coordinators have said competitors will be tested each day once they show up in Tokyo. Furthermore, however, it's anything but mandatory to be vaccinated, the IOC has said up to 80 per cent of competitors would have received the vials before the games start on July 23.

Tokyo Olympics: Chinese athletes complain about lax virus precautions at hotel

Olympic host city Tokyo entered a new state of emergency on Monday, less than two weeks before the Games begin amid worries about whether the measures can stem a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Organizers last week announced that spectators would be banned from nearly all venues. Spectators from abroad were already banned months ago, and officials are now asking residents to watch the Games on TV to keep the movement of people, which could spread contagion, to a minimum.

Opinion polls have consistently shown the Japanese public is concerned about going ahead with the Games during the pandemic.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's handling of the pandemic - including an initially slow vaccination rollout - has eroded his support. The issue is especially sensitive ahead of a national election and a ruling party leadership race due later this year.

"We would ask people to support athletes from home," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said on a Sunday TV program.

The Games, postponed from last year because of the pandemic, run from July 23 to August 8, while the state of emergency - the capitals fourth - lasts until August 22, shortly before the Paralympics begin.

The government and organizers had long seen the Games as a chance to display Japan's recovery from a devastating 2011 earthquake and nuclear crisis.

On Saturday, the governor of Fukushima prefecture, the site of the nuclear disaster, said spectators would also be banned from softball and baseball games there, reversing an earlier decision.

RISING TOKYO INFECTIONS

World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic said on Sunday he was "50-50" about competing at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;following the organizers' decision to ban fans from attending and limits on the number of people he can take to the Games.

Some of the sport's biggest names, including Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Serena Williams, and Simona Halep have already said that they will skip the Games.

Japan has recorded more than 815,440 COVID-19 cases and nearly 15,000 deaths.

Recent rises in Tokyo have been particularly worrisome amid a vaccination rollout that got off to a slow start and has faced supply glitches after speeding up. Only about 28% of the population has received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Tokyo recorded 502 new cases on Sunday, the 23rd straight day of week-on-week gains, and experts worry that the public has grown weary of restrictions, mostly voluntary, on activities.

The coronavirus curbs include asking restaurants to close early and to stop serving alcohol in exchange for a government subsidy, measures that have hit the eateries hard and caused many to complain of unfairness as the Games are set to go ahead.

Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is also in charge of the pandemic response, sparked outrage when he suggested late on Thursday he would ask banks to put pressure on eateries that do not comply with the stricter measures.

In an about-face, the government's top spokesperson Kato said on Friday it had decided banks would not be asked to press restaurants and bars that do not follow the government request to stop serving alcohol under the emergency restrictions.

On Monday, "Anyone but LDP or Komeito" was trending on Twitter, a reference to voting for political parties other than Suga's ruling Liberal Democratic Party or its junior coalition partner, the Komeito, in the coming parliamentary election.

"I'm not a restaurateur, but this administration that couldn't come up with effective anti-coronavirus steps despite having a year to get ready for the&nbsp;Olympics... is no good," said one angry Twitter user.

Olympic host city Tokyo entered a new state of emergency on Monday, less than two weeks before the Games begin amid worries about whether the measures can stem a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Olympic host city Tokyo entered a new state of emergency on Monday, less than two weeks before the Games begin amid worries about whether the measures can stem a rise in COVID-19 cases. Organizers last week announced that spectators would be banned from nearly all venues. Spectators from abroad were already banned months ago, and officials are now asking residents to watch the Games on TV to keep the movement of people, which could spread contagion, to a minimum. Opinion polls have consistently shown the Japanese public is concerned about going ahead with the Games during the pandemic. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's handling of the pandemic - including an initially slow vaccination rollout - has eroded his support. The issue is especially sensitive ahead of a national election and a ruling party leadership race due later this year. "We would ask people to support athletes from home," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said on a Sunday TV program. The Games, postponed from last year because of the pandemic, run from July 23 to August 8, while the state of emergency - the capitals fourth - lasts until August 22, shortly before the Paralympics begin. The government and organizers had long seen the Games as a chance to display Japan's recovery from a devastating 2011 earthquake and nuclear crisis. On Saturday, the governor of Fukushima prefecture, the site of the nuclear disaster, said spectators would also be banned from softball and baseball games there, reversing an earlier decision. RISING TOKYO INFECTIONS World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic said on Sunday he was "50-50" about competing at the Tokyo Olympics following the organizers' decision to ban fans from attending and limits on the number of people he can take to the Games. Some of the sport's biggest names, including Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Serena Williams, and Simona Halep have already said that they will skip the Games. Japan has recorded more than 815,440 COVID-19 cases and nearly 15,000 deaths. Recent rises in Tokyo have been particularly worrisome amid a vaccination rollout that got off to a slow start and has faced supply glitches after speeding up. Only about 28% of the population has received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Tokyo recorded 502 new cases on Sunday, the 23rd straight day of week-on-week gains, and experts worry that the public has grown weary of restrictions, mostly voluntary, on activities. The coronavirus curbs include asking restaurants to close early and to stop serving alcohol in exchange for a government subsidy, measures that have hit the eateries hard and caused many to complain of unfairness as the Games are set to go ahead. Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is also in charge of the pandemic response, sparked outrage when he suggested late on Thursday he would ask banks to put pressure on eateries that do not comply with the stricter measures. In an about-face, the government's top spokesperson Kato said on Friday it had decided banks would not be asked to press restaurants and bars that do not follow the government request to stop serving alcohol under the emergency restrictions. On Monday, "Anyone but LDP or Komeito" was trending on Twitter, a reference to voting for political parties other than Suga's ruling Liberal Democratic Party or its junior coalition partner, the Komeito, in the coming parliamentary election. "I'm not a restaurateur, but this administration that couldn't come up with effective anti-coronavirus steps despite having a year to get ready for the Olympics... is no good," said one angry Twitter user.

Tokyo enters 4th COVID-19 emergency as Olympics approach

Japan&nbsp;issued evacuation requests to more than&nbsp;120,000&nbsp;residents in some&nbsp;southern&nbsp;prefectures due to&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;rain&nbsp;on Saturday, NHK reported, just days after deadly landslides struck the seaside city of Atami southwest of Tokyo.

The&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Meteorological Agency issued its highest&nbsp;rain&nbsp;alerts in three prefectures on Kyushu island, prompting some local governments to order residents to&nbsp;evacuate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-to-impose-virus-emergency-in-tokyo-during-olympics-reports-396505">Also read |&nbsp;Japan to impose virus emergency in Tokyo during Olympics: Reports</a>

A week ago&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;rains lashed the resort city of Atami, triggering landslides that have killed at least nine people and left 20 missing.

Japan issued evacuation requests to more than 120,000 residents in some southern prefectures due to heavy rain on Saturday, NHK reported, just days after deadly landslides struck the seaside city of Atami southwest of Tokyo.

Japan issued evacuation requests to more than 120,000 residents in some southern prefectures due to heavy rain on Saturday, NHK reported, just days after deadly landslides struck the seaside city of Atami southwest of Tokyo. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest rain alerts in three prefectures on Kyushu island, prompting some local governments to order residents to evacuate. Also read | Japan to impose virus emergency in Tokyo during Olympics: Reports A week ago heavy rains lashed the resort city of Atami, triggering landslides that have killed at least nine people and left 20 missing.

Heavy rain hits southern Japan, over 120,000 ordered to evacuate

Japan is set to declare a state of emergency for Tokyo that will run through its hosting of the Olympics to try to contain a new wave of coronavirus infections, a key minister said on Thursday, as organisers consider banning all spectators from the Games. 
 
The move is the latest blow to the troubled Olympics, already once delayed because of the pandemic and plagued by a series of setbacks, including massive budget overruns. 
 
Medical experts have said for weeks that having no spectators at the Games would be the least risky option amid widespread public concern that the influx of thousands of athletes and officials will fuel a fresh wave of infections. 
 
Organisers have already banned overseas spectators and have for now set a cap on domestic viewers at 50% of capacity, up to 10,000 people. Talks to finalise the restrictions on the spectators are expected either on Thursday or on Friday. 
 
The so called five-way talks would be chaired by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, who arrives in Tokyo on Thursday. Other participants include Tokyo and national governments and Paralympic officials. 
 
Whatever the outcome, those attending the Games have been asked to show their support by clapping rather than cheering or singing. Public viewing sites have been cancelled and companies, wary of public opposition, have been hesitant about advertising related to the Games, adding to a subdued mood in the Japanese capital. 
 
TOKYO INFECTIONS RISE 
 
Japan`s economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who heads the government`s coronavirus response, said a state of emergency in Tokyo is set to begin on July 12 and run through Aug 22. 
 
The Games are scheduled to run from July 23 to Aug. 8. 
 
Japan has not experienced the kind of explosive COVID-19 outbreaks seen in many other countries but has had more than 810,000 cases and 14,900 deaths. 
 
The imposition of the emergency comes after new daily infections in Tokyo, currently under slightly less strict "quasi emergency" curbs, rose to 920 on Wednesday, the highest level since mid-May. 
 
A slow vaccine rollout has meant only a quarter of Japan`s population has had at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot. 
 
Under the heightened restrictions, restaurants will be asked to stop serving alcohol, Nishimura said. 
 
The move is expected to be made official later on Thursday and followed by a news conference by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. 
 
Areas neighbouring Tokyo where some Olympic events are also slated to take place, such as Chiba and Kanagawa, are set to remain under "quasi emergency" through August 22. 
 
SPECTATORS 
 
Underscoring the last-minute nature of the preparations, organisers told Olympic sponsors on Wednesday they are anticipating two scenarios when Tokyo goes under the state of emergency: having no spectators or setting a 5,000-spectator cap, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. 
 
In the no-spectator scenario, all sports and opening and closing ceremonies will likely be carried out without fans, including tickets allocated to the sponsors, the organisers told companies in online meetings. 
 
If the number of spectators is capped at 5,000 per venue, tickets allocated to Olympic sponsors would be halved, and organisers also expect any session after 9 p.m. would be staged without spectators, the source said. 
 
The lack of crowds may further strain the Games'&nbsp;budget, which has already blown out to an estimated $15.4 billion, with ticket revenues of around $815 million expected to take a big hit. 
 
The organising committee did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. 
 
Until this week, officials have insisted they could organise the Games safely with some spectators, but a ruling party setback in a Tokyo assembly election on Sunday, which some allies of Suga attributed to public anger over the Olympics, had forced the change of tack, sources said. 
 
Japan will hold a parliamentary election later this year and the government`s insistence that the Games - postponed last year as the virus spread around the world - should go ahead this year could cost it at the ballot box, they said.

Japan is set to declare a state of emergency for Tokyo that will run through its hosting of the Olympics to try to contain a new wave of coronavirus infections, a key minister said on Thursday, as organisers consider banning all spectators from the Games.

Japan is set to declare a state of emergency for Tokyo that will run through its hosting of the Olympics to try to contain a new wave of coronavirus infections, a key minister said on Thursday, as organisers consider banning all spectators from the Games. The move is the latest blow to the troubled Olympics, already once delayed because of the pandemic and plagued by a series of setbacks, including massive budget overruns. Medical experts have said for weeks that having no spectators at the Games would be the least risky option amid widespread public concern that the influx of thousands of athletes and officials will fuel a fresh wave of infections. Organisers have already banned overseas spectators and have for now set a cap on domestic viewers at 50% of capacity, up to 10,000 people. Talks to finalise the restrictions on the spectators are expected either on Thursday or on Friday. The so called five-way talks would be chaired by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, who arrives in Tokyo on Thursday. Other participants include Tokyo and national governments and Paralympic officials. Whatever the outcome, those attending the Games have been asked to show their support by clapping rather than cheering or singing. Public viewing sites have been cancelled and companies, wary of public opposition, have been hesitant about advertising related to the Games, adding to a subdued mood in the Japanese capital. TOKYO INFECTIONS RISE Japan`s economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who heads the government`s coronavirus response, said a state of emergency in Tokyo is set to begin on July 12 and run through Aug 22. The Games are scheduled to run from July 23 to Aug. 8. Japan has not experienced the kind of explosive COVID-19 outbreaks seen in many other countries but has had more than 810,000 cases and 14,900 deaths. The imposition of the emergency comes after new daily infections in Tokyo, currently under slightly less strict "quasi emergency" curbs, rose to 920 on Wednesday, the highest level since mid-May. A slow vaccine rollout has meant only a quarter of Japan`s population has had at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot. Under the heightened restrictions, restaurants will be asked to stop serving alcohol, Nishimura said. The move is expected to be made official later on Thursday and followed by a news conference by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Areas neighbouring Tokyo where some Olympic events are also slated to take place, such as Chiba and Kanagawa, are set to remain under "quasi emergency" through August 22. SPECTATORS Underscoring the last-minute nature of the preparations, organisers told Olympic sponsors on Wednesday they are anticipating two scenarios when Tokyo goes under the state of emergency: having no spectators or setting a 5,000-spectator cap, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. In the no-spectator scenario, all sports and opening and closing ceremonies will likely be carried out without fans, including tickets allocated to the sponsors, the organisers told companies in online meetings. If the number of spectators is capped at 5,000 per venue, tickets allocated to Olympic sponsors would be halved, and organisers also expect any session after 9 p.m. would be staged without spectators, the source said. The lack of crowds may further strain the Games' budget, which has already blown out to an estimated $15.4 billion, with ticket revenues of around $815 million expected to take a big hit. The organising committee did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. Until this week, officials have insisted they could organise the Games safely with some spectators, but a ruling party setback in a Tokyo assembly election on Sunday, which some allies of Suga attributed to public anger over the Olympics, had forced the change of tack, sources said. Japan will hold a parliamentary election later this year and the government`s insistence that the Games - postponed last year as the virus spread around the world - should go ahead this year could cost it at the ballot box, they said.

Olympics without fans: Japan to declare COVID-19 emergency for Tokyo

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach showed up in Toyko&nbsp;this week and is distantly meeting with coordinators and Tokyo's lead representative, while he goes through three days in self-isolation.&nbsp;

Organizing council chief Seiko Hashimoto said a 'very difficult decision' needed to be made while Bach added he was prepared to help with any action.&nbsp;

"We have shown this responsibility since the day of the postponement and we will also show it today. We will support any measure which is necessary to have a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games for the Japanese people and all the participants," he said.

The Japanese government, who likewise affirmed Tokyo would be in another highly sensitive situation all through the Games due to flooding Covid numbers, had effectively restricted overseas spectators, who were relied upon to number 600,000.&nbsp;

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Although, it was trusted 10,000 local fans, up to 50 percent of venue limits, would, in any case, be permitted to join in.&nbsp;

However, executive Yoshihide Suga - &nbsp;whose handling of the pandemic has seen his prevalence droop ahead of elections in the not-so-distant future - was under expanding strain to solidify this methodology, following vocal resistance from the Japanese public and medical local area.&nbsp;

As of now his central pandemic guide had firmly cautioned any degree of onlookers risked transforming the Games into a super-spreader occasion.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, a few spectators will, in any case, be permitted with those classed as VIPs - including Games supports - arranged as fundamental 'coordinators', a move which has incited fierceness from conventional residents currently denied admittance for a Games that has cost an announced $15 billion.&nbsp;

Originals plans had 7.8 million tickets for events, with 4.4m effectively offered to Japanese occupants - which means the present choice is required to cost almost $1bn in pay on beginning projections.&nbsp;

It's 57 years since Tokyo last arranged the Games, the first Olympics broadcast globally. &nbsp;From that point forward the IOC has become a captive to TV rights, with 73% of their pay from broadcast deals, totaling almost $8 billion across rights holders including NBC and Discovery.&nbsp;

Also, the strain to arrange the Games for the TV cameras, if not spectators, has been an amazing driver in decision making.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach showed up in Toyko this week and is distantly meeting with coordinators and Tokyo's lead representative, while he goes through three days in self-isolation.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach showed up in Toyko this week and is distantly meeting with coordinators and Tokyo's lead representative, while he goes through three days in self-isolation. Organizing council chief Seiko Hashimoto said a 'very difficult decision' needed to be made while Bach added he was prepared to help with any action. "We have shown this responsibility since the day of the postponement and we will also show it today. We will support any measure which is necessary to have a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games for the Japanese people and all the participants," he said. The Japanese government, who likewise affirmed Tokyo would be in another highly sensitive situation all through the Games due to flooding Covid numbers, had effectively restricted overseas spectators, who were relied upon to number 600,000. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 scraps Olympic torch relay legs in capital Although, it was trusted 10,000 local fans, up to 50 percent of venue limits, would, in any case, be permitted to join in. However, executive Yoshihide Suga - whose handling of the pandemic has seen his prevalence droop ahead of elections in the not-so-distant future - was under expanding strain to solidify this methodology, following vocal resistance from the Japanese public and medical local area. As of now his central pandemic guide had firmly cautioned any degree of onlookers risked transforming the Games into a super-spreader occasion. Nonetheless, a few spectators will, in any case, be permitted with those classed as VIPs - including Games supports - arranged as fundamental 'coordinators', a move which has incited fierceness from conventional residents currently denied admittance for a Games that has cost an announced $15 billion. Originals plans had 7.8 million tickets for events, with 4.4m effectively offered to Japanese occupants - which means the present choice is required to cost almost $1bn in pay on beginning projections. It's 57 years since Tokyo last arranged the Games, the first Olympics broadcast globally. From that point forward the IOC has become a captive to TV rights, with 73% of their pay from broadcast deals, totaling almost $8 billion across rights holders including NBC and Discovery. Also, the strain to arrange the Games for the TV cameras, if not spectators, has been an amazing driver in decision making.

Tokyo Olympics to be held behind closed doors under state of emergency measures

On Wednesday, the Tokyo metropolitan government had reported 920 new virus cases, marking the highest daily figure since mid-May. Meanwhile, International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach arrived in Tokyo on Thursday.

Japan declares state of emergency due to COVID-19 two weeks ahead of Tokyo Olympics

At a meeting with experts, Japanese government officials proposed a plan to issue a state of emergency in Tokyo from next Monday to August 22, fearing an ongoing COVID-19 surge will multiply during the Olympic games.

Japan to declare virus emergency lasting through Tokyo Olympics

With the aim of helping employees during the time of coronavirus pandemic, Japanese authorities decided to banish age-old fax machines from offices. However, the move was not appreciated by locals who turned out to be fans of fax machines.

A cabinet body that is responsible for taking care of administrative reform in Japan rolled out a new decision to abolish the use of fax machines by the end of July. All ministers and organisations were instructed to switch to emails and abandon the 1980s office equipment of communication.

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However, this move angered the locals of the Tokyo district of Kasumigaseki. Hundreds of Japanese government officials jumped to the rescue of the fax machine and claimed it will be "impossible" to banish this communication device, local media reported.

The decision was taken with regard to the safety of employees in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=2">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;pandemic. As all offices shifted to work-from-home, some employees were having to travel to the offices to send and receive the fax. To make sure people can remain safe in their homes, the government agency decided to shift all communication to emails from the fax.

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Now, the backlash from the employees has led to the government giving up on this mission of helping their employees upgrade in technology. The government has had to rule out the option of transforming the office space into a digital-only operation, local media reported.

The fax fans claim they are protesting the decision simply because they fear the security of sensitive information and "anxiety over the communication environment". Japanese government officials are known to use fax for communicating confidential and sensitive information.

Officials claimed this decision was taken as a part of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's plan of increasing efficiency in government offices using technology.

With the aim of helping employees during the time of coronavirus pandemic, Japanese authorities decided to banish age-old fax machines from offices. However, the move was not appreciated by locals who turned out to be fans of fax machines.

With the aim of helping employees during the time of coronavirus pandemic, Japanese authorities decided to banish age-old fax machines from offices. However, the move was not appreciated by locals who turned out to be fans of fax machines. A cabinet body that is responsible for taking care of administrative reform in Japan rolled out a new decision to abolish the use of fax machines by the end of July. All ministers and organisations were instructed to switch to emails and abandon the 1980s office equipment of communication. Have a look | Covid corruption and scandals that rocked the world However, this move angered the locals of the Tokyo district of Kasumigaseki. Hundreds of Japanese government officials jumped to the rescue of the fax machine and claimed it will be "impossible" to banish this communication device, local media reported. The decision was taken with regard to the safety of employees in the coronavirus pandemic. As all offices shifted to work-from-home, some employees were having to travel to the offices to send and receive the fax. To make sure people can remain safe in their homes, the government agency decided to shift all communication to emails from the fax. Also read | Japan to impose virus emergency in Tokyo during Olympics: Reports Now, the backlash from the employees has led to the government giving up on this mission of helping their employees upgrade in technology. The government has had to rule out the option of transforming the office space into a digital-only operation, local media reported. The fax fans claim they are protesting the decision simply because they fear the security of sensitive information and "anxiety over the communication environment". Japanese government officials are known to use fax for communicating confidential and sensitive information. Officials claimed this decision was taken as a part of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's plan of increasing efficiency in government offices using technology.

Japan's government employees protest ban of fax machines in offices

The US coordinator for the Indo-Pacific region Kurt Campbell said that US President Joe Biden will host a Quad meeting with the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan this year. Campbell made the remarks at an event hosted by the Asia Society think tank.

Joe Biden to host Indian PM Modi & other Quad leaders this year

Tokyo's public roads will not see the Olympic torch relay, said officials on Wednesday, as Covid-19 concerns continue to plague the Games just over two weeks before they begin.

No Olympic torch relay in Tokyo over Covid-19 concerns

The Japanese government plans to impose a virus state of emergency in Tokyo during the Olympics, reports said Wednesday, meaning spectators could be barred from venues.&nbsp;

The emergency measures -- less strict than a blanket lockdown -- will be in force until August 22, several Japanese media outlets reported, following a rise in cases less than three weeks before the Games begin.

"The government decided to declare the fourth state of emergency for Tokyo and communicated the decision to the ruling parties," public broadcaster NHK said.

Kyodo News, citing a senior government official, said it was now likely the Olympics would be held behind closed doors.

The pandemic-postponed 2020 Games will take place under strict anti-infection rules, with overseas fans already banned.

Organisers set a limit last month of 10,000 fans, or half of each venue's capacity, but recently warned that a fully closed-door Games remained an option as the virus situation worsens.

Japan's Covid-19 outbreak has not been as severe as in some countries, with around 14,800 deaths, but experts say another wave could stretch medical services as the Games begin.

Participants have already begun arriving in Japan, with 11,000 Olympic athletes from around 200 countries set to take part.

The Japanese government plans to impose a virus state of emergency in Tokyo during the Olympics, reports said Wednesday, meaning spectators could be barred from venues.

The Japanese government plans to impose a virus state of emergency in Tokyo during the Olympics, reports said Wednesday, meaning spectators could be barred from venues. The emergency measures -- less strict than a blanket lockdown -- will be in force until August 22, several Japanese media outlets reported, following a rise in cases less than three weeks before the Games begin. "The government decided to declare the fourth state of emergency for Tokyo and communicated the decision to the ruling parties," public broadcaster NHK said. Kyodo News, citing a senior government official, said it was now likely the Olympics would be held behind closed doors. The pandemic-postponed 2020 Games will take place under strict anti-infection rules, with overseas fans already banned. Organisers set a limit last month of 10,000 fans, or half of each venue's capacity, but recently warned that a fully closed-door Games remained an option as the virus situation worsens. Japan's Covid-19 outbreak has not been as severe as in some countries, with around 14,800 deaths, but experts say another wave could stretch medical services as the Games begin. Participants have already begun arriving in Japan, with 11,000 Olympic athletes from around 200 countries set to take part.

Japan to impose virus emergency in Tokyo during Olympics: Reports

In Pics | Rescuers struggle to locate dozens in landslide-hit Japan town

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year.

As per public broadcaster NHK, Suga's party managed to win only 33 seats in Tokyo's 123-member assembly. Suga's party is just ahead of Tokyo Citizens First, the party of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, with 31 seats. Even with 23 won by its ally Komeito, LDP fell short of an outright majority -- a target that had been considered within reach.

The disappointing result could put pressure on Suga, whose term as LDP president expires at the end of September. The head of the LDP is virtually assured of being prime minister, given the party's dominance in parliament.

"It appears our seats are likely to be a little bit lower than what we have initially anticipated," NHK had earlier quoted Taimei Yamaguchi, chair of the LDP's election strategy committee, as saying.

Tokyo's election came as the capital is preparing to host the Olympic Games whilst dealing with a resurgence of COVID-19.

With a general election due by October, Suga has staked his political career on successfully holding the Games, postponed from last year due to the virus, and boosting vaccine rollouts.

He has said he will bar spectators if necessary. But exit polls by broadcaster TBS showed 57% of respondents were still opposed to the Olympics going ahead on July 23 as planned.

Koike's Tokyo Citizens First party wants the Olympics held without spectators while the opposition Constitutional Democrats and Communists have called for the Games to be cancelled or postponed.

Voters on Sunday said COVID-19 remained their chief concern. A resurgence of the pandemic in Japan has seen new COVID-19 infections in Tokyo rise to a more than five-week high, with 716 reported on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year. As per public broadcaster NHK, Suga's party managed to win only 33 seats in Tokyo's 123-member assembly. Suga's party is just ahead of Tokyo Citizens First, the party of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, with 31 seats. Even with 23 won by its ally Komeito, LDP fell short of an outright majority -- a target that had been considered within reach. The disappointing result could put pressure on Suga, whose term as LDP president expires at the end of September. The head of the LDP is virtually assured of being prime minister, given the party's dominance in parliament. "It appears our seats are likely to be a little bit lower than what we have initially anticipated," NHK had earlier quoted Taimei Yamaguchi, chair of the LDP's election strategy committee, as saying. Tokyo's election came as the capital is preparing to host the Olympic Games whilst dealing with a resurgence of COVID-19. With a general election due by October, Suga has staked his political career on successfully holding the Games, postponed from last year due to the virus, and boosting vaccine rollouts. He has said he will bar spectators if necessary. But exit polls by broadcaster TBS showed 57% of respondents were still opposed to the Olympics going ahead on July 23 as planned. Koike's Tokyo Citizens First party wants the Olympics held without spectators while the opposition Constitutional Democrats and Communists have called for the Games to be cancelled or postponed. Voters on Sunday said COVID-19 remained their chief concern. A resurgence of the pandemic in Japan has seen new COVID-19 infections in Tokyo rise to a more than five-week high, with 716 reported on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan PM's party falls short in Tokyo election

At least three people were found dead and more than 100 were missing after torrential rains triggered landslides in the central Japanese city of Atami over the weekend, a local official and media said on Monday. 
 
A person was confirmed dead, bringing the death toll to three with 113 people still missing in the seaside city of Atami 90 km (60 miles) southwest of Tokyo, spokesman Hiroki Onuma said, after floods, landslides and cascading mud collapsed and half-submerged houses on Saturday. 
 
The third person killed after the landslides was a woman, Kyodo news agency said. 
 
The torrential rains and landslides are a reminder of the natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcano eruptions and tsunami, that haunt Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics beginning this month. 
 
The landslides, which affected about 130 buildings, occurred around 10:30 am&nbsp;(0130 GMT) on Saturday in Atami, which is home to hot spring resorts and sits on a steep slope into a bay. 
 
The water, mud and debris are thought to have flowed along a river for about 2 km to the sea, local media said.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least three people were found dead and more than 100 were missing after torrential rains triggered landslides in the central Japanese city of Atami over the weekend, a local official and media said on Monday.

At least three people were found dead and more than 100 were missing after torrential rains triggered landslides in the central Japanese city of Atami over the weekend, a local official and media said on Monday. A person was confirmed dead, bringing the death toll to three with 113 people still missing in the seaside city of Atami 90 km (60 miles) southwest of Tokyo, spokesman Hiroki Onuma said, after floods, landslides and cascading mud collapsed and half-submerged houses on Saturday. The third person killed after the landslides was a woman, Kyodo news agency said. The torrential rains and landslides are a reminder of the natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcano eruptions and tsunami, that haunt Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics beginning this month. The landslides, which affected about 130 buildings, occurred around 10:30 am (0130 GMT) on Saturday in Atami, which is home to hot spring resorts and sits on a steep slope into a bay. The water, mud and debris are thought to have flowed along a river for about 2 km to the sea, local media said. (With inputs from agencies)

Three dead, 113 missing in Japan after heavy rains trigger landslides

The landslides were triggered by torrential downpours - with some areas receiving more rain in 24 hours than they would usually get for the whole of July.

80 people still missing after landslides in Japan

Search and rescue teams in Japan are continuously searching for missing people after a town was hit by a deadly landslide as heavy rains lashed the area.<o:p></o:p>

Till now, two people have been confirmed dead, 10 have been rescued but nearly 20 people are still missing, a government official reported.<o:p></o:p>

As the landslide hit the area, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga called together an emergency task force to tackle the crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-2-dead-20-missing-in-landslide-395644">WATCH |</a>

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"We resumed rescue operations early in the morning with some 1,000 rescuers, including 140 troops," an official told news agency AFP. "We are trying our best to search for survivors as quickly as possible while carrying out the operation very carefully as it is still raining."

<o:p></o:p>

The heavy rains and storm led to loose wires dangling, roofs coming down and sinkholes appeared in roads, making it difficult for people to run away from the area to security.<o:p></o:p>

Since the landslide, nearly 2,800 homes have been left without power as the town, around 90 kilometres (55 miles) southwest of Tokyo, saw rainfall of 313 millimetres in just 48 hours to Saturday.<o:p></o:p>

Search and rescue teams in Japan are continuously searching for missing people after a town was hit by a deadly landslide as heavy rains lashed the area. Till now, two people have been confirmed dead, 10 have been rescued but nearly 20 people are still missing, a government official reported.

Search and rescue teams in Japan are continuously searching for missing people after a town was hit by a deadly landslide as heavy rains lashed the area. Till now, two people have been confirmed dead, 10 have been rescued but nearly 20 people are still missing, a government official reported. As the landslide hit the area, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga called together an emergency task force to tackle the crisis. WATCH | × "We resumed rescue operations early in the morning with some 1,000 rescuers, including 140 troops," an official told news agency AFP. "We are trying our best to search for survivors as quickly as possible while carrying out the operation very carefully as it is still raining." The heavy rains and storm led to loose wires dangling, roofs coming down and sinkholes appeared in roads, making it difficult for people to run away from the area to security. Since the landslide, nearly 2,800 homes have been left without power as the town, around 90 kilometres (55 miles) southwest of Tokyo, saw rainfall of 313 millimetres in just 48 hours to Saturday.

Japan landslide: Rescue teams continue searching as 2 declared dead, at least 20 missing

At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris.

Japan: 2 dead, 20 missing in landslide

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