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.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/covid-corruption-and-scandals-that-rocked-the-world-395815" hreflang="en">Covid corruption and scandals that rocked the world</a>

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.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-to-impose-virus-emergency-in-tokyo-during-olympics-reports-396505">Japan to impose virus emergency in Tokyo during Olympics: Reports</a>

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

Two people are dead and at least 19 others are missing after a huge landslide caused by days of heavy rain swept away homes in central Japan on Saturday.

At least two people dead and 20 missing after powerful landslide hits Japan

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.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has convened an emergency task force to tackle the crisis. He has asked people in the affected areas to remain on alert.

The floods are a reminder of the natural disasters - including earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami - that plague Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics starting this month.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the city, where about 80 people are evacuated, NHK said.

Some 2,830 households in the area face power outages, it said, citing the Tokyo Electric Power.

(With inputs from agencies)

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. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has convened an emergency task force to tackle the crisis. He has asked people in the affected areas to remain on alert. The floods are a reminder of the natural disasters - including earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami - that plague Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics starting this month. Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the city, where about 80 people are evacuated, NHK said. Some 2,830 households in the area face power outages, it said, citing the Tokyo Electric Power. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese city battles with landslides after heavy rains

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the central city of Atami on Saturday after landslides triggered by heavy rains left at least 20 people missing, public broadcaster NHK said. 
 
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called together an emergency task force to tackle the crisis, NHK added, as it broadcast Twitter footage of floods that destroyed homes swept away debris. 
 
Social media images showed partially submerged cars and rescue workers wading through waist-high water with a small life raft. 
 
The rainfall deluging the city since Friday has already exceeded average July levels for the prefectures of Shizuoka, where Atami is located, and neighbouring Kanagawa, NHK said.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the central city of Atami on Saturday after landslides triggered by heavy rains left at least 20 people missing, public broadcaster NHK said.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the central city of Atami on Saturday after landslides triggered by heavy rains left at least 20 people missing, public broadcaster NHK said. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called together an emergency task force to tackle the crisis, NHK added, as it broadcast Twitter footage of floods that destroyed homes swept away debris. Social media images showed partially submerged cars and rescue workers wading through waist-high water with a small life raft. The rainfall deluging the city since Friday has already exceeded average July levels for the prefectures of Shizuoka, where Atami is located, and neighbouring Kanagawa, NHK said.

Torrential rains in Japan unleash landslides, 20 missing: Report

A Japanese woman dubbed the "Black&nbsp;Widow" who used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers had her final appeal against the death sentence rejected on Tuesday by the country's top court, local media said.

Chisako Kakehi, 74, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2017 for the murder of three men -- including a husband -- and the attempted murder of another, in a case that gripped Japan.

Two years ago, a high court dismissed an appeal by the serial killer who pocketed millions in insurance payouts and inheritance, drawing comparisons in the media with the spider that poisons its mate after copulation.

On Tuesday, Supreme Court presiding judge Yuko Miyazaki said "the death sentence is unavoidable" because Kakehi's "criminal responsibility is extremely grave", public broadcaster NHK reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inaugurating-embassy-in-uae-israel-tells-region-were-here-to-stay-394875">Also Read |&nbsp;Inaugurating embassy in UAE, Israel tells region: 'We're here to stay'</a>

"She used cyanide on the men after making them trust her as a life partner. It's a calculated, cruel crime based on a strong intent of murder," Miyazaki said.

When contacted by AFP, officials at the top court could not immediately confirm the reports.

The defence lawyers had claimed Kakehi was incapable of going through trials due to dementia, and she told Yomiuri TV before the ruling that she "did not want to die".&nbsp;

Kakehi reportedly amassed one billion yen ($9 million) in payouts over 10 years, but subsequently lost most of the fortune through unsuccessful financial trading.

She had relationships primarily with elderly or ill men -- meeting some through dating agencies, where she reportedly stipulated that prospective partners should be wealthy and childless.

Cyanide was found in the body of at least two of the men she was involved with and police reportedly found traces of the poison in the rubbish at her Kyoto home.

A Japanese woman dubbed the "Black Widow" who used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers had her final appeal against the death sentence rejected on Tuesday by the country's top court, local media said.

A Japanese woman dubbed the "Black Widow" who used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers had her final appeal against the death sentence rejected on Tuesday by the country's top court, local media said. Chisako Kakehi, 74, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2017 for the murder of three men -- including a husband -- and the attempted murder of another, in a case that gripped Japan. Two years ago, a high court dismissed an appeal by the serial killer who pocketed millions in insurance payouts and inheritance, drawing comparisons in the media with the spider that poisons its mate after copulation. On Tuesday, Supreme Court presiding judge Yuko Miyazaki said "the death sentence is unavoidable" because Kakehi's "criminal responsibility is extremely grave", public broadcaster NHK reported. Also Read | Inaugurating embassy in UAE, Israel tells region: 'We're here to stay' "She used cyanide on the men after making them trust her as a life partner. It's a calculated, cruel crime based on a strong intent of murder," Miyazaki said. When contacted by AFP, officials at the top court could not immediately confirm the reports. The defence lawyers had claimed Kakehi was incapable of going through trials due to dementia, and she told Yomiuri TV before the ruling that she "did not want to die". Kakehi reportedly amassed one billion yen ($9 million) in payouts over 10 years, but subsequently lost most of the fortune through unsuccessful financial trading. She had relationships primarily with elderly or ill men -- meeting some through dating agencies, where she reportedly stipulated that prospective partners should be wealthy and childless. Cyanide was found in the body of at least two of the men she was involved with and police reportedly found traces of the poison in the rubbish at her Kyoto home.

Japan's serial killer 'Black Widow' loses final death sentence appeal: reports

As the Japanese Conglomerate downgrades its industry ambitions reports say Softbank is now slashing jobs at Global Robotics business.

World Business Watch: Japanese Conglomerate downgrades ambitions

Japanese retail sales beat expectations in May as households loosened their purse strings, but underlying trends in consumption remain hostage to COVID-19 linked pressures.

World Business Watch: Japanese retail sales beat expectations in May

Tokyo Olympics 2020 faces the risk of becoming a super-spreader event. How are the organisers tackling the COVID-19 threat and dissent? WION's Molly Gambhir speaks to Tatsuo Ogura from the Tokyo Olympics Organising Committee.

Tokyo Olympics to kick off amid COVID-19 threat

Japanese Emperor&nbsp;Naruhito&nbsp;"appears concerned" about the possibility the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Olympic Games</a> could cause the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> to spread as feared by many members of the public, the head of the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) said on Thursday.

While the emperor's concern was framed as the official's impression rather than something he explicitly expressed, the rare insight into the monarch's thinking on the Games lit up social media, with many wondering whether there would be a formal address on the topic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Tokyo Olympics 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears</a>

"The emperor is extremely worried about the current status of coronavirus infections," IHA Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura told a regular news conference on Thursday.

"Given the public's worries, he appears to me to be concerned about whether the Olympics and Paralymics event, for which he is honorary patron, would cause infections to spread."

As news of the chamberlain's comment spread, "IHA Grand Steward" and related keywords were tagged on tens of thousands of posts on Twitter.

The emperor has no political power but is widely respected as a figurehead in Japan, although it is rare for him to make public statements. His attendance at the opening ceremony on July 23 has not been decided, the IHA said.

Asked about the comment, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told reporters he did not believe that the chamberlain's remarks indicated that there were any problems with preparations for the Games, which were delayed for a year by the pandemic.

"Our responsibility is to alleviate the concerns of the public and ensure that the Games are held in a safe and secure manner, and we will continue to work at that," Muto said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-infection-expert-eyes-olympics-with-excitement-concern-393099">Japan infection expert eyes Olympics with excitement, concern</a>

Many Japanese remain sceptical about the possibility of holding even a scaled-down Games safely during the pandemic. Organisers have excluded foreign spectators and limited the number of domestic ones for the event. Alcohol, high-fives and talking loudly will also be banned.

'Situation still dire'

Japan has largely avoided the kind of explosive coronavirus outbreaks that have devastated other countries, but its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> roll-out was initially slow and the medical system has been pushed to the brink in some places.

On Thursday, advisers to the Tokyo metropolitan government warned that people were moving around more after the government lifted a state of emergency in the capital and elsewhere this week, and that could cause infections to creep up.

The medical system remained stretched to the limit as health workers were also busy vaccinating the public, one expert said.

They also warned of signs that more infectious variants could spread rapidly in the coming weeks and months.

"Although we're now in a 'quasi' state of emergency, the situation is still very dire," Tokyo Vice Governor Mitsuchika Tarao told reporters, standing in for Governor Yuriko Koike, who was hospitalised this week to recover from fatigue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uganda-olympic-team-member-tests-positive-on-arrival-in-japan-392664">Uganda Olympic team member tests positive on arrival in Japan</a>

Underscoring such concerns, a second member of the Ugandan team tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, several days after the team member had tested negative upon arrival in Japan.

Earlier in the week, the World Health Organization's head of emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, noted that infection rates in Japan had been falling, and said they compared favourably to other countries that were hosting big events.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito "appears concerned" about the possibility the Olympic Games could cause the coronavirus to spread as feared by many members of the public, the head of the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) said on Thursday.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito "appears concerned" about the possibility the Olympic Games could cause the coronavirus to spread as feared by many members of the public, the head of the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) said on Thursday. While the emperor's concern was framed as the official's impression rather than something he explicitly expressed, the rare insight into the monarch's thinking on the Games lit up social media, with many wondering whether there would be a formal address on the topic. Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears "The emperor is extremely worried about the current status of coronavirus infections," IHA Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura told a regular news conference on Thursday. "Given the public's worries, he appears to me to be concerned about whether the Olympics and Paralymics event, for which he is honorary patron, would cause infections to spread." As news of the chamberlain's comment spread, "IHA Grand Steward" and related keywords were tagged on tens of thousands of posts on Twitter. The emperor has no political power but is widely respected as a figurehead in Japan, although it is rare for him to make public statements. His attendance at the opening ceremony on July 23 has not been decided, the IHA said. Asked about the comment, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told reporters he did not believe that the chamberlain's remarks indicated that there were any problems with preparations for the Games, which were delayed for a year by the pandemic. "Our responsibility is to alleviate the concerns of the public and ensure that the Games are held in a safe and secure manner, and we will continue to work at that," Muto said. Also read | Japan infection expert eyes Olympics with excitement, concern Many Japanese remain sceptical about the possibility of holding even a scaled-down Games safely during the pandemic. Organisers have excluded foreign spectators and limited the number of domestic ones for the event. Alcohol, high-fives and talking loudly will also be banned. 'Situation still dire' Japan has largely avoided the kind of explosive coronavirus outbreaks that have devastated other countries, but its vaccine roll-out was initially slow and the medical system has been pushed to the brink in some places. On Thursday, advisers to the Tokyo metropolitan government warned that people were moving around more after the government lifted a state of emergency in the capital and elsewhere this week, and that could cause infections to creep up. The medical system remained stretched to the limit as health workers were also busy vaccinating the public, one expert said. They also warned of signs that more infectious variants could spread rapidly in the coming weeks and months. "Although we're now in a 'quasi' state of emergency, the situation is still very dire," Tokyo Vice Governor Mitsuchika Tarao told reporters, standing in for Governor Yuriko Koike, who was hospitalised this week to recover from fatigue. Also read | Uganda Olympic team member tests positive on arrival in Japan Underscoring such concerns, a second member of the Ugandan team tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, several days after the team member had tested negative upon arrival in Japan. Earlier in the week, the World Health Organization's head of emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, noted that infection rates in Japan had been falling, and said they compared favourably to other countries that were hosting big events.

Japanese emperor 'appears concerned' about COVID-19 spread in Olympics

Japan's top court has ruled that married couples must use the same surname. What's wrong with a woman retaining her maiden name after marriage? Palki Sharma tells you why changing surnames may be an archaic idea.

Gravitas: Married couples in Japan must use the same surname

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Who is accountable if the COVID-19 virus spreads?

In this age of equality and modernisation, Japan’s top court has denied giving couples a chance to keep their own surnames after marriage.

A little while ago, Japanese couples had argued that individuals should be allowed to keep their own surnames rather than having to change it to one family name.

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The matter came to rise when, in 2018, plaintiffs, three couples, submitted their marriage registration documents with different surnames of husbands and wives. However, the municipal government refused to accept these documents.

After that, the couples argued that the rule of couples having to choose a single surname "is against equality under the law and freedom of marriage, which are guaranteed by the constitution”.

As per the law, the couples have a choice to opt for either the husband’s surname or the wives’, but in reality, it is generally the wives who have to change their surname. The people in favour of the law have argued that the idea behind choosing one surname is to promote close and healthier family ties.

In this age of equality and modernisation, Japan’s top court has denied giving couples a chance to keep their own surnames after marriage. A little while ago, Japanese couples had argued that individuals should be allowed to keep their own surnames rather than having to change it to one family name.

In this age of equality and modernisation, Japan’s top court has denied giving couples a chance to keep their own surnames after marriage. A little while ago, Japanese couples had argued that individuals should be allowed to keep their own surnames rather than having to change it to one family name. Also read | Dating app Bumble gives employees entire week off to deal with 'burnout' The matter came to rise when, in 2018, plaintiffs, three couples, submitted their marriage registration documents with different surnames of husbands and wives. However, the municipal government refused to accept these documents. After that, the couples argued that the rule of couples having to choose a single surname "is against equality under the law and freedom of marriage, which are guaranteed by the constitution”. As per the law, the couples have a choice to opt for either the husband’s surname or the wives’, but in reality, it is generally the wives who have to change their surname. The people in favour of the law have argued that the idea behind choosing one surname is to promote close and healthier family ties.

'Family ties': Japan court rules against couples' freedom to choose different surnames

The Japanese government recently released its annual economic policy guidelines, which include new recommendations that companies allow employees to work four days per week instead of the conventional five.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has already caused major changes in the way Japanese firms conduct business, many of which are still conservative and traditional.&nbsp;

However, as part of the government's drive to enhance the nation's work-life balance, Japan's famously hardworking workers will be urged to spend less time in the office environment.&nbsp;

Political leaders now aim to influence top corporate executives that flexible working hours, remote employment, increased interconnection, and plenty of other changes might be useful even when the deadly crisis is over.&nbsp;

Experts are split on whether the new programme, which aims to address the country's labour shortfall, will be universally embraced, with workers and management both expressing concerns about unforeseen effects.&nbsp;

Employers should be aware that while persons working four days a week may become more motivated, their output may not increase enough to compensate for the lost workday. Employees, on the other hand, are concerned about salary cuts.

The Japanese government recently released its annual economic policy guidelines, which include new recommendations that companies allow employees to work four days per week instead of the conventional five.

The Japanese government recently released its annual economic policy guidelines, which include new recommendations that companies allow employees to work four days per week instead of the conventional five. The coronavirus pandemic has already caused major changes in the way Japanese firms conduct business, many of which are still conservative and traditional. However, as part of the government's drive to enhance the nation's work-life balance, Japan's famously hardworking workers will be urged to spend less time in the office environment. Political leaders now aim to influence top corporate executives that flexible working hours, remote employment, increased interconnection, and plenty of other changes might be useful even when the deadly crisis is over. Experts are split on whether the new programme, which aims to address the country's labour shortfall, will be universally embraced, with workers and management both expressing concerns about unforeseen effects. Employers should be aware that while persons working four days a week may become more motivated, their output may not increase enough to compensate for the lost workday. Employees, on the other hand, are concerned about salary cuts.

To improve work-life balance, Japan proposes four-day working week 

Activity for the private sector as a whole contracted for a second straight month due to the weaker reading for manufacturing and continued shrinking in the services sector, clouding the outlook for second-quarter economic growth in the country.

Japan's June factory activity expands at slowest pace

A Ugandan Olympic coach has tested positive for the Wuhan virus, even after vaccination. India says the Olympic rules are highly unfair for Indian athletes. With the opposition within Japan growing, will the Olympics be cancelled again? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ugandan Olympic coach tests positive for Wuhan virus after vaccination

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-is-taking-its-south-china-sea-strategy-to-himalayas-386626">Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas</a>

Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea.

According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-china-sea-is-a-hotbed-of-confrontation-372402">Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation</a>

"The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-world-coming-together-against-china-in-south-china-sea-374136">Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea?</a>

"Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said.

Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait.

But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings.

Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea. According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation "The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said. Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea? "Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said. Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait. But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings. Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

Have a stronger military presence in Asia to tackle China: Japan urges European nations

The United States' new top envoy for North Korea was scheduled to meet counterparts from South Korea and Japan during a visit to Seoul on Monday, amid an impasse in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang. 
 
US&nbsp;special representative for North Korea Sung Kim is in South Korea for a five-day visit, with no word of any planned efforts to contact the North. 
 
Kim, who doubles as ambassador to Indonesia, had back-to-back meetings scheduled with South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, as well as a trilateral session involving his Japanese counterpart, Takehiro Funakoshi. 
 
Noh and Funakoshi were also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting to discuss North Korea. 
 
Kim's appointment came after US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration conducted a review of North Korea policy that concluded the United States would seek to find practical ways of inducing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. 
 
In his first direct comments on Biden's administration, which took office in January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, particularly the latter, state news agency KCNA said on Friday. 
 
The United States said on Sunday it saw Kim's comments as an 'interesting signal',&nbsp;but added that Washington was still waiting for direct communication from Pyongyang to start any talks relating to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' new top envoy for North Korea was scheduled to meet counterparts from South Korea and Japan during a visit to Seoul on Monday, amid an impasse in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang.

The United States' new top envoy for North Korea was scheduled to meet counterparts from South Korea and Japan during a visit to Seoul on Monday, amid an impasse in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang. US special representative for North Korea Sung Kim is in South Korea for a five-day visit, with no word of any planned efforts to contact the North. Kim, who doubles as ambassador to Indonesia, had back-to-back meetings scheduled with South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, as well as a trilateral session involving his Japanese counterpart, Takehiro Funakoshi. Noh and Funakoshi were also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting to discuss North Korea. Kim's appointment came after US President Joe Biden's administration conducted a review of North Korea policy that concluded the United States would seek to find practical ways of inducing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. In his first direct comments on Biden's administration, which took office in January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, particularly the latter, state news agency KCNA said on Friday. The United States said on Sunday it saw Kim's comments as an 'interesting signal', but added that Washington was still waiting for direct communication from Pyongyang to start any talks relating to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. (With inputs from agencies)

New US envoy for North Korea to huddle with South Koreans, Japanese

Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that India has been talking to&nbsp;'both sides'&nbsp;in Myanmar and has asked the military rulers of the country to&nbsp;'resolve the current situation'. Myanmar saw a military coup on&nbsp;February 1, reversing the democratic gains of the last many years with cases against the country's charismatic leader&nbsp;Aung&nbsp;San&nbsp;Suu&nbsp;Kyi.&nbsp;

Verma said, "In Myanmar,&nbsp;we have been formally and informally talking to both sides. We have urged the military junta,&nbsp;which is there at the moment to release all the political prisoners and support any attempt to resolve the current situation."&nbsp;

India backs the ASEAN initiative on resolution of the situation in the country. The initiative is a five-point agenda that calls for humanitarian assistance, cessation of violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The envoy pointed out that India also&nbsp;'trying to find out if there could be any other track which will have a larger traction to resolve the issues', highlighting that "we have time and again talked about restoration of rule of law, restoration of provisions of the constitution of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and offered our assistance wherever we can...(and) collaborate with international partners for a positive forward movement. We are not necessarily looking at punishing the country."&nbsp;

He was responding to a question at the foreign&nbsp;correspondents&nbsp;club of Japan. During his answer to the question on&nbsp;Myanmar, he recalled how India did&nbsp;'play a role'&nbsp;last time the country was under military rule as was&nbsp;'required that time for the democratic institutions in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and we are ready to do the same'.&nbsp;

On Friday, India abstained&nbsp;from voting during&nbsp;an&nbsp;UN resolution on an arms embargo on the country, calling the resolution,&nbsp;a move in haste. It has spoken multiple times at UNSC meetings on the situation in Myanmar, condemning the violence in the country. The envoy said,&nbsp;"Myanmar is our&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;country.&nbsp;Therefore,&nbsp;anything happening&nbsp;in Myanmar could have cross border implications, which&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;important for us."&nbsp;

India and Myanmar share maritime and land borders. India has been developing the Kaladan multimodal projects that increases connectivity between the&nbsp;two&nbsp;countries. Myanmar in the past has helped India deal with its insurgency in bordering states.&nbsp;

Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that India has been talking to 'both sides' in Myanmar and has asked the military rulers of the country to 'resolve the current situation'.

Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that India has been talking to 'both sides' in Myanmar and has asked the military rulers of the country to 'resolve the current situation'. Myanmar saw a military coup on February 1, reversing the democratic gains of the last many years with cases against the country's charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Verma said, "In Myanmar, we have been formally and informally talking to both sides. We have urged the military junta, which is there at the moment to release all the political prisoners and support any attempt to resolve the current situation." India backs the ASEAN initiative on resolution of the situation in the country. The initiative is a five-point agenda that calls for humanitarian assistance, cessation of violence. The envoy pointed out that India also 'trying to find out if there could be any other track which will have a larger traction to resolve the issues', highlighting that "we have time and again talked about restoration of rule of law, restoration of provisions of the constitution of Myanmar and offered our assistance wherever we can...(and) collaborate with international partners for a positive forward movement. We are not necessarily looking at punishing the country." He was responding to a question at the foreign correspondents club of Japan. During his answer to the question on Myanmar, he recalled how India did 'play a role' last time the country was under military rule as was 'required that time for the democratic institutions in Myanmar and we are ready to do the same'. On Friday, India abstained from voting during an UN resolution on an arms embargo on the country, calling the resolution, a move in haste. It has spoken multiple times at UNSC meetings on the situation in Myanmar, condemning the violence in the country. The envoy said, "Myanmar is our neighbouring country. Therefore, anything happening in Myanmar could have cross border implications, which will be important for us." India and Myanmar share maritime and land borders. India has been developing the Kaladan multimodal projects that increases connectivity between the two countries. Myanmar in the past has helped India deal with its insurgency in bordering states.

Talking to both sides in Myanmar, says Indian envoy to Japan 

A member of the Uganda Olympic team has tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Japan, just over a month before the pandemic-postponed Games, officials said.

The first group to arrive from Uganda -- a nine-strong party, including boxers, coaches and officials -- landed at Tokyo's Narita airport on Saturday. They are the second team to arrive after Australia women's softball squad on June 1.

But one of the African nation's delegation tested positive during screening at the airport, a government official told reporters. The person tested twice but their condition remained unknown, reported local media.

"I heard the person has been isolated based on regulations," Hidemasa Nakamura, the Tokyo 2020 Games delivery officer, told reporters, renewing a pledge to take strict measures against infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elects-new-president-mixed-reactions-across-world-392652">Also Read |&nbsp;Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world</a>

Public broadcaster NHK said the group had all been vaccinated and tested negative in Uganda before they came to Japan.

The team was originally due to have arrived in Japan on June 16, but their flight was cancelled following a surge in Covid-19 cases in Uganda, local media said.

The other members of the Ugandan party have already left the airport for Osaka, western Japan, where they will train ahead of the Games.

This was the first case showing positive Covid test results among Olympic arrivals from overseas, local media said.

Last week organisers released virus guidelines for athletes as part of their effort to hold the Games safely even though the pandemic has not yet been brought under control.

Organisers said they would meet on Monday to discuss how many domestic spectators to allow, if any, with reports suggesting they would opt for a cap of 10,000 people.

Nippon Television said organisers were considering setting the upper limit of spectators, including guests and officials, at 20,000 for the July 23 opening ceremony.

Fans from abroad are already banned from attending the postponed event.

A member of the Uganda Olympic team has tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Japan, just over a month before the pandemic-postponed Games, officials said.

A member of the Uganda Olympic team has tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Japan, just over a month before the pandemic-postponed Games, officials said. The first group to arrive from Uganda -- a nine-strong party, including boxers, coaches and officials -- landed at Tokyo's Narita airport on Saturday. They are the second team to arrive after Australia women's softball squad on June 1. But one of the African nation's delegation tested positive during screening at the airport, a government official told reporters. The person tested twice but their condition remained unknown, reported local media. "I heard the person has been isolated based on regulations," Hidemasa Nakamura, the Tokyo 2020 Games delivery officer, told reporters, renewing a pledge to take strict measures against infections. Also Read | Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world Public broadcaster NHK said the group had all been vaccinated and tested negative in Uganda before they came to Japan. The team was originally due to have arrived in Japan on June 16, but their flight was cancelled following a surge in Covid-19 cases in Uganda, local media said. The other members of the Ugandan party have already left the airport for Osaka, western Japan, where they will train ahead of the Games. This was the first case showing positive Covid test results among Olympic arrivals from overseas, local media said. Last week organisers released virus guidelines for athletes as part of their effort to hold the Games safely even though the pandemic has not yet been brought under control. Organisers said they would meet on Monday to discuss how many domestic spectators to allow, if any, with reports suggesting they would opt for a cap of 10,000 people. Nippon Television said organisers were considering setting the upper limit of spectators, including guests and officials, at 20,000 for the July 23 opening ceremony. Fans from abroad are already banned from attending the postponed event.

Uganda Olympic team member tests positive on arrival in Japan

In Tokyo, Mock athletes board buses near the Olympic and Paralympic Village during a transport operations simulation for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Organizers conduct mock transport drill

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