French Open organizers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott.

Osaka announced in the build-up to the French Open that she would not attend the mandatory post-match press conferences for players, saying the questioning by journalists impacts her mental well-being.

The four-time Grand Slam winner stuck to her stance and did not face the media after her opening win, leading to a $15,000 fine and a strongly-worded letter from the board of the four Grand Slam tournaments warning her of possible expulsion from Roland Garros and future majors.

Japan's Osaka ended the stand-off with the French&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;federation (FFT) by withdrawing from the claycourt major after winning her first-round match, explaining she had been suffering from depression for almost three years.

FFT director-general Amelie Oudea-Castera said the organizers tried to reach out to Osaka several times without success and the statement from the four majors was to just remind her of the consequences of her decision.

"On the $15,000 fine, you noticed we did not want to put that fine at the maximum. Maximum was 20," Oudea-Castera told reporters. "On purpose, we only wanted to be at 15 because we wanted to send a message that we wouldn't go to default right away.

"I think we really cared for her. We really tried to engage. We were pragmatic in the way we handled the progressive approach to sanctions. It was a very sensitive and difficult situation, but we believe we really treated that with respect, with care.

"And yes, of course, on mental health, we can do better. This is part of the roadmap we have with the other slams. We will take the initiative on the matter together."

The world number two's withdrawal, however, subjected the four Grand Slams to criticism from fans and pundits for their handling of the matter.

FFT president Gilles Moreton said they "had to do it."

"We need to have equity between all the players ... I think we did it the right way," he said.

"Now we want only one thing: she will recover as soon as possible and maybe she will be in very good shape and ready to talk to you (media) at Wimbledon. We'll be very happy about that."

French Open organizers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott.

French Open organizers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott. Osaka announced in the build-up to the French Open that she would not attend the mandatory post-match press conferences for players, saying the questioning by journalists impacts her mental well-being. The four-time Grand Slam winner stuck to her stance and did not face the media after her opening win, leading to a $15,000 fine and a strongly-worded letter from the board of the four Grand Slam tournaments warning her of possible expulsion from Roland Garros and future majors. Japan's Osaka ended the stand-off with the French tennis federation (FFT) by withdrawing from the claycourt major after winning her first-round match, explaining she had been suffering from depression for almost three years. FFT director-general Amelie Oudea-Castera said the organizers tried to reach out to Osaka several times without success and the statement from the four majors was to just remind her of the consequences of her decision. "On the $15,000 fine, you noticed we did not want to put that fine at the maximum. Maximum was 20," Oudea-Castera told reporters. "On purpose, we only wanted to be at 15 because we wanted to send a message that we wouldn't go to default right away. "I think we really cared for her. We really tried to engage. We were pragmatic in the way we handled the progressive approach to sanctions. It was a very sensitive and difficult situation, but we believe we really treated that with respect, with care. "And yes, of course, on mental health, we can do better. This is part of the roadmap we have with the other slams. We will take the initiative on the matter together." The world number two's withdrawal, however, subjected the four Grand Slams to criticism from fans and pundits for their handling of the matter. FFT president Gilles Moreton said they "had to do it." "We need to have equity between all the players ... I think we did it the right way," he said. "Now we want only one thing: she will recover as soon as possible and maybe she will be in very good shape and ready to talk to you (media) at Wimbledon. We'll be very happy about that."

French Open: Organisers defend Naomi Osaka handling, say 'can do better' on mental health

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country. In his first one-on-one parliamentary debate with opposition leaders on Wednesday, Suga, naming Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, said, "Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights" to curb the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Japaese PM Suga calls Taiwan a country during Parliament debate

Japan is at a "turning point" for LGBTQ rights, campaigners said Wednesday, vowing to use the Tokyo Olympics as a catalyst for change as they called on lawmakers to approve an anti-discrimination bill.

The country has seen a renewed push for legislation protecting the rights of sexual minorities, with opinion polls showing growing support for LGBTQ-friendly laws, especially among younger people.

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An increasing number of local governments and private companies are introducing more inclusive policies, and a recent landmark court verdict called the failure to recognise same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

But approval of the proposed anti-discrimination bill has been waylaid as members of the conservative ruling party discuss the details.

During one debate in May, a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker sparked outrage by reportedly saying same-sex relationships threaten "the preservation of the species".

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Yuri Igarashi, director of the LGBTQ rights group J-ALL, told reporters there was still time for the proposed law to be passed before the parliament session ends next week.

"We would like them to fulfil their promise to the people of this country," she said, citing a 2019 election pledge by the LDP to "promote understanding" of LGBTQ issues.&nbsp;

At the UN, Japan has supported an anti-discrimination resolution, Igarashi added, while Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga recently spoke out against prejudice and discrimination.

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"We believe this is a true turning point, and I'd like to really stress the importance of establishing a new law in the current Diet," or parliament session, she said.

The issue is in the international spotlight as this summer's virus-postponed Games approach, said Gon Matsunaka, head of Pride House Tokyo, a community hub recognised as part of the Olympic programme.

"The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is galvanising huge international attention to how this country is going to address LGBTQ issues," he told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan.

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"By utilising this huge momentum, we aim to do two things: first, to create change inside Japan's sport industry, and second, creating change in society itself."

While Japan has some protections for sexual minorities, it remains the only G7 country that does not recognise same-sex unions, and many couples say they can struggle to rent apartments together and are even barred from hospital visits.

It is "very difficult" for LGBTQ sports figures in Japan to be honest about their sexuality, said Fumino Sugiyama, a former athlete who was on the national women's fencing team before coming out as a transgender man.

Athletes are afraid they will disappoint their fans and families, or that they will face discrimination from their sports association that could hinder their career, Sugiyama explained.

The Olympic Charter states that "every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind".

Japan's proposed anti-discrimination law has been under discussion for years and gained traction after a group of lawyers began working on it in 2015.

Japan is at a "turning point" for LGBTQ rights, campaigners said Wednesday, vowing to use the Tokyo Olympics as a catalyst for change as they called on lawmakers to approve an anti-discrimination bill.

Japan is at a "turning point" for LGBTQ rights, campaigners said Wednesday, vowing to use the Tokyo Olympics as a catalyst for change as they called on lawmakers to approve an anti-discrimination bill. The country has seen a renewed push for legislation protecting the rights of sexual minorities, with opinion polls showing growing support for LGBTQ-friendly laws, especially among younger people. Also read | UK to ban LGBTQ conversion therapy and provide more support to community An increasing number of local governments and private companies are introducing more inclusive policies, and a recent landmark court verdict called the failure to recognise same-sex marriage unconstitutional. But approval of the proposed anti-discrimination bill has been waylaid as members of the conservative ruling party discuss the details. During one debate in May, a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker sparked outrage by reportedly saying same-sex relationships threaten "the preservation of the species". Also read | From Lady Gaga to Elton John, celebrating Hollywood's LGBTQ icons Yuri Igarashi, director of the LGBTQ rights group J-ALL, told reporters there was still time for the proposed law to be passed before the parliament session ends next week. "We would like them to fulfil their promise to the people of this country," she said, citing a 2019 election pledge by the LDP to "promote understanding" of LGBTQ issues. At the UN, Japan has supported an anti-discrimination resolution, Igarashi added, while Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga recently spoke out against prejudice and discrimination. Also read | One step up and two steps back "We believe this is a true turning point, and I'd like to really stress the importance of establishing a new law in the current Diet," or parliament session, she said. The issue is in the international spotlight as this summer's virus-postponed Games approach, said Gon Matsunaka, head of Pride House Tokyo, a community hub recognised as part of the Olympic programme. "The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is galvanising huge international attention to how this country is going to address LGBTQ issues," he told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan. Also read | Journey of lesbian magazine 'Curve' hits screens this Pride month "By utilising this huge momentum, we aim to do two things: first, to create change inside Japan's sport industry, and second, creating change in society itself." While Japan has some protections for sexual minorities, it remains the only G7 country that does not recognise same-sex unions, and many couples say they can struggle to rent apartments together and are even barred from hospital visits. It is "very difficult" for LGBTQ sports figures in Japan to be honest about their sexuality, said Fumino Sugiyama, a former athlete who was on the national women's fencing team before coming out as a transgender man. Athletes are afraid they will disappoint their fans and families, or that they will face discrimination from their sports association that could hinder their career, Sugiyama explained. The Olympic Charter states that "every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind". Japan's proposed anti-discrimination law has been under discussion for years and gained traction after a group of lawyers began working on it in 2015.

Japan at 'turning point' for LGBTQ rights: Campaigners

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Wednesday he aimed to hold talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers on strengthening bilateral cooperation to raise the two countries' security ties to new levels. 
 
Motegi made the comment at the start of a meeting, via video conferencing, between foreign and defence ministers from Japan and Australia. 
 
Meanwhile, Japan and Australia said on Wednesday they had 'serious concerns' about reported human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in China's Xinjiang region.

In a joint statement, they also expressed concern about recent moves that they said weakened Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and grave concerns about the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

The meeting, between the foreign and defence ministers of both nations, took place via video conferencing.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Wednesday he aimed to hold talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers on strengthening bilateral cooperation to raise the two countries' security ties to new levels.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Wednesday he aimed to hold talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers on strengthening bilateral cooperation to raise the two countries' security ties to new levels. Motegi made the comment at the start of a meeting, via video conferencing, between foreign and defence ministers from Japan and Australia. Meanwhile, Japan and Australia said on Wednesday they had 'serious concerns' about reported human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in China's Xinjiang region. In a joint statement, they also expressed concern about recent moves that they said weakened Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and grave concerns about the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The meeting, between the foreign and defence ministers of both nations, took place via video conferencing.

Japan minister says aims to raise security ties with Australia to new levels

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is likely to call a snap election after the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, a media report said, showing his resolve to push ahead with the Games despite the country's struggle to contain the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.

The government is considering crafting a new economic stimulus package before the expected snap election, the Asahi newspaper said on Thursday, citing several anonymous ruling party executives.

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"We're not examining a new stimulus package," the government's top spokesman Katsunobu Kato told a news conference on Thursday.

"But we see the need to revive the economy ... and hope to take necessary steps flexibly," he said, when asked about the chance of a possible new stimulus plan.

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Suga agreed on Wednesday with the head of his ruling coalition partner not to extend the current parliament session when it closes on June 16, according to media reports.

That means&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;will forgo compiling a supplementary budget for now and tap nearly 4 trillion yen ($36.50 billion) left in reserves to pay for immediate spending to combat the pandemic, the Asahi said.

The government's public relations official declined to comment on Asahi's report on Suga's election plan.

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"It's obvious we need an extra budget, but parliament is closing so we don't have time to pass it," ruling party lawmaker Shoji Nishida told Reuters last week.

"But there should be debate within the party on compiling another stimulus package and an extra budget," he said.

Suga has said he would focus on dealing with the pandemic, and that&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;will go ahead with the Games under strict virus-protection measures.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-japan-looks-to-extend-covid-19-states-of-emergency-ahead-of-games-387932">Olympics: Japan looks to extend COVID-19 states of emergency ahead of Games</a>

Some ruling party lawmakers have called on the government to boost spending to revive an economy hit by new state of emergency curbs to prevent the spread of the virus.

Slow vaccine rollouts and strong public opposition to holding the Games have led to a plunge in Suga's support ratings, heightening uncertainty over his administration's fate.

With the Tokyo Olympic Games starting on July 23, the most likely scenario is for Suga to dissolve parliament after the Sept. 5 end of the Paralympic Games and call a snap election, the Asahi said.

($1 = 109.5900 yen)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is likely to call a snap election after the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, a media report said, showing his resolve to push ahead with the Games despite the country's struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is likely to call a snap election after the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, a media report said, showing his resolve to push ahead with the Games despite the country's struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is considering crafting a new economic stimulus package before the expected snap election, the Asahi newspaper said on Thursday, citing several anonymous ruling party executives. Also Read | 10,000 Olympic volunteers quit ahead of Games: Organisers "We're not examining a new stimulus package," the government's top spokesman Katsunobu Kato told a news conference on Thursday. "But we see the need to revive the economy ... and hope to take necessary steps flexibly," he said, when asked about the chance of a possible new stimulus plan. Also Read | Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation Suga agreed on Wednesday with the head of his ruling coalition partner not to extend the current parliament session when it closes on June 16, according to media reports. That means Japan will forgo compiling a supplementary budget for now and tap nearly 4 trillion yen ($36.50 billion) left in reserves to pay for immediate spending to combat the pandemic, the Asahi said. The government's public relations official declined to comment on Asahi's report on Suga's election plan. Also Read | Tokyo 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears "It's obvious we need an extra budget, but parliament is closing so we don't have time to pass it," ruling party lawmaker Shoji Nishida told Reuters last week. "But there should be debate within the party on compiling another stimulus package and an extra budget," he said. Suga has said he would focus on dealing with the pandemic, and that Japan will go ahead with the Games under strict virus-protection measures. Also Read | Olympics: Japan looks to extend COVID-19 states of emergency ahead of Games Some ruling party lawmakers have called on the government to boost spending to revive an economy hit by new state of emergency curbs to prevent the spread of the virus. Slow vaccine rollouts and strong public opposition to holding the Games have led to a plunge in Suga's support ratings, heightening uncertainty over his administration's fate. With the Tokyo Olympic Games starting on July 23, the most likely scenario is for Suga to dissolve parliament after the Sept. 5 end of the Paralympic Games and call a snap election, the Asahi said. ($1 = 109.5900 yen)

Japan PM Suga likely to call snap election after Tokyo Olympic Games: Report

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony.

Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto ruled out a further postponement of the Games, speaking to a Japan sports paper, and said the cancellation would only happen in catastrophic circumstance such as most delegations not being able to come to Japan.

Organisers will later Thursday mark 50 days to go when they unveil details about the medal ceremonies, in the latest attempt to build public enthusiasm despite polls showing most people in Japan want the Games delayed or cancelled.

Japan is battling the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, with Tokyo and several other parts of the country under a state of emergency due to last until a month before the Games.

On Wednesday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told local media that around 10,000 volunteers -- who are vital to the smooth running of the massive event -- have quit, largely over coronavirus concerns.

Others dropped out after the Games were postponed by a year, or in protest over sexist remarks made by Hashimoto's predecessor who was forced to resign.

Some of the volunteers are likely also to be among the approximately 80 per cent of people in Japan who oppose hosting the Games this year, according to opinion polls.

But surveys among the population of Tokyo have found a more even split between those in favour and opposed to holding the Games.

Muto said the reduction in volunteers would not affect the running of the Games because the event has been scaled back, so fewer people are needed.

Participants cut

Overseas fans have already been barred from attending, and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators is expected later this month after the state of emergency in Tokyo ends on June 20.

The number of overseas officials and participants coming for the Games has been cut by about half, to around 78,000, with calls for further reductions.

Hashimoto reiterated that the Games are on and will be safe for participants and the Japanese public in an interview published Thursday, saying the cancellation was virtually inconceivable.

"If various countries around the world experience very serious situations and delegations from most countries can't come, then we wouldn't be able to hold it," she told the Nikkan Sports daily.

"But conversely, unless such a situation emerges, the Games will not be cancelled."

Australia's softball team earlier this week became the first Olympic athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics, a major step forward.

Hashimoto said she believed the tide of public opinion could be turning as Japan's initially slow vaccine campaign begins to speed up.

"We are hearing more and more voices from people saying 'if this is the case, the Olympics may be able to take place," she said.

Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with just over 13,000 deaths. Around 2.9 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony.

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony. Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto ruled out a further postponement of the Games, speaking to a Japan sports paper, and said the cancellation would only happen in catastrophic circumstance such as most delegations not being able to come to Japan. Organisers will later Thursday mark 50 days to go when they unveil details about the medal ceremonies, in the latest attempt to build public enthusiasm despite polls showing most people in Japan want the Games delayed or cancelled. Japan is battling the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, with Tokyo and several other parts of the country under a state of emergency due to last until a month before the Games. On Wednesday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told local media that around 10,000 volunteers -- who are vital to the smooth running of the massive event -- have quit, largely over coronavirus concerns. Others dropped out after the Games were postponed by a year, or in protest over sexist remarks made by Hashimoto's predecessor who was forced to resign. Some of the volunteers are likely also to be among the approximately 80 per cent of people in Japan who oppose hosting the Games this year, according to opinion polls. But surveys among the population of Tokyo have found a more even split between those in favour and opposed to holding the Games. Muto said the reduction in volunteers would not affect the running of the Games because the event has been scaled back, so fewer people are needed. Participants cut Overseas fans have already been barred from attending, and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators is expected later this month after the state of emergency in Tokyo ends on June 20. The number of overseas officials and participants coming for the Games has been cut by about half, to around 78,000, with calls for further reductions. Hashimoto reiterated that the Games are on and will be safe for participants and the Japanese public in an interview published Thursday, saying the cancellation was virtually inconceivable. "If various countries around the world experience very serious situations and delegations from most countries can't come, then we wouldn't be able to hold it," she told the Nikkan Sports daily. "But conversely, unless such a situation emerges, the Games will not be cancelled." Australia's softball team earlier this week became the first Olympic athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics, a major step forward. Hashimoto said she believed the tide of public opinion could be turning as Japan's initially slow vaccine campaign begins to speed up. "We are hearing more and more voices from people saying 'if this is the case, the Olympics may be able to take place," she said. Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with just over 13,000 deaths. Around 2.9 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

10,000 Olympic volunteers quit ahead of Games: Organisers

With the Tokyo Olympic game set to begin in just a few weeks' time, all eyes are on the refugee athletes who will be competing at the highest level this year. These Refugee athletes are putting everything they have into reaching the goal.

Refugees continue to flee from Africa & Middle East to take part in Olympics

In Tokyo, Karate practitioners, or karatekas, will compete at Nippon Budokan, an indoor legacy venue built to host judo events at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics

German karateka sets sights on Olympics

South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee said on Wednesday. 
 
The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter late on Tuesday asking the IOC to 'actively mediate' the dispute, which has sparked outrage and protests in South Korea less than two months out from the start of the Games. 
 
The small islands, called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, have been at the centre of a decades-long territorial dispute between the two countries. 
 
"Dokdo is South Korean territory and political neutrality must be guaranteed at the Games," Kim Bo-young, public relations director of KSOC, said. 
 
"Japan's behavior can be seen as a political action, so we have sent the letter as we believe such action runs counter to the Olympic spirit." 
 
Japan rejected South Korea's protests. 
 
"Takeshima is a territory inherent to Japan in view of historical facts and international laws. We cannot accept South Korean's protest at all," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters on Wednesday. 
 
Some South Korean officials have pointed out that Seoul removed the disputed islands from a flag featured at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea after Japan complained. 
 
South Korea said on Tuesday, it had summoned Japan's deputy ambassador to 'strongly protest' the map, which sparked uproar in South Korea and prompted some politicians there to call for a boycott of the Games. 
 
Three South Korean students were arrested on Tuesday after burning Japan's 'Rising Sun' flag in a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul, while live-streaming the act on YouTube. 
 
The three were detained on charges of violating assembly and demonstration laws, according to media reports. 
 
About a dozen other members of the student group protested against the arrests outside the police station on Tuesday. 
 
"South Korean land is being taken away," shouted one protester with a loudspeaker, according to video posted by the group on social media. 
 
The diplomatic spat is the latest headache for organisers of the Tokyo Games, which is due to take place from July 23 to Auguest 8 after being delayed last year due to the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic. 
 
Opinion polls show most people in Japan want the global sporting showpiece to be cancelled or postponed again as the country battles a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee said on Wednesday. The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter late on Tuesday asking the IOC to 'actively mediate' the dispute, which has sparked outrage and protests in South Korea less than two months out from the start of the Games. The small islands, called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, have been at the centre of a decades-long territorial dispute between the two countries. "Dokdo is South Korean territory and political neutrality must be guaranteed at the Games," Kim Bo-young, public relations director of KSOC, said. "Japan's behavior can be seen as a political action, so we have sent the letter as we believe such action runs counter to the Olympic spirit." Japan rejected South Korea's protests. "Takeshima is a territory inherent to Japan in view of historical facts and international laws. We cannot accept South Korean's protest at all," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters on Wednesday. Some South Korean officials have pointed out that Seoul removed the disputed islands from a flag featured at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea after Japan complained. South Korea said on Tuesday, it had summoned Japan's deputy ambassador to 'strongly protest' the map, which sparked uproar in South Korea and prompted some politicians there to call for a boycott of the Games. Three South Korean students were arrested on Tuesday after burning Japan's 'Rising Sun' flag in a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul, while live-streaming the act on YouTube. The three were detained on charges of violating assembly and demonstration laws, according to media reports. About a dozen other members of the student group protested against the arrests outside the police station on Tuesday. "South Korean land is being taken away," shouted one protester with a loudspeaker, according to video posted by the group on social media. The diplomatic spat is the latest headache for organisers of the Tokyo Games, which is due to take place from July 23 to Auguest 8 after being delayed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Opinion polls show most people in Japan want the global sporting showpiece to be cancelled or postponed again as the country battles a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea appeals to IOC over disputed islands on Japan Olympics map

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated.

Takahide Kiuchi, the executive economist at Nomura Research Institute and a former Bank of Japan board member, said that the first nationwide state of emergency last spring had caused an estimated 6.4 trillion yen loss. Further losses have resulted from the second and presently third running state of emergency.

"If the Olympic Games&nbsp;trigger the spread of infections and necessitates another emergency declaration, then the economic loss would be much greater," Kiuchi said in a report published on Tuesday. The direct loss from a cancellation would be equivalent to a third of a percent of nominal gross domestic product GDP in fiscal 2020, he noted.

"These calculations suggest that the decision of whether to hold or cancel the Games should be made from the perspective of infection risk rather than economic loss," he concluded.

Olympic organizers have said the Games, postponed from last year, will go ahead by adopting strict safety measures, including ensuring that athletes don't mix with the Japanese public. The Games start on July 23.

Opinion polls have repeatedly shown the majority of the public is opposed to holding the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;during a pandemic.

Kiuchi's estimate supports the view expressed by Japanese tycoon and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who argued in a series of tweets&nbsp;at the weekend that Japan could have a "lot to lose" if the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;led to a spike in infections.

Japan has recorded about 719,000 novel coronavirus cases. The numbers are low compared with other countries but much of Japan remains under emergency curbs due to a strained medical system, while its vaccination drive has been slow, with just 5% inoculated so far.

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the Olympics were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated.

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the Olympics were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated. Takahide Kiuchi, the executive economist at Nomura Research Institute and a former Bank of Japan board member, said that the first nationwide state of emergency last spring had caused an estimated 6.4 trillion yen loss. Further losses have resulted from the second and presently third running state of emergency. "If the Olympic Games trigger the spread of infections and necessitates another emergency declaration, then the economic loss would be much greater," Kiuchi said in a report published on Tuesday. The direct loss from a cancellation would be equivalent to a third of a percent of nominal gross domestic product GDP in fiscal 2020, he noted. "These calculations suggest that the decision of whether to hold or cancel the Games should be made from the perspective of infection risk rather than economic loss," he concluded. Olympic organizers have said the Games, postponed from last year, will go ahead by adopting strict safety measures, including ensuring that athletes don't mix with the Japanese public. The Games start on July 23. Opinion polls have repeatedly shown the majority of the public is opposed to holding the Olympics during a pandemic. Kiuchi's estimate supports the view expressed by Japanese tycoon and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who argued in a series of tweets at the weekend that Japan could have a "lot to lose" if the Olympics led to a spike in infections. Japan has recorded about 719,000 novel coronavirus cases. The numbers are low compared with other countries but much of Japan remains under emergency curbs due to a strained medical system, while its vaccination drive has been slow, with just 5% inoculated so far.

Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist

The head of a Japanese doctors' union warned on Tuesday that holding the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, with tens of thousands of people from around the world, could lead to the emergence of an "Olympic" strain of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japans-tokyo-olympics-conundrum-worsens-amid-raging-pandemic-380850">Japan's Tokyo Olympics conundrum worsens amid raging pandemic</a>

Japan has pledged to hold a "safe and secure" 2020&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in Tokyo after a year-long postponement but it is struggling to contain the fourth wave of infections and preparing to extend a state of emergency in much of the country.

Japanese officials,&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have all vowed the Games will go ahead, albeit under strict virus-prevention measures. Foreign spectators have been banned and a decision on domestic ones is expected next month.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/overseas-fans-barred-from-tokyo-olympics-over-virus-fears-371916">Overseas fans barred from Tokyo Olympics over virus fears</a>

But even with those steps, worries remain about the influx of athletes and officials into Japan, where a vaccination drive remains glacially slow, with just over 5 per cent of the population having had a shot.

With people from more than 200 nations and territories set to arrive, the Games, due to begin in eight weeks, pose a danger, said Naoto Ueyama, head of the Japan Doctors Union.

"All of the different mutant strains of the virus which exist in different places will be concentrated and gathering here in Tokyo. We cannot deny the possibility of even a new strain of the virus potentially emerging," he told a news conference.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/osaka-wants-discussion-on-olympics-amid-virus-surge-in-japan-384061">Osaka wants 'discussion' on Olympics amid virus surge in Japan</a>

"If such a situation were to arise, it could even mean a Tokyo Olympic strain of the virus being named in this way, which would be a huge tragedy and something which would be the target of criticism, even for 100 years."

But Kenji Shibuya, director of the Institute of Population Health at King’s College, London, who has recently been helping the vaccination campaign in Japan, played down dangers specific to the Games.

"Mutation takes place when virus stays in immunocompromised or partially immunised people for a long period of time," Shibuya said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-thinking-of-cancelling-the-olympics-says-tokyo-2020-chief-amid-surge-in-covid-infections-377930">Not thinking of cancelling the Olympics', says Tokyo 2020 chief amid surge in COVID infections</a>

"So the current situation in Japan is more dangerous than (during) the Tokyo Games, in my opinion."

State of Emergency

The Asahi Shimbun, an official partner of the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, carried an editorial on Wednesday urging the Games be cancelled, but former IOC vice president Dick Pound said later in the day the sports extravaganza should and would go ahead.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-newspaper-sponsoring-tokyo-olympics-urges-cancellation-387435">Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation</a>

The government is currently preparing to extend a state of emergency across much of the nation originally set to be lifted on May 31, most likely well into June, officials have said - just weeks before the Games are set to open on July 23.

But IOC member John Coates has said the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;could be held even under a state of emergency, an opinion Ueyama said was infuriating.

"In regards to these statements, the people of Japan are indeed holding great anger towards this, and this is even more the case for healthcare and medical professionals," Ueyama said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/citing-covid-risk-us-warns-against-travel-to-olympic-host-japan-387229">Citing Covid risk, US warns against travel to Olympic host Japan</a>

Earlier this week, the United States advised against travel to Japan, but&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;organisers have said this will not affect the Games. The White House on Wednesday said it had been assured by Japan's government that it will keep in close contact about concerns over the&nbsp;Olympics.

In a sign of how uncertain the situation remains, however, Australia's major sports leagues and Olympic hopefuls were left scrambling to make contingency plans after authorities announced a seven-day lockdown in the southern state of Victoria to contain a COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne.

Chiba prefecture, which borders Tokyo, announced on Thursday that it was cancelling its stretch of the Olympic torch relay out of safety concerns, becoming the latest area to scale back events.

The head of a Japanese doctors' union warned on Tuesday that holding the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, with tens of thousands of people from around the world, could lead to the emergence of an "Olympic" strain of the coronavirus.

The head of a Japanese doctors' union warned on Tuesday that holding the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, with tens of thousands of people from around the world, could lead to the emergence of an "Olympic" strain of the coronavirus. Also Read | Japan's Tokyo Olympics conundrum worsens amid raging pandemic Japan has pledged to hold a "safe and secure" 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after a year-long postponement but it is struggling to contain the fourth wave of infections and preparing to extend a state of emergency in much of the country. Japanese officials, Olympics organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have all vowed the Games will go ahead, albeit under strict virus-prevention measures. Foreign spectators have been banned and a decision on domestic ones is expected next month. Also Read | Overseas fans barred from Tokyo Olympics over virus fears But even with those steps, worries remain about the influx of athletes and officials into Japan, where a vaccination drive remains glacially slow, with just over 5 per cent of the population having had a shot. With people from more than 200 nations and territories set to arrive, the Games, due to begin in eight weeks, pose a danger, said Naoto Ueyama, head of the Japan Doctors Union. "All of the different mutant strains of the virus which exist in different places will be concentrated and gathering here in Tokyo. We cannot deny the possibility of even a new strain of the virus potentially emerging," he told a news conference. Also Read | Osaka wants 'discussion' on Olympics amid virus surge in Japan "If such a situation were to arise, it could even mean a Tokyo Olympic strain of the virus being named in this way, which would be a huge tragedy and something which would be the target of criticism, even for 100 years." But Kenji Shibuya, director of the Institute of Population Health at King’s College, London, who has recently been helping the vaccination campaign in Japan, played down dangers specific to the Games. "Mutation takes place when virus stays in immunocompromised or partially immunised people for a long period of time," Shibuya said. Also Read | Not thinking of cancelling the Olympics', says Tokyo 2020 chief amid surge in COVID infections "So the current situation in Japan is more dangerous than (during) the Tokyo Games, in my opinion." State of Emergency The Asahi Shimbun, an official partner of the Tokyo Olympics, carried an editorial on Wednesday urging the Games be cancelled, but former IOC vice president Dick Pound said later in the day the sports extravaganza should and would go ahead. Also Read | Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation The government is currently preparing to extend a state of emergency across much of the nation originally set to be lifted on May 31, most likely well into June, officials have said - just weeks before the Games are set to open on July 23. But IOC member John Coates has said the Olympics could be held even under a state of emergency, an opinion Ueyama said was infuriating. "In regards to these statements, the people of Japan are indeed holding great anger towards this, and this is even more the case for healthcare and medical professionals," Ueyama said. Also Read | Citing Covid risk, US warns against travel to Olympic host Japan Earlier this week, the United States advised against travel to Japan, but Olympics organisers have said this will not affect the Games. The White House on Wednesday said it had been assured by Japan's government that it will keep in close contact about concerns over the Olympics. In a sign of how uncertain the situation remains, however, Australia's major sports leagues and Olympic hopefuls were left scrambling to make contingency plans after authorities announced a seven-day lockdown in the southern state of Victoria to contain a COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne. Chiba prefecture, which borders Tokyo, announced on Thursday that it was cancelling its stretch of the Olympic torch relay out of safety concerns, becoming the latest area to scale back events.

Tokyo Games could lead to "Olympic virus" strain, Japanese doctor warns

US drugmaker Pfizer on Monday formally authorized the use of its COVID-19 vaccine for around 4 million children age 12 to 15 in Japan, following similar moves overseas to allow adolescents to be vaccinated.

Japan green lights Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for 12 to 15-year-olds

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health".

In an editorial, the daily urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to "make a calm, objective assessment of the situation and make the decision to cancel this summer's Olympics".

The call comes with public opposition growing in Japan, where polls show a majority are against the Games going ahead in July and August.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-japans-losses-from-covid-19-curbs-to-dwarf-olympics-no-go-fallout-says-economist-387251" hreflang="en">Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist</a>

The editorial said it "cannot accept the gamble" of holding the event, despite organisers insisting it can go ahead safely.

It also accused International Olympic Committee leaders, including vice-president John Coates, of being "self-righteous" and "clearly out of step" with the Japanese public.

When asked last week if the Games could be held even during a virus state of emergency, Coates said "the answer is absolutely yes".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-olympics-japans-osaka-buckles-under-coronavirus-fourth-wave-387130" hreflang="en">Ahead of Olympics, Japan's Osaka buckles under coronavirus fourth wave</a>

Tokyo and other parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency, which is expected to be extended this week until June 20.

"Saying 'yes' without demonstrating any clear grounds for it once again drove home the self-righteous image of the IOC," the Asahi editorial said.

It comes less than two months until the Games are set to begin, and days after the US State Department issued a travel warning for Japan over virus risks.

The White House said Tuesday that it supported plans to hold the Games, with press secretary Jen Psaki saying "our position has not changed on the Olympics".

"There are very specific entry and movement rules and procedures which the organisers have laid out in order to ensure the protection of everyone involved," she added.

Cancelling the Games would cost Japan around 1.8 trillion yen ($16.6 billion), a research institute said Tuesday.

But the Nomura Research Institute warned that the country could suffer even greater economic damage as a result of holding the Games, if a spike in infections led to a new state of emergency.

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health".

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health". In an editorial, the daily urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to "make a calm, objective assessment of the situation and make the decision to cancel this summer's Olympics". The call comes with public opposition growing in Japan, where polls show a majority are against the Games going ahead in July and August. Also read | Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist The editorial said it "cannot accept the gamble" of holding the event, despite organisers insisting it can go ahead safely. It also accused International Olympic Committee leaders, including vice-president John Coates, of being "self-righteous" and "clearly out of step" with the Japanese public. When asked last week if the Games could be held even during a virus state of emergency, Coates said "the answer is absolutely yes". Also read | Ahead of Olympics, Japan's Osaka buckles under coronavirus fourth wave Tokyo and other parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency, which is expected to be extended this week until June 20. "Saying 'yes' without demonstrating any clear grounds for it once again drove home the self-righteous image of the IOC," the Asahi editorial said. It comes less than two months until the Games are set to begin, and days after the US State Department issued a travel warning for Japan over virus risks. The White House said Tuesday that it supported plans to hold the Games, with press secretary Jen Psaki saying "our position has not changed on the Olympics". "There are very specific entry and movement rules and procedures which the organisers have laid out in order to ensure the protection of everyone involved," she added. Cancelling the Games would cost Japan around 1.8 trillion yen ($16.6 billion), a research institute said Tuesday. But the Nomura Research Institute warned that the country could suffer even greater economic damage as a result of holding the Games, if a spike in infections led to a new state of emergency.

Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation

Hospitals in Japan's second largest city, Osaka, are running out of beds and ventilators under a large wave of new Coronavirus infections. Exhausted doctors warned of a "system collapse" and advised not to hold the Olympics this summer.

Japan: Medics warn against hosting Tokyo Olympics as COVID overwhelms Osaka hospitals

Tokyo is all set for Olympics even if on Sunday it reported 535 new cases of COVID-19, as the government is expanding the current state of emergency in the capital and other provinces.

Japan moves ahead for Tokyo Olympics amid concerns over new COVID-19 variants

Japan opened its first mass vaccination center on Monday, with only two months to speed up a vigilant COVID-19 vaccination program until the virus-postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Japan tries to ramp up its vaccine drive ahead of the Tokyo Olympics

Authorities realised something was not right when Japan’s bullet train, which is known for always being on time, reached one minute late.

After a quick investigation, they learned that the train was a minute late as the driver of the speeding train had to urgently answer nature's call.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-chiefs-delayed-pre-olympics-japan-trip-to-happen-by-mid-july-386335" hreflang="en">IOC chief's delayed pre-Olympics Japan trip to happen by mid-July</a>

During the investigation, the driver admitted that he felt a strange pain in his lower abdomen and realised he would have to run to the toilet. He handed over the controls of the speeding train to an untrained conductor to answer nature's call.

The train,&nbsp;which was transporting 160 passengers, ran at 150 kilometres an hour for three minutes, while the driver was away.

While the bullet trains are mainly computer-controlled, the driver is needed to manually brake or accelerate the train to make sure the passengers on board remain safe and the train runs on schedule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japan-bullet-train-runs-late-after-drivers-toilet-break-386605">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japan-bullet-train-runs-late-after-drivers-toilet-break-386605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The driver’s absence would have gone unnoticed, if it wasn’t for that one minute late arrival of the train, which was flagged to his supervisors.

As per protocol, the driver is expected to co-ordinate with the command centre and turn over the controls to a qualified conductor who can handle the control system of the train while the driver is away. An alternative to this is to stop the train for a few minutes at the nearest station.

However, the driver did not take any of these options as he "didn't want to cause a delay by stopping the train".

When asked why he did not report the incident to his seniors, he said, "I didn't report it because it was embarrassing".

Authorities realised something was not right when Japan’s bullet train, which is known for always being on time, reached one minute late. After a quick investigation, they learned that the train was a minute late as the driver of the speeding train had to urgently answer nature's call.

Authorities realised something was not right when Japan’s bullet train, which is known for always being on time, reached one minute late. After a quick investigation, they learned that the train was a minute late as the driver of the speeding train had to urgently answer nature's call. Also read | IOC chief's delayed pre-Olympics Japan trip to happen by mid-July During the investigation, the driver admitted that he felt a strange pain in his lower abdomen and realised he would have to run to the toilet. He handed over the controls of the speeding train to an untrained conductor to answer nature's call. The train, which was transporting 160 passengers, ran at 150 kilometres an hour for three minutes, while the driver was away. While the bullet trains are mainly computer-controlled, the driver is needed to manually brake or accelerate the train to make sure the passengers on board remain safe and the train runs on schedule. Watch | The driver’s absence would have gone unnoticed, if it wasn’t for that one minute late arrival of the train, which was flagged to his supervisors. As per protocol, the driver is expected to co-ordinate with the command centre and turn over the controls to a qualified conductor who can handle the control system of the train while the driver is away. An alternative to this is to stop the train for a few minutes at the nearest station. However, the driver did not take any of these options as he "didn't want to cause a delay by stopping the train". When asked why he did not report the incident to his seniors, he said, "I didn't report it because it was embarrassing".

Japan's bullet train reaches 1 minute late after driver answers 'nature's call'

Tokyo could freeze all aid to Myanmar, Japan's foreign minister warned in an interview published Friday, as the military junta continues to use lethal force against opponents of its coup.

Japan is a top donor to Myanmar, and has already suspended new aid after the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

But Toshimitsu Motegi, speaking to the Nikkei newspaper, said the freeze could be expanded.

"We don't want to do that at all, but we have to state firmly that it will be difficult to continue under these circumstances," he told the newspaper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-myanmars-military-moved-in-on-the-telecoms-sector-to-spy-on-citizens-386071" hreflang="en">How Myanmar's military moved in on the telecoms sector to spy on citizens</a>

"As a country that supported Myanmar's democratisation in various ways, and as a friend, we must represent the international community and convey that clearly."

Japan announced in March it was halting all new aid to impoverished Myanmar in response to the coup, though it has not imposed the individual sanctions on military and police commanders implemented by some other countries.

Motegi has said Japan is Myanmar's largest provider of economic assistance, and Tokyo has long-standing relations with the country's military.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-vote-on-call-to-stop-arms-supply-to-myanmar-postponed-385757" hreflang="en">UN vote on call to stop arms supply to Myanmar postponed&nbsp;</a>

According to the Nikkei, Japan provided $1.74 billion in development aid to Myanmar in fiscal 2019, more than any other country with disclosed figures. China's aid figures are not public.

More than 800 people have been killed in Myanmar in unrest since the military ousted Suu Kyi in a February 1 coup.

A Japanese journalist arrested covering the aftermath of the coup was released last week and returned to Tokyo.

His release came as Japan said it had offered Myanmar $4 million in emergency aid through the World Food Programme.

Speaking in Tokyo on Friday, the journalist Yuki Kitazumi called on Japan's government to have the "courage" to use its leverage with Myanmar's military.

"People in Myanmar expect and hope that the Japanese government will take concrete action," he told a press conference.

Kitazumi described meeting political prisoners who told him they and others were being tortured in custody, including beatings, and being kept awake around the clock.

"I hope the power of the Japanese government that got me released will be used for people in Myanmar," he said.

Tokyo has called for Suu Kyi's release and the restoration of democracy, and Motegi told the Nikkei that Tokyo was continuing to hold dialogue with the junta.

"We have a greater variety of channels in Myanmar, including with the military, than Europe and the US," he said.

Tokyo could freeze all aid to Myanmar, Japan's foreign minister warned in an interview published Friday, as the military junta continues to use lethal force against opponents of its coup.

Tokyo could freeze all aid to Myanmar, Japan's foreign minister warned in an interview published Friday, as the military junta continues to use lethal force against opponents of its coup. Japan is a top donor to Myanmar, and has already suspended new aid after the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. But Toshimitsu Motegi, speaking to the Nikkei newspaper, said the freeze could be expanded. "We don't want to do that at all, but we have to state firmly that it will be difficult to continue under these circumstances," he told the newspaper. Also read | How Myanmar's military moved in on the telecoms sector to spy on citizens "As a country that supported Myanmar's democratisation in various ways, and as a friend, we must represent the international community and convey that clearly." Japan announced in March it was halting all new aid to impoverished Myanmar in response to the coup, though it has not imposed the individual sanctions on military and police commanders implemented by some other countries. Motegi has said Japan is Myanmar's largest provider of economic assistance, and Tokyo has long-standing relations with the country's military. Also read | UN vote on call to stop arms supply to Myanmar postponed According to the Nikkei, Japan provided $1.74 billion in development aid to Myanmar in fiscal 2019, more than any other country with disclosed figures. China's aid figures are not public. More than 800 people have been killed in Myanmar in unrest since the military ousted Suu Kyi in a February 1 coup. A Japanese journalist arrested covering the aftermath of the coup was released last week and returned to Tokyo. His release came as Japan said it had offered Myanmar $4 million in emergency aid through the World Food Programme. Speaking in Tokyo on Friday, the journalist Yuki Kitazumi called on Japan's government to have the "courage" to use its leverage with Myanmar's military. "People in Myanmar expect and hope that the Japanese government will take concrete action," he told a press conference. Kitazumi described meeting political prisoners who told him they and others were being tortured in custody, including beatings, and being kept awake around the clock. "I hope the power of the Japanese government that got me released will be used for people in Myanmar," he said. Tokyo has called for Suu Kyi's release and the restoration of democracy, and Motegi told the Nikkei that Tokyo was continuing to hold dialogue with the junta. "We have a greater variety of channels in Myanmar, including with the military, than Europe and the US," he said.

Japan could freeze all aid to Myanmar, foreign minister warns

A bullet train driver in Japan has been pulled up after he took an unscheduled toilet break, leaving the controls with an untrained conductor. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how Japan's obsession with punctuality nearly turned deadly.

Gravitas: Japan bullet train runs late after driver's toilet break

Japan's government on Tuesday withdrew a&nbsp;bill&nbsp;that would have made it easier to deport failed applicants for refugee status, officials said,&nbsp;after&nbsp;the&nbsp;death&nbsp;in March of a&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan&nbsp;woman at an&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;detention centre sparked&nbsp;criticism.

Members of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) abandoned their attempt to pass an overhaul of the&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;law, party officials said, which would have meant asylum seekers could be deported&nbsp;after&nbsp;their third failed application.

The government had said the change would solve the problem of long detentions of asylum seekers. Lawyers, opposition lawmakers and human rights groups said it ran counter to international norms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Japan to tighten immigration procedures after Carlos Ghosn flees country</a>

Japan's treatment of foreigners facing deportation was put under the spotlight again&nbsp;after&nbsp;the&nbsp;death&nbsp;of 33-year-old Wishma Sandamali at an&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;detention centre in central Nagoya.

Sandamali died in early March&nbsp;after&nbsp;complaining of stomach pain and other symptoms from mid-January, Kyodo news reported. She went to police in August for help with domestic violence and was then detained for overstaying her visa, Kyodo said.

Opposition lawmakers had pushed authorities to show Sandamali's family video footage of her taken while she was in custody but that was turned down on security concerns, according to officials.

Criticism&nbsp;of the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;mounted online and one ruling party official told Reuters there was no point in pushing it through, given the growing backlash. Suga's support fell below 33 per cent&nbsp;in a recent poll by the Jiji news agency, reflecting frustration over his handling of the pandemic.

Japan&nbsp;has long been reticent about&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;and asylum, despite an ageing population and shrinking workforce that economists say could be alleviated by accepting more immigrants.

In 2019, just 0.4&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of asylum applications were successful in&nbsp;Japan, against 25.9 per cent&nbsp;in Germany and 29.6&nbsp;per cent in the United States.

Under the current system, some asylum seekers are granted provisional release from detention centres during their asylum process, meaning they can live relatively freely although they cannot work. Others are held in the centres, where they spend months or even years.

Japan's government on Tuesday withdrew a bill that would have made it easier to deport failed applicants for refugee status, officials said, after the death in March of a Sri Lankan woman at an immigration detention centre sparked criticism.

Japan's government on Tuesday withdrew a bill that would have made it easier to deport failed applicants for refugee status, officials said, after the death in March of a Sri Lankan woman at an immigration detention centre sparked criticism. Members of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) abandoned their attempt to pass an overhaul of the immigration law, party officials said, which would have meant asylum seekers could be deported after their third failed application. The government had said the change would solve the problem of long detentions of asylum seekers. Lawyers, opposition lawmakers and human rights groups said it ran counter to international norms. Also read | Japan to tighten immigration procedures after Carlos Ghosn flees country Japan's treatment of foreigners facing deportation was put under the spotlight again after the death of 33-year-old Wishma Sandamali at an immigration detention centre in central Nagoya. Sandamali died in early March after complaining of stomach pain and other symptoms from mid-January, Kyodo news reported. She went to police in August for help with domestic violence and was then detained for overstaying her visa, Kyodo said. Opposition lawmakers had pushed authorities to show Sandamali's family video footage of her taken while she was in custody but that was turned down on security concerns, according to officials. Criticism of the bill mounted online and one ruling party official told Reuters there was no point in pushing it through, given the growing backlash. Suga's support fell below 33 per cent in a recent poll by the Jiji news agency, reflecting frustration over his handling of the pandemic. Japan has long been reticent about immigration and asylum, despite an ageing population and shrinking workforce that economists say could be alleviated by accepting more immigrants. In 2019, just 0.4 per cent of asylum applications were successful in Japan, against 25.9 per cent in Germany and 29.6 per cent in the United States. Under the current system, some asylum seekers are granted provisional release from detention centres during their asylum process, meaning they can live relatively freely although they cannot work. Others are held in the centres, where they spend months or even years.

Japan withdraws immigration bill after death of Sri Lankan sparks criticism

In less than 10 weeks, Japan is expected to host one of the biggest sporting events of the year, the Summer Olympics amid the global pandemic. But the COVID-19 situation in the country’s getting worse.

Japan prepares for Summer Games amid the global pandemic

At least 75% of athletes and team members staying at Tokyo's Olympic village will be vaccinated by the Games, International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach announced Wednesday

Most at Tokyo Olympic village to be vaccinated by games

Much of Japan has been under a state of emergency, centered around early closures of restaurants and bars, to curb the spread of the virus at places where crowds gather.

Japan's economy shrinks 5.1% during Jan-March

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard. It is being viewed as a surprise move that reflects growing concern on spread of coronavirus.

Japan is grappling with surge of more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics are due to start on July 23.

Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures on Sunday (May 16) under a state of emergency until May 31, Suga told a news conference, adding that this was due to a rapid increase of cases in those areas.

The government had originally decided on a more targetted "quasi-emergency" for five additional prefectures.

"We took experts' opinion into consideration," Suga said on the need for a state of emergency in the prefectures, adding that a stronger message had been needed.

The latest measures bring 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, home to about 70% of the population, under curbs such as an 8 p.m. closing deadline for eateries and a ban on alcohol at most bars and restaurants.

The decision also came just over two months before the Olympics, postponed for a year due to the pandemic and now set to start on July 23. Suga reiterated that the Olympics could be held while ensuring the safety of both athletes and Japanese nationals, and that the government was considering measures on restricting the movements of foreign journalist."

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard.

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard. It is being viewed as a surprise move that reflects growing concern on spread of coronavirus. Japan is grappling with surge of more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics are due to start on July 23. Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures on Sunday (May 16) under a state of emergency until May 31, Suga told a news conference, adding that this was due to a rapid increase of cases in those areas. The government had originally decided on a more targetted "quasi-emergency" for five additional prefectures. "We took experts' opinion into consideration," Suga said on the need for a state of emergency in the prefectures, adding that a stronger message had been needed. The latest measures bring 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, home to about 70% of the population, under curbs such as an 8 p.m. closing deadline for eateries and a ban on alcohol at most bars and restaurants. The decision also came just over two months before the Olympics, postponed for a year due to the pandemic and now set to start on July 23. Suga reiterated that the Olympics could be held while ensuring the safety of both athletes and Japanese nationals, and that the government was considering measures on restricting the movements of foreign journalist." (With inputs from agencies)

Japan widens COVID-19 emergency to three more prefectures

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open.

Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May and is struggling to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases, raising more questions about whether the Games should go ahead. Its vaccination rate is also the lowest among wealthy nations.

International Olympic officials, Tokyo planners and Suga himself have insisted the Games will go on in "a safe and secure" way. Foreign spectators will not be allowed and planners issued an elaborate set of rules last month aimed at preventing coronavirus infections.

But such arrangements have not eased public worries over the Games that were postponed last year due to the coronavirus.

An opinion survey conducted on May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option.

Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago.

Opposition members of parliament grilled Suga for hours about holding the Games under these circumstances.

In apparent acknowledgement of the public concern about holding the Games no matter what, Suga, when asked if the Games would go ahead even if infections spiked, replied: "I've never put&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;first".

"My priority has been to protect the lives and health of the Japanese population. We must first prevent the spread of the virus," he said.

DECLINING SUPPORT

Voter support for Suga's government is now at its lowest level since he took office last year, with a majority of the public unhappy with his handling of the pandemic, a poll showed.

A tweet by one of his advisers downplaying the pandemic and laughing off calls for the Games to be cancelled has also drawn public ire.

Suga has said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the final say on the Games and the government's role was to take steps so they can be held safely. Several test events with foreign athletes have been successfully held, most recently on Sunday.

A visit by IOC head Thomas Bach scheduled for May 17-18 has been cancelled "in the light of the extension of the state of emergency last week and various circumstances we are facing," Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement.

"We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Japan and other relevant factors and will re-arrange his visit to Japan as soon as possible."

Media said the visit would likely take place in June, with one outlet saying that lifting the state of emergency would be a prerequisite.

An official in Okayama prefecture said they were considering keeping the Olympic torch relay off public roads when it passes through next week. Though other prefectures have taken similar steps, they were under states of emergency or other restrictions at the time.

Top Olympic official John Coates said on Saturday that while public sentiment in Japan about the Games "was a concern" he could foresee no scenario under which the sporting extravaganza would not go ahead.

On Sunday, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said that even though she had waited her whole life to take part in the&nbsp;Olympics, the risk of holding the Tokyo Games should be carefully discussed.

The Games are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the Olympics first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the Olympics first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open. Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May and is struggling to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases, raising more questions about whether the Games should go ahead. Its vaccination rate is also the lowest among wealthy nations. International Olympic officials, Tokyo planners and Suga himself have insisted the Games will go on in "a safe and secure" way. Foreign spectators will not be allowed and planners issued an elaborate set of rules last month aimed at preventing coronavirus infections. But such arrangements have not eased public worries over the Games that were postponed last year due to the coronavirus. An opinion survey conducted on May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option. Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago. Opposition members of parliament grilled Suga for hours about holding the Games under these circumstances. In apparent acknowledgement of the public concern about holding the Games no matter what, Suga, when asked if the Games would go ahead even if infections spiked, replied: "I've never put Olympics first". "My priority has been to protect the lives and health of the Japanese population. We must first prevent the spread of the virus," he said. DECLINING SUPPORT Voter support for Suga's government is now at its lowest level since he took office last year, with a majority of the public unhappy with his handling of the pandemic, a poll showed. A tweet by one of his advisers downplaying the pandemic and laughing off calls for the Games to be cancelled has also drawn public ire. Suga has said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the final say on the Games and the government's role was to take steps so they can be held safely. Several test events with foreign athletes have been successfully held, most recently on Sunday. A visit by IOC head Thomas Bach scheduled for May 17-18 has been cancelled "in the light of the extension of the state of emergency last week and various circumstances we are facing," Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Japan and other relevant factors and will re-arrange his visit to Japan as soon as possible." Media said the visit would likely take place in June, with one outlet saying that lifting the state of emergency would be a prerequisite. An official in Okayama prefecture said they were considering keeping the Olympic torch relay off public roads when it passes through next week. Though other prefectures have taken similar steps, they were under states of emergency or other restrictions at the time. Top Olympic official John Coates said on Saturday that while public sentiment in Japan about the Games "was a concern" he could foresee no scenario under which the sporting extravaganza would not go ahead. On Sunday, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said that even though she had waited her whole life to take part in the Olympics, the risk of holding the Tokyo Games should be carefully discussed. The Games are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

Amid opposition, Japan Prime Minister says has 'never put Olympics first'

A growing number of Japanese people are dying of COVID-19 at home as more infectious variants of the coronavirus fuel a fourth wave of infections and hospital resources are stretched to the verge of collapse. 
 
Public anger with the government over its handling of the crisis is growing as are doubts about the viability of holding the Olympic Games in just over 10 weeks, as a vaccination campaign struggles to build up steam. 
 
"Compared to the number of infections, the number of beds for severe cases is very limited in Japan," Yasutoshi Kido, a professor at Osaka City University`s Graduate School of Medicine, said on Tuesday. 
 
Eighteen people have died of COVID-19 at home in Osaka Prefecture, 17 of them since March 1, as highly infectious strains of the virus caused a spike in cases, the prefecture said late on Monday, reporting deaths outside hospital for the first time. 
 
Prefecture officials did not give details of why the 18 people had not been admitted to hospital but news of their deaths came as more than 96% of the prefecture`s critical care beds were occupied. 
 
Kido said hospitals in Osaka were turning away cancer and heart disease patients to make room for COVID-19 cases but their ability to reallocate resources had "almost collapsed". 
 
Osaka`s governor, Hirofumi Yoshimura, told a news conference that in light of the deaths at home amid the shortage of hospital beds, he had asked the medical association to arrange visits to house-bound patients. 
 
The western region has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus and has become the epicentre of cases caused by a variant first identified in Britain that is more infectious and causes more serious conditions. 
 
Osaka had 974 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday while Tokyo had 925. 
 
At one Osaka nursing home, 61 residents were infected and 14 died while waiting to be hospitalised, public broadcaster NHK reported last Friday. 
 
VACCINATIONS LAG 
 
The government aims to bring infections under control with new restrictions and extended a state of emergency for much of the country late last week, a little more than two months before the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. 
 
The extended emergency covers Tokyo, Osaka, and four other prefectures and will last until May 31. 
 
The Games were postponed by a year as the coronavirus spread around the world last year and organisers are pressing ahead with plans to hold the sporting showpiece from July 23 despite mounting public opposition. 
 
Tennis player Kei Nishikori joined compatriot Naomi Osaka in expressing concern about the Olympic schedule, saying he feared an outbreak in the Athletes` Village. 
 
Some prefecture governors called for stronger emergency measures nationwide at an online meeting on Monday, the Kyodo news agency reported. 
 
Japan lags most wealthy countries in its vaccination campaign. Just 2.6% of the population has been inoculated, according to a Reuters tracker, and there are reports that people are finding it difficult to book shots. 
 
"Japan is behind. So our goal now is to really support an acceleration of the vaccination," said Christophe Weber, chief executive of Takeda Pharmaceutical Co, which is handling imports of Moderna Inc`s vaccine. 
 
Social media has simmered with discontent over the government`s handling of the pandemic. News that the deputy mayor of a central city had agreed to prioritise vaccine shots for the chairman of drug retailer Sugi Holdings Co and his wife drew thousands of angry posts on Twitter. 
 
A publishing company posted in newspapers a World War Two-era photograph of children preparing to defend the country with sticks to highlight what it saw as the government`s failure to defend the public from the virus.

A growing number of Japanese people are dying of COVID-19 at home as more infectious variants of the coronavirus fuel a fourth wave of infections and hospital resources are stretched to the verge of collapse.

A growing number of Japanese people are dying of COVID-19 at home as more infectious variants of the coronavirus fuel a fourth wave of infections and hospital resources are stretched to the verge of collapse. Public anger with the government over its handling of the crisis is growing as are doubts about the viability of holding the Olympic Games in just over 10 weeks, as a vaccination campaign struggles to build up steam. "Compared to the number of infections, the number of beds for severe cases is very limited in Japan," Yasutoshi Kido, a professor at Osaka City University`s Graduate School of Medicine, said on Tuesday. Eighteen people have died of COVID-19 at home in Osaka Prefecture, 17 of them since March 1, as highly infectious strains of the virus caused a spike in cases, the prefecture said late on Monday, reporting deaths outside hospital for the first time. Prefecture officials did not give details of why the 18 people had not been admitted to hospital but news of their deaths came as more than 96% of the prefecture`s critical care beds were occupied. Kido said hospitals in Osaka were turning away cancer and heart disease patients to make room for COVID-19 cases but their ability to reallocate resources had "almost collapsed". Osaka`s governor, Hirofumi Yoshimura, told a news conference that in light of the deaths at home amid the shortage of hospital beds, he had asked the medical association to arrange visits to house-bound patients. The western region has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus and has become the epicentre of cases caused by a variant first identified in Britain that is more infectious and causes more serious conditions. Osaka had 974 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday while Tokyo had 925. At one Osaka nursing home, 61 residents were infected and 14 died while waiting to be hospitalised, public broadcaster NHK reported last Friday. VACCINATIONS LAG The government aims to bring infections under control with new restrictions and extended a state of emergency for much of the country late last week, a little more than two months before the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. The extended emergency covers Tokyo, Osaka, and four other prefectures and will last until May 31. The Games were postponed by a year as the coronavirus spread around the world last year and organisers are pressing ahead with plans to hold the sporting showpiece from July 23 despite mounting public opposition. Tennis player Kei Nishikori joined compatriot Naomi Osaka in expressing concern about the Olympic schedule, saying he feared an outbreak in the Athletes` Village. Some prefecture governors called for stronger emergency measures nationwide at an online meeting on Monday, the Kyodo news agency reported. Japan lags most wealthy countries in its vaccination campaign. Just 2.6% of the population has been inoculated, according to a Reuters tracker, and there are reports that people are finding it difficult to book shots. "Japan is behind. So our goal now is to really support an acceleration of the vaccination," said Christophe Weber, chief executive of Takeda Pharmaceutical Co, which is handling imports of Moderna Inc`s vaccine. Social media has simmered with discontent over the government`s handling of the pandemic. News that the deputy mayor of a central city had agreed to prioritise vaccine shots for the chairman of drug retailer Sugi Holdings Co and his wife drew thousands of angry posts on Twitter. A publishing company posted in newspapers a World War Two-era photograph of children preparing to defend the country with sticks to highlight what it saw as the government`s failure to defend the public from the virus.

Japanese region says deaths at home surge amid COVID-19 wave

The Japanese government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to provide oxygen to India's northeast, specifically by procuring eight Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants.

The development comes even as India faces a devastating surge of Covid impacting many through the length and breadth of the country. The oxygen generation plants will be installed in the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura. Together, these oxygen plants can support 1,300 beds.&nbsp;

Japanese envoy to India, Satoshi Suzuki, said, "Japan stands with India, our friend, and partner, in her efforts to fight against COVID-19 pandemic in this critical time".

"India’s northeast occupies a special place for Japan-India relations and I sincerely hope that the oxygen generation plants will help those people in need in the northeastern region of India.”&nbsp;

As of now, installation sites are being prepared so that oxygen production can start as soon as possible. Meanwhile, any excess oxygen will be distributed to health facilities near the installation plant. Amid the Covid crisis, India's focus has been to get oxygen or oxygen production and carrying units like generators and tankers. Over the weekend, Japan has gifted 100 oxygen concentrators to India and has told New Delhi that it is ready to provide additional items worth $50 million to deal with Covid crisis. &nbsp;

Resident Representative of UNDP India Shoko Noda said, “I would like to thank the people of Japan for this critical support that will allow UNDP to ensure uninterrupted flow of oxygen in hospitals and health centers in the region, especially those in hard-to-reach areas." &nbsp;

It is important to remember that Japan's support to India's northeast is not new and the country is developing mega infrastructure and connectivity projects in the region, which could in future connect to neighboring countries like Bangladesh. &nbsp;

Both sides also meet regularly under the Act East Forum that is co-chaired by Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and the Japanese envoy to India Suzuki Satoshi. Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) stands at over Rs 1600 crore in India's northeast and is supporting projects in several states in the north east. &nbsp;

For example, in Guwahati, it is helping in sewerage projects and in Sikkim, in road development. Japan is also supporting the construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, whose foundation laying ceremony took place earlier this year. The bridge is going to be the longest river bridge in India and will cut short travel time across the Brahmaputra River from more than 8 hours to less than 30 minutes. &nbsp;

The Japanese government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to provide oxygen to India's northeast, specifically by procuring eight Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants.

The Japanese government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to provide oxygen to India's northeast, specifically by procuring eight Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants. The development comes even as India faces a devastating surge of Covid impacting many through the length and breadth of the country. The oxygen generation plants will be installed in the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura. Together, these oxygen plants can support 1,300 beds. Japanese envoy to India, Satoshi Suzuki, said, "Japan stands with India, our friend, and partner, in her efforts to fight against COVID-19 pandemic in this critical time". "India’s northeast occupies a special place for Japan-India relations and I sincerely hope that the oxygen generation plants will help those people in need in the northeastern region of India.” As of now, installation sites are being prepared so that oxygen production can start as soon as possible. Meanwhile, any excess oxygen will be distributed to health facilities near the installation plant. Amid the Covid crisis, India's focus has been to get oxygen or oxygen production and carrying units like generators and tankers. Over the weekend, Japan has gifted 100 oxygen concentrators to India and has told New Delhi that it is ready to provide additional items worth $50 million to deal with Covid crisis. Resident Representative of UNDP India Shoko Noda said, “I would like to thank the people of Japan for this critical support that will allow UNDP to ensure uninterrupted flow of oxygen in hospitals and health centers in the region, especially those in hard-to-reach areas." It is important to remember that Japan's support to India's northeast is not new and the country is developing mega infrastructure and connectivity projects in the region, which could in future connect to neighboring countries like Bangladesh. Both sides also meet regularly under the Act East Forum that is co-chaired by Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and the Japanese envoy to India Suzuki Satoshi. Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) stands at over Rs 1600 crore in India's northeast and is supporting projects in several states in the north east. For example, in Guwahati, it is helping in sewerage projects and in Sikkim, in road development. Japan is also supporting the construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, whose foundation laying ceremony took place earlier this year. The bridge is going to be the longest river bridge in India and will cut short travel time across the Brahmaputra River from more than 8 hours to less than 30 minutes.

India Covid crisis: Japan, UNDP reach out to northeast states with oxygen 

Japan is gearing up for the Olympics. But with new infections still rising, a campaign to cancel the Tokyo Olympics is gaining pace. Is the Olympics heading towards a record 7th cancellation? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Will the Olympics be cancelled again?

No cheering or singing, no handshakes, no hugs or high fives, this is what the Tokyo Olympics 2021 will look like amid COVID-19 pandemic. The test run has begun in Japan with the rhythmic gymnasts all masked up. WION tells you more in this report.

Japanese gymnasts hold dry run before Tokyo Olympics

India has continuously been witnessing spike in Coronavirus cases for a third straight day. The country reported more than 400,000 cases. Countries from across the world has sent medical aid to the country. Japan has sent first batch of emergency assistance to India.

COVID-19 Update: Japan sends first batch of emergency assistance to India

Japan&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;posted an annual net loss of $2.6 billion Friday but did not release a forecast for the current financial year, citing uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic.

The carrier,&nbsp;Japan's second-largest by market share, suffered a net loss of 286.7 billion yen for the year through March, its first full-year result in the red since it relisted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2012.

"There has been no indication of passenger demand recovery yet" due to restrictions on international travel and tougher immigration measures,&nbsp;JAL&nbsp;said.

"Our situation has been severe throughout this fiscal year."

The company last week revised its projection for 2020-21 net loss to 287 billion yen from a 300 billion yen forecast in February.

JAL&nbsp;said it had decided not to release an outlook for the year ending March 2022, warning "it is difficult to foresee the recovery of demand while the global spread of Covid-19 shows no sign of slowdown".

Sales plunged 65.3 per cent compared to the previous year to 481.2 billion yen.

Last month,&nbsp;Japan's top airline ANA reported its worst-ever annual loss of 404.6 billion yen, which was smaller than the firm's earlier projection.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-extends-virus-emergency-as-india-posts-record-infections-383528">Japan extends virus emergency as India posts record infections</a>

But ANA Holdings said it expects to see a rebound to 3.5 billion yen net profit in 2021-22, as the coronavirus disruption that has battered the aviation industry worldwide begins to ease.

Japan's&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;had expected a bumper year in 2020 when the Tokyo Olympics were originally due to be held and tourist numbers were expected to break records.

The postponed games are now set to open in July, but overseas spectators have already been barred from the event, with a decision on domestic fans delayed until June.

Japan Airlines posted an annual net loss of $2.6 billion Friday but did not release a forecast for the current financial year, citing uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan Airlines posted an annual net loss of $2.6 billion Friday but did not release a forecast for the current financial year, citing uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic. The carrier, Japan's second-largest by market share, suffered a net loss of 286.7 billion yen for the year through March, its first full-year result in the red since it relisted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2012. "There has been no indication of passenger demand recovery yet" due to restrictions on international travel and tougher immigration measures, JAL said. "Our situation has been severe throughout this fiscal year." The company last week revised its projection for 2020-21 net loss to 287 billion yen from a 300 billion yen forecast in February. JAL said it had decided not to release an outlook for the year ending March 2022, warning "it is difficult to foresee the recovery of demand while the global spread of Covid-19 shows no sign of slowdown". Sales plunged 65.3 per cent compared to the previous year to 481.2 billion yen. Last month, Japan's top airline ANA reported its worst-ever annual loss of 404.6 billion yen, which was smaller than the firm's earlier projection. Also read | Japan extends virus emergency as India posts record infections But ANA Holdings said it expects to see a rebound to 3.5 billion yen net profit in 2021-22, as the coronavirus disruption that has battered the aviation industry worldwide begins to ease. Japan's airlines had expected a bumper year in 2020 when the Tokyo Olympics were originally due to be held and tourist numbers were expected to break records. The postponed games are now set to open in July, but overseas spectators have already been barred from the event, with a decision on domestic fans delayed until June.

Japan Airlines logs $2.6 billion loss over pandemic

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