An online petition calling for the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;to be canceled has garnered almost 200,000 signatures in the past few days, as public concerns mount over holding the Games in a pandemic.

With less than three months to go before the start of the summer&nbsp;Olympics, already postponed for a year due to the coronavirus, questions still remain over how Tokyo can hold the global event and keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe from COVID-19.

In two days since its launch, an online campaign called "Stop Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics" has gathered more than 187,000 signatures, nearing its 200,000 goal and underscoring public concerns over holding the massive sporting event in Japan's capital.

Battling a fourth wave of the pandemic and struggling with a sluggish vaccination campaign, the Japanese government is seeking to extend states of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May, the economy minister said on Friday.

Opinion polls in Japan have found a majority of the public is opposed to the Games, which are due to open on July 23.

"We strongly call for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus and protection of lives and livelihood by using available resources to stop the&nbsp;Olympics," Kenji Utsunomiya, the online petition organizer, wrote on his website. Utsunomiya is a lawyer who has run several times for Tokyo governor.

But, organizers have repeatedly said the Games will go ahead, unveiling detailed Covid-19 protocols for athletes and officials.

Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE said on Thursday they had agreed to donate their vaccine to help inoculate those participating in the Games.

An online petition calling for the Tokyo Olympics to be canceled has garnered almost 200,000 signatures in the past few days, as public concerns mount over holding the Games in a pandemic.

An online petition calling for the Tokyo Olympics to be canceled has garnered almost 200,000 signatures in the past few days, as public concerns mount over holding the Games in a pandemic. With less than three months to go before the start of the summer Olympics, already postponed for a year due to the coronavirus, questions still remain over how Tokyo can hold the global event and keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe from COVID-19. In two days since its launch, an online campaign called "Stop Tokyo Olympics" has gathered more than 187,000 signatures, nearing its 200,000 goal and underscoring public concerns over holding the massive sporting event in Japan's capital. Battling a fourth wave of the pandemic and struggling with a sluggish vaccination campaign, the Japanese government is seeking to extend states of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May, the economy minister said on Friday. Opinion polls in Japan have found a majority of the public is opposed to the Games, which are due to open on July 23. "We strongly call for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus and protection of lives and livelihood by using available resources to stop the Olympics," Kenji Utsunomiya, the online petition organizer, wrote on his website. Utsunomiya is a lawyer who has run several times for Tokyo governor. But, organizers have repeatedly said the Games will go ahead, unveiling detailed Covid-19 protocols for athletes and officials. Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE said on Thursday they had agreed to donate their vaccine to help inoculate those participating in the Games.

Anti-Olympics campaign gains traction online in Japan

A coronavirus state of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;in Tokyo and other parts of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;was extended on Friday, less than three months before the Olympics, as&nbsp;India&nbsp;logged yet another record number of infections.

While many Western nations have begun a gradual opening-up,&nbsp;Germany on Friday declared that a recent surge of infections had been "broken",&nbsp;much of the world continues to battle a&nbsp;virus&nbsp;that has now claimed more than 3.2 million lives.

Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with around 10,500 deaths.

But its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and more infectious variants are driving fresh waves of contagion, with record case numbers seen in some regions and medics warning that hospitals are under strain.

The pandemic has disrupted test events for the upcoming Olympics, with several postponed, cancelled or moved abroad, although the Diving World Cup and a rowing qualifier went ahead this week in Tokyo with athletes from abroad.

The&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;measures, less strict than blanket lockdowns in other countries, had been due to end on May 11 but will now continue until the end of the month, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-government-to-extend-covid-19-curbs-till-may-end-383433/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The number of new&nbsp;virus&nbsp;cases is at a high level in major cities, while hospitals continue to be overwhelmed in Osaka and Hyogo prefectures," he said.

The recent surge has forced Olympic torch relays off&nbsp;Japan's roads, with the world's oldest person, a Japanese woman aged 118, giving up her spot in the event.

Record cases in&nbsp;India&nbsp;

Grappling with the world's worst surge is&nbsp;India, where record daily cases have seen the country register up to half of all global infections in the past week.

Thursday saw the country post 414,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, another global record, as well as almost 4,000 deaths, according to official data that many experts suspect is a gross underestimate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-logs-414000-new-covid-19-cases-in-new-grim-record-death-toll-at-234083-383383">India logs 414,000 new COVID-19 cases in new grim record; death toll at 234,083</a>

The capital New Delhi is one of the worst-hit, along with West Bengal in the east, which recently completed an eight-phase election that saw mass rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other politicians,&nbsp;events now partly blamed for the staggering rise in infections.&nbsp;

India's surge has also been worsened by chronic shortages of hospital beds and oxygen, prompting an outpouring of international aid to the country.&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has indicated, however, that the crisis in the capital had eased slightly.

"Yesterday, for the first time, we received 730 tonnes of oxygen," Kejriwal told reporters. "But these supplies are needed daily."

The surge has quickly spilled over to&nbsp;India's neighbours in Bangladesh, Nepal and to Sri Lanka, which on Thursday became the latest country to seal its borders with the South Asian giant.

All three countries are now fighting their own surges of the&nbsp;virus, which has even reached as high as Nepal's Everest Base Camp, where more than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of the world's highest mountain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-threatens-everest-climbing-comeback-plans-as-infections-rise-383416">Covid threatens Everest climbing comeback plans as infections rise</a>

In the last three weeks, Nepal's daily case trajectory has shot up with two out of five people tested now returning positive.&nbsp;

"The hospital is overloaded, we are treating patients at each and every corner of the building," doctor Badri Chapagain said at Bheri Hospital in the Nepalese city of Nepalgunj, which borders&nbsp;India.

'Highest possible alert'&nbsp;

While vaccine roll-outs elsewhere had sparked hopes of a swift return to business-as-usual, Australia's trade and tourism minister said Friday the country was likely to remain shut to visitors until late 2022.

The government also said it would not extend a ban on Australian citizens returning from&nbsp;India&nbsp;after widespread public outrage.

Tunisia meanwhile ordered a partial lockdown from Sunday for the week-long Eid al-Fitr holidays, warning that any further increase in infections could overwhelm specialist care facilities.

In Britain, the scientific committee overseeing the country's vaccination programme on Friday recommended that under-40s be offered an alternative to the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid jab as a way to "increase vaccination confidence".

Many people have shied away from getting the AstraZeneca vaccine after UK and European regulators recorded a very small number of people developing clots with low blood platelet levels.

Europe's medicines regulator said Friday it was also monitoring links to clots with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, but added that "the current evidence does not suggest a causal relation".

A coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of Japan was extended on Friday, less than three months before the Olympics, as India logged yet another record number of infections.

A coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of Japan was extended on Friday, less than three months before the Olympics, as India logged yet another record number of infections. While many Western nations have begun a gradual opening-up, Germany on Friday declared that a recent surge of infections had been "broken", much of the world continues to battle a virus that has now claimed more than 3.2 million lives. Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with around 10,500 deaths. But its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and more infectious variants are driving fresh waves of contagion, with record case numbers seen in some regions and medics warning that hospitals are under strain. The pandemic has disrupted test events for the upcoming Olympics, with several postponed, cancelled or moved abroad, although the Diving World Cup and a rowing qualifier went ahead this week in Tokyo with athletes from abroad. The emergency measures, less strict than blanket lockdowns in other countries, had been due to end on May 11 but will now continue until the end of the month, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said. "The number of new virus cases is at a high level in major cities, while hospitals continue to be overwhelmed in Osaka and Hyogo prefectures," he said. The recent surge has forced Olympic torch relays off Japan's roads, with the world's oldest person, a Japanese woman aged 118, giving up her spot in the event. Record cases in India Grappling with the world's worst surge is India, where record daily cases have seen the country register up to half of all global infections in the past week. Thursday saw the country post 414,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, another global record, as well as almost 4,000 deaths, according to official data that many experts suspect is a gross underestimate. Also read | India logs 414,000 new COVID-19 cases in new grim record; death toll at 234,083 The capital New Delhi is one of the worst-hit, along with West Bengal in the east, which recently completed an eight-phase election that saw mass rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other politicians, events now partly blamed for the staggering rise in infections. India's surge has also been worsened by chronic shortages of hospital beds and oxygen, prompting an outpouring of international aid to the country. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has indicated, however, that the crisis in the capital had eased slightly. "Yesterday, for the first time, we received 730 tonnes of oxygen," Kejriwal told reporters. "But these supplies are needed daily." The surge has quickly spilled over to India's neighbours in Bangladesh, Nepal and to Sri Lanka, which on Thursday became the latest country to seal its borders with the South Asian giant. All three countries are now fighting their own surges of the virus, which has even reached as high as Nepal's Everest Base Camp, where more than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of the world's highest mountain. Also read | Covid threatens Everest climbing comeback plans as infections rise In the last three weeks, Nepal's daily case trajectory has shot up with two out of five people tested now returning positive. "The hospital is overloaded, we are treating patients at each and every corner of the building," doctor Badri Chapagain said at Bheri Hospital in the Nepalese city of Nepalgunj, which borders India. 'Highest possible alert' While vaccine roll-outs elsewhere had sparked hopes of a swift return to business-as-usual, Australia's trade and tourism minister said Friday the country was likely to remain shut to visitors until late 2022. The government also said it would not extend a ban on Australian citizens returning from India after widespread public outrage. Tunisia meanwhile ordered a partial lockdown from Sunday for the week-long Eid al-Fitr holidays, warning that any further increase in infections could overwhelm specialist care facilities. In Britain, the scientific committee overseeing the country's vaccination programme on Friday recommended that under-40s be offered an alternative to the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid jab as a way to "increase vaccination confidence". Many people have shied away from getting the AstraZeneca vaccine after UK and European regulators recorded a very small number of people developing clots with low blood platelet levels. Europe's medicines regulator said Friday it was also monitoring links to clots with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, but added that "the current evidence does not suggest a causal relation".

Japan extends virus emergency as India posts record infections

Japan’s government is set to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases just months before the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan government to extend COVID-19 curbs till May end

China&nbsp;on Thursday said it "strongly&nbsp;condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

Foreign ministers from&nbsp;G7&nbsp;countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged&nbsp;China&nbsp;to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London.

The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in&nbsp;China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-g7-biden-will-push-allies-to-act-on-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-report-379741">At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report</a>

They also urged an end to the targeting of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;protesters in Hong Kong.

Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;for making "unfounded accusations against&nbsp;China&nbsp;and openly intervening in&nbsp;China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were&nbsp;China's own matters.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted&nbsp;China&nbsp;to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China&nbsp;principle.

Wang added the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slams-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-doesnt-label-it-genocide-382930">New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide'</a>

"We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said.

Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where&nbsp;rights&nbsp;groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-slams-uighurs-treatment-in-china-stops-short-of-calling-it-genocide-383155/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour.

The United States has since accused&nbsp;China&nbsp;of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in&nbsp;China&nbsp;were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide".

But&nbsp;China&nbsp;has decried the&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors".

The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region.

Although the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;members reserved their strongest&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;for&nbsp;China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops.&nbsp;

The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails.

But they held the door open to&nbsp;China&nbsp;for future cooperation.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens. Foreign ministers from G7 countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged China to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London. The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged human rights violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet. Also read | At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report They also urged an end to the targeting of rights protesters in Hong Kong. Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the G7 for making "unfounded accusations against China and openly intervening in China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were China's own matters. The G7 statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted China to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China principle. Wang added the G7 should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community. Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' "We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said. Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international criticism mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where rights groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps. Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour. The United States has since accused China of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in China were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide". But China has decried the criticism over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors". The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region. Although the G7 members reserved their strongest criticism for China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops. The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails. But they held the door open to China for future cooperation. The G7 maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism

Barkley hammered miniskirts, flashy silver leather shoes, and pink pom-poms, meet Japan's cheerleading grannies, who are leading the way in healthy ageing and proving that age is just a number.

Japan’s grey-haired cheer dancing squad proves that age is just a number

Pom poms rustled and silver shoes flashed as members of "Japan Pom Pom" moved to a lively cheer dance beat. At first glance, it looked like a regular practice session. Yet, there's something unique about this cheer squad - the youngest is 60 years old and the oldest - 89.

Age is just a number for Japan's silver cheer dancing squad

With less than three months before the Tokyo Olympics are set to begin on July 23, Japan is now facing immense pressure to control the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Japan may extend Covid-19 state of emergency beyond May 11

After spending emergency funds intended for coronavirus measures on a giant statue of a squid to promote the local tourism industry, a coastal town in Japan is facing harsh criticism.&nbsp;

Located in Ishikawa prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, Noto spent ¥25m (£164,000) on the 13-metre-long marine creature, according to the Chunichi Shimbun.&nbsp;

The flying squid was part of a tourism drive to help the area’s virus-hit economy, the newspaper quoted officials as saying.&nbsp;

The pink-and-white creature has flared tentacles. It also has an opening below its beak where people can pose for photographs.&nbsp;

Japan had earlier declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other regions, just three months before the country is supposed to host the Olympics.&nbsp;

"Today we decided to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced, citing the rise of infections involving new virus variants. &nbsp;

The country's minister for virus response, Yasutoshi Nishimura, earlier warned of a "strong sense of crisis," saying, current restrictions were not sufficient.&nbsp;

The measure will run from April 25 to May 11, coinciding with the annual Golden Week holiday, Japan's busiest travel period.&nbsp;

Authorities wanted bars and restaurants to stop selling alcohol or close, and to shutter major commercial facilities like malls.&nbsp;

Spectators were also barred from sports events, which can continue behind closed doors, and remote working was encouraged.&nbsp;

Covid surges are placing a major strain on healthcare systems across the world, with no end in sight to a pandemic that has killed more than three million people. &nbsp;

(With input from agencies) &nbsp;

After spending emergency funds intended for coronavirus measures on a giant statue of a squid to promote the local tourism industry, a coastal town in Japan is facing harsh criticism.

After spending emergency funds intended for coronavirus measures on a giant statue of a squid to promote the local tourism industry, a coastal town in Japan is facing harsh criticism. Located in Ishikawa prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, Noto spent ¥25m (£164,000) on the 13-metre-long marine creature, according to the Chunichi Shimbun. The flying squid was part of a tourism drive to help the area’s virus-hit economy, the newspaper quoted officials as saying. The pink-and-white creature has flared tentacles. It also has an opening below its beak where people can pose for photographs. Japan had earlier declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other regions, just three months before the country is supposed to host the Olympics. "Today we decided to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced, citing the rise of infections involving new virus variants. The country's minister for virus response, Yasutoshi Nishimura, earlier warned of a "strong sense of crisis," saying, current restrictions were not sufficient. The measure will run from April 25 to May 11, coinciding with the annual Golden Week holiday, Japan's busiest travel period. Authorities wanted bars and restaurants to stop selling alcohol or close, and to shutter major commercial facilities like malls. Spectators were also barred from sports events, which can continue behind closed doors, and remote working was encouraged. Covid surges are placing a major strain on healthcare systems across the world, with no end in sight to a pandemic that has killed more than three million people. (With input from agencies)

Japanese town faces flak for spending Covid funds on huge squid statue 

Six people who helped with Japan's Olympic Torch relay were diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the total number of participants in the event who got the coronavirus to eight, organizers said.

The six people, who included a man in his 20s and another man in his 30s, helped on the relay in the southern prefecture of Kagoshima on April 27, Tokyo 2020 said in a statement late on Saturday.

All of them assisted with traffic control and wore masks, with three of them doing so in the city of Amami and the other three in the city of Kirishima, said the organizers.

Earlier last month, two other people who helped with the torch relay on the southern island of Shikoku were diagnosed with COVID-19, including a police officer in his 30s who guided traffic in Kagawa prefecture.

The Tokyo 2020 organizers urged people to comply with COVID-19 guidelines.

Japanese authorities are determined to protect Games participants and a local population that opinion surveys have shown is largely opposed to the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;due to fears the event will lead to more COVID-19 infections.

Japan last month declared a COVID-19 state of emergency for the major population centers of Tokyo and Osaka and two other areas set to last until May 11 to contain the fourth wave of infections.

The Games, delayed by a year because of the pandemic, are scheduled to open on July 23.

Six people who helped with Japan's Olympic Torch relay were diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the total number of participants in the event who got the coronavirus to eight, organizers said.

Six people who helped with Japan's Olympic Torch relay were diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the total number of participants in the event who got the coronavirus to eight, organizers said. The six people, who included a man in his 20s and another man in his 30s, helped on the relay in the southern prefecture of Kagoshima on April 27, Tokyo 2020 said in a statement late on Saturday. All of them assisted with traffic control and wore masks, with three of them doing so in the city of Amami and the other three in the city of Kirishima, said the organizers. Earlier last month, two other people who helped with the torch relay on the southern island of Shikoku were diagnosed with COVID-19, including a police officer in his 30s who guided traffic in Kagawa prefecture. The Tokyo 2020 organizers urged people to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Japanese authorities are determined to protect Games participants and a local population that opinion surveys have shown is largely opposed to the Olympics due to fears the event will lead to more COVID-19 infections. Japan last month declared a COVID-19 state of emergency for the major population centers of Tokyo and Osaka and two other areas set to last until May 11 to contain the fourth wave of infections. The Games, delayed by a year because of the pandemic, are scheduled to open on July 23.

Tokyo Olympics: Six torch staffers diagnosed with COVID-19

The&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;must not be a burden on medical systems, Japan's chief government spokesman said on Friday, amid worries that daily athlete testing will tax health resources already stressed in fighting a rebound of COVID-19 cases.

The Games will be held in a manner that makes everyone feel safe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters, responding to concerns raised by a nurses' union that the world's biggest sporting event will sap medical resources needed by the public.

Tokyo&nbsp;2020 organizers this week issued the second edition of "playbooks" that layout infection prevention standards for the Summer Games, which are due to start in less than three months after a one-year delay because of the pandemic.

The rules require daily testing of athletes and restrict their use of public transportation, complicating logistics in more remote locations.

The venue for surfing in the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;refused to set up COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities for athletes, citing a lack of medical facilities, NHK reported on Friday.

The town of Ichinomiya, about 96 km (60 miles) east of&nbsp;Tokyo, had been asked to set up a testing facility by the Brazilian national team, NHK said.

Brazilian surfers, expected to be among the medals at the sport's Olympic debut, had wanted to base themselves near the beach instead of the Olympic Village some two hours away, NHK said.

A representative of the town's Olympic planning office denied the report when contacted by Reuters. Representatives for the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;did not immediately respond when contacted for comment, and the Brazilian team could not immediately be reached.

Japan is struggling to tame a coronavirus resurgence and its immunization drive, dependent so far on imports of Pfizer Inc's vaccine, is lagging all other wealthy nations.

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura confirmed on Friday that the first doses of Moderna Inc's vaccine, expected to be approved in May, had arrived in Japan.

Japan has inoculated only 1.8% of its population, too little to blunt the fourth wave of cases driven by more infectious strains of the virus.

Seeking to slow the spread,&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;and Osaka remain in a state of emergency, set to last until May 11.

"If we don't move forward with mass vaccination, we'll end up with an endless loop of emergency declarations forever," Hiroshi Mikitani, the chief executive officer of e-commerce company Rakuten, told TV Asahi.

Tokyo&nbsp;reported 1,027 new cases on Thursday, the highest since Jan. 28 during the previous emergency declaration, and 698 on Friday.

The Olympics must not be a burden on medical systems, Japan's chief government spokesman said on Friday, amid worries that daily athlete testing will tax health resources already stressed in fighting a rebound of COVID-19 cases.

The Olympics must not be a burden on medical systems, Japan's chief government spokesman said on Friday, amid worries that daily athlete testing will tax health resources already stressed in fighting a rebound of COVID-19 cases. The Games will be held in a manner that makes everyone feel safe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters, responding to concerns raised by a nurses' union that the world's biggest sporting event will sap medical resources needed by the public. Tokyo 2020 organizers this week issued the second edition of "playbooks" that layout infection prevention standards for the Summer Games, which are due to start in less than three months after a one-year delay because of the pandemic. The rules require daily testing of athletes and restrict their use of public transportation, complicating logistics in more remote locations. The venue for surfing in the Tokyo Olympics refused to set up COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities for athletes, citing a lack of medical facilities, NHK reported on Friday. The town of Ichinomiya, about 96 km (60 miles) east of Tokyo, had been asked to set up a testing facility by the Brazilian national team, NHK said. Brazilian surfers, expected to be among the medals at the sport's Olympic debut, had wanted to base themselves near the beach instead of the Olympic Village some two hours away, NHK said. A representative of the town's Olympic planning office denied the report when contacted by Reuters. Representatives for the Tokyo Olympics did not immediately respond when contacted for comment, and the Brazilian team could not immediately be reached. Japan is struggling to tame a coronavirus resurgence and its immunization drive, dependent so far on imports of Pfizer Inc's vaccine, is lagging all other wealthy nations. Health Minister Norihisa Tamura confirmed on Friday that the first doses of Moderna Inc's vaccine, expected to be approved in May, had arrived in Japan. Japan has inoculated only 1.8% of its population, too little to blunt the fourth wave of cases driven by more infectious strains of the virus. Seeking to slow the spread, Tokyo and Osaka remain in a state of emergency, set to last until May 11. "If we don't move forward with mass vaccination, we'll end up with an endless loop of emergency declarations forever," Hiroshi Mikitani, the chief executive officer of e-commerce company Rakuten, told TV Asahi. Tokyo reported 1,027 new cases on Thursday, the highest since Jan. 28 during the previous emergency declaration, and 698 on Friday.

Japan says Olympics must not burden medical systems

Northern Japan was jolted by an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, the country's weather agency said on Saturday, warning about the possibility of landslides in the hilly northeast. No tsunami alert was issued.&nbsp;

The earthquake struck close to the coast of Miyagi Prefecture north of Tokyo and not far from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where the owner, Tokyo Electric Power was making checks.&nbsp;

Nearer to the epicentre, another operator was also making checks on the status of Onagawa nuclear plant, NHK reported.&nbsp;

NHK broadcast images of severe shaking in the city of Sendai.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Northern Japan was jolted by an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, the country's weather agency said on Saturday, warning about the possibility of landslides in the hilly northeast.

Northern Japan was jolted by an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, the country's weather agency said on Saturday, warning about the possibility of landslides in the hilly northeast. No tsunami alert was issued. The earthquake struck close to the coast of Miyagi Prefecture north of Tokyo and not far from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where the owner, Tokyo Electric Power was making checks. Nearer to the epicentre, another operator was also making checks on the status of Onagawa nuclear plant, NHK reported. NHK broadcast images of severe shaking in the city of Sendai. (With inputs from agencies)

6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes off coast of Japan, no tsunami warning issued 

Japan on Friday announced to provide 300 oxygen concentrators and as many ventilators to India as it stands with its "friend and partner" in its efforts to combat the unprecedented surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases.

India on Friday logged 3,86,452 new coronavirus infections, the highest single-day rise so far, pushing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,87,62,976, while active cases crossed the 3,100,000 mark. The death toll increased to 2,08,330 with 3,498 new fatalities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-biggest-ever-surge-of-386452-covid-19-cases-3498-deaths-in-a-day-381554">India records biggest-ever surge of 386,452 COVID-19 cases, 3498 deaths in a day</a>

On the request of the Indian government, Japan has "decided to proceed with the procedure to provide 300 oxygen concentrators and 300 ventilators to India in response to the current surge of COVID-19 infections in India," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said here in a statement.

"Japan stands with India, our friend and partner, in her efforts to fight against COVID-19 pandemic through this additional emergency assistance. Japan will continue to extend further support promptly in order to contain the COVID-19 situation," it said.

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

Japan on Friday announced to provide 300 oxygen concentrators and as many ventilators to India as it stands with its "friend and partner" in its efforts to combat the unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases.

Japan on Friday announced to provide 300 oxygen concentrators and as many ventilators to India as it stands with its "friend and partner" in its efforts to combat the unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases. India on Friday logged 3,86,452 new coronavirus infections, the highest single-day rise so far, pushing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,87,62,976, while active cases crossed the 3,100,000 mark. The death toll increased to 2,08,330 with 3,498 new fatalities. Also read | India records biggest-ever surge of 386,452 COVID-19 cases, 3498 deaths in a day On the request of the Indian government, Japan has "decided to proceed with the procedure to provide 300 oxygen concentrators and 300 ventilators to India in response to the current surge of COVID-19 infections in India," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said here in a statement. "Japan stands with India, our friend and partner, in her efforts to fight against COVID-19 pandemic through this additional emergency assistance. Japan will continue to extend further support promptly in order to contain the COVID-19 situation," it said. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

Japan to provide oxygen concentrators, ventilators to 'friend and partner' India to combat COVID-19

Get ready to get lost in Tokyo, an elaborate miniature version of it, at least. Urban landscape developer Mori Building Company updated its 1:1000 scale 3D model of Tokyo on Tuesday (April 26) as the city goes through redevelopments for better accessibility and for disaster resistance.

3D projection mapping brings sprawling Tokyo to life

Britain's HMS&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;Elizabeth&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;will lead a flotilla of Royal Navy ships through Asian waters on port&nbsp;visits to&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;and South Korea on its&nbsp;maiden&nbsp;deployment, the British embassy in Tokyo said on Monday.

The high-profile&nbsp;visits, aimed at bolstering security ties in East Asia, come amid tensions in the region as concern grows in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;over any threat posed to neighbouring Taiwan by China.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US&nbsp;President Joe Biden issued a joint statement this month addressing China's growing assertiveness and the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait following their first face-to-face meeting in Washington since both became leaders of their countries.

Including the&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;Elizabeth&nbsp;with 18 F-35B stealth fighters, two destroyers, two frigates and two support ships, the British&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;strike group will have to sail through the contested South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by China and South East Asian countries, on its way to East Asia. The ships will also stop in India and Singapore.

It will be joined by vessels from the United States and a frigate from the Netherlands and will carry out exercises with forces from&nbsp;Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France, the UAE, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Israel, India, Oman and South Korea, the British government said in a news release.

Other foreign ships currently in Asian waters include a French amphibious&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;and two US&nbsp;navy&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;carriers, one of which, the USS Ronald Reagan, is based in&nbsp;Japan. A close Washington ally,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;hosts the biggest concentration of US&nbsp;military forces outside the United States, including warships, planes and thousands of marines.

The latest, and so far most conspicuous,&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;by British forces follows earlier&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;of warships, jet fighters and troops for joint training exercises as London and Tokyo look to strengthen defence ties.

Britain's HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier will lead a flotilla of Royal Navy ships through Asian waters on port visits to Japan and South Korea on its maiden deployment, the British embassy in Tokyo said on Monday.

Britain's HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier will lead a flotilla of Royal Navy ships through Asian waters on port visits to Japan and South Korea on its maiden deployment, the British embassy in Tokyo said on Monday. The high-profile visits, aimed at bolstering security ties in East Asia, come amid tensions in the region as concern grows in Japan over any threat posed to neighbouring Taiwan by China. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement this month addressing China's growing assertiveness and the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait following their first face-to-face meeting in Washington since both became leaders of their countries. Including the Queen Elizabeth with 18 F-35B stealth fighters, two destroyers, two frigates and two support ships, the British carrier strike group will have to sail through the contested South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by China and South East Asian countries, on its way to East Asia. The ships will also stop in India and Singapore. It will be joined by vessels from the United States and a frigate from the Netherlands and will carry out exercises with forces from Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France, the UAE, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Israel, India, Oman and South Korea, the British government said in a news release. Other foreign ships currently in Asian waters include a French amphibious carrier and two US navy aircraft carriers, one of which, the USS Ronald Reagan, is based in Japan. A close Washington ally, Japan hosts the biggest concentration of US military forces outside the United States, including warships, planes and thousands of marines. The latest, and so far most conspicuous, visit to Japan by British forces follows earlier deployment of warships, jet fighters and troops for joint training exercises as London and Tokyo look to strengthen defence ties.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier to visit Japan, South Korea on maiden deployment

Several Japanese towns and cities have decided to pull out from hosting teams for Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 spread. The western town of Okuizumo that spent $5 million on preparations to welcome Indian hockey team has now scrapped the visit.

Tokyo Olympics: Several Japanese towns & cities pull out from hosting teams

Japan's Defense Ministry on Wednesday confirmed that a Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning after passing through waters between two Japanese islands returned to the East China Sea from the Pacific.&nbsp;

The ministry said the Maritime Self-Defence Force confirmed that during the period from Monday to Tuesday, the Liaoning, accompanied by five other vessels, sailed northward between Okinawa's main island and Miyakojima Island, and then entered the East China Sea, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

Early in April, the fleet was seen sailing south in the same area and entering the Pacific.&nbsp;

This is the second time that the Chinese aircraft carrier has passed between the two Japanese islands on a round trip.&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry also said that, after entering the East China Sea, an early warning helicopter was viewed taking off from the Liaoning and coming around 50 to 100 kilometers to the northeast of Taisho Island, part of Japan's Senkaku Islands. This prompted the Air Self-Defence Force's aircraft to scramble.&nbsp;

Japan controls the Senkaku islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry said that the helicopter did not violated Japan's airspace. It added that the Chinese fleet did not violated Japan's territorial waters, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Japan has welcomed the United Kingdom's plan to deploy a fleet led by its new flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth, to the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

Beijing announced earlier this month that the aircraft carrier group had conducted a naval exercise in the waters near Taiwan.&nbsp;

Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.&nbsp;

China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Japan's Defense Ministry on Wednesday confirmed that a Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning after passing through waters between two Japanese islands returned to the East China Sea from the Pacific.

Japan's Defense Ministry on Wednesday confirmed that a Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning after passing through waters between two Japanese islands returned to the East China Sea from the Pacific. The ministry said the Maritime Self-Defence Force confirmed that during the period from Monday to Tuesday, the Liaoning, accompanied by five other vessels, sailed northward between Okinawa's main island and Miyakojima Island, and then entered the East China Sea, reported NHK World. Early in April, the fleet was seen sailing south in the same area and entering the Pacific. This is the second time that the Chinese aircraft carrier has passed between the two Japanese islands on a round trip. The Defence Ministry also said that, after entering the East China Sea, an early warning helicopter was viewed taking off from the Liaoning and coming around 50 to 100 kilometers to the northeast of Taisho Island, part of Japan's Senkaku Islands. This prompted the Air Self-Defence Force's aircraft to scramble. Japan controls the Senkaku islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them. The Defence Ministry said that the helicopter did not violated Japan's airspace. It added that the Chinese fleet did not violated Japan's territorial waters, reported NHK World. Meanwhile, Japan has welcomed the United Kingdom's plan to deploy a fleet led by its new flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth, to the Indo-Pacific region. Beijing announced earlier this month that the aircraft carrier group had conducted a naval exercise in the waters near Taiwan. Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system. (With inputs from agencies)

China's aggression continues as Liaoning sails between Japanese islands

In a move to counter China’s dominance of supply chain in the Indo-Pacific region, trade ministers of India, Japan and Australia launched the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) in a virtual trilateral ministerial meeting.

India-Japan-Australia launches supply chain resilience initiative

Japan's ruling party is set to lose 2 of 3 seats in the upcoming parliamentary by-elections which are widely seen as a litmus test for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The exit polls have predicted a huge blow to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ahead of national elections this year.

Japan's ruling party to lose 2 of 3 seats in parliamentary by-elections

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks.

The Nikkei newspaper said on Sunday the government will open a vaccination site in central Tokyo as early as May&nbsp;

The paper said that the site will be open to anyone living and working in Tokyo. Medically trained staff from Japan's self defence forces will assist with vaccination.

While Japan has avoided an explosive spread of the virus experienced by many countries, the government has come under sharp criticism for its sluggish vaccination roll-out, which has been handled mostly by municipal authorities. Only about 1% of its population has been vaccinated, according to a Reuters tracker.

There has been a recent surge in infections. This has been driven by the spread of &nbsp;a variant has also stoked alarm and there is a critical shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas.

Japan only started vaccinating its sizable elderly population this month and health experts say it may take till the winter or longer for most of the general populace to get access to shots.

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said on Sunday if the government was able to secure enough vaccines to inoculate the elderly by the end of July, vaccinations for those under 65 could start that month, according to a Kyodo report.

Japan's third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures began on Sunday, affecting nearly a quarter of the population as the country attempts to combat the surge in cases three months before the Tokyo Olympics is set to open.

Japan has had about 550,000 cases and 9,761 deaths to date.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks.

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks. The Nikkei newspaper said on Sunday the government will open a vaccination site in central Tokyo as early as May The paper said that the site will be open to anyone living and working in Tokyo. Medically trained staff from Japan's self defence forces will assist with vaccination. While Japan has avoided an explosive spread of the virus experienced by many countries, the government has come under sharp criticism for its sluggish vaccination roll-out, which has been handled mostly by municipal authorities. Only about 1% of its population has been vaccinated, according to a Reuters tracker. There has been a recent surge in infections. This has been driven by the spread of a variant has also stoked alarm and there is a critical shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas. Japan only started vaccinating its sizable elderly population this month and health experts say it may take till the winter or longer for most of the general populace to get access to shots. Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said on Sunday if the government was able to secure enough vaccines to inoculate the elderly by the end of July, vaccinations for those under 65 could start that month, according to a Kyodo report. Japan's third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures began on Sunday, affecting nearly a quarter of the population as the country attempts to combat the surge in cases three months before the Tokyo Olympics is set to open. Japan has had about 550,000 cases and 9,761 deaths to date. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to open vaccination centres capable of handling 10,000 people: Report 

Japan declared "short and powerful" states of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures as the country struggles to contain a resurgent coronavirus pandemic three months before the Olympics.

Japan announces COVID emergency in Tokyo

A man decided to use his good organisational and oratory skills to coax women into falling in love with him.

Takashi Miyagawa, a 39-year-old man, used his full-time job to make women fall in love with him, and then rob them by demanding gifts.

The Japanese man has been arrested for defrauding 35 lovers by demanding expensive gifts from them.

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Miyagawa met his victims while selling them hydrogen water showerheads. He then lured the women into making them fall in love with him and made them believe he would be true to them, come good or bad.

However, later he would lie about his birthday to get expensive presents from them. One woman was told his birthday was on February 22, while the second one thought it was in July and a third celebrated it in April. As per police records, though, his birthday is officially marked as November 13.

The man has now been arrested for fraud after the women found each other and came forward to form an informal “Victims Association” and filed a complaint with the police.

He has been accused of duping the women of more than $1,000 (100,000 yen), which includes electronic funds.

A man decided to use his good organisational and oratory skills to coax women into falling in love with him. Takashi Miyagawa, a 39-year-old man, used his full-time job to make women fall in love with him, and then rob them by demanding gifts.

A man decided to use his good organisational and oratory skills to coax women into falling in love with him. Takashi Miyagawa, a 39-year-old man, used his full-time job to make women fall in love with him, and then rob them by demanding gifts. The Japanese man has been arrested for defrauding 35 lovers by demanding expensive gifts from them. Also read | Pet-nups? Spain introduces laws for pet custody after divorce Miyagawa met his victims while selling them hydrogen water showerheads. He then lured the women into making them fall in love with him and made them believe he would be true to them, come good or bad. However, later he would lie about his birthday to get expensive presents from them. One woman was told his birthday was on February 22, while the second one thought it was in July and a third celebrated it in April. As per police records, though, his birthday is officially marked as November 13. The man has now been arrested for fraud after the women found each other and came forward to form an informal “Victims Association” and filed a complaint with the police. He has been accused of duping the women of more than $1,000 (100,000 yen), which includes electronic funds.

Forever love? Man pretends to be boyfriend of 35 women to get expensive birthday gifts

Almost a day after analysts warned of another recession in the country, Japan has imposed a state of emergency in the capital city Tokyo and three other regions on Friday to stop the wide spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that after observing a surge in coronavirus cases, especially related to the new variants, the government has decided to "declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-warn-second-recession-in-case-of-another-lockdown-in-japan-379290">Experts warn second recession in case of another lockdown in Japan</a>

This has come at a time when the country is stepping into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. The holiday season was being assumed to bring help in boosting the businesses that have suffered major losses due to the pandemic.

"The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-motor-show-cancelled-because-of-coronavirus-pandemic-379443">Tokyo Motor Show cancelled because of coronavirus pandemic</a>

Tokyo and the three other regions which have been ordered a lockdown will affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million.

"We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency.

Japan's biggest industrial event, the Tokyo Motor Show, has also been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Almost a day after analysts warned of another recession in the country, Japan has imposed a state of emergency in the capital city Tokyo and three other regions on Friday to stop the wide spread of coronavirus.

Almost a day after analysts warned of another recession in the country, Japan has imposed a state of emergency in the capital city Tokyo and three other regions on Friday to stop the wide spread of coronavirus. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that after observing a surge in coronavirus cases, especially related to the new variants, the government has decided to "declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures." Also read | Experts warn second recession in case of another lockdown in Japan This has come at a time when the country is stepping into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. The holiday season was being assumed to bring help in boosting the businesses that have suffered major losses due to the pandemic. "The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big." Also read | Tokyo Motor Show cancelled because of coronavirus pandemic Tokyo and the three other regions which have been ordered a lockdown will affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million. "We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency. Japan's biggest industrial event, the Tokyo Motor Show, has also been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan declares 'state of emergency' in Tokyo, three other regions as Covid surges

Japan&nbsp;aims to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;46 percent by&nbsp;2030, significantly more than previously pledged, the country's prime minister announced Thursday ahead of a key US-hosted climate summit.

"We aim to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;greenhouse gas (emissions) by 46 percent in fiscal&nbsp;2030&nbsp;from fiscal 2013," Yoshihide Suga told a meeting hours before the discussions called by US President Joe Biden begin.

Japan's fiscal&nbsp;2030&nbsp;will begin in April of the calendar year.

The new&nbsp;target&nbsp;revises a previous goal of cutting&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;26 per cent from 2013 levels by&nbsp;2030.

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Japan&nbsp;is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, in part because many of its nuclear reactors remain offline after the Fukushima meltdown a decade ago.

Suga last year set a 2050 deadline for&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;to become carbon-neutral, putting it on the same timeline as the European Union and ahead of China's 2060 goal.

Environmentalists have urged nations to take more immediate action ahead of the two-day virtual Earth Day summit organised by Biden.

Suga is one of 40 leaders attending the talks that kick off later Thursday, heralding a US return to the climate front lines after Donald Trump's term.

Several other countries have also announced revised targets for slashing&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;and more pledges are expected at the meeting.

Speaking before Suga's announcement, Ken Tanaka from conservation group WWF&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;said a reduction&nbsp;target&nbsp;of 45 percent was an "absolute minimum".

"Now it has set a 2050 net-zero goal in October, it is important for&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;to have an ambitious interim&nbsp;target" to achieve its long-term aim, he told.

Climate activists want to see&nbsp;Japan, which was the sixth-biggest contributor to global greenhouse&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;in 2017, reduce its reliance on coal.

"They are discussing the next energy-mix plan, and in the discussion there are still coal-fired plants remaining for the next decade," Tanaka said.

"The clear decision to phase out coal-fired plans is a critical thing for&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;to pursue."

Yuri Okubo, senior researcher at the Renewable Energy Institute, said more was still needed but the commitment was nonetheless "an important step for&nbsp;Japan" and could help build momentum for a move away from coal.

Japan aims to cut emissions 46 percent by 2030, significantly more than previously pledged, the country's prime minister announced Thursday ahead of a key US-hosted climate summit.

Japan aims to cut emissions 46 percent by 2030, significantly more than previously pledged, the country's prime minister announced Thursday ahead of a key US-hosted climate summit. "We aim to cut greenhouse gas (emissions) by 46 percent in fiscal 2030 from fiscal 2013," Yoshihide Suga told a meeting hours before the discussions called by US President Joe Biden begin. Japan's fiscal 2030 will begin in April of the calendar year. The new target revises a previous goal of cutting emissions 26 per cent from 2013 levels by 2030. Also Read | Japan adopts strike-first policy to counter Chinese aggression Japan is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, in part because many of its nuclear reactors remain offline after the Fukushima meltdown a decade ago. Suga last year set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon-neutral, putting it on the same timeline as the European Union and ahead of China's 2060 goal. Environmentalists have urged nations to take more immediate action ahead of the two-day virtual Earth Day summit organised by Biden. Suga is one of 40 leaders attending the talks that kick off later Thursday, heralding a US return to the climate front lines after Donald Trump's term. Several other countries have also announced revised targets for slashing emissions and more pledges are expected at the meeting. Speaking before Suga's announcement, Ken Tanaka from conservation group WWF Japan said a reduction target of 45 percent was an "absolute minimum". "Now it has set a 2050 net-zero goal in October, it is important for Japan to have an ambitious interim target" to achieve its long-term aim, he told. Climate activists want to see Japan, which was the sixth-biggest contributor to global greenhouse emissions in 2017, reduce its reliance on coal. "They are discussing the next energy-mix plan, and in the discussion there are still coal-fired plants remaining for the next decade," Tanaka said. "The clear decision to phase out coal-fired plans is a critical thing for Japan to pursue." Yuri Okubo, senior researcher at the Renewable Energy Institute, said more was still needed but the commitment was nonetheless "an important step for Japan" and could help build momentum for a move away from coal.

Japan strengthens 2030 emissions cut target

With a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, Japan’s government might have to impose another state of emergency, ka lockdown, for nearly two weeks.

However, some analysts have warned that the decision may push the country into another recession if the retailers are again asked to close their businesses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-torch-staffer-becomes-events-first-case-of-covid-19-379243" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-torch-staffer-becomes-events-first-case-of-covid-19-379243&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwij-dLO-JHwAhWizTgGHVJSC4gQFjAEegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2-L2WYuwS_KOWevhsxuRFm" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-torch-staffer-becomes-events-first-case-of-covid-19-379243" target="_blank">Tokyo Olympics torch staffer becomes event's first case of COVID-19</a>

This has come especially as the country is about to step into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. This holiday season usually is a huge business booster for the retailers and was being seen as a hope of bringing businesses back to life after continued lockdowns in the country, which had sent the economy into a downward spiral.

"The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big."

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If the government implements lockdown in four main regions of the country, it would affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million.

"We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency.

The lockdown and slow rollout of vaccines across the country are also raising doubts on whether the country will be able to and should be allowed to host Tokyo Olympics in July.

Japan will also be canceling the famous Tokyo Motor Show, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Chairman Akio Toyoda said, to ensure the participants are safe and do not get infected in the surge of cases

With a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, Japan’s government might have to impose another state of emergency, ka lockdown, for nearly two weeks. However, some analysts have warned that the decision may push the country into another recession if the retailers are again asked to close their businesses.

With a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, Japan’s government might have to impose another state of emergency, ka lockdown, for nearly two weeks. However, some analysts have warned that the decision may push the country into another recession if the retailers are again asked to close their businesses. Also read | Tokyo Olympics torch staffer becomes event's first case of COVID-19 This has come especially as the country is about to step into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. This holiday season usually is a huge business booster for the retailers and was being seen as a hope of bringing businesses back to life after continued lockdowns in the country, which had sent the economy into a downward spiral. "The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big." Also read | Virus surge to delay decision on Olympics fans' attendance till June If the government implements lockdown in four main regions of the country, it would affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million. "We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency. The lockdown and slow rollout of vaccines across the country are also raising doubts on whether the country will be able to and should be allowed to host Tokyo Olympics in July. Japan will also be canceling the famous Tokyo Motor Show, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Chairman Akio Toyoda said, to ensure the participants are safe and do not get infected in the surge of cases

Experts warn second recession in case of another lockdown in Japan

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday.

A man in his 30s tested positive for the virus after working on the relay in Kagawa prefecture on Japan's southern island of Shikoku,&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 said in a statement.

The officer was guiding traffic in the town of Naoshima on Saturday and came down with a fever on Sunday, the Asahi Newspaper reported, citing organisers and prefectural police. The man wore a mask and had no contact with runners, the report said.

Separately, two runners, a TV personality, and a former Olympian dropped out of a relay event due to be held in the western prefecture of Tottori next month, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Public support for the Games has waned amid concern the event will exacerbate COVID-19 infections, now battering the country in a fourth wave. Japan's government is expected to declare a state of emergency, the third in the past year, in the major population centers of&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;and Osaka this week.

The Games, already delayed by one year, are due to start in 92 days. Olympic and government officials have said the further postponement of the Games is out of the question.

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday.

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday. A man in his 30s tested positive for the virus after working on the relay in Kagawa prefecture on Japan's southern island of Shikoku, Tokyo 2020 said in a statement. The officer was guiding traffic in the town of Naoshima on Saturday and came down with a fever on Sunday, the Asahi Newspaper reported, citing organisers and prefectural police. The man wore a mask and had no contact with runners, the report said. Separately, two runners, a TV personality, and a former Olympian dropped out of a relay event due to be held in the western prefecture of Tottori next month, public broadcaster NHK reported. Public support for the Games has waned amid concern the event will exacerbate COVID-19 infections, now battering the country in a fourth wave. Japan's government is expected to declare a state of emergency, the third in the past year, in the major population centers of Tokyo and Osaka this week. The Games, already delayed by one year, are due to start in 92 days. Olympic and government officials have said the further postponement of the Games is out of the question.

Tokyo Olympics torch staffer becomes event's first case of COVID-19

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead, including perpetrators of the country's World War II atrocities on its neighbours.&nbsp;

South Korea expressed 'deep disappointment' at Suga's offering to the shrine to mark a spring festival, while China also protested the move.&nbsp;

The Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century.&nbsp;

But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes, and has frequently been a source of sour relations with countries that suffered from Japan's military atrocities, particularly China and South Korea.&nbsp;

Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe, who stepped down last year for health reasons, visited the shrine in person on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The prime minister sent a sacred tree but was not expected to visit the shrine.&nbsp;

South Korea's foreign ministry expressed 'deep disappointment and regret' over Suga's tribute and urged Japan's leaders to 'face history squarely and humbly and truly reflect on the past'.&nbsp;

"Japan should keep in mind that is the basis of a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship."&nbsp;

Chinese foreign affairs ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin also urged Japan to 'draw a clear line with militarism and take concrete measures to earn the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community'.&nbsp;

"We firmly oppose Japanese politicians' erroneous practices."&nbsp;

A 2013 visit to the shrine by then-prime minister Abe sparked outcry from Beijing and Seoul, as well as a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead, including perpetrators of the country's World War II atrocities on its neighbours.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead, including perpetrators of the country's World War II atrocities on its neighbours. South Korea expressed 'deep disappointment' at Suga's offering to the shrine to mark a spring festival, while China also protested the move. The Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century. But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes, and has frequently been a source of sour relations with countries that suffered from Japan's military atrocities, particularly China and South Korea. Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe, who stepped down last year for health reasons, visited the shrine in person on Wednesday. The prime minister sent a sacred tree but was not expected to visit the shrine. South Korea's foreign ministry expressed 'deep disappointment and regret' over Suga's tribute and urged Japan's leaders to 'face history squarely and humbly and truly reflect on the past'. "Japan should keep in mind that is the basis of a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship." Chinese foreign affairs ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin also urged Japan to 'draw a clear line with militarism and take concrete measures to earn the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community'. "We firmly oppose Japanese politicians' erroneous practices." A 2013 visit to the shrine by then-prime minister Abe sparked outcry from Beijing and Seoul, as well as a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.

Japan PM sends offering to controversial shrine honouring war dead 

South Korea raised concerns over Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, its foreign ministry said, but Kerry reaffirmed Washington's confidence in the plan's transparency.&nbsp;

Kerry arrived in Seoul on Saturday to discuss international efforts to tackle global warming on a trip that included a stop in China ahead of President Joe Biden's virtual summit with world leaders on climate change on April 22 and 23.&nbsp;

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong sought to rally support behind the country's protest against the Fukushima plan at a dinner meeting with Kerry, the ministry said. Under the plan, more than one million tonnes of water will be discharged from the plant wrecked by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 into the nearby sea off Japan's east coast.&nbsp;

Seoul strongly rebuked the decision, with the foreign ministry summoning the Japanese ambassador and President Moon Jae-in ordering officials to explore petitioning an international court. &nbsp;

"Minister Chung conveyed our government and people's serious concerns about Japan's decision, and asked the US side to take interest and cooperate so that Japan will provide information in a more transparent and speedy manner," the ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;

But Kerry, at a media roundtable on Sunday, said Tokyo had made the decision in a transparent manner and will continue following due procedures. &nbsp;

"The United States is confident that the government of Japan is in very full consultations with the IAEA," he said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency. &nbsp;

"The IAEA has set up a very rigorous process and I know that Japan has weighed all the options and the effects and they've been very transparent about the decision and the process." &nbsp;

The former US secretary of state added that Washington would closely monitor Japan's implementation "like every country, to make certain there is no public health threat." &nbsp;

The South Korean foreign ministry said Chung and Kerry also agreed to work together to boost international cooperation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal pledged by South Korea, Europe and others.&nbsp;

Kerry told the roundtable that Biden aims to urge countries to commit to more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets, including China, such as by revamping their power initiatives or speeding up transitions to renewable energy.&nbsp;

The United States is expected to announce its own new emissions target for 2030 this week.&nbsp;

"I think Korea has set an ambitious target and Korea is trying to do a lot, it's not easy for any country," Kerry said. "We need to be smarter, so do I think it’s possible for additional steps? I do think there are some things that could happen."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

South Korea raised concerns over Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, its foreign ministry said, but Kerry reaffirmed Washington's confidence in the plan's transparency.

South Korea raised concerns over Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, its foreign ministry said, but Kerry reaffirmed Washington's confidence in the plan's transparency. Kerry arrived in Seoul on Saturday to discuss international efforts to tackle global warming on a trip that included a stop in China ahead of President Joe Biden's virtual summit with world leaders on climate change on April 22 and 23. South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong sought to rally support behind the country's protest against the Fukushima plan at a dinner meeting with Kerry, the ministry said. Under the plan, more than one million tonnes of water will be discharged from the plant wrecked by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 into the nearby sea off Japan's east coast. Seoul strongly rebuked the decision, with the foreign ministry summoning the Japanese ambassador and President Moon Jae-in ordering officials to explore petitioning an international court. "Minister Chung conveyed our government and people's serious concerns about Japan's decision, and asked the US side to take interest and cooperate so that Japan will provide information in a more transparent and speedy manner," the ministry said in a statement. But Kerry, at a media roundtable on Sunday, said Tokyo had made the decision in a transparent manner and will continue following due procedures. "The United States is confident that the government of Japan is in very full consultations with the IAEA," he said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency. "The IAEA has set up a very rigorous process and I know that Japan has weighed all the options and the effects and they've been very transparent about the decision and the process." The former US secretary of state added that Washington would closely monitor Japan's implementation "like every country, to make certain there is no public health threat." The South Korean foreign ministry said Chung and Kerry also agreed to work together to boost international cooperation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal pledged by South Korea, Europe and others. Kerry told the roundtable that Biden aims to urge countries to commit to more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets, including China, such as by revamping their power initiatives or speeding up transitions to renewable energy. The United States is expected to announce its own new emissions target for 2030 this week. "I think Korea has set an ambitious target and Korea is trying to do a lot, it's not easy for any country," Kerry said. "We need to be smarter, so do I think it’s possible for additional steps? I do think there are some things that could happen." (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea, US show differences over Japan government's Fukushima plans 

Japan has decided to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

Japan’s Fukushima Water Release: Japan to dump the wastewater into the sea

President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga showcased the alliance between their two countries as well as their shared resolve in dealing with China as they met at the White House on Friday in Biden's first face-to-face talks with a foreign leader as president.&nbsp;

The talks featured unusually frank warnings from a Japanese leader against any effort by China to dominate the Indo-Pacific region by 'force or coercion’.&nbsp;

Suga said the visit was meant to ‘reaffirm the new and tight bond between us' as the US and Japan deal with challenges in the region.&nbsp;

Suga and Biden, who wore masks for their meeting in a visit modified by precautions against the coronavirus, were seeking to challenge messaging from Chinese President Xi Jinping that America and democracies in general are on the decline following the political turmoil and international withdrawal that marked Donald Trump's presidency.&nbsp;

In a news conference afterward in the Rose Garden, Suga made repeated references to the 'severe security environment' in East Asia, where China under Xi is exerting its economic and military strength, including with military deployments meant to assert its disputed territorial claims in the region.&nbsp;

Suga broke from past Japanese leaders on Friday by not veiling his comments about China, an important economic partner for Japan. &nbsp;

The prime minister said he and Biden held 'serious talks on China's influence over the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. We oppose any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.'&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had warned his Japanese counterpart in a call ahead of Suga's visit to see to it that China-Japan relations 'do not get involved in the so-called confrontation between major countries,' according to a Chinese government readout.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga showcased the alliance between their two countries as well as their shared resolve in dealing with China as they met at the White House on Friday in Biden's first face-to-face talks with a foreign leader as president.

President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga showcased the alliance between their two countries as well as their shared resolve in dealing with China as they met at the White House on Friday in Biden's first face-to-face talks with a foreign leader as president. The talks featured unusually frank warnings from a Japanese leader against any effort by China to dominate the Indo-Pacific region by 'force or coercion’. Suga said the visit was meant to ‘reaffirm the new and tight bond between us' as the US and Japan deal with challenges in the region. Suga and Biden, who wore masks for their meeting in a visit modified by precautions against the coronavirus, were seeking to challenge messaging from Chinese President Xi Jinping that America and democracies in general are on the decline following the political turmoil and international withdrawal that marked Donald Trump's presidency. In a news conference afterward in the Rose Garden, Suga made repeated references to the 'severe security environment' in East Asia, where China under Xi is exerting its economic and military strength, including with military deployments meant to assert its disputed territorial claims in the region. Suga broke from past Japanese leaders on Friday by not veiling his comments about China, an important economic partner for Japan. The prime minister said he and Biden held 'serious talks on China's influence over the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. We oppose any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.' Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had warned his Japanese counterpart in a call ahead of Suga's visit to see to it that China-Japan relations 'do not get involved in the so-called confrontation between major countries,' according to a Chinese government readout. (With inputs from agencies)

US, Japan showcase alliance, resolve in dealing with aggressive China 

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Washington to meet President Biden. With both leaders battling domestic challenges, can they display a united front against China? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Conflict shadow over Biden-Suga summit

President Joe Biden hosted the first white house summit with Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga as the first foreign leader. In their first white house meeting, the two leaders raised issues stretching COVID-19, climate, Tokyo Olympics, and bid to counter increasingly assertive China indeed.

White House Summit: US- Japan to tackle Chinese intimidation

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