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

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 

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