According to reports, the Chinese coastguard has increased its presence in the contested waters near the Diaoyu Islands. According to a Japanese official, Tokyo is alarmed by the recent activity and is considering a response.

Chinese activity increases near Diaoyu Islands, Japan mulls on sending troops

Japan&nbsp;will extend a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo area by a fortnight, officials said Friday, less than five months before the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Olympics.

The decision came as Moderna filed for approval of its Covid-19 vaccine in Japan, becoming the third major drug firm to do so, its distribution partner Takeda said.

The Pfizer/BioNTech is so far the only jab approved for use in Japan, which is taking a cautious approach to its inoculation campaign that launched in a limited fashion last month.

Despite a winter spike in infections, Japan has seen a comparatively small outbreak overall with just over 8,000 deaths, and has avoided imposing the blanket lockdowns seen in other countries.

The state of emergency, which primarily calls for bars and restaurants to close from 8pm, was due to end on Sunday and has been lifted early in other regions.

It has brought infections down in the capital but the rate of decline is slowing and experts warn of a potential resurgence when restrictions are removed.

Top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the virus emergency would continue in Tokyo and three surrounding regions until March 21 -- four days before the nationwide Olympic torch relay kicks off in northeastern Fukushima prefecture.

The two-week extension, expected to be formally announced later on Friday, could cost the economy an extra 700 billion yen ($6.5 billion) in lost consumption, Tokyo-based think-tank NRI predicted.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga apologised for the imminent extension but said the government was "doing its utmost to prevent a rebound" in infections.

Tokyo logged around 270 daily cases on average over the past week.

Japan's response to the virus is in the spotlight as Tokyo prepares to host the postponed Olympics, due to start on July 23.

Tokyo 2020 organisers have outlined measures they say will keep the Games safe -- even without requiring participants to be vaccinated or quarantined on arrival.

Border restrictions currently bar almost all foreign arrivals, which has forced the postponement of the year's first test event, an artistic swimming qualifier.

Japan began its vaccination programme on February 17 and has so far given first doses to around 39,000 healthcare workers.

The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine was also filed for approval a month ago and domestic clinical trials are underway.

Japan will extend a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo area by a fortnight, officials said Friday, less than five months before the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Japan will extend a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo area by a fortnight, officials said Friday, less than five months before the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Olympics. The decision came as Moderna filed for approval of its Covid-19 vaccine in Japan, becoming the third major drug firm to do so, its distribution partner Takeda said. The Pfizer/BioNTech is so far the only jab approved for use in Japan, which is taking a cautious approach to its inoculation campaign that launched in a limited fashion last month. Despite a winter spike in infections, Japan has seen a comparatively small outbreak overall with just over 8,000 deaths, and has avoided imposing the blanket lockdowns seen in other countries. The state of emergency, which primarily calls for bars and restaurants to close from 8pm, was due to end on Sunday and has been lifted early in other regions. It has brought infections down in the capital but the rate of decline is slowing and experts warn of a potential resurgence when restrictions are removed. Top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the virus emergency would continue in Tokyo and three surrounding regions until March 21 -- four days before the nationwide Olympic torch relay kicks off in northeastern Fukushima prefecture. The two-week extension, expected to be formally announced later on Friday, could cost the economy an extra 700 billion yen ($6.5 billion) in lost consumption, Tokyo-based think-tank NRI predicted. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga apologised for the imminent extension but said the government was "doing its utmost to prevent a rebound" in infections. Tokyo logged around 270 daily cases on average over the past week. Japan's response to the virus is in the spotlight as Tokyo prepares to host the postponed Olympics, due to start on July 23. Tokyo 2020 organisers have outlined measures they say will keep the Games safe -- even without requiring participants to be vaccinated or quarantined on arrival. Border restrictions currently bar almost all foreign arrivals, which has forced the postponement of the year's first test event, an artistic swimming qualifier. Japan began its vaccination programme on February 17 and has so far given first doses to around 39,000 healthcare workers. The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine was also filed for approval a month ago and domestic clinical trials are underway.

Japan to extend virus state of emergency in Tokyo area

Tokyo has requested Beijing to stop taking anal swab tests for Covid-19 on Japanese citizens as the procedure causes psychological pain, a government spokesman said on Monday.&nbsp;

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said the government has not received a response that Beijing would change the testing procedure, so Japan would continue to ask China to alter the way of testing.&nbsp;

"Some Japanese reported to our embassy in China that they received anal swab tests, which caused a great psychologial pain," Kato told a news conference.&nbsp;

It was not known how many Japanese citizens received such tests for the coronavirus, he said.&nbsp;

Some Chinese cities are using samples taken from the anus to detect potential Covid-19 infections as China steps up screening to make sure no potential carrier of the new coronavirus is missed.&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry denied last month that US diplomats in the country had been required to take anal swab tests for Covid-19, following media reports that some had complained about the procedure.&nbsp;

Tokyo has requested Beijing to stop taking anal swab tests for Covid-19 on Japanese citizens as the procedure causes psychological pain, a government spokesman said on Monday.

Tokyo has requested Beijing to stop taking anal swab tests for Covid-19 on Japanese citizens as the procedure causes psychological pain, a government spokesman said on Monday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said the government has not received a response that Beijing would change the testing procedure, so Japan would continue to ask China to alter the way of testing. "Some Japanese reported to our embassy in China that they received anal swab tests, which caused a great psychologial pain," Kato told a news conference. It was not known how many Japanese citizens received such tests for the coronavirus, he said. Some Chinese cities are using samples taken from the anus to detect potential Covid-19 infections as China steps up screening to make sure no potential carrier of the new coronavirus is missed. China's foreign ministry denied last month that US diplomats in the country had been required to take anal swab tests for Covid-19, following media reports that some had complained about the procedure.

Tokyo asks China to stop anal swab tests for Covid-19 on Japanese citizens

Vaccine rollout has begin for medical staff at a Tokyo Medical center in Japan. President of Tokyo medical center ,Kazuhiro took the first vaccine jab to encourage others to do the same. Health workers are the first ones to get vaccinated , there are around 100 centers administered by health ministry for vaccinating 40000 medical workers first.

Mass vaccination drive begins in Japan

Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index jumped nearly two percent Monday on hopes for business recovery, closing above the psychologically important 30,000 mark for the first time in more than three decades.

The Nikkei 225 index rose 1.91 percent, or 564.08 points, to 30,084.15, the highest close since 1990.

The broader Topix index advanced 1.04 percent, or 20.06 points, to 1,953.94.

"The 30,000 mark is symbolic but it's still a waypoint," said Toshikazu Horiuchi, a broker at IwaiCosmo Securities.

"Market sentiment has been supported by hopes for business recovery ahead of the nation's first vaccination," Horiuchi told AFP.

The coronavirus vaccine rollout is scheduled to start as early as Wednesday in Japan for healthcare professionals.

"Hopes for stimulus and monetary easing are also high, which helped bolster positive sentiment, but profit-taking could emerge at this level as the market is overheating," he added.

Masayuki Kubota, chief strategist at Rakuten Securities, said: "The Nikkei index is climbing as central banks in Japan, the United States and Europe keep their massive monetary easing policies in place because of the pandemic."

Ahead of the opening bell, the government said Japan's economy shrank in 2020 for the first time in more than a decade as it was battered by the coronavirus but the contraction was less than expected.

"The market largely shrugged off the GDP figures, which were already factored in," Horiuchi said.

The dollar fetched 105.02 yen in Asian afternoon trade, against 104.91 yen in New York late Friday.

Investors were paying attention to the impact of a 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which hit northeastern Japan late Saturday as news reports said more than 150 people were injured and shinkansen bullet train services were suspended.

"There was a chilling moment after the powerful quake in the Tohoku region this weekend, but the impact on the market seems to be limited," Okasan Online Securities said.

In Tokyo trading, SoftBank Group surged 2.12 percent to 10,005 yen after releasing strong earnings last week, while Uniqlo casual wear chain operator Fast Retailing jumped 4.09 percent to 99,460 yen.

Nissan plunged 2.83 percent to 609.9 yen following a news report that Apple had approached it in recent months about self-driving cars, which did not move forward. Nissan denied it was in talks with the US tech giant.

Toyota rose 0.51 percent to 8,456 yen with Honda up 1.09 percent at 3,052 yen.

Online mall giant and mobile carrier Rakuten plunged 6.48 percent to 1,110 yen after it reported a massive annual loss last week.

Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index jumped nearly two percent Monday on hopes for business recovery, closing above the psychologically important 30,000 mark for the first time in more than three decades.

Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index jumped nearly two percent Monday on hopes for business recovery, closing above the psychologically important 30,000 mark for the first time in more than three decades. The Nikkei 225 index rose 1.91 percent, or 564.08 points, to 30,084.15, the highest close since 1990. The broader Topix index advanced 1.04 percent, or 20.06 points, to 1,953.94. "The 30,000 mark is symbolic but it's still a waypoint," said Toshikazu Horiuchi, a broker at IwaiCosmo Securities. "Market sentiment has been supported by hopes for business recovery ahead of the nation's first vaccination," Horiuchi told AFP. The coronavirus vaccine rollout is scheduled to start as early as Wednesday in Japan for healthcare professionals. "Hopes for stimulus and monetary easing are also high, which helped bolster positive sentiment, but profit-taking could emerge at this level as the market is overheating," he added. Masayuki Kubota, chief strategist at Rakuten Securities, said: "The Nikkei index is climbing as central banks in Japan, the United States and Europe keep their massive monetary easing policies in place because of the pandemic." Ahead of the opening bell, the government said Japan's economy shrank in 2020 for the first time in more than a decade as it was battered by the coronavirus but the contraction was less than expected. "The market largely shrugged off the GDP figures, which were already factored in," Horiuchi said. The dollar fetched 105.02 yen in Asian afternoon trade, against 104.91 yen in New York late Friday. Investors were paying attention to the impact of a 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which hit northeastern Japan late Saturday as news reports said more than 150 people were injured and shinkansen bullet train services were suspended. "There was a chilling moment after the powerful quake in the Tohoku region this weekend, but the impact on the market seems to be limited," Okasan Online Securities said. In Tokyo trading, SoftBank Group surged 2.12 percent to 10,005 yen after releasing strong earnings last week, while Uniqlo casual wear chain operator Fast Retailing jumped 4.09 percent to 99,460 yen. Nissan plunged 2.83 percent to 609.9 yen following a news report that Apple had approached it in recent months about self-driving cars, which did not move forward. Nissan denied it was in talks with the US tech giant. Toyota rose 0.51 percent to 8,456 yen with Honda up 1.09 percent at 3,052 yen. Online mall giant and mobile carrier Rakuten plunged 6.48 percent to 1,110 yen after it reported a massive annual loss last week.

Tokyo's Nikkei closes above 30,000, first time since 1990

The number of COVID-19 infections in Tokyo may have jumped by nine-fold since last summer, coronavirus antibody tests showed, as Japan tries to rein in the country's third and most lethal wave of the pandemic ahead of the Olympics in July.

Survey: COVID-19 infections in Tokyo may have jumped nine-fold

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka said Saturday he hopes to win a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and celebrate with Japan fans, as the pitcher returns home after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, the 32-year-old -- now set to play for the Rakuten Eagles -- was asked about the possibility of him playing in the postponed Summer Games.

"If I ever have a chance to participate, there is no reason for me to reject," he said.

"I had a bitter feeling when I played in the Beijing Olympics... This time I want to win a gold medal" as part of the host country's team, he added.

"I'm very excited at the fact I will be able to pitch in front of fans in Japan."

The timing of this year's games is particularly meaningful, he said, as it comes 10 years after a 2011 tsunami that left thousands dead in Japan.

Star pitcher Tanaka played for the Eagles from 2007 until 2013, when the team won their first-ever "Japan Series" title to the joy of fans in its home city of Sendai, which was devastated by the disaster.

He began a seven-year $155 million contract with the Yankees the following year.

Rakuten's chairman Hiroshi Mikitani said he hoped Tanaka's pitching would "invigorate" Japan this year.

The Tokyo Olympics -- initially set to take place last year but postponed due to the coronavirus -- are set to begin on July 23.

Despite growing concern over the event's feasibility, organisers and the International Olympic Committee insist it can go ahead safely.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowed Friday that the Olympics would be held this summer "as a symbol of global unity" to "bring hope and courage to the world".

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka said Saturday he hopes to win a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and celebrate with Japan fans, as the pitcher returns home after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees.

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka said Saturday he hopes to win a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and celebrate with Japan fans, as the pitcher returns home after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees. Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, the 32-year-old -- now set to play for the Rakuten Eagles -- was asked about the possibility of him playing in the postponed Summer Games. "If I ever have a chance to participate, there is no reason for me to reject," he said. "I had a bitter feeling when I played in the Beijing Olympics... This time I want to win a gold medal" as part of the host country's team, he added. "I'm very excited at the fact I will be able to pitch in front of fans in Japan." The timing of this year's games is particularly meaningful, he said, as it comes 10 years after a 2011 tsunami that left thousands dead in Japan. Star pitcher Tanaka played for the Eagles from 2007 until 2013, when the team won their first-ever "Japan Series" title to the joy of fans in its home city of Sendai, which was devastated by the disaster. He began a seven-year $155 million contract with the Yankees the following year. Rakuten's chairman Hiroshi Mikitani said he hoped Tanaka's pitching would "invigorate" Japan this year. The Tokyo Olympics -- initially set to take place last year but postponed due to the coronavirus -- are set to begin on July 23. Despite growing concern over the event's feasibility, organisers and the International Olympic Committee insist it can go ahead safely. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowed Friday that the Olympics would be held this summer "as a symbol of global unity" to "bring hope and courage to the world".

Star pitcher Tanaka wants Olympic gold with Japan fans

Japan has said that reports of Tokyo Olympics being cancelled is untrue. But experts say the games can only be conducted safely if Japan vaccinates its entire population. Japan is home to 127 people, and the country is yet to start its vaccination program. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details

Gravitas: Will Tokyo Olympics be cancelled?

The Japanese government has refuted reports suggesting the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics due to coronavirus pandemic. There is no truth to a report about the possible cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai, a government spokesman, told reporters on Friday, denying the Times' report.

The Japanese government has refuted reports suggesting the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics due to coronavirus pandemic. There is no truth to a report about the possible cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai, a government spokesman, told reporters on Friday, denying the Times' report. According to The Times report, the Japanese government had privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics, that was scheduled to be held this year, will have to be cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. The newspaper cited an unnamed senior member of the ruling party. ALSO READ: Around 80% want Tokyo Olympics cancelled or delayed: Japanese survey The Times suggested that Japan's government is now looking to secure the mega event for Tokyo in the next available year, 2032. The Games were scheduled to be held in 2020 but were postponed by a year due to coronavirus outbreak but the recent surge in confirmed cases raised many doubts over the Olympics being held. In early international reactions, both the Australian and United States Olympic Committees said on Friday they remained focused on preparing for the Games as now scheduled. "Any official communication on the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 will come from the IOC, Tokyo Organizing Committee and the Japanese government," the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee wrote on Twitter. "We have not received any information suggesting the Games will not happen as planned, and our focus remains on the health and preparedness of Team USA athletes ahead of the Games this summer." ALSO READ: Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says "The AOC is continuing its planning to ensuring the Australian Olympic Team arrives in Tokyo, competes and returns home safe and COVID-free," the AOC said in a statement. Earlier, Japan's local media (Kyodo News) did a survey and found out that around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country. According to the survey, 35.3 per cent want the Games to be cancelled and 44.8 per cent favoured another delay. As per the Times report, the government is seeking a way to save face by announcing a cancellation that leaves the door open to Tokyo hosting at a later date. "No one wants to be the first to say so but the consensus is that it's too difficult," The Times quoted the source as saying. "Personally, I don't think it's going to happen." Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga this week said the showpiece event would "bring hope and courage to the world." International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach reaffirmed his commitment to holding the Games this year in an interview with Kyodo News on Thursday. "We have at this moment, no reason whatsoever to believe that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will not open on the 23rd of July in the Olympic stadium in Tokyo," Bach told Kyodo. (Inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification

Among the young sumo wrestlers lifting weights in the ring, 10-year-old Kyuta Kumagai stands out. At 85 kilograms (187 lb), Kyuta is twice the size of the other children his age and is so dominant that he wrestles, and beats, boys five or six years older.

Meet Kyuta: the 10-year-old, 85-kilo sumo in training

Pics: Istanbul not the only place with water crisis, know about these cities

What is the new coronavirus strain discovered in Japan about?

In a ritual to purify their souls and pray for an end of the COVID-19 pandemic, a handful of people braved the cold and stepped into an ice bath at a shrine in Tokyo on Sunday (January 10).

Pilgrims in Tokyo plunge into icy bath for Shinto ritual, pray for end of the pandemic

Japan has found a new Coronavirus variant among travellers coming in from Brazil. The new strain was detected among four travellers from Brazil’s Amazonas state.

Japan finds new COVID strain in travellers from Brazil

As Tokyo entered its second state of emergency on Friday (January 8), less than 200 days before the start of the postponed Olympics, many believe it will be difficult, perhaps impossible, to host the Games safely.

"It's impossible" - Japanese concerned over prospects of hosting Games

Japanese cheerleaders danced and cheered on commuters outside a Tokyo rail station on Thursday (January 7) in a bid to lift spirits with the capital heading into another state of emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rah! Japanese cheerleaders lift commuters' spirits amid pandemic

Tokyo's largest fish market, Toyosu, rang in the new year with its first tuna auction of 2021 on Tuesday (January 5) under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Toyosu staff, the price of the highest-selling tuna went at 20.8 million yen ($202,065) for a blue fin tuna. That was around only 10% of the highest selling tuna price of 2020, in which a blue fin tuna was sold at 193 million yen ($1.87 million), the second highest price in history.

Tokyo new year tuna auction sees highest price selling for only 10% of 2020

Japan will consider issuing a new emergency declaration after governors in the capital region urged action to tackle a record surge in COVID-19 cases, the head of the nation's pandemic response said on Saturday.

Japan PM says government will consider state of emergency

Japan to consider new COVID-19 emergency declaration

As Tokyo witnessing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases. The Tokyo governor, along with the governor of three prefectures seeks to declare a state of emergency in the country. The request comes after the country recorded over 4000 COVID-19 cases last week.

Japan: Tokyo governor calls for state of emergency as cases surge in the country

Tokyo's governor on Saturday called on central government to declare a new state of emergency as the country battled a third wave of coronavirus infections. Yuriko Koike, the governor was joined by his counterpart from three neighbouring regions as they met Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in-charge of coronavirus response.

Officials in Japan in recent weeks, have asked restaurants and businesses to close early are have urged people to stay at home, measures that Koike said were having "some effect"

"But considering the number of cases and the situation of the medical system in Tokyo and the three neighbouring prefectures, we decided it was necessary to immediately and thoroughly curb the movement of people," she told reporters.

Nishimura, who earlier this week said a state of emergency could be necessary if cases continued to rise, said the government viewed the situation as "serious" and would discuss the request.

He said he had asked governors to request businesses further shorten their hours and that residents avoid non-essential outings after 8.00 pm.

On Thursday, Tokyo reported more than 1,300 new cases, far exceeding the previous high of 949 cases set late last month, with nationwide infections also breaking records. 
Japan imposed a first state of emergency in spring.

The measure allows local governors to call on businesses to close and to request people stay at home. It carries no penalties for non-compliance, but the requests were widely observed this spring.

(With AFP inputs)

Tokyo's governor on Saturday called on central government to declare a new state of emergency as the country battled a third wave of coronavirus infections. Yuriko Koike, the governor was joined by his counterpart from three neighbouring regions as they met Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in-charge of coronavirus response.

Tokyo's governor on Saturday called on central government to declare a new state of emergency as the country battled a third wave of coronavirus infections. Yuriko Koike, the governor was joined by his counterpart from three neighbouring regions as they met Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in-charge of coronavirus response. Officials in Japan in recent weeks, have asked restaurants and businesses to close early are have urged people to stay at home, measures that Koike said were having "some effect" "But considering the number of cases and the situation of the medical system in Tokyo and the three neighbouring prefectures, we decided it was necessary to immediately and thoroughly curb the movement of people," she told reporters. Nishimura, who earlier this week said a state of emergency could be necessary if cases continued to rise, said the government viewed the situation as "serious" and would discuss the request. He said he had asked governors to request businesses further shorten their hours and that residents avoid non-essential outings after 8.00 pm. On Thursday, Tokyo reported more than 1,300 new cases, far exceeding the previous high of 949 cases set late last month, with nationwide infections also breaking records. Japan imposed a first state of emergency in spring. The measure allows local governors to call on businesses to close and to request people stay at home. It carries no penalties for non-compliance, but the requests were widely observed this spring. (With AFP inputs)

Tokyo calls for state of emergency over third wave of coronavirus

Despite the growing COVID-19 & rising number of infections, Japan will be hosting the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics & the Paralympics in 2021. WION brings you a report.

Japan: Olympics, Paralympics on track despite surge in infections

Harley Davidson bikers dressed in Santa Claus costumes rode through the streets of central Tokyo on Sunday (December 20) for their annual parade against child abuse, saying more children were vulnerable in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Santas on bikes parade through downtown Tokyo against child abuse

Shoppers washed their hands and sterilized their smartphones in the streets of Tokyo's posh Ginza district on Saturday (December 19) using handwashing stations that a Japanese start-up hopes will revolutionize access to clean water and better hygiene.

Tokyo shoppers clean hands, phones with high-tech wash stations

Tokyo's governor said she can see "no circumstances" under which the virus-postponed 2020 Olympics will be cancelled

Tokyo: City governor sees no circumstances for cancelling Olympic games

When Japan announced a state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic this year, citizens were urged to declutter their homes to pass the time. Many have taken and continue to take that message to heart - and the country's market for second-hand luxury goods is booming as a result.

Japan's second-hand market booms as pandemic spurs tidying up frenzy

Japan's prime minister on Tuesday unveiled more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country's third such package this financial year.

The coronavirus pandemic has wrought global economic carnage and countries across the world have announced massive cash injections.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-people-died-by-suicide-in-october-than-from-covid-19-in-2020-in-japan-346347">More people died by suicide in October than from COVID-19 in 2020 in Japan</a>

Premier Yoshihide Suga said the latest package, worth 73.6 trillion yen ($708 billion) -- including loan schemes and actual government spending of around 40 trillion yen -- would be formally approved later Tuesday.

It is the first stimulus spending Suga has announced since taking office in September, and comes as Japan faces a spike in Covid-19 infections, with record numbers of new cases reported in recent weeks.

"We drew up (the stimulus package) to pave the way for new growth, to protect people's livelihoods as well as maintaining employment and keeping businesses going," he said.

Japan officially exited recession last month after three quarters of contraction, and hopes to cement its recovery with the latest spending -- which follows previous packages in April and June worth around 117 trillion yen each.

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Government data released Tuesday revised up Japan's GDP figure for the July-September period to 5.3 percent from a preliminary estimate of 5.0 percent.

The new package includes financial support for medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, and subsidies to continue a controversial domestic travel scheme supporting tourism-dependent businesses.

While Japan has seen a relatively small Covid-19 outbreak overall -- with 163,929 confirmed cases and 2,382 deaths -- there has been a sharp rise in infections, and doctors have warned that hospitals could be overwhelmed.

A severe shortage of medical staff has been reported in Osaka and the northern Hokkaido region, with local media saying military backup could be sent to hospitals there.

The package also features a $20 billion green tech fund designed to support projects from renewable energy development to pollution reduction.

In October, Suga set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon neutral, significantly firming up the country's climate-change commitments.

Japan's prime minister on Tuesday unveiled more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country's third such package this financial year.

Japan's prime minister on Tuesday unveiled more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country's third such package this financial year. The coronavirus pandemic has wrought global economic carnage and countries across the world have announced massive cash injections. Also read| More people died by suicide in October than from COVID-19 in 2020 in Japan Premier Yoshihide Suga said the latest package, worth 73.6 trillion yen ($708 billion) -- including loan schemes and actual government spending of around 40 trillion yen -- would be formally approved later Tuesday. It is the first stimulus spending Suga has announced since taking office in September, and comes as Japan faces a spike in Covid-19 infections, with record numbers of new cases reported in recent weeks. "We drew up (the stimulus package) to pave the way for new growth, to protect people's livelihoods as well as maintaining employment and keeping businesses going," he said. Japan officially exited recession last month after three quarters of contraction, and hopes to cement its recovery with the latest spending -- which follows previous packages in April and June worth around 117 trillion yen each. × Government data released Tuesday revised up Japan's GDP figure for the July-September period to 5.3 percent from a preliminary estimate of 5.0 percent. The new package includes financial support for medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, and subsidies to continue a controversial domestic travel scheme supporting tourism-dependent businesses. While Japan has seen a relatively small Covid-19 outbreak overall -- with 163,929 confirmed cases and 2,382 deaths -- there has been a sharp rise in infections, and doctors have warned that hospitals could be overwhelmed. A severe shortage of medical staff has been reported in Osaka and the northern Hokkaido region, with local media saying military backup could be sent to hospitals there. The package also features a $20 billion green tech fund designed to support projects from renewable energy development to pollution reduction. In October, Suga set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon neutral, significantly firming up the country's climate-change commitments.

Japan unveils fresh $700 billion stimulus package

Coronavirus infections in Tokyo hit a record daily high of 493 cases on Wednesday, as local media reported the Japanese capital was preparing to raise its alert level for infections to the highest of four stages

Tokyo coronavirus cases hit record 493, may raise alert level

Japan has formally crowned Prince Fumihito heir as the first in line heir to the throne in a ceremony that took place in Tokyo on Sunday.

Japan formally proclaims Crown Prince Fumihito heir to throne

After the announcement of rescheduling the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 doctors are assigned on the project to help COVID-19 infected athletes to get back on track.

Doctors helping athletes to get back on track for Tokyo Olympics 2021

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