Japan News

The U.S. military in Japan accounted for another 242 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday as the winter coronavirus surge continues, according to military and Japanese reports. (stripes.com)

Toyota Camry, take a bow. Prius, bask in the limelight. Strong demand for those models helped propel the Japanese carmaker onto the throne as the world’s largest auto seller – at least for the first quarter of 2007. (dailynews.com)

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says Japan needs to prepare for a worst-case pandemic scenario. In his new year's address, the leader discussed how to stop a new coronavirus surge. (NHK)

The daily tally of coronavirus infections in Japan has topped 1,000 for the first time in three months. The spike comes as health authorities rush to contain the more transmissible Omicron variant, which is rapidly spreading nationwide. (NHK)

Under the contract, 70 fighters will receive extensive upgrades as part of Japan’s Super Interceptor programme. (airforce-technology.com)

The long-distance road-running relay sport of ekiden is a national institution in Japan, where New Year’s races command massive TV audiences and turn unknown athletes into overnight stars. (taipeitimes.com)

A data release is a reminder of how one of the world's major central banks owns more than half of its domestic ETF and exchange traded products market; the BoJ started the policy, a decade ago. (wealthbriefingasia.com)

Happy Eating Challenge 2022| 5 Japanese Diet Secrets| How to keep you full longer? (Kitchen Princess Bamboo)

Good morning guys. Do you like Japanese dish? Let me tell you about our specials today. I make Toshikoshi Soba for Japanese's New Year. (Tiny Cakes)

Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio said in a radio program aired Monday that he will make efforts to retain “friendly relations” with former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo, who leads the largest faction of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. (thenewsmotion.com)

Japan’s industry ministry is stepping up support to companies helping working women with “femtech” products and services, which utilize advanced technologies to address women’s health problems. (Arab News Japan)

The world's oldest person -- Japanese woman Kane Tanaka -- has celebrated her 119th birthday and says she's determined to make it to 120. (UPI)

Travelers returning from New Year holidays crowded expressways and airports across Japan Monday as a decline in coronavirus infections toward the end of last year and progress in vaccinating the public unlocked pent-up travel demand. (Japan Times)

While Japan has a reputation as one of the most expensive countries in the world, there are still bargains to be had, most notably at the country’s ubiquitous “100 Yen” shops, where most of the goods cost less than a dollar each. (thenewsmotion.com)

Two women in their 80s died, while four other people aged between 88 and 100 were taken to hospital Saturday after they all choked on mochi, police and fire department officials said Sunday. (Japan Today)

Japan confirmed 554 daily coronavirus cases Sunday, a new high since the Omicron variant was first detected in late November, amid a steady increase of infections involving the highly transmissible strain in the midst of the country's New Year holidays. (Kyodo)

Former NRL player Blake Ferguson has been arrested in Japan on suspicion of drug possession after allegedly punching a man in a restaurant. (9 News Australia)

Viewer ratings for national broadcaster NHK's "Kohaku" live music show on New Year's Eve fell to a record low of 34.3 percent, a TV viewership research firm said Sunday. (Kyodo)

2022 is bringing with it a revision to Japan's laws that will lower the official age of adulthood for the first time in some 140 years. (NHK)

Mizuho Bank said Friday it has failed to process some 300 money transfer requests following a temporary system failure the previous day that was its ninth this year. (Kyodo)