
Thousands of BLM Protestors Gather in Tokyo
Nearly 4,000 demonstrators in Tokyo march against racial discrimination in the wake of the tragic death of African-American George Floyd at the hands of police in United States.

Heat Wave Hits Tokyo
Dozens of people were taken to hospital for heat-related illnesses as the temperature soared in Japan’s capital on Monday, June 15.

Game Arcades, Karaoke Rooms Reopen in Tokyo
Businesses like game arcades and karaoke rooms reopen in Tokyo as the capital eases restrictions on economic activities after lifting the coronavirus alert.

Shuri Castle Reopens After Fire
Shuri Castle in Okinawa reopens with what remains after a fire in October burned down its main structures. The main shrine’s underground ruins, registered as a World Heritage site, is now open to the public.
Making Japanese Washi Paper from Food Waste
An established paper maker in central Japan has come up with a new type of washi that’s also eco-friendly. Craftswoman Masami Igarashi has 25 years of experience manufacturing washi and related products. She now makes paper from vegetable and fruit waste.
Uniqlo Opening Cutting-Edge Store in Harajuku
Apparel giant Fast Retailing is opening a high-tech Uniqlo outlet in Tokyo’s trendy Harajuku area on Friday, June 5. Customers can choose clothing using a special app installed on these tablets on the wall.
Tokyo Issues New Coronavirus Alert
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government issues a new coronavirus alert after the number of new confirmed cases of infection spiked to 34 on June 2.
Wild Deer Captured in Tokyo
Tokyo police and firefighters manage to capture a wild deer that had been spotted along the banks of a local river.
Fly By to Honor Medical Workers
Blue Impulse, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force’s acrobatic flight team, flies over central Tokyo to thank medical workers battling the novel coronavirus.
Hospitals Prepare for 2nd Wave of Infection
The state of emergency has been lifted across Japan, but that does not mean the end for the novel coronavirus epidemic. Tokyo hospitals are bracing for a second wave of infections.
Cancelled Flowers Encourage Medical Workers
While orders for flowers are being canceled as events like wedding ceremonies are called off due to the novel coronavirus, a flower shop in Tokyo decides to send them to hospitals to encourage health care workers.
Kanagawa Beaches Reopen to Visitors
Beaches in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo, replace "no entry" signs with ones urging social distancing as they reopen to visitors.
Tokyo Tower Reopens to Public
Tokyo Tower will reopen its two observatories to the public on Thursday, May 28. But visitors will be urged to avoid the elevators and climb the stairs.
Japan Launches Space Operations Unit in SDF
Japan welcomes its newest Self-Defense Forces team, the Space Operations Squadron, as the first SDF unit specializing in the field of space.
Yubari Melon Gets Fraction of Last Year Price
The price of high-end Yubari melons fetched only one-fortieth of last season's price at the first auction of the season due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
State of Emergency Lifted for All Prefectures
On May 25, the Japanese government finally lifted the State of Emergency alert for the five remaining prefectures, including Tokyo.
Tokyo Begins to Reopen on May 26
Tokyo is set to slowly reopen on Tuesday, May 26, with museums, libraries, pools and other facilities seeing restrictions eased.
Japan to Conduct 10,000 Antibody Tests in June
Antibody tests for the novel coronavirus will be given to nearly 10,000 people in Tokyo, Osaka and Miyagi Prefectures starting early June to get a better idea of the spread of the virus.
Mixed Reactions Over End of State of Emergency
People in Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto in western Japan where the coronavirus state of emergency was lifted show mixed reactions over the move.
ANA to Ask All Passengers to Wear Masks
All Nippon Airways will ask all passengers to wear a mask from June to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.