State of Emergency Will Not Disrupt Services
Japan declares a state of emergency, but it will be business as usual for public infrastructure, major banks, and convenience stores.
Social Distancing Reduces Tokyo Train Traffic
The number of people passing through Tokyo’s major stations has drastically decreased on the first Monday since the Japanese government expanded the state of emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic to cover the entire nation.
Snow-Covered Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom
Over the weekend, snow covered the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, which were in full bloom.
Tokyo Governor Steps Up Stay Home Request
Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko steps up her call on residents of the Japanese capital to stay at home during the Golden Week holiday to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Tokyo Asks Businesses to Suspend Operations
Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko asks businesses including fitness clubs, internet cafes and nightclubs to suspend operations during the ongoing state of emergency aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus in Japan.
Sleep in a Real Sleeper-Train-Turned-Hostel
The Hokutosei Hostel is designed like the inside of a sleeper train—and that's because that is exactly what it was!
Soar through the World's First Kite Museum
At the Kite Museum in Nihonbashi, you can explore over 500 unique kites, spanning through different historical eras and countries around the world.
Tokyo Governor Asks for Restraint
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike asks Tokyo residents to abstain from going to bars, clubs, karaoke and other nightlife spots to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Kanagawa Prefecture Tells Visitors to Stay Put
Kanagawa officials ask people not to visit popular tourist spots in the prefecture to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus infections.
Commuters Still Crowding Tokyo Stations
Many commuters showed up at stations in central Tokyo on the first Monday since the government declared a statement of emergency in the capital and asked companies to have 70 percent of employees work from home to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus
Non-Smokers Rejoice: Ban Implemented in Japan
A law generally prohibiting indoor smoking was fully implemented across the country on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Japan to Ban Travelers from US, China & Korea
Japan is set to ban all travelers from the United States, China, South Korea and most of Europe, including those who have been to those countries within 14 days.
Tokyo Ward Begins Drive-Through COVID Testing
Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward begins drive-through PCR tests to check for the novel coronavirus to speed up screening in the capital.
Unmasking a New Trend in Face Masks
People in Japan are starting to make masks using unconventional materials to deal with the shortage in the protective gear.
Nihonbashi's Neighborhood Noren Gallery
Over 30 Nihonbashi-based businesses came together to create noren (the curtains that hang in shopfronts) that symbolize their own identity.
Coronavirus Cases on the Rise in Japan
Two weeks after Japan declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures, the novel coronavirus epidemic in the country remains serious even though the rate of increase in the number of infected cases has begun to slow.
Tokyo Olympics Will Start July 23, 2021
The postponed Tokyo Olympics will kick off on July 23 2021, while the Paralympics will begin August 24. The games were delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan's State of Emergency: What Does It Mean?
If you were thinking of traveling to Japan, there are new restrictions to heed.
Repercussions of Tokyo Olympic postponement
The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics by about a year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic is forcing stakeholders to make major changes in preparation for the games.
Emergency Calls Spike in Tokyo
Emergency calls to Tokyo police in connection with the novel coronavirus have spiked following the Japanese government’s declaration of a state of emergency two weeks ago.
