Century-Old Candy Maker's Covid-Safety Sweets
Historical Shops Traditional Japan
Founded in 1901, Tohoen has survived the 1918 pandemic and is now making it through the current one offering limited-edition sweets focused on staying safe.
Companies Encourage Everyday Sustainable Goals
Cosmetics & Medicine Stay Home
As countries around the world aim to attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to improve society, companies in Japan are thinking of ways to incorporate SDG efforts into people's everyday lives.
Saitama Vending Machine Selling Covid-19 Tests
Japanese vending machines are well known for selling some pretty unique items, and this one in Saitama Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo, is offering PCR Test kits for you to take in the comfort of your own home.
Coronavirus in Japan: 1-Year Later
One year has passed since Japan confirmed the first coronavirus patient in the country, but new cases of infection are on the surge despite the government’s declaration of the second state of emergency over the pandemic.
Japan Extends Coronavirus Emergency to March 7
The Japanese government has decided to extend its second state of emergency over the coronavirus by a month through March 7.
Masks for Musical Instruments
Masks have become an everyday necessity in the coronavirus age, and now there are masks for musical instruments.
Closures Over COVID Continue in Japan
An increasing number of businesses across Japan permanently close their doors amid the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.
Japan to Provide ¥50,000 Handout to Parents
The Japanese government adopts a set of emergency measures to help parents in financial dire straits.
Nurse Gearing Up to Fight in Tokyo Olympics
27-year-old Arisa Tsubata is an aspiring Olympian and candidate for the Japanese national team in women’s boxing. When she’s not sparring, she can be found at a medical facility where she works as a nurse at a clinic in Tokyo.
Japan to Pay Families if Vaccine Causes Death
Some who fear the COVID-19 vaccine may be swayed by a report that the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will award a lump sum of 44,200,000 yen (US$420,000) to the surviving family of any person who dies as a result of the vaccine.
Train Services to End Earlier in Greater Tokyo
Railway companies serving the greater Tokyo area move up the times of their last train amid the state of emergency over the coronavirus.
Seasonal Sushi Donated to Frontline Workers
A sushi restaurant in Tokyo’s Tsukiji area donated 100 sushi rolls to frontline workers at a hospital that treats coronavirus patients. The rolls are believed to bring luck when eaten on a special day in early February.
Delivery Robots Take a Trial Lap Around Tokyo
Project officials have begun testing in Tokyo the use of delivery robots that handle orders from multiple stores.
Japan's Vaccination Drive Is Underway
Japan began its coronavirus vaccination drive on February 17, starting with frontline medical workers. The central and local governments and medical workers are coordinating efforts to that end.
COVID Vaccines May Be Available in May
Sources say Japan's government plans to deliver COVID vaccinations to the general population in May.
State of Emergency Lifted in 6 Prefectures
The Japanese government has ended the state of emergency in six prefectures at the end of February, a week ahead of schedule.
Touchless Toilet Panel Is Safety Innovation
Japanese toilets are well known for their high-tech wash-and-dry functions, controlled by a panel located near the toilet seat. While it's great for keeping your rear clean, the pandemic has highlighted one major problem: it doesn’t keep fingers clean.
Uber Eats Starts Medication Delivery Trials
Convenience store chain giant Lawson is teaming up with Uber Eats to deliver medication to those who need it.
Vaccination of 40,000 Medical Workers Underway
Pfizer vaccines arrive in hospitals in Tokyo ahead of inoculation which is set to start on February 17.
Fourth Batch of COVID Vaccines Arrive in Japan
Around 830,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines arrive in Japan.
