In Japan, most prefectures currently under a state of emergency will see that end on Sunday. From next week, bars and restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka will be able to serve alcohol. But certain conditions will be in place as cases see a slight rise. (NHK)

Japan said on Thursday it would ease emergency coronavirus curbs in nine prefectures including Tokyo while keeping some measures, including limiting spectator numbers at big events, amid fears that next month's Olympics could trigger a surge in infections. (Japan Today)

Japan’s state-run mass COVID-19 inoculation centers started administering vaccine to people age 18 or older Thursday, extending vaccinations beyond those aged 65 or over as many slots at the centers remain vacant. (Japan Times)

The Japanese government plans to allow municipalities to issue "vaccine passports" -- documents certifying coronavirus vaccinations -- starting next month. (NHK)

Japan's government is considering lifting the coronavirus state of emergency currently issued for 10 prefectures except Okinawa. (NHK)

The Japanese government is expected to decide on Thursday to lift the coronavirus state of emergency currently issued for 10 prefectures except Okinawa. ()

Japan's Diet has enacted a bill that restricts the use of land near Self-Defense Force bases and nuclear facilities. (NHK)

Japan's state-run mass coronavirus vaccination centers plan to start inoculating people aged under 65 as early as Thursday in an expanded drive to fill in vacant slots, a government source said Tuesday. (Japan Today)

An NHK opinion poll shows that 45 percent of respondents do not support Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide's Cabinet. That's the highest disapproval rating since he took office last September. (NHK)

The clock is winding down in Japan on the emergency declaration for Tokyo, Osaka and eight other prefectures. (NHK)

The accuracy of coronavirus figures released by the Japanese government has been called into question after the health ministry adopted new criteria for its calculations at the beginning of June. (asiaone.com)

CORNWALL, U.K. -- U.S. President Joe Biden gave his support on Saturday to Japan's efforts to carry out a safe Summer Olympics as outlined by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit here. (Nikkei)

Japan is considering implementing less strict coronavirus restrictions in areas including Tokyo and Osaka on June 21 when the state of emergency is lifted, a government official said Friday, as the country seeks to contain the health crisis with less than 50 days to go before the start of the Tokyo Olympics. (Japan Times)

The Upper House of Japan's Diet has adopted a resolution calling for Taiwan to be able to participate in the annual assembly of the World Health Organization as an observer. (NHK)

The Japanese government has decided to lift anti-virus restrictions in three prefectures this week because the COVID situation is improving there. (NHK)

The Japanese government is now aiming to give coronavirus vaccines to anyone who wants them by October or November. (NHK)

Taiwan's government on Tuesday slammed as "distorted" and full of "rumors" an article recently posted on social media that inaccurately reported on Japan's donation of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Taiwan (focustaiwan.tw)

Japan's lower house adopted a resolution Tuesday condemning the Feb. 1 coup staged by the Myanmar military and urging the Southeast Asian country to return to democracy. (abs-cbn.com)

Japan is considering maintaining the current order of imperial succession, with the discussion on whether female monarchs will be allowed to ascend the throne to be held in the future, government sources said Monday. (Kyodo)

A court in Seoul has dismissed a lawsuit filed against 16 Japanese companies to compensate Koreans who were forced to work in factories during World War II, citing a possible violation of the 1965 treaty between the two nations. (RT)