 | Japan ready to expand virus restrictions as infections surgeThe measures are expected to last for about three weeks in 16 regions, including Okinawa, Yamaguchi and Hiroshima, which were already placed under some restrictions earlier this month. |
 | Japan approves new restrictions for areas hard hit by COVIDThe new measures include earlier closing hours for restaurants, a ban on serving alcohol and restrictions on large-scale events. |
 | Japan starts booster COVID vaccinations amid omicron scareBooster shots for elderly people, who received their initial inoculations starting in April, are expected to begin in January. |
 | Japan suspends new flight reservations as omicron spreadsThe transportation ministry said the request is an emergency precaution amid growing worry over the spread of the new omicron variant. |
 | Japan confirms first case of new omicron coronavirus variantJapan confirmed on Tuesday its first case of the new omicron coronavirus variant, a visitor who recently arrived from Namibia. |
 | COVID created more long-term unemployment in JapanThe monthly average number of unemployed people for any length of time decreased by 110,000 to 1.91 million. |
 | Japan had no COVID-19 deaths first time in 15 monthsJapan reported no daily deaths from COVID-19 on Sunday for the first time in 15 months, as infections decline rapidly in the country. |
 | Trains packed with commuters as Japan fully ends emergencyOutgoing Japan PM Yoshihide Suga thanked the people for their patience and cooperation, and asked them to stick to their basic anti-virus measures. |
 | Japan set to lift all virus emergency steps nationwideWith the lifting, Japan will be entirely free of any emergency requirements for the first time since April. |
 | Coronavirus impact: Japan backs off from hosting 2021 FIFA Club World CupThe Club World Cup was last held in Japan in 2016, and the JFA had planned to host the 2021 edition as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, Kyodo said. |
 | Japan imposes 'emergency' measures against virusNew daily COVID-19 cases totaled 25,146 people nationwide, averaging 20,307 a day this week, up from 14,729 last week, the Health Ministry said. |
 | First coronavirus case reported in Paralympic Village in TokyoThere have not yet been infections reported among athletes in the Village, which opened to Paralympians on Tuesday. |
