Social Distance Supper with a Stuffed Capybara
The restaurant at Izu Shabonten Zoo in Shizuoka, Japan is crowded! But not by people, but stuffed capybaras that have been strategically placed throughout the restaurant to maintain appropriate social distancing.
Take a Virtual Tour 'Beyond Tokyo'
Amid continued travel restrictions and pleas to stay at home to help combat the COVID-19 epidemic around the globe, we figured you might want to check out a unique way to tour one of Tokyo's most popular neighborhoods.
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.
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.
COVID-19 Tracking App Launched in Japan
Japan launches a smartphone app that notifies users when they may have come into contact with someone infected with the COVID-19.
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.
How Fireworks in Japan Were Used for Epidemics
Learn more about the meaning of fireworks in Japan and why they are connected to COVID-19.
The Importance of Continuing Social Distancing
Although the state of emergency has been lifted throughout the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the world the importance of social distancing, as well as consistent hygiene practices.
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.
Tokyo Coronavirus Cases on the Rise
Tokyo reports 124 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday, July 3, while the health minister says Japan’s medical care system is not in a crunch.
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.
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.
Buying Direct from Farmers Popular in Pandemic
Purchasing fresh produce directly from farmers is gaining popularity in Tokyo as the method can help avoid close human contact amid the 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 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.
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.
Fireworks Flying High All Across Japan
Following the surprise five-minute fireworks festivals that appeared all over the country, we finally got some pictures of the event from fireworks fans at home. If you couldn't see them from your area, then click through to see a sample of summer!
Enjoy Hitachi Seaside Park From Home
Hitachi Seaside Park contains some of the country's most beautiful flower fields, especially in spring. While spring viewing season was put on hold due to COVID-19, the park has created online tours to let viewers gaze at the beautiful blooms from home!
Secret Fireworks Shows Encourage Staying Home
In a project called "Cheer Up! Hanabi," over 140 companies have teamed up to shoot fireworks across all 47 prefectures at the same time. Before, the date was a secret, but we now have confirmation. Read on to find out when.
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.
