Japanese lawmakers have passed a set of legislation to step up sanctions against Russia.

The Upper House voted on the legislation in a plenary session on Wednesday.

A local railway in Kagawa Prefecture, western Japan, is running a train in the Ukrainian flag colors of blue and yellow in a show of solidarity with railway operators in the country.

The two-car train of Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad is wrapped in sheets in the two colors. It began traveling between Takamatsu-Chikko and Kotohira stations on Tuesday. Usually, the train is white and yellow.

Eight Russian officials have left Japan following Tokyo's decision to expel them on April 8. It is rare for Japan to order multiple foreign officials to depart.

The move came in response to the situation in Ukraine. Sources say the expelled officials are believed to have been mainly engaged in gathering intelligence.

NHK has learned that eight Russian officials may leave Japan as early as on Wednesday, following Tokyo's decision to expel them.

The Japanese government announced on April 8 the expulsion of the officials from the Russian embassy and trade representative office in the country.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Tuesday reported 5,583 new cases of the coronavirus in the capital, down more than 1,300 from a week ago.

Tokyo officials also reported four deaths on Tuesday.

Preparations are underway across Japan ahead of Children's Day with workers busy making traditional banners.

In Fukushima Prefecture in the country's northeast, elaborate "Iwaki Enobori" streamers are hoisted in the days leading up to the May 5 celebration.

The operator of Japanese beef bowl chain Yoshinoya has fired an executive for making derogatory remarks about women.

Yoshinoya Holdings says it discharged Ito Masaaki at an extraordinary board meeting on Monday.

Japan's defense minister says the country plans to provide Ukraine with Self-Defense Force drones and gear for protection against chemical weapons.

Kishi Nobuo unveiled the plan to reporters on Tuesday.

Japan has introduced an import ban on 38 products from Russia as an additional measure over the country's invasion of Ukraine. It's the first time Tokyo has imposed an import ban in connection with the conflict.

The products include alcoholic beverages such as vodka, as well as lumber-related items and electric machines.

Japan's government plans to use Air Self-Defense Force aircraft to transport supplies to countries near Ukraine that are hosting people fleeing the Russian invasion.

The plan was outlined at a meeting of the main governing Liberal Democratic Party on Tuesday. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees requested the transport of relief supplies.

Japan's government is watching the moves of South Korea's new administration with both optimism and caution, as the two sides seek opportunities to improve strained bilateral ties.

South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is due to inaugurate his government on May 10.

Japanese immigration authorities say as of April 16, a total of 649 evacuees from Ukraine who have fled the Russian invasion have come to Japan.

The authorities say 20 of them flew in on a government plane from Poland on April 5. Another 20 traveled on commercial flights on April 9 and 16, using seats secured by Japan's government. The remaining 609 came by other means.

Japan's education ministry has called for flexible use of existing schooling support systems so children of Ukrainian evacuees are able to study in Japan.

The ministry issued a notice on Monday to school authorities, such as municipalities and universities across Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Swiss President Ignazio Cassis have agreed to keep strong sanctions on Russia over the country's invasion of Ukraine.

The two leaders met at the Prime Minister's office in Tokyo Monday evening. This is Cassis's first visit to Japan.