The Tokyo Metropolitan Government says 7,395 new cases of coronavirus infection and four deaths were reported on Saturday.

The case count is about the same as a week ago.

Japan's Foreign Minister on Saturday arrived in Poland, where he will make arrangements to accept Ukrainian evacuees.

Hayashi Yoshimasa is scheduled to visit a facility hosting evacuees and hear from NGO workers who are helping them.

Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has left for Poland to make arrangements for accepting evacuees from Ukraine.

He took a government plane from Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Friday night.

Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa will leave for Poland on Friday to make arrangements for accepting evacuees from Ukraine.

He will take a government plane from Tokyo's Haneda Airport.

The weekly average coronavirus case count in Japan has marked its first increase in about a month and a half.

NHK analyzed the changes in the seven-day average number based on data released by local authorities.

A law requiring businesses in Japan to cut down on disposable plastic items went into effect Friday.

The law applies to retail shops, hotels, restaurants and other businesses that provide 5 tons or more of single-use items per year. They must now either charge for plastic items, or offer alternatives made from other materials.

The Japanese government will provide blankets, plastic sheets and other emergency supplies for people who have been forced to leave their homes amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The government has noted that over 10 million people have been internally displaced or crossed into neighboring countries since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It says the number will likely rise further.

Japan's economy minister has reiterated that the country will not withdraw from oil and natural gas projects in Russia's Far East. Hagiuda Koichi says they are essential to securing energy supplies.

He told reporters on Friday "Japan has stakes in both projects and has secured long-term supplies. The projects provide our country with energy at below-market prices, and soaring energy costs are making the projects more important."

The Bank of Japan's latest Tankan survey shows business sentiment among both major manufacturers and non-manufacturers worsened for the first time in seven quarters.

The soaring cost of raw materials in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is seen as a major cause.

The Japanese government has expanded its sanctions against North Korea in response to the North's launch of an ICBM-class missile on March 24.

The additional sanctions were approved at a Cabinet meeting on Friday.

Japan has lowered the legal age of adulthood from 20 to 18. The change means people can apply for a credit card or get a loan without parental consent once they turn 18.

The revised Civil Code went into effect on Friday. The new law also raises the legal age for marriage for women from 16 to 18, the same as for men.

The Japanese government has decided to let a foundation provide initial assistance to help those who have fled Ukraine to resettle in Japan.

The foundation is also expected to serve as a liaison in introducing the evacuees to municipalities and businesses offering accommodation and other support.

Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa will leave for Poland on Friday night to make arrangements for accepting evacuees from Ukraine.

The Japanese government is considering using a government plane to transport those who wish to stay in Japan.

The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant says it will launch a probe of the inside of the pressure vessel of a reactor within three years. It will be the first survey of a reactor core, where heat is generated.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, is seeking to decommission the plant, whose No.1 to 3 reactors experienced meltdowns after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.