Japan's government has extended the period of its financial aid program for Ukrainian evacuees.

The move comes amid the prolonged invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

A doctor suspected of defrauding a municipal government for coronavirus vaccination commission payments has reportedly told Tokyo police that he administered saline solution to some people who came for jabs.

Police are investigating the possibility that he gave saline shots without consent from the recipients.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 10,593 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday.

The number is down more than 2,900 from a week ago.

Tokyo prosecutors have arrested the chairman of major Japanese publisher Kadokawa on suspicion of bribing a former executive of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics organizing committee over a sponsorship deal.

Prosecutors say Kadokawa Tsuguhiko gave a total 69 million yen, or about 480,000 dollars, over a three-year period through 2021 to Takahashi Haruyuki, a former board member of the Games' organizing committee.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will attend the state funeral of late British Queen Elizabeth II. The funeral is scheduled for Monday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters on Wednesday that the government asked for their attendance after receiving an invitation from Britain's royal family.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is expected to stress the importance of the rule of law when he delivers a speech at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Kishida is also likely to emphasize the need to strengthen the functions of the United Nations and reform the Security Council.

Trade ministers from the Group of Seven nations are expected to discuss Ukraine's economic recovery in a meeting that will begin in Germany on Wednesday.

Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi is set to express the country's intention to support restoration of Ukraine infrastructure damaged by Russia's invasion.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will attend the state funeral of late British Queen Elizabeth II. The funeral is scheduled for September 19.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu made the announcement on Wednesday.

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio plans to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week.

Kishida disclosed the plan in an executive meeting of his Liberal Democratic Party on Tuesday. It will be the first time in three years for a Japanese prime minister to attend the UN General Assembly in person.

Japan's government says it will set up an expert panel to promote the development of nuclear fusion, which is seen as a next-generation source of energy, with plans to present a concrete strategy around next April.

Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae told reporters on Tuesday that the panel will include experts on nuclear fusion technology and those who work in the industry.

The number of syphilis cases in Japan this year has hit a record high, already surpassing the total for all of 2021.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection transmitted mainly through sexual contact. Those who get the disease may show no symptoms, or ones that quickly disappear. If left untreated, patients could develop serious brain or heart problems.

Honda Motor says it will press ahead with electrification of motorcycles as part of its effort to achieve carbon neutrality.

The world's largest motorcycle manufacturer announced on Tuesday it plans to roll out 10 or more electric models globally by 2025.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito will attend the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival on October 1 in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo.

It will be his first domestic trip outside Tokyo in about two years and eight months.

Japan's Justice Ministry has sent prosecutors to the International Criminal Court to help investigate alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Justice Minister Hanashi Yasuhiro told reporters on Tuesday that his ministry sent two prosecutors to the court in The Hague this summer.