Average Covid-19 Cases Rising For 6 Weeks, But At A Slower Rate

Average COVID-19 cases rising for 6 weeks, but at a slower rate

The seven-day average number of coronavirus cases in Japan has been on the rise for six straight weeks. Although the country is in its eighth wave of infection, the rate of increase is slowing in most prefectures.

The nationwide figure for the seven-day period until Thursday is up 8 percent from a week before.

Toyota Sees Profit Slip But Beat Earlier Forecasts

Toyota sees profit slip but beat earlier forecasts

TOKYO — Toyota's July-September profit fell 11% from a year earlier as the coronavirus pandemic slammed global demand, but Japan's top automaker appeared to be holding up better than weaker rivals that have sunk into the red.

Toyota reported Friday a quarterly profit of 470.5 billion yen ($4.5 billion), down from 530 billion yen a year ago. Quarterly sales slipped to 6.77 trillion yen ($65 billion) from 7.64 trillion yen.

Typhoon Haishen Weakens But Still Powerful

Typhoon Haishen weakens but still powerful

Japan's Meteorological Agency says Typhoon Haishen, now threatening Japan's southwest, has weakened slightly but could still be the most powerful storm in decades. Weather officials are warning of record-breaking winds, high waves, storm surges and unprecedented heavy rain in the Kyushu region.

The agency says it's unlikely to issue an emergency warning for Kagoshima Prefecture. It typically issues typhoon-related emergency warnings 12 hours before storm centers reach target areas.

Experts: Infections On Decline But Risks Remain

Experts: Infections on decline but risks remain

Experts advising the Japanese government say coronavirus infections may have peaked nationwide, but that vigilance is required due to the risk of a resurgence.

A panel of experts met on Friday to assess the latest data on the number of people who developed symptoms of COVID-19 daily.

Dpp Merger With Cdp Set, But Issues Remain

DPP merger with CDP set, but issues remain

Japan's second-largest opposition party, the Democratic Party for the People, has decided to dissolve itself and form a new party through a merger with the largest opposition group, the Constitutional Democratic Party.

The decision came at a meeting of more than 60 Lower and Upper House members of the party on Wednesday.

People Eating Out Again, But Landscape Changed

People eating out again, but landscape changed

Restaurants in Japan are seeing their revenue tick up again, two months after the government lifted a declaration of emergency over the coronavirus. But one new survey has found that customer traffic is still only about half the level seen this time last year.

Tokyo-based IT firm Toreta compiled data from about 5,800 restaurants across Japan. The company makes systems for taking reservations and managing customer information.

Rain Lets Up, But Landslide Threat Remains

Rain lets up, but landslide threat remains

Weather officials in Japan say the worst may be over for areas that have been devastated by intense downpours. But as the rain moves south, authorities are warning that people should continue to watch out for landslides.

Water has begun to recede in Shimane Prefecture. A swollen river there inundated homes. The water rose up to the ceilings in some residences.