Electric Eel Lights Up Christmas Tree In Central Japan

Electric eel lights up Christmas tree in central Japan

A Christmas tree decorated with ornaments lit up by an electric eel is on display at an aquarium in central Japan for the holiday season.

The tree stands near the entrance to the aquarium, Aquatotto Gifu, in the city of Kakamigahara. Next to the tree is a tank containing an electric eel.

Fast Food Chains Expanding In Central Tokyo

Fast food chains expanding in central Tokyo

Japanese sushi and hamburger chains are opening new outlets in Tokyo despite the coronavirus scourge. They are counting on rising demand for quick bites and take-out food to boost revenues.

Leading chain Kura Sushi plans to open six new restaurants by next October in areas such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. They are central transport hubs with heavy foot traffic.

Sweltering Heat Hits Central Tokyo

Sweltering heat hits central Tokyo

Temperatures rose above 35 degrees Celsius in central Tokyo for the first time this summer as a sweltering heat wave continues in Japan.

The Meteorological Agency says a high-pressure system covering vast areas from western through northeastern Japan brought clear skies and high temperatures.

Heavy Rain Hits Greater Tokyo Area, Central Japan

Heavy rain hits greater Tokyo area, central Japan

Japanese weather officials say heavy rain has been intermittently pounding the greater Tokyo area and the country's central region of Tokai.

Meteorological Agency officials say rainclouds have developed over those regions due to warm and damp air flowing toward the seasonal rain front over Japan.

Central, Tokyo Govts Commit To More Testing

Central, Tokyo govts commit to more testing

Nishimura Yasutoshi, Japan's minister in charge of the country's response to the coronavirus, and Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko have reaffirmed the need for more testing in the capital.

They also plan to continue easing restrictions on socio-economic activities in stages, despite a surge in cases in parts of the country, most notably Tokyo.

Airport In Central Japan Resumes Intl. Flights

Airport in central Japan resumes intl. flights

An airport in central Japan has partially resumed international flights following a suspension of more than two months due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Philippine Airlines restarted service between the Chubu international airport in Aichi Prefecture and Manila on Wednesday.

Explosion At Central Japanese Honda Plant Injures 2 Workers

Explosion at Central Japanese Honda plant injures 2 workers

TOKYO — An explosion was reported at Honda Motor Co Ltd's plant in central Japan, police said on Sunday, with two workers sent to the hospital with burns.

The explosion at an electrical power distribution switchboard occurred at around 9:15 am local time (5:15 p.m. EDT Saturday) in Honda's plant in Suzuka city, Mie prefecture, an officer with the prefectural police said. Two workers in their 20s, who were checking the switchboard, were injured and sent to be treated, the officer said.

Japan's Central Bank Steps Up Stimulus

Japan's central bank steps up stimulus

The Bank of Japan has unveiled a package of additional measures to stimulate the economy and help companies hit hard by the coronavirus.

Policymakers held a one-day session on Monday, instead of their regular two-day meeting, to deal with the urgent situation.

Snow Expected In Central Tokyo

Snow expected in central Tokyo

A low pressure system and a cold air mass is likely to bring snow to Tokyo and its surrounding areas on Sunday.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says snow is expected to fall in wide areas of the Kanto region, including Tokyo, from the early hours on Sunday until noon.

China Central Bank Cuts Rate Amid Virus Outbreak

China central bank cuts rate amid virus outbreak

China's central bank has lowered the benchmark rate by 0.1 percentage point to try and help businesses weather the coronavirus outbreak.

The People's Bank of China announced that this month's Loan Prime Rate is 4.05 percent, marking the first rate cut in three months.