Japan's industry ministry has compiled a draft outline on the development of the next-generation nuclear power system which will see the updating of existing reactors.

The government indicated in August that it would present a draft by the end of the year. It had previously said it was not expecting to build new reactors.

Japan is looking into allowing the sale of dual take-home tests for the coronavirus and the flu. Officials hope to head off a surge in infections that could once again overwhelm hospitals.

Medical staff are already using the antigen kits. With Japan dealing with the onset of an 8th COVID wave, they say the new tool comes in handy.

Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is seeking to strengthen cooperation with China in the economic field to improve relations. He also wants China to act positively on maritime and security issues around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Japan controls the islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.

The Japanese government is considering an exemption of the quarantine requirement for business travelers entering the country for short stays of up to 72 hours.

It is considering applying the exemption to travelers from countries and regions where the coronavirus outbreak is largely under control.

Japan's Defense Ministry says it is considering sea-based alternatives to the Aegis Ashore missile defense system. Earlier this year, the ministry abandoned a plan to deploy the land-based system at two locations.

Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo disclosed the sea-based options at a meeting of ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers on Thursday.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide said on Monday that it is extremely important to build broad, stable relations with other countries, based on the Japan-US alliance at the core and with an eye on the overall international situation.

Suga is expected to win the presidency of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party later in the day to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo says the government will compile a financial package of more than 3.7 billion dollars to help regions in the southwest and elsewhere left battered by record rainfall.

Abe revealed the plan to reporters as he visited the disaster-stricken city of Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Monday.

The Japanese government is moving to ease entry restrictions for Taiwan and some countries in Southeast Asia where coronavirus infections are largely contained.

The government is considering starting talks with Taiwan and countries including Singapore and Brunei as early as July, aiming to allow businesspeople to travel between Japan and them.

Members of Japan's ruling party have compiled draft measures to make it easier to identify people who have posted anonymous bullying messages online.

The move followed the death of Kimura Hana, a professional wrestler and reality TV star who is believed to have killed herself after being cyberbullied.

Japan's transport ministry will call on the operators of bullet train services to make their carriages more accessible for people using wheelchairs.

The ministry has decided to revise guidelines for public transportation, following discussions by a panel of officials from railway companies and advocacy groups for people with disabilities.

Japan's Defense Ministry plans to submit a bill to the current session of the Diet to establish a space unit.

The ministry is considering creating the new unit and increasing the number of personnel starting this April to beef up its defense capabilities in the realms of outer space and cyberspace.