Japan's top government spokesperson says the government will promote comprehensive measures to help increase the number of childbirths.
The health ministry released a preliminary report last week that about 599,000 babies were born in the country from January through September. The figure, including births to foreign nationals, is down about 30,000 from a year earlier.
The Japanese government has decided to step up measures against highly venomous fire ants by designating them as an invasive alien species that requires urgent action.
Government officials made the decision amid a rise in cases nationwide involving fire ants. They fear the species, indigenous to South America, are on the brink of becoming established in Japan.
Japan's national soccer coach Moriyasu Hajime says the team did not fully implement its strategy during Sunday's FIFA World Cup loss to Costa Rica.
Speaking soon after the 0-1 defeat, Moriyasu said the squad managed not to concede a goal and also to find chances to score for most of the match. But he said Japan's strategy was only partially implemented until the final minutes.
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 plans to start the wide distribution of a domestically developed oral COVID-19 drug, Xocova, from next Monday, earlier than initially planned.
The Japanese government approved emergency authorization of Xocova on Tuesday. The first Japanese COVID-19 drug is made by pharmaceutical firm Shionogi. Xocova can be used to treat even mild symptoms.
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.