Seoul has again asked the World Trade Organization to establish a dispute settlement panel over Japan's tightened export controls of industrial materials to South Korea. The WTO is expected to approve the request.

In July last year, Japan tightened export controls for three materials used to make high-tech products such as semiconductors.

Japan's Defense Minister Kono Taro says the country has asked the United States to conduct coronavirus tests on all of its military personnel who come to Japan.

Kono told reporters on Friday that the ministry requested two tests, one before such personnel leave the US and the other after they enter Japan, regardless of whether they have fevers or other suspected symptoms.

The Japanese government has officially announced it will launch a domestic travel campaign on July 22 that excludes trips to and from Tokyo.

Transport and tourism minister Akaba Kazuyoshi made the announcement at a news conference on Friday.

Torrential rain has devastated parts of Japan. In the western region of Chugoku, thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate after a major river burst its banks. Officials are having a tough time helping the survivors while maintaining anti-COVID measures.

One of the hardest-hit prefectures on Tuesday was Shimane where the largest river in the Chugoku Region overflowed flooding large areas. Authorities have issued evacuation orders to more than 3,000 households.

Japan's defense white paper warns that the coronavirus pandemic may expose competition among countries seeking to expand their influence.

The annual report was presented at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. It says China has been making "propaganda efforts" amid growing social uncertainty and confusion caused by the spread of infections.

A new onslaught of heavy rain may bring even more flooding and landslides to Japan. More than 10,000 people in the country's west have been advised to leave their homes as severe weather refuses to let up.

Officials issued the evacuation orders and advisories Tuesday, after a river in Shimane Prefecture burst its banks.

Japanese weather officials warn that continuing heavy rain in some parts of the country may trigger life-threatening disasters. Click to watch our NHK World meteorologist provide the latest details and the rain forecast.

Sources tell NHK that Japan's government is considering allowing corporate executives from the United States and European countries to enter the country on certain conditions.

The government plans to allow in businesspeople from countries where coronavirus outbreaks have been largely contained.

More heavy rains are expected in parts of Japan, including Kyushu and Tokai, which have already been hit by record rainfall.

The Meteorological Agency says warm, damp air is flowing towards a seasonal rain front hovering around the Japanese archipelago, destabilizing atmospheric conditions. Rain clouds are developing in northern Kyushu and the Chugoku region.

Much of Japan can expect even more damaging rain over the coming days. The Meteorological Agency is calling on people in both eastern and western Japan to be on alert for landslides and flooding.

The weather system is set to batter areas of Kyushu, already struggling with the aftermath of earlier downpours.

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.

Much of Japan can expect even more damaging rain over the coming days. The Meteorological Agency is calling on people in both eastern and western Japan to be on alert for landslides and flooding.

The weather system is set to batter areas of Kyushu, already struggling with the aftermath of earlier downpours.

Schools in the southwestern Japanese city of Hitoyoshi have reopened, after heavy rain caused floods and mudslides in the area recently.

The city of Hitoyoshi in Kumamoto Prefecture was devastated after the Kuma River overflowed.

Much of Japan can expect even more damaging rain over the coming days. The Meteorological Agency is calling on people in both eastern and western Japan to be on alert for landslides and flooding.

The weather system is set to batter areas of Kyushu, already struggling with the aftermath of earlier downpours.