Sources say Yokozuna Grand Champion Hakuho had surgery on both knees last month. There are growing concerns about his participation in the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, which will start on September 13.

In the July tournament, Hakuho was unbeaten until the 10th day, but withdrew on the 13th day after being diagnosed with a meniscus injury in his right knee and other conditions.

Japan's government is strengthening its information sharing with authorities overseas to ease concerns over the domestic status on the spread of the new coronavirus.

An increasing number of foreign governments have started restricting entry of people from Japan. As of Wednesday morning, 29 countries and territories had taken such a measure, including China, South Korea, India and Israel.

The number of people killed by the coronavirus outbreak in China has overtaken the death toll from the 2003 SARS epidemic.

More than 900 people have died in mainland China and about 40,000 people have been infected. Across the world, there are 380 cases, including dozens found on a quarantined cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, docked in Yokohama, Japan.

The Japan National Tourism Organization is offering phone consultation services for foreign tourists who are concerned about the new strain of coronavirus.

The Japan Visitor Hotline offers 24-hour services in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.