Suga Eyes Stable Ties With Other Countries

Suga eyes stable ties with other countries

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.

Japan Urges Against Travel To 13 More Countries

Japan urges against travel to 13 more countries

The Japanese government is urging its nationals to avoid all travel to an additional 13 countries as part of measures against the coronavirus pandemic.

The countries were added to the Level 3 Travel Advice and Warning list on Wednesday. The list had already included 146 countries and areas.

Japan To Ship Avigan To 43 Countries Soon

Japan to ship Avigan to 43 countries soon

Japan plans to ship the anti-flu drug Avigan to 43 countries after its holiday period ends next Wednesday. The drug is seen as a potential treatment for people infected with the coronavirus.

Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu said on Friday that nearly 80 countries have requested free supplies of Avigan, which was developed by a Japanese company.

European Countries Divided Over Virus Measures

European countries divided over virus measures

About a month has passed since European countries began lockdowns to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. They are now divided over whether to ease or continue their approach.

On Tuesday, Austria partially eased its lockdown and other strict measures that had been in place since last month. Some shops in Vienna, including clothing shops, reopened for the first time in a month. Pedestrian traffic appears to be gradually increasing.

Japan Cancels Visas For 11 Countries

Japan cancels visas for 11 countries

The Japanese government decided on Friday to invalidate visas issued in 11 countries in Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa due to the coronavirus pandemic.

About 750,000 visas issued by Japanese embassies in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will no longer be valid from Saturday.

Travelers From 38 Countries To Self-quarantine

Travelers from 38 countries to self-quarantine

The Japanese government has decided that arriving travelers from most European countries, Iran and Egypt will be asked to self-quarantine for two weeks, starting on Saturday.

The decision was made at a cabinet meeting on Thursday to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

More Countries, Regions Restrict Entry From Japan

More countries, regions restrict entry from Japan

A growing number of countries and regions have banned the entry of travelers from Japan or imposed some restrictions as the new coronavirus continues to spread.

Japan's foreign ministry says that as of Wednesday, Micronesia, Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands, and Comoros had restricted the entry of travelers from all countries and territories affected by the virus.