A group of thirty-five people from Japan and the United States have attended a memorial ceremony for soldiers who died in a fierce battle on the Pacific island of Ioto during World War Two.
Around 21,900 Japanese soldiers and about 6,800 US servicemen lost their lives on the island, also known as Iwojima, in the closing days of World War Two.
The organizers of the Tokyo Paralympics on Monday announced the competition schedule for the postponed Games. A few adjustments were made to the timing of some sports, but they were able to secure the same venues that had been planned for this year.
The Paralympics will run for 13 days, from August 24, 2021, one day earlier than the start planned for this year. Athletes from around the world will compete in 539 events across 22 sports.
An NHK survey on the Tokyo Olympic Games, postponed for a year, has found that sport-related bodies expect organizers to decide at least six months prior to the scheduled opening whether the event will take place.
Thursday marks one year until the opening of the Tokyo Games, which were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump have discussed the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games that were scheduled for this summer.
Abe and Trump spoke on the phone Wednesday morning, Japan time, for about 40 minutes. The talks came at the request of Japan's side.
A trip to Britain by Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako has been postponed due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
The couple was scheduled to visit Britain as state guests for about a week in early May. It was to be their first overseas trip since the emperor's accession to the throne last year.
Japan's professional baseball season will start later than scheduled amid fears of the new coronavirus outbreak. The season was due to open on March 20.
Representatives of 12 pro baseball clubs met in Tokyo on Monday and unanimously decided to delay the start of the season and aim to open in April.
Japan and China have agreed to postpone Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Japan due to the coronavirus outbreak. Xi had been scheduled to arrive in Japan in early April.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said in Tokyo on Thursday that Japan and Beijing will reschedule the visit.