Sources close to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government say experts recommend that the capital remain on the highest level of alert for the new coronavirus on the four-tier scale.

Experts on infectious diseases reportedly concluded on Tuesday that "infections appear to be spreading in Tokyo." The view was based on an analysis of the extent of the outbreak in the week leading up to Monday.

Japan's health minister says the government is asking event organizers to review the necessity of their events to help prevent a further spread of the new coronavirus outbreak.

Katsunobu Kato called for cooperation at a news conference on Thursday.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he will make further diplomatic efforts to help ease the tensions between the United States and Iran.

Abe told reporters on Thursday morning that Japan has strongly urged all the parties concerned to exercise restraint, and that his country values diplomacy based on self-control.