Japan's top spokesperson has expressed hope to continue cooperating with the United States over the coronavirus and other global health issues. The remark follows Washington's official notification to the United Nations of its intent to withdraw from the World Health Organization.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide said he is aware of the move. He also said he understands that the withdrawal will take place in one year.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide says the government will make its best efforts to patrol territorial waters, after commenting on two Chinese patrol ships that remained for more than 39 hours.

Two Chinese patrol ships entered waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on July 2, and approached a Japanese fishing boat.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary says the government may declare the torrential rain in Kyushu an "extraordinary disaster." That would enable victims to receive special support to rebuild their lives.

Suga Yoshihide spoke to reporters on Tuesday. He said heavy rain is forecast through Wednesday in wide parts of eastern and western Japan.

Japan's top government spokesperson says it is regrettable that China is adopting a national security law for Hong Kong, despite strong concerns among residents and the international community.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide told reporters that he has yet to confirm media reports that China's top legislative body has approved the legislation.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide says the government has no plans to immediately declare a state of emergency again despite a rise in new cases of the coronavirus in Tokyo.

Suga told reporters on Monday that recent confirmations of new cases at certain levels, mainly in Tokyo, are a result of enhanced testing of those who have come into close contact with infected people.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide says Japan is monitoring the situation in Kaesong.

He said his government is working closely with the United States and South Korea to gather and analyze information on the incident.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide says the government is not thinking about asking train operators to reduce services under the current state of emergency due to the spread of coronavirus infections.

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo declared a state of emergency for Tokyo and six other prefectures on Tuesday over the virus outbreak.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the country will continue preparations to host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games as scheduled this summer.

Suga was speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning after the Group of Seven leaders held an extraordinary video conference to coordinate their response to the new coronavirus outbreak.

Japan's top government spokesperson says the current situation in the country does not require the declaration of a state of emergency.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga made the remark on Tuesday, after Cabinet ministers approved a bill that would enable the prime minister to declare a state of emergency over the new coronavirus if necessary.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the Japanese government will try to make its case to South Korea for Japan's request of a two-week quarantine period for those coming to Japan from South Korea and China.

Suga spoke to reporters on Friday. Seoul lodged a protest against Japan's move.

Japan's top government spokesperson says the supply of face masks will increase to more than 600 million per month from March amid a severe shortage across the country.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Thursday that the government is working to resolve the shortage as soon as possible while closely monitoring mask production and distribution.

Japan's top government spokesperson has defended Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's replies to questions about dinner parties held at a Tokyo hotel on the eve of annual cherry blossom viewing events he hosted.

Opposition lawmaker Kazunori Yamanoi told the Lower House Budget Committee on Wednesday that the hotel says it issues itemized statements without exception, and contradicts the prime minister regarding receipts. He accused Abe of making false replies.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Japan is expected to take place in April as planned.

Suga told reporters on Tuesday that Japan is closely watching developments concerning China's National People's Congress.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the government will quickly obtain necessary epidemiological data about the new coronavirus, including its infection path.

Suga was asked by reporters about the state of an epidemic on Friday. He said a sufficient amount of epidemiological data has yet to be collected. That would enable officials to determine whether the coronavirus has become an epidemic in Japan.