Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

On 16 January, Kanagawa Prefecture confirmed its first case of COVID-19 when a man in his 30s who had previously travelled to Wuhan tested positive for it, marking the first confirmed case in Japan.[6][5]

On 24 January, Tokyo Metropolis confirmed its first case of COVID-19.[9] The Japanese government announced that it would provide repatriation services for all Japanese citizens in Hubei Province on that same day. Officials negotiated with Chinese authorities to dispatch five chartered flights to Wuhan from 29 January to 17 February.[10]

On 27 January, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe designated the novel coronavirus as a "designated infectious disease" under the Infectious Diseases Control Law. He also designated the disease as a "quarantinable infectious disease" under the Quarantine Act.[11] On 30 January, Abe announced the establishment of a national task force to oversee the government's countermeasures against the novel coronavirus.[12][13]

On 28 January, Nara Prefecture and Hokkaido Prefecture confirmed their first cases of COVID-19.[14][15] On 29 January, Osaka Prefecture reported its first case on January 29,[16] followed by Mie Prefecture and Kyoto Prefecture on 30 January,[17][18] and Chiba Prefecture on 31 January.[19]

On 1 February, a passenger of the Diamond Princess cruise ship who had disembarked in Hong Kong on 25 January tested positive for COVID-19. [20] The ship received quarantine orders from the Japanese government in Naha on that same day.[20] The 80-year-old passenger from Hong Kong, China, had embarked in Yokohama on 20 January. He had been in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China on 10 January, then returned to Hong Kong and flew to Tokyo on 17 January to board the ship.[21]

On 3 February, the Japanese government announced entry restrictions for all foreign citizens who had had a travel history to and from Hubei Province or had a Chinese passport issued from there.[22] The Diamond Princess arrived at Yokohama and was placed under quarantine by the Japanese government on the same day.[23][24]

On 5 February, the Japanese government announced that several passengers of the Diamond Princess had tested positive for COVID-19.[25][26]

On 12 February, the Japanese government announced entry restrictions for all foreign citizens who had a travel history to and from Zhejiang Province or had a Chinese passport issued from there.[27]

On 13 February, Wakayama Prefecture confirmed its first case of COVID-19. A woman in her 80s died in Kanagawa Prefecture on that same day, marking the first death from COVID-19 in Japan and the third death globally outside mainland China.[28][29]

On 14 February, Okinawa Prefecture confirmed its first case of COVID-19.[30] Aichi Prefecture reported its first case on 15 February.[31]

People in Tokyo wearing masks

On 19 February, the Japanese government completed testing 3,011 passengers on the Diamond Princess.[32]

On 20 February, Saitama Prefecture and Fukuoka Prefecture confirmed their first cases of COVID-19.[33] Ishikawa Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture reported their first cases on 21 February, followed by Tochigi Prefecture on 22 February, Nagano Prefecture and Tokushima Prefecture on 25 February, and Gifu Prefecture on 26 February.[34]

On 21 February, the Japanese government began disembarking passengers from the Diamond Princess.[35]

On 23 February, the US State Department raised its travel alert for Japan to level 2 on the four-level advisory scale due to the "sustained community spread" of COVID-19 within the country.[36]

On 27 February, Shinzo Abe requested the closure of all elementary, junior high, and high schools from 2 March to the end of spring vacations, which usually conclude in early April.[37][38]

On 28 February, Hokkaido Prefecture declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus and requested its residents to refrain from going outside.[39] Shizuoka Prefecture confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on that same day.[40]

On 29 February, Miyagi Prefecture, Kochi Prefecture, and Niigata Prefecture confirmed their first cases of COVID-19.[41]

On 1 March, Hyogo Prefecture confirmed its first case of COVID-19.[42] Ehime Prefecture reported its first case on 2 March,[43] followed by Oita Prefecture on 3 March,[44] Yamaguchi Prefecture[45] and Miyazaki Prefecture on 4 March,[46] Shiga Prefecture on 5 March,[47] Akita Prefecture[48] and Yamanashi Prefecture on 6 March,[49] and Hiroshima Prefecture,[50] and Gunma Prefecture on 7 March.[51]

On 2 March, nearly all prefectures began shutting schools Monday in a bid to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus in Japan, four days after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe surprised many with a request for schools to be closed countrywide until early April.[52] By paying up to 8,330 yen ($77) a day per worker for paid leave between Feb. 27 and March 31, the ministry hopes to help companies compensate workers for income losses.[52] Furthermore, the criteria for employment subsidies have been eased for those that have been affected by the pneumonia-causing virus to include non-regular employees as well.[52]

On 4 March, The Japan High School Baseball Federation said Wednesday it is preparing to hold the national high school baseball invitational tournament behind closed doors due to the spread of the new coronavirus, while also mulling possible cancellation of the meet.[53]

On 5 March, Japan announced quarantine restrictions for all visitors arriving from China and South Korea.[54] On 6 March, the South Korean government protested the restrictions by suspending visas for all Japanese citizens travelling to South Korea.[55]

On 6 March, Some e-learning program providers are offering their services for free to help students keep up with their studies while schools in Japan remain closed over the coronavirus outbreak.[56] Major comic book publishers, meanwhile, are taking the same step to keep students entertained, with the government calling on students to remain indoors before schools reopen in early April at the earliest.[56]

On 10 March, Japan on Tuesday adopted a fresh 1 trillion yen ($9.6 billion) level emergency package for businesses battered by the new coronavirus outbreak, featuring 500 billion yen in zero-interest loans for small and midsize companies short of cash due to sharp falls in sales.[57] The stimulus measures, which entail 430.8 billion yen in actual spending under the fiscal 2019 budget, also include providing 4,100 yen a day in subsidies for freelance workers who are forced to give up work to take care of their children amid school closures following the outbreak.[57]

On 10 March, the Japanese government categorized the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Japan as a historical emergency situation.[58][59][60] Additionally, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday requested that big sports and cultural events in Japan be canceled or postponed for 10 more days as the government needs more time to gauge the effectiveness of its measures to contain the new coronavirus.[61]

On 13 March, Saga Prefecture confirmed its first case of COVID-19.[62] Nagasaki Prefecture reported its first case on 14 March,[63] followed by Ibaraki Prefecture[64] and Kagawa Prefecture[65] on 17 March, and Fukui Prefecture on 18 March.[66]

On 16 March, the Japanese government announced it would expand entry restrictions to all foreign citizens arriving from four additional countries. The restrictions applied to three areas in Spain (including Madrid), four areas in Italy (including the northern region of Liguria), Switzerland's Ticino region, and all of Iceland.[67]

On 19 March, the governors of Osaka and Hyogo prefectures asked residents to avoid nonessential travel between the two neighbouring prefectures over the three-day weekend starting on 20 March to contain the spread of the coronavirus.[68][69] The three-week state of emergency in Hokkaido was lifted on that same day.[70]

On 22 March, Okayama Prefecture confirmed its first case of COVID-19 and requested its residents to refrain from visiting the neighboring prefectures of Hyogo and Osaka.[71][72] Aomori Prefecture reported its first case on 23 March,[73] followed by Gifu Prefecture on 26 March.[74]

On 23 March, Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike warned residents that a lockdown might be the only way against the disease if infections were to surge in Tokyo as she urged people to cooperate with government countermeasures.[75][76][77]

On 24 March, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games announced a one-year postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics.[78]

On 25 March, MHLW officials announced 71 people tested positive,[79] including 41 cases in Tokyo.[80] Governor Yuriko Koike held an emergency press conference in the late afternoon. She said that "the current situation is a serious situation where the number of infected people may explode." Koike also asked "if possible, work at home and refrain from going out at night as much as possible on weekdays." Koike asked people returning from abroad to refrain from going out for 14 days.[81] The request from the governor appears to have punctured the relaxed mood in Tokyo. Panic buying began to trend on Twitter, with users posting pictures of empty shelves and lines outside supermarkets. At the Don Quijote store in Nakameguro, customers hurried to grab instant noodles and canned goods immediately following Koike's late-evening speech.[82]

On 26 March, several governors of the Greater Tokyo Area, including Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Yamanashi, strongly urged residents to follow stay-at-home requests to prevent a surge in infections that could cause a "critical phase".[83] In Tokyo, residents were asked to work from home and refrain from going out at night and on the weekend.[84]

On 27 March, MHLW officials announced 112 people had tested positive in a single day, including three Hanshin Tigers professional baseball players.[85][86]

On 28 March, Abe held an hour-long press briefing about the economic measures being prepared by the Japanese government[87][88] amid considerable concerns of an "explosive spread of overflowing infections", which was creating regional self-isolation requests around Japan, including in Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo, and Aichi.[89] Abe's wife became the centre of controversy when she was accused of attending a hanami party during the pandemic. Abe denied the claim and said she merely took pictures in front of some cherry trees after going to a restaurant.[90]

On 29 March, MHLW officials announced 194 people had tested positive for the virus, including 58 people at a facility for the disabled in Tōnoshō, Chiba Prefecture, and 63 in Tokyo.[91] However, a Tokyo municipal government official acknowledged by the end of the day that 63 people in the city tested positive for COVID-19 on 28 March and that a record number of 68 people tested positive on 29 March.[92] It was also revealed that Tokyo now had 430 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the largest among Japan's 47 prefectures.[92]

On 30 March, it was announced that tarento and comedian Ken Shimura had died at the age of 70 from complications of a COVID-19 infection. This marked the first major death from the pandemic in Japan's entertainment industry.[93][94][95]

On 30 March, Fukuoka City announced confirmed cases in a woman in her 20s and her infant daughter.[96] On 30 March, Toyama prefecture announced its first case,[97] and a Kyoto government official announced that the Kyoto Sangyo University had undergone "a cluster of infections"—including two students who had recently returned from travel to Europe.[98][99][100]

By 31 March, calls were being made for Abe to declare a state of emergency.[101][102] However, Abe and Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga denied that a state of emergency was immediately necessary.[103]

As of 31 March, Tokyo on Tuesday reported a record daily increase of 78 new infections, raising its total to 521.[104] Of that number, 10 cases are from what authorities believe is a cluster infection at Eiju General Hospital in Taito Ward.[104] Tokyo reported seven deaths among infected residents Tuesday.[104]

Few pedestrians in Shibuya Crossing during the state of emergency

On 1 April, The government established Wednesday a team within the secretariat of the National Security Council tasked with crafting Japan's strategic response to the coronavirus crisis while improving its competitiveness in the technology and economic spheres.[105] Specifically, the team is planned to focus on overcoming the novel coronavirus epidemic as well as driving Japan's development in the fields of artificial intelligence and 5G wireless, especially in the face of the United States' and China's race for supremacy in the technologies.[105]

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan said Friday it will extend for three months the deadline for foreigners to renew their period of stay in a bid to alleviate congestion at immigration counters amid the coronavirus outbreak.[106] At present, immigration counters nationwide are crowded with foreigners, including short-term stayers, who are applying for extensions of their stay in Japan, with some of them unable to return home due to tighter border control across the globe.[106]

On 3 April, Japan expanded its entry ban, effectively barring entrance to the country for visitors from 73 countries and regions.[107]

On 4 April, at least 118 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Tokyo on Saturday, the first time the daily increase has topped 100, the metropolitan government said, in a development that could raise pressure on Japan to declare a state of emergency.[108] Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had been widely seen as cautious about declaring an emergency despite spiking infections in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka and growing calls from medical experts to do so due to fears the country's health care system could collapse.[108]

On 6 April, The Tokyo metropolitan government on Monday reported 83 new coronavirus cases following two days of three-digit increases, as it continues to grapple with a recent spike in the number of infections.[109] The metropolitan government planned to begin transferring patients with mild or no symptoms from hospitals to designated hotels and other lodging facilities on Tuesday as it wants to prioritize treatment for patients with severe symptoms.[109]

Children in a kindergarten wearing cloth masks

On 7 April, Abe proclaimed a state of emergency from 8 April to 6 May for Tokyo and the prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka. He also said there would be no lockdown like in other countries, and that public transportation and other services needed to keep the economy and society going would be maintained as much as possible.[110] This was the first emergency declaration in Japan.[111][112] Abe also stated that the pandemic had created the nation's greatest economic crisis since the end of World War II.[113]

On 8 April, Tokyo confirmed 144 new coronavirus infections Wednesday, a record daily high, metropolitan government officials said.[114] Of the 144 infections confirmed Wednesday, 95, or more than 60 percent, had no clear infection routes, the officials said.[114] The total number of infections confirmed in Tokyo now stands at 1,338, with 1,231 people hospitalized and 35 deaths from the pneumonia-causing virus as of Tuesday evening.[114]

On 9 April, Kiminobu Okada (岡田公伸), an executive of Mainichi Broadcasting System in Osaka, died due to coronavirus in Nishinomiya.[115][116]

On 10 April, Nippon Professional Baseball and the pro soccer J-League on Friday abandoned plans to play in April, while declining to say when their coronavirus pandemic-affected seasons could resume.[117] Prior to their internal meetings on Friday, NPB executives and their J-League counterparts met with a panel of medical experts in the fifth sitting of the task force they jointly formed to keep abreast of the health crisis.[117]

On 11 April, A total of 197 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Tokyo on Saturday, a record daily increase for the fourth straight day, the metropolitan government said.[118] The figure topped the previous record of 189 marked Friday, bringing the total number of infections in the capital to more than 1,900.[118] The latest figure for the pneumonia-causing virus infection in the capital comes as these prefectures entered their first weekend under a state of emergency.[118]

Narita International Airport closed one of its two runways on 12 April due to an 85 percent reduction in traffic caused by the virus.[119][120]

A second wave of infections hit Hokkaido, prompting the prefectural government to declare a second state of emergency that closed schools and that asked residents to avoid non-essential trips.[70]

On 16 April, the Japanese government expanded the state of emergency to include all 47 prefectures in Japan.[121] The government also announced a plan to give 100,000 yen to every registered resident of Japan.[122]

On 19 April, first coronavirus death in Chūgoku region was reported due to disease outbreak of COVID-19 in Hiroshima Prefecture.[123]

On 20 April, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, 25 people died in a single day, the highest number of daily nationwide confirmed fatalities.[124]

On 21 April, former chairman of Omron Yoshio Tateishi (立石義雄) died due to COVID-19 in Kyoto, according to the Omron website.[125][126]

On 23 April, 29 persons nationwide were confirmed to have died, including actress Kumiko Okae (岡江久美子)[127][128][129] and actor Shu Wada (和田周), according to a JMIAC confirmed report.[130][131]

According to a National Police Agency of Japan confirmed report, 73 police officers had tested positive since February, and there were an additional 15 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 from March found in people who had died outside hospitals, mainly most of people who were homeless and had been tested after death due to limited testing.[132]

On 27 April, minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was criticized for getting tested for the virus before other people who were showing symptoms. He took the test after a person in the response team he is part of tested positive for the virus, though he claimed to have not been in direct contact with the infected person.[133]

On 30 April, PM Abe announced on Thursday that Japanese authorities are struggling to increase testing to those suspected of being infected with coronavirus.[134]

On 1 May, smaller towns and villages began distributing the 100,000 yen stimulus payment to residents. Larger municipalities are expected to follow suit within the next two months.[135]

On 3 May, at the event held by the Japanese conference, Prime Minister Abe announced through a video that he intends to revise Japan's peace constitution in order to deal with the resolute infectious disease.[136][137][138] On this topic, the Constitutional Democratic Party leader Yukio Edano underscored Japan has the basic law on disaster management that also restricts private rights during the time of emergency and allows authorities to implement essential measures, saying the law can be applied in efforts to contain the coronavirus.[136][138] At a news conference on Friday, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki expressed that even after the coronavirus situation has calmed down, the constitutional amendment can proceed in a quiet environment.[137] Komeito, the LDP ’s coalition partner, is also cautious about hasty talks on revising the Constitution. “It ’s important to hold discussions on constitutional issues in a calm manner,” Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi said on Thursday.[137]

On 4 May, the Japanese government decided to extend the nationwide state of emergency established in April until the end of May.[139] The prime minister said the number of new infections have slowed in recent days, but not enough to lift the state of emergency.[140] The Japanese government urged citizens in Japan to adopt a "new lifestyle" for a protracted fight against coronavirus, even after society begins to shift back to its normal state. The prime minister also stated that the government will reassess the situation after a meeting with members of its expert panel around May 14.[141]

As of 6 May, before Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura announced his own standards for Osaka Prefecture, which is named as "Osaka model", he expressed his desire for the Japanese government to clearly describe the requirements to lift the state of emergency.[142][143] Later, Minister Nishimura said that the comments were somewhat confusing and that he would set standards later.[142][143] Later, Yoshimura changed the critical tone of the remarks and apologize to the Minister Nishimura, on Twitter.[143] However, he expressed his anxiety and disappointment with the government, strongly stating that he would reveal his beliefs as a politician.[143]

On 7 May, schools in the lightly affected prefectures of Aomori and Tottori were reopened after closing following the nationwide emergency declaration.[144]

On 8 May, The Japanese health ministry on Friday relaxed its guidelines for giving coronavirus tests to people who have developed a symptom of infection, scrapping the rigid fever rule which has been criticized for denying many potential patients access to the tests.[145] At his May 8 news conference, health minister Katsunobu Kato explained that various directives were issued to prefectural governments about the guidelines after complaints about the difficulty in receiving a PCR test.[146]

The Tōhoku region had its first reported death due to the virus on 9 May after a man in his eighties from Miyagi Prefecture died.[147]

On 9 May, Economic and fiscal policy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said that the government may lift the emergency for some prefectures before its expiration.[148] Later on 10 May, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Kato Katsunobu referred to employment subsidies for businesses that do not fire their employees despite a drop in sales.[149]

On 11 May, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced plans to approve a COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit that produces results more quickly than the current PCR test.[150][151] On that same day, Yuriko Koike revealed that there was a miscount of confirmed infection which led to the inaccurate statistics falsely, as there were overlapping figures gathered during the overloaded paperwork.[152]

In the midst of this, criticism and concern are growing as there is not enough discussion about increasing the supply of the coronavirus test, and the issue of the extension of the retirement age of the prosecutor Kurokawa is being led by the Abe Cabinet.[153][154][155] Yukio Edano insisted that it was not right for the Japanese government to push the bill through turmoil during a disaster like a thief in a fire scene.[156] A few days later, Japanese Government and Abe Cabinet declared that they would rescind the legal change of prosecutor's retirement.[157][158][159]

On 14 May, Japanese government officials and PM Shinzo Abe declared that they had decided to suspend the emergency of 39 prefectures, except for 4 prefectures in Kanto, 3 prefectures in Kinki, and Hokkaido, which are feared of collapse of medical system.[160][161] At the press conference, Prime Minister Abe urged to be vigilant even if the emergency was lifted, citing examples from South Korea, Germany, and Singapore as comparison targets.[162][163] It was the day after the news was reported widely that a sumo wrestler in his 20s died after suffering from a viral infection for a month.[164][165]

On 18 May, it was officially reported around the global market that Japan's economy officially enters recession with 'Much worse' expected from coronavirus for first time since 2015.[166][167]

On 21 May, the state of emergency is lifted in 3 prefectures in the Kinki region after they had cleared the threshold of having new infections below 0.5 per 100,000 people in the past week, resulting a total of 42 out of the 47 prefectures to be out of the state of emergency.[168]

On 24 May, Fukuoka Prefecture announced a total of four confirmed cases, including one re-positive case confirmed in Fukuoka City, and three infected cases related to Kitakyushu City.[169][170]

On 25 May, PM Shinzo Abe has announced he's lifting the government's emergency declaration for the five prefectures where it's still in place.[171]

On 28 May, a 117.1 trillion yen relief package was approved by Abe and his cabinet. The purpose of the package is to provide financial relief for companies and individuals that have been struggling due to the impact of the virus.[172]

On 28 May, the number of infected people in Kitakyushu has risen to 22 in the past 5 days, and the infection route of 17 of them is unknown.[173]

On 30 May, in Kitakyushu City, 69 people have been confirmed to have been infected in 7 days from the 23rd to the 29th of this month, and the infection route of 27 of them is unknown.[174]

As of 31 May, Kitakyushu declared that they decided to close the public facilities around the city due to prevention of speedy spread of disease.[175][176]

On 31 May, City officials confirmed that Twelve people including six elementary and junior high school children tested positive for the novel coronavirus in this southwestern Japan city where infections are continuing to spread.[177][178]

On 2 June, Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike issued a warning Tuesday amid signs of a possible resurgence of coronavirus infections, as 34 cases were newly reported in the Japanese capital.[179][180]

On 3 June, Two Yomiuri Giants players have tested positive for the new coronavirus, casting a shadow over Nippon Professional Baseball's plan to start the 2020 season on 19 June.[181][182]

On 5 June, Japanese electronics giants Hitachi Ltd. and Toshiba Corp. said that they would jointly set up a facility with Fujirebio to produce antigen-testing kits for the coronavirus.[183][184]

As of 6 June, Japanese economic revitalization minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said that he would hold talks with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike on Sunday to discuss how to curb rising infections in Tokyo's nightlife districts while preventing the spread of the virus among young people and in nightlife districts.[185][186]

As of 8 June, the lack of leadership has led to a decrease in the approval ratings of Prime Minister Abe, and it is reported that Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai, who had a sense of distance from Senator Kishida, is in contact with former secretary Ishiba to recreate the Liberal Democratic Party's regime.[187][188][189]

On 9 June, it was reported that Hosts forced to work to protect the livelihoods of employees despite virus risk even nightlife districts demonized over infection fears while grappling with virus impacts, because lack of financial support from government lead some night workers to work for their daily living, which could become political problem.[190][191][192] Some experts expressed that there could be ponderous epidemic in Japan before end of June.[193][194]

On 10 June, Organizers of the postponed Tokyo Games said Wednesday they have agreed with the International Olympic Committee to hold a "simplified" games next summer to ensure safety from the coronavirus and reduce the financial impact of the one-year delay.[195][196][197]

As of 11 June, The Tokyo metropolitan government on Thursday lifted its warning about a possible increase in the number of coronavirus infections in the capital, moving a step closer to a full resumption of economic and social activities in the capital.[198][199]

On 12 June, the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics confirmed on Friday that it has not yet reached agreements to use about 20 per cent of the venues for the postponed games next year.[200] About 80% of the facilities needed for next year's postponed Tokyo Olympics have been lined up, the president of the organizing committee commented on Friday.[201]

As of 12 June, Japan's health authorities reported 61 new cases of the coronavirus and three deaths on Friday.[202] Meanwhile, Japanese drugmaker Daiichi Sankyo Co. said Friday that they are aiming to launch a clinical study of a genetic vaccine for the new coronavirus around March 2021.[203]

As of 12 June, Japanese Authorities confirmed that they eased restrictions on returning after visiting outside of Japan due to humanitarian excuses such as calling of court, clinical treatment and family visits.[204]

As of 13 June, Tokyo's nightlife is beginning to rebound, as the metropolitan government lifts another raft of restrictions. Venues that have been closed since early April at the government's request because of the coronavirus will be opening their doors once more.[205] Operators of nightlife establishments were required to keep a record of their customers' names and contact information in sheets and requested to ensure social distancing rules as part of measures to contain the wide spread of the coronavirus, according to guidelines released by the government on Saturday.[206]

On 14 June, NHK reported that Japan's daily cases recorded 54 cases including 7 cases in Hokkaido, 18 case related nightlife employees in Shinjuku district.[207][208][209] As of 14 June, it was reported that Hokkaido has recorded 1170 total cases until 14 June.[210] Among those cases, 956 people completed treatment[210] and there are 736 people who have been counted as positively confirmed patients for the diagnosed infection in Sapporo.[210] In Kitakyushu City, two new cases of new coronavirus infection were confirmed on the 14th.[211] It has been confirmed for three consecutive days in Kitakyushu City, and since the 23rd of last month, when infections have been confirmed one after another, the total number of confirmed infections has reached 154.[211] Of these people, 69 cases have no known spreading route of infection.[211]

As of 14 June, Japan's minister in charge of the nation's coronavirus response and the governor of Tokyo have agreed to cooperate on measures to curb the rising trend of coronavirus infections in the capital's nightlife districts.[212][213][209] Nishimura Yasutoshi and Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko met on Sunday. The mayor of Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward, Yoshizumi Kenichi, joined the meeting. Shinjuku is home to the Kabukicho district and other nightlife hubs.[212][213][209]

As of 14 June, Business conditions at more than 20 per cent of medical institutions in Japan have worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic, with doctors saying they have experienced dismissals, salary reductions and forced closures, according to a recent survey.[214][215] Asked how they have been affected, 10 percent said in response to multiple choice questions their working hours had been reduced due to being on standby at home and changes in consultation times, while 9 per cent said their salary had been reduced.[214] The temporary closing of facilities or the consideration of such actions were each selected by 4 per cent, while having workers laid off, being laid off themselves, or the contemplation of permanent closure were each selected by 1 per cent of respondents.[214] Only 26 percent responded in March that they thought the virus would take "two to three years" to contain or "never," but it rose to 40 percent in April and 54 percent in May.[214]

Later at night of 14 June, NHK stations and Jiji press reported that Despite the Japanese government's efforts to tackle the new Coronavirus Infectious Disease, it was not calmed down, but rather showed signs of re-proliferation. It is the first time in Tokyo over 40 days since the 5 May that there are more than 40 new confirmed patients in Tokyo.[216][217] Looking at the distribution of 17,529 Japanese, Chinese travellers, and returning patients infected with hCoV-2019 causing COVID-19 in Japan, 5,544 people in Tokyo accounted for over 30% of the total, and a PCR test (genetic amplification test) to confirm the fact of hCoV-2019 causing COVID-19 infection last 10 days (preliminary figure) was held a day based on 7,333 cases.[216][217]

On 15 June, at least 72 new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported in 15 days a day in Japan. NHK reported that a total of 72 new confirmed persons, including 48 in Tokyo and 6 in Hokkaido and 1 in Kitakyushu, at 8:30 pm on the day.[218][219][220] Among Kanto's Tokyo, Hokkaido's Sapporo, Fukuoka's Kitakyushu being the center of the spread, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike who stopped 'Tokyo Alert' system in just 10 days on June 12 became being evaluated that she did not prepare to prevent the infection of Shinjuku Kabukicho.[221][222]

As of 17 June, Japan received an estimated 1,700 foreign travellers in May, an all-time low for the second consecutive month, amid the coronavirus pandemic, government data showed Wednesday. It is the eighth consecutive monthly decline, as travel restrictions were imposed globally amid the spread of the virus, according to the preliminary data.[223][224] Furthermore, Japan's exports and imports in May both posted the largest year-on-year drops in more than 10 years, reflecting rapidly weakened overseas demand as the coronavirus pandemic continued to slow economic activities globally, government data showed Wednesday. The goods trade deficit in May stood at 833.39 billion yen, marking the second straight month of red ink.[223][225]

As of 18 June, the Japanese public came out as the least satisfied with government support to businesses amid the pandemic in a six-nation survey, with only 11 per cent of respondents agreeing that support is getting through to the firms that need it.[226] Meanwhile, due to complicated office procedures to confirm Japanese expatriates’ residency and prevent making duplicate payments, some fear it may take years to finish paying ¥100,000 per person to about 1.39 million Japanese living abroad.[227]

On 18 June, NHK stations and several online media agencies reported that it was confirmed 41 cases with 22 cases of unknown route in Tokyo, 70 people in Japan, including 1 death in Hokkaido and Fukuoka, although Cabinet and Government stated that they were ready to relieve some of the preventive limitations on Friday.[228][229]

On 19 June, Japanese Authorities relieved some of the preventive requirement against contagious transmission and released the transmission notification software for preparation of ponderous pandemic, which brought some doubt among people.[230][231] On the other hand, Japanese Baseball League started the competition, as notification for modification were already announced several days ago. In the midst of 19 June, Japanese popular clothing retailer Uniqlo promoted facial mask, which led parade of consumers trying to buy the products.[232][233]

As of 21 June, 56 new people were found infected with the new coronavirus.[234][235] 35 people were infected in Tokyo, exceeding 30 for 4 consecutive days.[234][235] Nine of them were found by a group inspection conducted by Shinjuku City at two host clubs.[234][235] Moreover, in Osaka Prefecture, infections were confirmed in three males and females in their 20s and 30s, who are believed to have had a cluster.[235] The total number of bar-related cases was 16.[235]

As of 24 June, it was revealed that 55 new cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in Tokyo on the 24th. It was the highest after the government declares an emergency.[236][237] According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the number of new infections per day will be 50 or more for the first time in a month and a half since 5 May (57) during the long holiday period. The total number of infected people in Tokyo was 5,895.[236] Approximately 20 of the 55 infected people are said to have undergone a group inspection conducted by Shinjuku City at restaurants and other places where entertainment is provided, and cases where infection was confirmed within the same staffing agency.[237]

As of 24 June, it has been confirmed for two consecutive days in Kitakyushu City, and the number of confirmed infections has increased to 167 since the 23rd of last month.[238] Meanwhile, Sapporo and Otaru announced on the 24th that a total of 10 people, 9 in Otaru and 1 in Sapporo, were newly infected with the new coronavirus.[239][240][241] Among them, there were 5 cases related to aged people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, according to reports of local newspapers.[239][240][241]

On 25 June, it was confirmed that the Japanese government would abolish the Expert Meeting without any signals, although members of Expert Meeting were not notified and some lawmakers of opposition parties are demanding the explanation of sudden abolishing process.[242] Later on 29 June, Nishimura expressed regret for a remark he made.[243] He said last week that he planned to abolish the expert panel and replace it with a newly set up subcommittee. He said that "abolish" was too strong a word.[243]

As of 25 June, The Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Thursday it had confirmed 48 new novel coronavirus infections, marking more than 40 cases daily for the second straight day.[244] As of Wednesday, the weekly average of daily new cases stood at 37.9 with untraceable cases comprising 45.7 percent, while the total number of weekly cases had increased by 27 percent.[244] The Tokyo Metropolitan Government had previously said they would consider reissuing business closure requests if the weekly average of new cases exceeded 50, more than half were untraceable and new cases had doubled in the span of a week.[244]

As of 25 June, in Japan, 82 new coronavirus infections were confirmed during the day on the 25th.[245][246] In particular, the number of new confirmed persons in Tokyo, the capital city, was 48, the second highest level after the emergency declaration issued by the Japanese government was lifted on the 25th of last month.[245][246] According to Tokyo, 21 cases out of 48 people were employees and customers working in the entertainment district.[245][246] Yasushi Nishimura, who is unexpectedly in charge of Japan's Economy, Finance and Renewal as Minister, said at a press conference on the day, "We have been analysing the opinions of experts and repeating opinions."[245] Governor Yuri Koike of Tokyo explained, "As experts analysed, the number of benign patients is not increasing rapidly, and the number of hospitalized and severe patients is not increasing, so it is not a secondary epidemic."[246]

As of 26 June, Tokyo confirmed 54 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus on Friday, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said, reporting more than 40 cases daily for the third day in a row.[247][248][249] Among them, there were 40 young people in their 20s and 30s, according to data prepared by local officials.[247] Although the spread of disease remained under control since 25 May, it is 4 days in a row that there are over 30 cases confirmed positive for contract of disease.[248] Additionally, the daily number of new coronavirus cases reported in Japan on Friday topped 100 for the first time since May 9,[250][251][252] adding to signs that the epidemic is gaining strength since the country eased business and social restrictions.[250][251][252]

As of 28 June, it was reported that Tokyo recorded 60 new coronavirus cases as fears of second wave increase.[253][254] Despite the daily increase, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike rejected claims of a second wave in the host city of next year's Olympic and Paralympic Games.[253][254] In terms of transmission surroundings, most of the cases were associated with entertainment facilities and public spaces such as schools and offices, according to major media outlets like NHK, NNN, JNN. For example, in Hokkaido, 14 customers who used the daytime singing snack bar in Otaru were confirmed positive for COVID-19 virus.[255] Likewise, there were several positive cases related to entertainment facilities in Kanto and Osaka.[256]

On 29 June, Yomiuri Shimbun reported that more people considers infection of hCoV-2019 would be transgression of the individual in Japan, quoting the survey of prof. Miura.[257] Professor Miura said, "In Japan, there is a strong tendency to blame people who are supposed to be "victims" not only for corona (COVID-19), but for women suffering from demons, "it is worse to go out at midnight." There is also a possibility that such an awareness may lead to the idea that infection is regarded as the responsibility of the individual.”[257]

As of 29 June, it was reported that Tokyo recorded 58 confirmed cases and Japan recorded over 100 people were confirmed positive for new coronavirus.[258] Among them, from Tokyo area, 80% of people were in their 20s and 30s, there were 24 people who were believed to have transmitted the disease and over 30 cases were related to the nightlife district.[258] In Tokyo, 54 people were found infected, exceeding 50 for five consecutive days.[258] It is believed that the infection spread from the "night town" to the "home" during March–April when the infection spread in Tokyo.[258] Furthermore, in Kanagawa Prefecture, 31 people were confirmed to have contracted the disease, including 26 employees of the same host club in Naka Ward, Yokohama.[258]

As of 30 June, it was reported that Tokyo recorded 54 confirmed cases and Japan recorded over 130 people were confirmed positive for new coronavirus.[259][260] Among them, from Tokyo area, there were 28 people who were believed to have transmitted the disease, and 15 cases were associated with the nightlife district.[259][260] Of these, one in three metropolitan areas (Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama) occupied a total of 102 people.[260] By age group, there are 16 people in their 20s, 10 people in their 30s, and 8 people in their 40s.[260]

On 1 July, The Tokyo Metropolitan Government confirmed 67 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, the highest daily figure since 87 were reported on 4 May.[261][262] Ten people were confirmed in Osaka Prefecture, since 12 people who had two spots per day, and only about a month and a half since 13 May.[263] It was found that the number of people infected at night in downtown areas is increasing in Ikebukuro in Toshima Ward in addition to Shinjuku City.[264] Of the 67 people infected in Tokyo on the 1st, 27 people were involved in the night town, of which 13 were in Ikebukuro, more than 10 in Shinjuku.[265] When Minister Suga Yoshihide asked at the press conference on the possibility of re-releasing the emergency declaration, he said, "As the rate of increase increases again, there is a possibility that it will be released in the worst case."[263]

On 2 July, Tokyo reported 107 new cases of the novel coronavirus Thursday, an alarming uptick that residents fear may push the central government to declare another state of emergency.[266][267][268] It was the most, yet again, since the state of emergency was lifted in late May and the first time the number has hit triple digits in two months.[266][267][268] Unfortunately for people within Kyushu region, Kagoshima announced on 2 July that it has newly confirmed the infection with a new coronavirus in 9 men and women.[269] On the other hand, Fukuoka Prefecture announced on the 2nd that four new coronavirus infections were confirmed.[269] In terms of infected people, over 190 new cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed nationwide, it was the largest in post-emergency declaration released on 25 May.[270] The number of infected people in Japan exceeds 190 for the first time in about two months since 3 May.[270]

On 3 July, The Asahi Shimbun reported that The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare revealed on the 2nd that the number of people who had been dismissed or stopped (including prospects) due to the new coronavirus exceeded 30,000 as of the 1st.[271] The pace of increase has slowed somewhat, but the spread of employment damage has not subsided even after the government's declaration of an emergency was lifted.[271] At the end of April, it was a little less than 4,000, but after that it increased sharply and exceeded 10,000 on three days later, May 21.[271] However, it is limited to the amount that the labor bureaus in each region could grasp, and it seems that there are more in reality.[271]

On 3 July, Tokyo reported 124 new coronavirus cases on Friday, surpassing 100 for the second straight day.[272] There has been growing public concern about a resurgence of rapid spread in the capital and surrounding prefectures in the Kanto region.[272] Above all, Tokyo has revised the city's guidelines on monitoring the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus.[272] Among recent cases, many of the infected are young people in their 20s and 30s and those who have visited the nightlife areas in the capital, with many remaining asymptomatic.[272] But despite the spike, the number of serious cases is declining and there was no need to reinstate the state of emergency that was lifted on 25 May, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said.[273] Preventive measures have already pushed Japan's economy into a recession in the first quarter, with a deeper contraction expected in the April–June quarter.[273]

As of 11:30 pm on the 3rd, 250 new cases of domestically infected new coronavirus were confirmed.[274] In Kagoshima prefecture, where 21 people have been confirmed so far, 30 new cases have been confirmed.[274] Of these, 28 were those who visited a bar that Kagoshima City suspected to have an infected population.[274] Koike again urged residents in the capital to refrain from visiting entertainment districts at night, especially congested establishments that are not well ventilated and where customers and staff come into close contact.[275] “It's clear there needs to be a renewed sense of urgency in Tokyo,” Koike said in a news conference Friday, during which she urged residents to practice further caution but stopped short of reimposing business closure requests or introducing new virus countermeasures.[276]

On 4 July, Tokyo reported 131 new daily coronavirus infections on Saturday, bringing the total number of people infected with the virus to over 20,000 in Japan, according to a local government official.[277] Saturday's count comes as a growing number of the infections among young people have been traced to host and hostess bars and other nightlife destinations.[278] As of 9:00 pm on the 4th, 262 new cases of domestically infected new coronavirus were confirmed.[279] Reports are beginning to rise again in areas where infection has not been confirmed for some time.[279] In Yamagata Prefecture, a new infection in a man in his 20s in Nanyo City was confirmed.[279] The infection was confirmed in the prefecture since 4 May, two months ago.[279] In addition, 23 new infections were confirmed in Kagoshima, 17 in Osaka, and 9 in Kyoto.[279] Twenty out of 23 people in Kagoshima prefecture are those who visited show pubs in Kagoshima City, who are believed to have been infected, and their contacts.[279]

On 5 July, 208 new cases of new coronavirus were confirmed nationwide.[280] It was the third consecutive day that the number of new infections exceeded 200.[280] In Tokyo, the number of people infected with "downtown at night" such as host clubs and cabaret clubs is increasing.[281] According to the city, 46 cases out of 111 people were related to the city at night, the Shinjuku area is 38 people, Ikebukuro area was 4 people.[281] Of the people 111, are in their 20s and 30s in 73 people together, account for about 66 percent of the total.[282] Also, of the 111 people, 58 are close contacts of people who have been confirmed to have been infected, and 53 have no known route of infection.[282] New infections have also been confirmed around Tokyo, with 21 in Saitama, 20 in Kanagawa, and 7 in Chiba.[280] As a result, this brought the total number of confirmed cases in Tokyo to 6,765.[281][282][283][284]

The number of people infected with the new coronavirus was also confirmed in Kyushu on 5 July.[285] Kagoshima Prefecture has confirmed 13 men and women in their teens and 50s.[285] They were both visitors and contacts at a show pub in Kagoshima, where clusters were believed to have occurred.[285] Nine new infections have been confirmed in Fukuoka Prefecture.[285] Four of the men and women in their 20s and 50s in Fukuoka are members-only snacks in Fukuoka, where customers and employees have been confirmed to be infected.[285] A total of seven people were infected with the shop, two employees and five customers, and the city believes a new cluster has occurred.[285] This is the seventh case of cluster outbreak in the city.[285] In Miyazaki, men in their 40s were also confirmed to be infected.[285] It has been confirmed in Miyazaki Prefecture since April 11.[285]

On 6 July, 176 new cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed in Japan.[286][287][288] The number of new infections in Tokyo was 102, exceeding 100 for the fifth consecutive day.[286][287][288] In addition, there were 16 people in Saitama, 11 people in Kanagawa, and 12 people in Kagoshima.[286][287][288] At the same day, revamped government expert panel gave the go-ahead to the plan to take a further step away from emergency mode, on the premise that preventive measures against the virus are taken, said economic revitalization minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is in charge of the government's coronavirus response.[289][290]

On 7 July, 106 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Tokyo, according to a report from the Tokyo metropolitan government.[291] The number of people infected per day in Tokyo exceeded 100 for the sixth straight day, and the average number of people infected per week exceeded 100.[291] In response to the increase in the number of people infected in Tokyo, Yuriko Koike asked Tokyo residents to refrain from moving outside the city without any urgent need since July 4.[291] According to Jiji Press, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference on the 7th that he conveyed to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike's view that the government has not uniformly asked for restraint on cross-regional movement.[292] "It is better to refrain from moving (inter-regional) for people with poor physical condition, etc., but I don't think it is necessary to uniformly ask to refrain from moving," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga forcefully stressed.[292] Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga said that Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economic, Financial and Renewal, delivered the position to Governor Koike.[292] According to a summary article of people infected nationwide in the Mainichi Shimbun, 214 new coronavirus cases were confirmed nationwide on July 7.[293] There are 20,866 people infected in Japan, including cruise ship passengers.[293] One person died in Saitama and Chiba prefectures, with a total of 993 dead.[293] Recent cases of infection in Tokyo are not only related to downtown areas in their 20s and 30s, but also have many cases where routes are unknown.[294] As of 7 July, there were 27 new infections in Saitama, 12 people in Osaka, 11 people in Chiba, 9 people in Kanagawa, Kyoto and Kagoshima.[294]

Tokyo confirmed 75 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, marking the first time the daily figure in the capital has fallen below 100 in a week, the metropolitan government said.[295][296] Wednesday's figure, which brings the cumulative number of novel coronavirus infections in Tokyo to 7,048, is the first double-digit figure since July 1, when 67 cases were reported.[295][296] In Saitama prefecture, a total of 48 people were confirmed to be infected on the 8th, and the number was the highest per day after the emergency declaration was released on 25 May.[297][298] Meanwile in Kanagawa prefecture, the death of a woman in her 90s who was diagnosed with a new coronavirus infection while she was admitted to Shonan Izumi Hospital (Izumi Ward, Yokohama City) on the 8th in Kanagawa Prefecture, and a total of 23 people, including the same city, Kawasaki, Sagamihara and Fujisawa, were found to have been infected.[299] The number of infected people after the declaration of emergency was the third highest after 31 on June 30 and 24 on July 3.[299] Kawasaki Kyodo Hospital was confirmed to have newly infected a caregiver woman in her 50s and three men and women in their 70s and 80s who were in the same room and ward as the patient who was found positive.[299] On July 8, NHK Broadcasting in Japan reported that 207 people were diagnosed with COVID-19 on the same day by summing up the counts of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and the local governments.[300] In addition, on the same day, one fatality occurred in Yamagata and Kanagawa Prefecture, and the total number of deaths from COVID-19 increased to 995 (including cruise ships).[301]

On 9 July, the number of daily COVID-19 cases in Tokyo hit a single-day record of 224 on Thursday, the metropolitan government said.[302][303] The number of infected people per day exceeded 206 on 17 April, the highest number ever.[304][305] Gov. Yuriko Koike told reporters in the morning that the number of people tested in Shinjuku Ward around seven days led to an increase in positive tests on the 9th, and said, "The number of seriously ill and dead has been suppressed these days."[305] The metropolitan government held a meeting with experts on the afternoon of the 9th to announce the results of its analysis of the current state of the city based on new indicators to warn against the "next wave.[304] Of the four levels according to the severity level, the medical service system was raised from the current state of "I think it is necessary to prepare for strengthening" to the second state of "I think it is necessary to strengthen."[304] On the other hand, the second highest level of infection, the current assessment of infection, was maintained.[304] Under the government's easing guidelines, the maximum number of participants, including events, intended to be raised from 1,000 to 5,000 from the same day, and professional baseball and the J. League will hold games from the same day.[305]

In Japan, a total of 355 new infections were confirmed in 19 prefectures and airport quarantine on 9 July, bringing the total to 20,763.[306] The number of new infections per day has reached the 300 level since 2 May during the emergency declaration, which is the first time since the declaration was lifted.[306] In Osaka Prefecture, 30 men and women between elementary school children and 60s were confirmed to be infected, with 20 of them unknown.[306] The number of new infections of more than 30 people in the prefecture since April 29, accounting for 78% of 129 people in their 18s to 30s who were found to have been infected between June and July 8.[306] COVID-19 patients in Japan were chartered and 2,768 were returned to China after 14 confirmed infections and those identified as confirmers during the airport quarantine process.[307] In addition, the distribution of 27,768 Japanese, Chinese travellers and patients returning home infected with COVID-19 in Japan adds 224 to 7,272, accounting for one-third of the total.[307] Among the infected, 36 patients were seriously ill, including 35 patients in Japan and one on board a diamond Princess cruise ship, as of Tuesday.[307]

In the midst of 10 July, Tokyo, neighbouring prefectures and other major cities began to see a simultaneous surge in new cases of COVID-19 in the past few days, forcing policymakers to weigh public health concerns against business closure requests that would risk further damage to the economy.[308] The number of daily COVID-19 infections in Tokyo reached a new single-day record of 243 on Friday, Gov. Yuriko Koike said, marking the second consecutive day of over 200 new cases in the capital.[309] “I believe we have reached a stage when we need to be more cautious,” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said at a news conference on 10 July, referring to the surge in new infections that started early this month.[310] According to NHK Broadcasting, as of 8:30 pm on the 10th, a total of 411 confirmed people, including 243 in Tokyo, 32 in Kanagawa, 27 in Saitama, and 22 in Osaka, were confirmed by COVID-19.[311] It is only about two and a half months since April 24, when the “declaration of emergencies” related to COVID-19 was issued to Japan, with more than 400 daily confirmed people.[311] Among them, the number of confirmed people in Tokyo was 243, setting the highest number on the previous day.[311] The cumulative number of confirmed patients, which was 7272 by the previous day, increased to 7515.[311]

According to sources, 206 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Tokyo on Tuesday.[312] The number of people infected reached the 200-point mark for the third consecutive day, following 224 on 9 July and 243 on 10 July.[312] The total number of people infected was 7,721.[312] In Japan, 385 new cases of new coronavirus infection were confirmed in Japan.[313] The total number of infected people was 21,528.[313] The number of passengers on the cruise ship "Diamond Princess" is 22,240.[313] An infection was found after one person in Kanagawa died, with a total of 996 dead.[313] It was the third consecutive day that there were more than 300 people.[313] In Tokyo, 206 people were over 200 for three consecutive days.[313] The number of people in Kanagawa was 34, the highest after the declaration of emergency.[313] As side references for data, there were 35 people newly added in Saitama, 13 people newly added in Chiba, and 28 people newly added in Osaka.[313]

As of 11 July, One of Kyoto's three major festivals, the Jidai Matsuri (22 October), will stop the line process to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Organizers Heian Kosha and Heian Shrine (both in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto) announced on 11 July 11.[314] This will greatly reduce the scale of the three major festivals in Kyoto (Aoi Festival, Gion Festival, and Period Festival).[314] Heiji Kosha's President Keiji Yamada (former Governor of Kyoto Prefecture) said, "The three major festivals in Kyoto are prayers for the peace of Kyoto. It is a tough decision, but the scale reduction is unavoidable."[314] Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki said, "It's very disappointing. I see it as a painful decision. We will continue to work in All Kyoto to gradually regain socio-economic activities while making sure we are prepared for the second wave and the third wave."[314]

On 11 July, Osaka Prefecture announced that 28 new men and women in their teens and 70s have been infected with the new coronavirus.[315] Twenty of them were in their teens and 30s, and 22 did not know the route of infection.The number of tests was 747 (excluding negative tests when discharged from the hospital).[315] According to the prefectural government, when more than 14 new infections are infected with the disease, regardless of the number of new infections, the yellow light that calls attention to prefectural citizens will be lit based on the Osaka model.[315] If the yellow light comes on, the prefectural government will hold a meeting of the task force headquarters to consider countermeasures.[315] In accordance with the prefectural government's policy, it is expected to urge prefectural citizens to avoid three closures (sealed, closely packed and closely packed), and to issue another warning to senior citizens to go out.[315] Meanwhile, the government will not ask the facility to close until a red light is lit.[315] "Red light" is a standard of "emergency" and should be used more than 70 per cent for serious beds.[315]

Two US Marine bases in Okinawa Prefecture have been put on lockdown by the military, with 61 coronavirus cases confirmed last week, the prefectural government said Saturday.[316][317] Lt. Gen. Stacy Clardy, commander of the III Marine Expeditionary Force and head of US forces in Okinawa, explained the infection situation at the military facilities to Gov. Denny Tamaki by phone, they said.[316] The Marine Corps said it “experienced two localized clusters of individuals who tested positive for the virus” and that all personnel who tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, are in isolation.[316] Before the exact infection number was released, Governor Tamaki said at a news conference that he was “shocked” by the US forces’ report on the new infections.[316][317] Gov. Tamaki added that some American military personnel had held parties in downtown areas and beaches around 4 July to celebrate the US Independence Day and called on participants in such events to see a doctor if they feel unwell.[316][317] It is pointed out that many US military officials attended downtown or beach parties around the Independence Day of the US on the 4th of July, possibly spreading the infection.[317] In Japan, so far, three infections have been confirmed at Kadena Station in March and one at Camp Mark Trias on 1 July, with the total number of infections reaching 65.[317]

As of 9:00 pm, 409 new domestic coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Japan.[318] In Tokyo, it was confirmed that 206 people had been infected, exceeding 200 people for four consecutive days.[318] In Chiba prefecture, 31 people have been confirmed to be infected, exceeding 30 since 18 April.[318] On the same day, Osaka Prefecture, which was found to have infected 32 people, turned on the "yellow signal" that calls for caution based on the prefecture's own standard "Osaka Model."[318] In Nagano Prefecture, a man in his 30s who owns a house in Karuizawa, Tokyo, was also found infected.[318] In early July, the man travelled between Tokyo and Karuizawa several times.[318] On the 6th of July, a total of 6 people had a dinner with their acquaintances in Tokyo.[318] Three people, including men, have fever and other symptoms, and the prefectural government believes they were infected during the dinner party.[318]

Fukui Prefecture announced on the 12th that a man in his 30s, a corporate officer living in Fukui City, was infected with the new coronavirus.[319] It was the first time in 75 days to announce new infections since 28 April, and there were a total of 123 cases in the prefecture.[319] According to the prefecture, a man was staying in Tokyo on a business trip from 29 June to July, and was travelling by his own car.[319] He had a fever of 37.7 degrees on the 11th, and a positive PCR test revealed the result on the 12th.[319] The prefecture is inspecting two family members who live in close contact with men.[319]

NHK reported on the 11 July that the Japanese government is coordinating to allow those who are eligible to stay in Japan, including international students, to re-enter the country on condition that they undergo COVID-19 tests even if they temporarily return home.[320] According to the broadcast, the Japanese government is seeking to allow foreigners who are eligible to stay, such as international students or functional trainees, to re-enter the country on the condition that they receive a Polymerase Chain Reaction test (PCR) to check if they are infected with COVID-19.[320] If the Japanese government's policy is finalized, Korean students who returned to Korea during the winter vacation while studying in Japan will be able to re-enter Japan and continue their studies.[320] However, according to the contents of the broadcast, it seems that students who have returned to their home country or are currently staying in Japan will continue to be banned from re-entry.[320] The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on the 10th that the Japanese government plans to start talks with 10 countries, including South Korea, to resume business-purpose traffic in the middle of this month.[320] NHK also reported that the Japanese government plans to begin consultations with about 10 countries, including South Korea, China and Taiwan, following Vietnam, in order to gradually ease the international limit for businessmen and others.[320]

The Asahi Shimbun reported on the 12 July that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered "consulting with Taiwan first" to avoid criticism from conservatives over the easing of entry regulations for Korean and Chinese businessmen in connection with the "COVID-19 infection incident."[321] According to The Asahi Shimbun, when the Japanese government decided in June to ease entry restrictions for officials from companies in four countries—Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand—a kind of agreement was reached within the government: "South Korea, China and Taiwan next."[321] Abe then ordered Taiwan to do so first in relation to countries subject to the second round of entry deregulation.[321] The Asahi Shimbun analysed that the prime minister's supporters expect a hard-line stance against South Korea and China.[321] Against this backdrop, a policy of "starting negotiations almost simultaneously, but ending negotiations in Taiwan" has emerged.[321] It also decided to "water down" Korean, Chinese and Taiwanese issues, which have drawn keen attention, by including Asian countries such as Brunei, Myanmar and Malaysia, where the COVID-19 is stable.[321] Accordingly, the Japanese government plans to begin consultations with 10 countries, including South Korea, in the middle of this month on easing immigration restrictions.[321]

The opposition party immediately ordered the government to "re-declare the emergency."[322] Yukio Edano, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, said, "If the infection expands, it will be a failure due to the failure of politics to do what it needs to do.[322] At least it is an objective situation to declare an emergency in Tokyo."[322] On the other hand, the Japanese government is sticking to the position of Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Thursday, saying, "I don't think we're in a situation where we're going to announce an emergency again soon."[322] About 80 per cent of the confirmed patients are in their 20s and 30s, and the rate of bed use (about 20 per cent) is still available.[322] Above all, the Japanese government is concerned about the negative impact on the economy if the emergency declaration is accompanied by a request to refrain from going out or taking a break.[322] Some in the Japanese government said that it was Tokyo's problem.[322] Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a lecture in Chitose, Hokkaido on the 11th, "It is no overstatement to say that the issue is Tokyo's problem undoubtedly." It's a Tokyo-centred problem," he said.[322]

With hundreds of coronavirus infections in Japan for the fourth day in a row, the government has launched a campaign to encourage travelling domestically in Japan, raising concerns over the spread of the virus.[323] Japan's tourism agency announced the "Go to Travel" project on the 10 July, which will invest 1.6794 trillion yen in the government's supplementary budget.[323] The campaign, which will go into effect on the 22 July, aims to boost domestic consumption and offers discounts of up to 35 per cent on tourism, travel, transportation, restaurant and entertainment.[323] Local media, including NHK, also pointed out that "in large cities such as Tokyo, where the number of infected people is increasing, there are voices concerned that the population movement will increase and spread."[323] Legal circles are recruiting plaintiffs and lawyers for class action suits against the project under the name of "Stop Go To Travel."[323] As the controversy grew, Yastoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economic revitalization in charge of COVID-19 response, held a press conference on 12 July and explained, "We must proceed with the campaign while paying attention to the spread of the infection. We can thoroughly prevent infection and promote the compatibility of economic and social activities."[323] He also stressed, "If you are in bad shape, please refrain from going out, and refrain from crossing the prefecture."[323]

As of 9 p.m. on 13 July, 261 new cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed in Japan.[324] The total number of infected people, combined with 409 for 12 days, was 22,318.[324] In Hokkaido, one woman in her 90s died and the total number of death has been reached 984.[324] A male public health nurse in her 30s dispatched from Kagawa Prefecture to Kumamoto Prefecture, which was hit by heavy rain, was found to have been infected.[324] It was said that he was involved in the operation of an evacuation center within the jurisdiction of Hitoyoshi Health Center on July 11.[324] Until the 12th of July, 119 people were confirmed to have been infected in Tokyo for four consecutive days.[324] The Osaka prefectural government on Tuesday confirmed that 18 people were infected with the disease, which it called for vigilance by its own standards.[324] Twenty-six people were found to have been infected in Saitama Prefecture, and 17 in Chiba and Kanagawa Prefectures, respectively.[324]

On 13 July, the metropolitan government and ward health centre thought that a cluster (infected group) had occurred in a theatre in Shinjuku, and started investigating the actual situation.[325] According to the event's organizers, 37 people are infected.[325] The health officials recommends that about 800 spectators, about 50 performers and staff members go through PCR tests for intense contacts.[325] The outbreak occurred at "Shinjuku Theater Moliere" from 30 June to 5 July "THE JINRO-Who is the handsome wolf idol!-".[325] The organizer, “Rise Communication” (Tokyo), announced on the homepage that there were 37 performers, 16 performers, 5 staff and 16 spectators.[325] According to the theatre, the performances were held twice a day from 30 June to 5 July, and about half of the audience was in the approximately 130 square metres (about 190 seats).[325] Rise explained that the infection was confirmed in all performances, and said that it tried to prevent the infection by checking the temperature of the cast and wearing a mask.[325] Meanwhile, 32 US officials at the Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture were found to have been infected, and a total of 98 US soldiers were infected at five facilities.[325] Yamaguchi Prefecture also announced at the same day that there were several people who have been concerned to be contacted US military bases in Iwakuni confirmed positive COVID-19.[325]

On 14 July, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced that 143 new coronavirus cases were reported.[326] The number of infected people fell below 200 a day in a row.[326] The total number of people infected was 8,189.[326] There were no reports of the dead.[326] By age group, 64 people were in their 20s, followed by 29 in their 30s.[326] It was 65% in their 20s and 30s.[326] Among those who know the route of infection, 21 were employees of restaurants and customers, 13 were in facilities such as nursery schools and kindergartens, 17 were in the workplace and 10 were in the home.[326] As of 11:15 p.m. on 14th, 333 new cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed in Japan. Three prefectures in the Tokyo metropolitan area accounted for 238 or 70 per cent of the total, and some in the prefectures may have been infected with the disease.[327] In the Tokyo metropolitan area, 143 people were infected with the disease, 42 in Saitama Prefecture, 28 in Kanagawa Prefecture and 25 in Chiba Prefecture.[327] In western Japan, 20 people were found to be in Osaka Prefecture, 12 in Kyoto Prefecture, and nine in Hyogo Prefecture.[327] In Gifu Prefecture, three men and women were found infected.[327] A man in his 20s in Ogaki reportedly ate in the prefecture with an infected person in Aichi Prefecture on the 9th.[327] A teenage unemployed woman in Gifu is a strong contact with a man in his 20s confirmed to have been infected and went to the city on the JR Sekido Line on the 6th to meet him.[327] In Hiroshima, a man in his 30s who belongs to the GSDF's Kaida garrison was found infected.[327] The man lived in the city and visited Osaka Prefecture on private business between 3 and 5 July.[327] The city government believes the man is highly likely to have been infected in Osaka Prefecture and is seeking to identify a strong contact.[327]

It was reported that there were a total of 479 confirmed patients who had contacted the health authorities after receiving a positive test in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, where the number of people infected with COVID-19 was rapidly increasing.[328] Japanese media, including the Mainichi Shimbun, reported that 396 confirmed patients in Tokyo were in hospital or in accommodations as of the 13th, but some of them were out of contact.[329] Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga said, "We have repeatedly called for more medical staff and accommodation facilities in Tokyo. We will also provide necessary support as a nation."[330] Meanwhile, with the number of COVID-19 confirmed in Japan soaring recently, the Japanese government and Tokyo are engaged in a heated debate over who should be responsible.[331] Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said in a lecture in Hokkaido on the 11th, "It is no overstatement to say that the issue is obviously a 'Tokyo problem' and that Tokyo accounts for more than half of the new infections recently."[331] In response, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said at a press conference on the previous day, "Those who are in bad shape are appealing not to go out of Tokyo, but the government is trying to launch a 'Go To Campaign.' The response is a matter of the government."[331] The 'Go-To campaign' is a tourism revitalization project actively pursued by the Abe government to promote domestic tourism demand, since Japan's tourism economy have been damaged by COVID-19 pandemic.[331]

On 15 July, 165 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Tokyo. The capital has reached triple-digits of cases every day since 2 July, except 8 July, when 75 new infections were reported.[332] At a public nursery in Bunkyo, a total of 31 staff members and children have tested positive for the virus since 10 July, the metropolitan government said 14 July.[332] Governor Yuriko Koike called for residents to avoid non-essential travel outside Tokyo and refrain from visiting nightlife and dining establishments that have not taken sufficient measures to prevent spread of COVID-19.[333] The number of people infected with the new coronavirus was confirmed on 15 July, and 455 people were newly confirmed nationwide, the highest number since 25 May, when the state of emergency was lifted.[334] It is the first time in over three months since 22 April that there are more than 450 people.[334] In addition to a total of 273 people in 1 prefecture and 3 prefectures in the Tokyo metropolitan area, the number reached 61 in Osaka prefecture, which also the highest.[335] Some cases that have been transferred to Tokyo were also conspicuous.[335] Three female office workers in their 20s and 40s in Saitama Prefecture watched the scene of Shinjuku Theatre Molière, where the cluster occurred.[335] In Kanagawa Prefecture, two women in their 20s and 30s and women in their 20s in Nagano Prefecture also enjoyed the performance.[335] Two women in their 40s and 70s from Hyogo Prefecture went to Tokyo together and stopped at Shinjuku from the 4th to the 5th of this month.[335] This month, a woman in her 20s in Shizuoka went to Tokyo on a Shinkansen train and used restaurants where infected people were found.[335] In Osaka Prefecture, 61 people were confirmed positive, followed by 165 in Tokyo.[336] More than 60 people have been infected per day since 20 April when 84 were confirmed.[336] About 65 per cent, or 40 people, do not know the route.[336] 43 people were found infected in Kanagawa Prefecture.[336] The prefectural government revised one woman who reported positive on the 13th of July to be negative.[336] In Hokkaido, 13 people were confirmed.Eleven of the 12 infected people in Sapporo are employees and customers working in restaurants that accompany entertainment in downtown Susukino, and the city has recognized that clusters have developed.[336]

On July 19, 511 new cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed nationwide.[337] The number of newly infected people in Tokyo was 188, down from 200 for the first time in four days.[337] The Osaka prefectural government, with 89 people, renewed the largest number since the declaration of emergency was lifted, following 92 people on April 9, the largest number of people in the day.[337] Fukuoka Prefecture had the largest number of people since the declaration was cancelled.[337] The city of Saitama revealed on the 18th that one person infected was re-positive.[337] Of the 188 people in Tokyo, 118 (63 percent) do not know the route of infection at this time.[338] By age group, 84 people in their 20s and 45 people in their 30s accounted for 70% of the total.[338] However, 26 people in their 40s, 13 in their 50s, 7 in their 60s, and 6 in their 70s.[338] Governor Yuriko Koike told reporters late that night, "It's generational." The number of people who were seriously ill increased by two to 12 from the previous day and said, "It's important not only to change the number of positive patients, but also to reduce the number of people who were seriously ill. I want to take measures to deal with the elderly."[338]

On July 20, 419 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Japan.[339] The total number of domestic infections was 25,791, including 26,503 passengers on cruise ship Diamond Princess.[339] Two people died in Tokyo and Saitama, with a total of 1,001 dead.[339] Tokyo had 168 people, who have been moving in almost three digits in July.[339] Osaka had 49 people, Fukuoka had 32 people, Saitama had 29 people, Kyoto had 27 people, and Chiba had 18 people.[339] The number of infected people per day was the highest ever in Kyoto prefecture, 27, and the number of infected people was confirmed in Saga prefecture since May 16 and in Ehime prefecture since May 27.[340] The infection in Ehime Prefecture was confirmed in a man in his 20s who had returned from Kyoto Prefecture to his parents' home in Uwajima City.[340] In Osaka Prefecture, 49 people were reported infected, of which nearly 80 percent were in their 30s and younger.[340] According to the Osaka public health center, 182 temporary inspection stations were installed in downtown Minami, Osaka, with a positive rate of 19.2 percent.[340] Osaka Prefecture has set up a temporary inspection center in light of a series of youth infections in southern areas.[340]

On July 21, 631 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Japan, and the number of new coronavirus cases so far reached 26,422.27,134 passengers, including the Diamond Princess cruise ship.[341] The number of deaths increased by one in Saitama to 1,002.[341] Tokyo had 237 people, more than 200 for the first time in three days.[341] Aichi and Fukuoka each had a record 53 people.[341][342] Gifu also has 14 people, the highest number ever.[341] There are 47 others in Saitama, 30 in Kanagawa, 20 in Kyoto and 72 in Osaka.[341] The Tokyo metropolitan government has 237 cases.[342] Ninety-six people in their 40s or older account for 40 percent of the total, and the infection has spread to middle-aged and elderly people.[342] According to the Tokyo metropolitan government, three employees and 16 users of rehabilitation were found to have been infected at a psychiatric clinic in Edogawa Ward, with a total of 21.[342] Since the beginning of July, 100 to 200 patients have been confirmed every day, and the number of hospitalized patients has increased to 949.[342] Governor Yuriko Koike said on July 21 that she had secured about 2,400 beds for people with serious illnesses.[342] About 900 beds have been expanded from before, and the metropolitan government is not in a situation where the beds are tight.[342]

On July 22, there were 795 new COVID-19 confirmed reporters across Japan, replacing 720 on April 11, the previous high, according to Japan's NHK.[343] The cumulative number of confirmed cases in Japan increased to 28,798.[343] In particular, in Tokyo, the capital city where the spread of COVID-19 infection is the most serious, only 238 new diagnoses emerged, and the cumulative number of cases exceeded 10,000.[343] In addition, a number of new confirmers were poured from various regions, including 121 in Osaka Prefecture, 68 in Kanagawa Prefecture, and 64 in Aichi Prefecture.[343]

As the Japanese government started the "Go-Too Travel" project to promote tourism in Japan on the same day, there are growing concerns that the spread of COVID-19 could become even more steep.[344] The project, which will cost 1.35 trillion yen, calls for subsidizing 50 percent of domestic travel costs (up to 20,000 yen per night).[344] In the face of the continued spread of COVID-19, the Japanese government has decided to exclude trips from or arriving from Tokyo, where the number of confirmed people has soared.[344] "We will thoroughly implement measures to prevent infection," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at the prime minister's residence, adding that his policy of carefully resuming economic activities under the cooperation of the people remains unchanged.[344]

As the re-expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic has become serious, the hosting of the Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed until July 23 next year, has become uncertain.[345] Yoshiro Mori, chairman of Tokyo's Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee, told NHK on the same day that "if COVID-19 is not recovered as soon as possible and continues as it is now, it is impossible to hold the Olympics," referring to the possibility of cancellation."[345] In April, he also mentioned the possibility of "cancellation" rather than "acting" the Olympics.[345] Chairman Mori expressed negative stances on both the Olympic re-enactment and the potential for unrelated spectators.[345] He said, “It is difficult to reperform because the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China in 2022, and the Paris Olympics in France in 2024 have already been decided.[345] There may be a story about the end of the competition.”[345]

According to Japan's NHK, on July 23, 981 new confirmers appeared throughout the day, replacing the highest daily record of 795 the day before.[346] In particular, 366 people were infected only in the capital city of Tokyo, and since the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of new confirmed patients surpassed 300 for the first time.[346] In addition, COVID-19 is spreading out of control, recording more than 100 people for 15 consecutive days.[346] Meanwhile, the Japanese government decided to open a COVID-19 countermeasures headquarters and start consultations with 12 countries and regions where infections are stabilizing for mutual entry into business.[346] The Subject country of consultation for this topic are South Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.[346]

On July 23, 981 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Japan, with 28,197 infected so far.[347] 28,909 passengers, including the Diamond Princess cruise ship.[347] The death toll increased by one in Hokkaido and one in Saitama, respectively, to a total of 1,005 people.[347] Tokyo had 366 people, far exceeding the previous record of 293 people.[347] Aichi had a record high of 97 people, Saitama had 64 people, Shiga had 17 people, Nara had 13 people and Wakayama had 9 people.[347] Hyogo has the largest number of people since the emergency was declared.[347] There are 104 people in Osaka, 53 people in Kanagawa and 33 people in Chiba.[347]

On the 24th, 768 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Japan.[348] The total number of people infected was 28,895.[348] Including crew members of the cruise ship Diamond Princess, there were 29,677 deaths, with a total of 1,008 deaths confirmed in Saitama, Kyoto and Osaka.[348] 260 new infections in Tokyo, exceeding 200 for the fourth consecutive day.[348] Osaka has reached a record high of 149.[348] Others were 63 in Aichi, 52 in Fukuoka and 45 in Saitama.[348] There were 260 people infected in Tokyo, 186 of whom were in their 20s and 30s, accounting for about 70%.[349] More than 200 patients were admitted to the hospital for the fourth consecutive day, exceeding 1,000 for the first time in about two months.[349] At the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center (Fuchu City), four doctors and others were confirmed to have been infected, and the center announced that they would partially restrict patient acceptance due to safety measure for preventive protection of patients and employees.[349] According to the Osaka prefectural government, the number of PCR tests was 1,150 with a positive rate of 13 percent.[350] Positive rates exceeded 10 percent on the 19th, but before that, they went back to April 26, when the emergency was declared.[350] The rate of infection unknown was 61%.[350] In Aichi Prefecture, 63 people were confirmed to have been infected, and the number of people infected per day exceeded 50 for the fourth straight day.[350] Forty-nine young people in their thirties or younger accounted for about 80 percent.[350] Fourteen people were found positive in Kagoshima Prefecture.[350] Eleven of them were residents of remote islands and Yoron Island, with 23 infected.[350] The prefecture has asked people in and out of the prefecture to refrain from visiting the island.[350]

The number of confirmed Japanese COVID-19 people has exceeded 30,000.[351] In the capital city of Tokyo, over 200 confirmed persons were reported for the fifth consecutive day.[351] According to NHK and support communication, the number of new patients was 787 on the 25th, and the cumulative number of patients was 30,527 (including those who confirmed the cruise ship Diamond Princess) and exceeded 30,000.[351] In addition, 787 people nationwide, including 295 from Tokyo, the epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic, 132 from Osaka Prefecture, 78 from Aichi Prefecture, 50 from Fukuoka, and 35 from Saitama Prefecture, were confirmed by COVID-19.[351] The number of confirmed cases in Tokyo has become more serious, and 295 new cases of infection have occurred in Tokyo.[351] Almost all young people in Tokyo were young, and 185 people in their 20s and 30s were 185 people, or about 63% of the new cases.[351] Among the infected people in Japan, one more person died in Tokyo and Nagasaki, and the death toll from cruise ships is 1,009 so far.[351] Yasushi Nishimura, who leads the COVID-19 countermeasure, held a press conference on the day and said, "The number of infected people is moving at a very high level." However, the possibility of declaring an emergency was not mentioned.[352] Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also reportedly told reporters at the official residence that he said, “The number of infected people is increasing and watching them with tension.”[352] In addition, infection is spreading at U.S. military bases in Japan.[352] Okinawa Prefecture said it received a call from the U.S. military that 64 people were confirmed to have been infected by the confirmed number of confirmed cases per day at U.S. military facilities in Japan, including Futenma Base and Camp Hansen.[352] So far, 229 U.S. military officials have been confirmed in Okinawa, exceeding the number of people infected with Okinawa.[352] According to Japan's NHK, 835 newly COVID-19 confirmed patients were reported throughout Japan on the 26th.[353] This is the second-largest after 981, the record high on the 23rd.[353] The number of newly confirmed people in the capital city of Tokyo stood at 239, marking the sixth consecutive day of 200, while the number of newly confirmed people in Osaka also exceeded 100 for the fifth consecutive day with 141 people.[353] In addition, Fukuoka Prefecture (90 people), Hyogo Prefecture (49 people), and Kumamoto Prefecture (21 people) broke the record.[353]

On July 27, 596 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Japan.[354] It was the first time in seven days since the 20th that the number had fallen below 600.[355] It is believed that the number of tests decreased during the holidays, leading to a decrease in the number of infected people.[355] Above all, there were 131 people in Tokyo, which had more than 200 for 6 days in a row, and 87 in Osaka, which had been over 100 for 5 straight days in a row.[354] According to Tokyo, 79% of the infected people are young people in their 20s to 30s.[355] Besides, there were 10 people who were related to "nightlife downtown", 14 people who were infected with domestic infections and 9 people who were infected with workplace infections.[355] Meanwhile, there were 79 unknown routes of infection.[355] Moreover, there are also 76 people in Aichi and 18 in Okinawa, which is the highest number per day.[354] After all, the total number of infected people so far has reached 31,203 as date of 27 July.[354] As a result, a total of 31,915 people were infected, including passengers on board the cruise ship Diamond Princess, bringing the death toll to 1012 after a new confirmed death in Kyoto.[354]

As of 10 p.m. on 28 July, 980 newly COVID-19 confirmed patients in Japan were identified, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK.[356][357] The figure is the second-highest since July 23, when the daily number of newly confirmed patients reached 981.[356][357] As a result, Japan's cumulative number of confirmed numbers increased to 32,956.[356] The death toll increased to 1015, with three deaths.[356][357] On this day, the capital Tokyo recorded 266 new confirmed people and Osaka recorded 155.[356][357] The number of newly confirmed patients in Aichi Prefecture reached 110, exceeding 100 for the first time.[357] Japan's confirmed number has increased by nearly 6,000 in the past week.[356][357] Besides, the distribution of 3,244 people, including Japanese, Chinese travelers, and returning patients infected with COVID-19 in Japan, has surpassed a third of the total number of Tokyo by 1,161.[358] Furthermore, there were 553 people who were exposed to airport quarantine, 173 people returning from China to charter flights, government employees, and quarantine officers.[358] Among the infected, the number of severe patients in the ventilator or intensive care room increased to 76 in Japan only on the 28th.[358] There were 2,2811 out of the confirmed cases in Japan until the 28th, and a total of 2,3470 diamond princess passengers.[358] The number of PCR tests carried out on the 26th was 7908 during the day, according to the report.[358] Meanwhile, Kyodo News reported on the 28th that a police officer in charge of guarding Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono was also confirmed to have been diagnosed with COVID-19.[357] Defense Minister Kono was tested negative on the day and plans to proceed as scheduled after the 29th.[357]