Here are the latest COVID-19 updates from Japan and beyond:
As of 11 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6
- Japanese companies will collaborate to offer special benefits to customers who utilize a new smartphone app showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination when using restaurants and hotels, the app providers said Wednesday.
- The National Governors' Association on Wednesday urged national parties to include in their campaign pledges stronger measures against the novel coronavirus ahead of the House of Representatives election at the end of the month.
As of 11 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5
- Tokyo confirmed 144 new daily coronavirus cases Tuesday, a day after the figure dipped below 100 for the first time since last November, reflecting a steady drop in the number of infections in the capital.
- Japan's new tourism minister said Tuesday he will consider when to resume the government's "Go To Travel" subsidy program for the promotion of domestic tourism that has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic, following the full lifting of the COVID-19 state of emergency last week.
- Fumio Kishida got to work as Japan's prime minister on Tuesday, a day after taking office and forming a Cabinet to meet challenges including reviving an economy battered by COVID-19.