Japan's daily COVID-19 cases exceeded 100,000 for the first time on Thursday as the country struggles to contain a sixth wave of infections, driven by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The cumulative total of coronavirus cases in Japan had topped 3 million as of Thursday, according to a Kyodo News tally based on local government releases.

People wearing face masks walk in Tokyo's Ginza area on Feb. 3, 2022, amid the unabated spread of COVID-19. (Kyodo)