##April 2021 – [**The ban on all New Entries has been confirmed to continue indefinitely,**](https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/) unless there are exceptional circumstances – tourism does not fall under this definition. At present, entry is only permitted for Japanese Nationals, Permanent Residents, or Foreign Nationals with current residency IN Japan, or Spouses of those groups. In any case, we strongly urge you to check with the [Embassy of Japan in your departure county to confirm your entry](https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html) and answer any questions you may have.
##**We are continuing our Discussion Thread this month on entry for Tourism in 2021. Posts on these topics will be redirected to [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/mibpl5/discussion_the_future_of_travel_to_japan_in_2021/?) until there is an official release from the Government on how they will proceed with re-opening. Please note, at this time we do not anticipate the borders reopening to International Tourism until Late 2021 – if at all this year. This thread has been re-configured to remove news older than January 2021. Please check** [**here**](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/search?q=Japan+Travel%2C+COVID-19%2C+And+You%3A+Guidelines+On+Travel+%26+Pandemic+News+Update+Thread&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all) **for previous Pandemic Megathreads on this topic, dating back to 2020.**
##**Frequently Asked Questions – April 2021**
>- **”Will Japan reopen to those who have already been fully vaccinated against the virus?” According to The Japan Times,** [**Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said at a news conference on March 19th**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/03/19/national/vaccine-passports/) **that Japan has no plans to ease travel restrictions for travelers with vaccine certificates issued overseas.**
>- [**What about the Vaccine Passport I’m hearing about?**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/03/28/national/science-health/covid-19-vaccine-japan-passports/) Currently, this passport is only being used for Citizens of Japan in order to speed check-ins for airlines and at hotels that would seek proof of vaccination prior to boarding or entry. For locals who may visit our sub, the Government does not plan to use this app for the Go-To Travel campaign when it restarts.
>- **If you are looking for more information as a potential New Entrant affected by the ban, please go to** [**/r/movingtojapan’s Megathread for discussion.**](https://www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/ls0dqr/covid19_entry_restrictions_discussion_and/)
>- **If you are seeking information on *re-entry with the new restrictions*, [**start with past /r/japanlife Megathreads, especially in regards to quarantine measures.**](https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/search?q=covid-19+discussion+thread&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all) Questions regarding this topic will be removed and redirected.**
>- **If you are still in Japan and need to renew your Tourist Visa, you will need to contact the Authorities at the** [**Immigration Services Agency Of Japan**](http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/) **to confirm you are still able to renew and continue your stay if necessary. Questions regarding this topic will be removed.**
>- **Are you arriving in Japan for a stopover while on the way to another country? Transit *through* Japan is ONLY possible through Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, or Kansai Airport. *You cannot depart any airport to catch a flight to your destination without facing quarantine measures.* If you are flying on a newly booked or rebooked ticket, please speak to your airline right away if you have concerns. Questions regarding this topic will be removed.**
>- [**Japan-Guide.com is keeping a list of tourist attractions that have been affected by the ongoing pandemic.**](https://www.japan-guide.com/news/alerts.html) This list is kept for closures and re-openings of popular tourist attractions, and is updated as necessary.
##**Confirmed Cases, Vaccinations Administered, News Sources, and Maps – Updated: 04/30**
>**As of this writing, Japan has 593,714 confirmed cases, and 10,256 people have died.**
>**Total number of vaccine doses administered as of 04/27 to healthcare professionals and others: 3,109,740 total with 951,490 fully immunized. (1st Dose: 2,158,250 2nd Dose: 951,490)**
>**Total number of vaccine doses administered as of 04/27 to the elderly: 115,724 total. (1st Dose: 115,724, 2nd Dose: 0)
>- [**NHK News Japan Prefectural Infection Map:**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/data/) This breakdown is provided by NHK Japan, and the information is culled from the Ministry of Health in Japan.
>- [**The JHU CSSE Map:**](https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html) is another source for infections in Japan and worldwide.
>- [**NHK World Coronavirus Portal:**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/82/) Updated with news and confirmed cases daily, short read articles and quick videos on topics related to the ongoing pandemic in Japan.
>- [**The Japan Times Covid-19 Live Thread:**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/liveblogs/news/coronavirus-outbreak-updates/) Updates with news and confirmed cases, contains longer articles with more sources in regards to the pandemic, travel, and tourism in Japan.
>- [**The Prime Minister’s Office of Japan is providing updates on Immunizations for COVID-19.**](http://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/vaccine.html)
##**TOURISM NEWS UPDATES – April 2021**
**04/28** – [**From The Japan Times – Japan to introduce ‘vaccine passports’ for international travel.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/04/28/national/japan-vaccine-passports/) Japan plans to introduce “vaccine passports” to make it easier for people who have been inoculated against COVID-19 to travel internationally, government sources said Wednesday. The passports are expected to be in the form of a smartphone app, with travelers scanning a QR code at the airport before boarding a flight or when entering the country. The government is moving forward with the plan in the hope of resuming business travel, which has virtually stopped during the pandemic, to shore up the world’s third-largest economy.
**04/27** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan PM Suga orders creation of large-scale vaccination center in Tokyo**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/fb7aea060b42-suga-orders-creation-of-large-scale-vaccination-center-in-tokyo.html) Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday instructed Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi to set up a large-scale vaccination center in Tokyo to deliver COVID-19 shots to the elderly faster. The center will launch on May 24 and be staffed by Self-Defense Forces doctors and nurses, running for about three months, Kishi said at a press conference.
**04/26** – [**From The Japan Times – More than 20 new cases of Indian COVID-19 variant found in Japan.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/04/26/national/indian-variant-coronavirus-japan/) The government acknowledged for the first time last week that it had detected five cases of the “double mutant” variant, which has the features of two different viral mutations. India has also detected a “triple mutant” variant, and Kato said that the health ministry was looking into the situation. The double variant, officially known as B.1.617, was first detected in India in October. India has become the global COVID-19 hot spot in recent weeks, setting world records for daily case numbers.
**04/22** – [**From Kyodo News – Tokyo, Osaka region to come under COVID emergency from April 25 to May 11.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/cf1704b9940e-japan-prepares-for-covid-19-emergency-in-tokyo-osaka-kyoto-hyogo.html) The decision will enable authorities to request restaurants and bars to close temporarily and take other tougher anti-virus measures than those imposed under a quasi-state of emergency now in place in 10 prefectures, including Tokyo and Osaka. Suga told reporters Thursday that he will take the necessary measures focusing on the upcoming Golden Week holidays, usually one of the busiest times of the year for travel, to “stop the spread of infections by all means.” Under a plan drafted by the government, stronger measures include asking shopping complexes with an area exceeding over 1,000 square meters to close temporarily except for their sections selling daily necessities and transport operators to reduce lines or move up schedules for last trains. Events, in principle, will now be held without spectators, while local authorities may be asked to consider closing public places, such as parks, and requesting eateries to refrain from serving alcohol, according to the plan.
**04/21** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan to declare COVID-19 emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/a920b5af64cd-japan-to-impose-fresh-covid-19-emergency-in-tokyo-osaka-hyogo.html) Tougher restrictions, expected to include asking department stores and amusement parks to close temporarily, will be in place during the Golden Week holidays through early May, the sources said. “We will cooperate with local governments and study the contents of the measures” they plan to take, Suga told reporters after meeting with members of his Cabinet including health minister Norihisa Tamura and Yasutoshi Nishimura, minister in charge of Japan’s coronavirus response. “Then I will make a decision, possibly this week.”
**04/20** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan tightens rules on COVID-19 test certificates for travelers.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/c983dc38c8f9-japan-tightens-rules-on-covid-19-test-certificates-for-travelers.html) **To enter Japan, a passenger needs to obtain a certificate that proves negative results for the virus based on nasopharyngeal or saliva samples, which need to be taken within 72 hours before departure. Japan does not approve antigen or antibody tests as certificates for entering the country.** Given the spread of the virus, Japan currently only allows entry of Japanese nationals and resident foreigners as well as foreigners “with special exceptional circumstances.” Japan is also requesting domestic and foreign airlines to restrict the number of passengers planning to enter the country.
**04/20** – [**From NHK News – LDP lawmaker: Vaccinations may be complete in 2022.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210419_25/) The head of the LDP’s Policy Research Council, Shimomura Hakubun, made the prediction at a party meeting on Monday. Shimomura said that some municipalities were unfortunately unable to carry out an effective inoculation plan, citing a potential lack of cooperation of some medical facilities. He suggested that completing vaccinations for people aged 65 or older in such locations may take until the end of this year, or possibly next year. He said at the current pace, a vaccination rollout for all people who hope to receive shots may not be completed until the spring of next year in some locations.
**04/19** – [**From The Asahi Shimbun – Tokyo to request another state of emergency as early as April 22.**](http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14333569) Under the new state of emergency, metropolitan officials are expected to request that eateries shut down. Under the second state of emergency issued in January, the metropolitan government only asked eateries to close early. “To completely stop the movement of people, we have no choice but to ask (many facilities) to shut down like we did during the state of emergency last spring,” a metropolitan official said. Officials have also discussed a plan to ask entertainment facilities to shut down as well.
**04/19** – [**From NHK News – Osaka to request new State of Emergency.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210419_36/) In the western prefecture of Osaka, officials reported 719 new infections. That’s the highest on record for a Monday. Health authorities there are asking hospitals to secure more beds. 254 have been set aside for severe COVID-19 cases. But 302 people are in serious condition. Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi says he will ask the central government to declare a third state of emergency in the prefecture, so he can further restrict the movement of people. Osaka officials plan to ask bars and restaurants, department stores and amusement parks to shut temporarily. Yoshimura also says he will talk with governors from neighboring prefectures about issuing a joint request for an emergency declaration.
**04/18** – [**From NHK News – Tokyo may request coronavirus state of emergency.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210419_02/) Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko says she will search for ways to curb surging coronavirus infections, and may consider requesting the central government issue a new state of emergency. In the capital, the daily infections averaged 586 over the last seven days, up about 25 percent from a week earlier.
**04/17** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan to procure enough COVID vaccines for all eligible by end-Sept.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/647eedf03664-japan-to-procure-enough-covid-vaccines-for-all-eligible-by-end-sept.html) Japan’s vaccine minister said Sunday that Pfizer Inc. will increase supply of its coronavirus vaccine, allowing the country to procure enough doses by the end of September to inoculate all eligible residents. Taro Kono said on a Fuji TV program that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla agreed to boost supply during telephone talks Saturday held as part of the premier’s three-day visit to Washington for a meeting with President Joe Biden.
**04/17** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan PM says timing of election to be determined by COVID-19 situation.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/eee248c23591-urgent-suga-says-timing-of-election-to-be-determined-by-covid-19-situation.html) **The lower house members’ four-year term expires on Oct. 21 and Suga’s term as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and thus the country’s leader ends on Sept. 30, giving him a small window in which to call a general election. While there has been speculation about the timing of the election, Suga has repeatedly said his focus is on getting life back to normal by taking measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic, maintaining the poll would only come after the public health crisis is under control.** Less than a month after lifting a state of emergency for all of Japan, the country has seen a resurgence of the virus. The government decided Friday to expand tougher COVID-19 restrictions to all three of the country’s major metropolitan areas — Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya — from next week.
**04/16** – [**From Kyodo News – Tokyo Olympic chief denies possibility of canceling games.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/ba7ae0671c7f-tokyo-olympic-chief-denies-possibility-of-canceling-games.html) At Friday’s press conference, Hashimoto said the committee must be “flexible” in addressing the issue of how many spectators will be allowed to enter Olympic venues. But it remains uncertain whether competitions can be held in front of spectators at all. Taro Kono, minister in charge of Japan’s vaccine rollout, said Thursday the games will be held in “whatever way is possible and that may mean there will possibly be no spectators.” The Japanese government and other organizing bodies have already decided to hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics without overseas spectators.
**04/16** – [**From Kyodo News – 4 more Japan prefectures to take tougher virus steps**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/f42da9bfb590-4-more-prefectures-to-take-tougher-virus-steps.html) The Japanese government is set to designate Friday another four prefectures as requiring tougher restrictions to fight the latest wave of COVID-19 sweeping the country. **The addition of Tokyo’s neighbors — Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama — as well as Aichi in central Japan will bring the number of prefectures under a quasi-state of emergency to 10. The measures, including asking restaurants and bars to close by 8 p.m. with fines for noncompliance, will be in effect from Tuesday to May 11.**
**04/15** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan ruling party No. 2 says canceling Olympics may be option.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/f09c390b4c1e-urgent-japan-ldps-nikai-says-cancelling-olympics-may-be-option.html) “If it becomes impossible, then it should be called off,” LDP Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai said while recording a TV program. “What is the point of the Olympics if it’s responsible for spreading infections? We will have to make a decision at that point.” It is extremely rare for a senior Japanese official to touch on the possibility of canceling the Olympics and Paralympics. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has vowed to stage a “safe and secure” games, saying they will serve as a symbol of humankind’s triumph over the pandemic.
**04/15** – [**From NHK News – Four pref. poised to take stricter COVID measures.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210415_36/) With the coronavirus continuing to spread across Japan, Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide seems ready to give four more prefectures the power to strengthen virus measures, without declaring a state of emergency. That would be on top of Tokyo, Osaka and four other COVID-19 hotspots. Officials in the capital reported more than 700 new infections on Thursday — continuing an upward trend. The metropolis is taking a “targeted approach” to address the problem, before a major national holiday begins in two weeks. Ahead of his trip to the US, Suga discussed his idea with relevant ministers. If the decision becomes final, it will affect three of Tokyo’s neighbors: Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa as well as Aichi prefecture.
**04/14** – [**From NHK News – Omi calls the virus surge a fourth wave.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210414_20/) He pointed out that the largest problem is a possible rise in the number of serious cases, which could surpass the number of beds available for such patients. He went on to say if the intensive measures, already in place for Osaka as well as five other prefectures, are not effective enough, the government should identify the reasons and decide whether to declare yet another state of emergency or take stronger steps within the scope of the existing measures. He added a state of emergency is obviously an option.
**04/14** – [**From NHK News – Experts: UK variant becoming dominant in Japan.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210415_07/)A Japanese research institute predicts that the UK variant of the coronavirus will account for more than 80 percent of cases in Tokyo and its surrounding areas by early May. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases made the prediction on Tuesday based on the results of tests for coronavirus variants. The institute says the UK variant called N501Y, which was first detected in Britain, is 1.32 times as transmissible as the original virus in terms of the number of people who can be infected by one person. It says cases of the UK variant have been increasing in Tokyo and its three neighboring prefectures since the middle of March.
**04/11** – [**From The Japan Times – Japan’s slow vaccine rollout pushes back recovery time frame.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/04/12/national/japan-slow-vaccine-rollout/) The tardy start comes as stricter measures were reinstated today to quell an uptick in virus cases in the capital, fueling discontent with Suga in an election year, as the government, like many around the world, lurches between tightening and loosening guidelines on activity. It also adds to smoldering doubts over Tokyo’s readiness to host the Olympics in July with no timeline for when most people will be inoculated.
**04/11** – [**From The Japan Times – Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa step up virus measures as infections rebound.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/04/12/national/coronavirus-emergency-measures/) Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga last week decided to grant the governors of the three prefectures the authority to take tougher measures to control the spread of the virus, expanding the list that had designated Osaka and neighboring Hyogo prefectures as well as Miyagi in Japan’s northeast through May 5. But the central government has stopped short of declaring a third state of emergency, apparently because of potential disruption to preparations for this summer’s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The quasi-emergency measures come despite a recent health ministry indicator showing that infections in Osaka, Hyogo, Miyagi and Okinawa have reached Stage 4, the worst level on the central government’s scale that warrants declaring a state of emergency. The conditions in Tokyo and Kyoto were judged as equivalent to Stage 3.
**04/10** – [**From The Mainichi – Japan to craft anti-discrimination guidelines for people who can’t get COVID-19 shots.**](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210410/p2a/00m/0na/005000c) Japan’s government is set to create guidelines to prevent discrimination against people who can’t be vaccinated against COVID-19 because of allergies or other reasons, vaccination policy chief Taro Kono said at an April 9 news conference. Looking ahead to nationwide vaccinations, Kono commented, “It’s true that there are quite a few people who can’t be vaccinated due to allergies. We’d like to create something like guidelines with requests, though they wouldn’t be binding.”
**04/09** – [**From NHK News – Tokyo Games chief hints at torch relay changes.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210409_36/) The head of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics organizing committee has indicated that the Olympic torch relay may be subject to changes in municipalities where stricter anti-coronavirus measures will be implemented. Hashimoto Seiko raised the possibility on Friday after the government decided to allow the prefectures of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa to take firmer anti-virus measures starting next Monday. Hashimoto told reporters that the committee wants to continue the relay and ensure the safety of those involved. But she added that only hoping to do so will not be enough.
**04/09** – [**From NHK News – Tighter Covid measures for Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210409_37/) Japan’s government is to allow Tokyo, Kyoto and Okinawa to enforce stricter coronavirus measures without an emergency declaration, starting Monday.
**04/08** – [**From NHK News – Tokyo to take stricter measures against COVID.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210408_41/) Stricter measures against coronavirus are returning to Tokyo as a surge in new cases follows the lifting of a state of emergency last month. Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko said, “From the viewpoint of crisis management, we have asked the central government to designate Tokyo as an area where strict measures should be taken.” Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide responded on Thursday evening and suggested a final decision will come Friday.
**04/07** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan to tighten border controls on travelers from 2 more states.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/7ca85ecc21dc-japan-to-tighten-border-controls-on-travelers-from-2-more-states.html) Japan said Tuesday it will tighten border controls on travelers from Spain, Finland and the Canadian province of Ontario in response to the spread of new variants of the novel coronavirus detected there. Under the new measure, people arriving from the three areas will be required to quarantine in a designated facility and retake a COVID-19 test after three days.
**04/07** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan’s daily coronavirus cases top 3,000, highest in over 2 months.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/4870b435d98f-osaka-to-declare-covid-19-medical-emergency-amid-strain-on-hospitals.html) The nationwide tally, which totaled 3,451 on Wednesday, last exceeded the 3,000 mark on Jan. 30 when the country’s second state of emergency was in place for 11 prefectures including Tokyo and Osaka. The government lifted the state of emergency in Osaka and five other prefectures on March 1, about three weeks ahead of the Tokyo metropolitan area.
**04/07** – [**From Kyodo News – Tokyo Olympic relay canceled across Osaka Pref. due to pandemic.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/a66ff92bce3f-urgent-olympic-relay-to-be-canceled-across-osaka-pref-governor.html) The torch relay for this summer’s Tokyo Olympics will not take place on roads across Osaka Prefecture next week due to a surge in coronavirus infections, Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura said Wednesday. As Osaka has been struggling with record numbers of new COVID-19 cases in recent days, Yoshimura said at a press conference the relay cannot be staged on April 13 and 14, given that he has requested residents of the entire prefecture to refrain from nonessential outings.
**04/05** – [**From Kyodo News – Quasi-emergency COVID-19 measures begin in Osaka, Hyogo, Miyagi.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/8a828d35c9a4-quasi-emergency-covid-19-measures-begin-in-osaka-hyogo-miyagi.html) Quasi-emergency measures against COVID-19 officially commenced Monday in Osaka, Hyogo and Miyagi prefectures as part of efforts to stem a sharp resurgence in infections in the three areas. The steps, effective for one month until May 5, include fines for restaurants and bars that ignore orders to shorten operating hours and requirements for customers to wear masks when patronizing establishments.
**04/03** – [**From The Japan Times – Vaccinations alone won’t have major impact on fourth wave of virus in Tokyo, study shows.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/04/03/national/vaccination-impact-fourth-wave/) Setsuya Kurahashi, a professor of systems management, conducted a simulation using artificial intelligence that looked at how the vaccine rollout would help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Tokyo if new infections rise at the same pace as during the second wave last summer. Even if 70,000 vaccinations per day, or 0.5% of the capital’s 14 million people, were given to Tokyoites — with priority given to people age 60 and over — the capital would still see a fourth wave of infections peaking at 1,610 new cases on May 14, the study showed. The study also showed a fifth wave is expected to peak at 640 cases on Aug. 31. “The effect of the vaccine inoculations will be observed from July onward, so it’s presumed that it’s dangerous to place too much hope on the effect of the vaccinations for the fourth wave,” Kurahashi wrote.
**04/02** – [**From The Japan Times – Fourth wave takes shape as COVID-19 cases increase across Japan.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/03/31/national/fourth-wave-coronavirus-japan/) Researchers from Tsukuba University believe that even if the vaccination schedule in Japan is sped up, the impact on the ongoing wave would be limited. **According to their research, the outbreak in Tokyo could peak in May at 1,850 cases a day if the city doesn’t begin inoculating residents by then. Even if it does, and more than 35,000 residents are vaccinated daily, the report warned that the capital could still see more than 1,650 cases every day.**
**04/02** – [**From NHK News – Health minister warns of virus flare-up in Tokyo.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210402_15/) Japan’s Health Minister Tamura Norihisa said the number of cases has grown rapidly in Osaka in the month since its emergency declaration was lifted, and a similar situation cannot be ruled out in Tokyo. The declaration for the Japanese capital was lifted nearly two weeks ago.
**04/01** – [**From Kyodo News – Tokyo Olympic torch relay in Osaka to be canceled due to COVID spike.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/2cb4570f6336-breaking-news-tokyo-olympic-torch-relay-should-be-canceled-in-osaka-governor.html) Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters that the prefectural government will formally decide to cancel the relay’s segment in the western city in the near future and will inform the organizing committee for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
**04/01** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan designates Osaka, Hyogo, Miyagi for tougher COVID-19 steps.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/e047dcab633f-japan-govt-to-let-osaka-hyogo-miyagi-take-stricter-virus-steps.html) The designation comes as Osaka reported 616 new infections on Thursday, the most in more than two months and exceeding Tokyo’s 475 cases, and with less than four months until the capital hosts the Summer Olympics.
**04/01** – [**From Kyodo News – Japan sets up multilingual call center for COVID-19 vaccine inquiries.**](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/153bd532b4ba-japan-sets-up-multilingual-call-center-for-covid-19-vaccine-inquiries.html) The system supports calls in English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese. the call center can be reached toll free at 0120-761770.
##**MONTHLY SUMMARY**
>**March 2021 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 475,880 – Deaths – 9,189**
>- After lifting the SOE early at request of some prefectural Governors, [Suga said it was necessary to extend COVID emergency in Tokyo region by 2 weeks.](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/444e6e10152d-breaking-news-tokyo-area-governors-eye-extending-covid-19-emergency-by-2-weeks.html) Health Officials were very concerned that the ongoing strain on the system would hamper vaccine rollout later in the season.
>- [Two days later the State of emergency was extended for Tokyo area](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210306_01/) until March 21st, in order to provide as much extra support to the medical system as possible, and help to assess the situation carefully.
>- [Mid-month it was revealed a variant reported in the Philippines was detected at Narita.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210312_40/) The health ministry says the man in his 60s arrived at the airport on February 25 and tested positive at quarantine. An examination at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases discovered the variant in the sample taken from him. This is the first time the variant has been detected in Japan.
>- [Japan began testing COVID-19 status apps for travelers.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210315_15/) In order to use the app, individuals have their saliva taken at a PCR-testing site. The samples are sent to a nearby facility for analysis. About two hours later, participants receive a notice on their smartphones indicating a result. By linking the data with the app, users can show their results with a QR code that acts as a globally accepted certificate.
>- [The Tokyo Games Organizing Committee determined there would be no spectators at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic torch relay.](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/77ba7e8c23d5-no-spectators-at-opening-ceremony-of-tokyo-olympic-torch-relay.html)
>- [COVID-19 SOE was lifted for the Tokyo region on March 21st, as scheduled.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/03/17/national/soe-tokyo-lifting-suga/)
>- [It was announced that travelers entering Japan would have to install multiple apps on their smartphones to gain entry to the country.](https://soranews24.com/2021/03/19/travelers-entering-japan-will-have-to-install-location-confirmation-app-skype-on-smartphones/) As noted on the website for the [Ministry Of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000121431_00250.html), as of March 18, **inbound travelers will be required to install three apps on their smartphones before leaving the airport. The three apps are the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s COCOA COVID-19 contact tracing app, Skype, and OSSMA, a location confirmation app. The combined apps are to be used in confirming compliance with the 14 days of self-quarantine** that inbound travelers are required to complete before moving about the general population. **So what if you don’t have a smartphone, or are using an outdated model that can’t run the apps? You’ll be required to rent a phone that can from the airport, and pay for it out of your own pocket.** In addition to showing that the apps are installed and running, **inbound travelers will also be required to sign a written pledge to comply with the protocols. Failure to do so can result in public publishing of the violator’s name and, in the case of foreign nationals, deportation, including the revocation of residence status for foreigners living in Japan on work or study visas.**
>- [The IOC and JOC determined that overseas fans would not be allowed to attend the Tokyo Olympics.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210321_06/) Tokyo 2020 President Hashimoto Seiko said, “Countries around the world, including Japan, are strictly restricting cross-border travel. The current situation makes it difficult to guarantee free entry into Japan from abroad this summer.”
>- [A surge in new cases of coronavirus is beginning across Japan.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210325_01/) The Tokyo metropolitan government has reported the highest number of new coronavirus cases in a month, just three days after a state of emergency was lifted, and it’s further stoking fears a new wave could be on the way. Sendai Mayor Kohri Kazuko said, “We’re experiencing an unprecedented upsurge. It’s very critical.”
>- [Japanese Government opts not to resume travel subsidy program until at least June.](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/c18b11af2b1b-japan-opts-not-to-resume-travel-subsidy-program-until-at-least-june.html)
>- [Tokyo and Osaka brace for another wave of cases.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210330_40/) Tokyo reported the second highest tally of daily cases at 364. It’s the 11th straight day the count has been higher than it was a week earlier. Experts are calling on health authorities to secure more hospital beds in case the number of serious cases surges. More than 2,000 cases were reported across the country on Tuesday. Nearly 370 patients are in serious condition.
>- [Osaka requests stronger anti-virus steps amid resurgence.](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/d7f7847d45f7-osaka-set-to-request-stronger-anti-virus-steps-amid-resurgence.html) In a parliament session on Wednesday, Shigeru Omi, head of the government’s COVID-19 subcommittee, warned that Osaka is approaching Stage 4, the worst level on the central government’s four-point scale where an explosive spread of coronavirus infections has been seen.
>**February 2021 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 433,432 – Deaths – 7,910**
>- [The State Of Emergency was extended for a month for 11 prefectures in Japan.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210202_38/)
>- [The first version of the Olympic Playbook was released for the Tokyo Games.](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/feb/03/olympic-athletes-to-be-tested-every-four-days-as-tokyo-publishes-playbook?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other) Detailed guidelines for broadcasters, athletes and the media would be released by month’s end with such guidelines as refraining from leaving the hotel or the venue unnecessarily, not taking public transit, or singing or shouting during the competition itself.
>- [Japan passed revised Anti-Virus Laws, in order to effectively levy fines against people or businesses that break anti-virus rules.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210203_43/) That includes those who test positive for the virus and are told to check into a hospital, but refuse. Individuals who lie to health officials or refuse their inquiries will also face punishments.
>- [Japan began preparing to administer the Pfizer vaccine to healthcare workers in mid-February.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210216_30/)
>- [A COVID-19 cluster was discovered at an Immigration Facility, as new strain spreads in Japan.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/19/national/covid-19-immigration-facility/)
>- [Japan Minister Kono Taro warned of a slower pace of Vaccination for the elderly.](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210221/p2g/00m/0na/014000c)
>- [The Executive Director of the Olympic Games indicated a decision on overseas fans at Tokyo Games would be expected in April.](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210225/p2g/00m/0sp/056000c)
>- [The Head of Tokyo Olympic Committee, Hashimoto Seiko, said she wants to set policy on Tokyo Olympic spectators by March 25.](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210225/p2g/00m/0sp/115000c)
>- [Japan lifted pandemic emergency declaration for 6 prefectures earlier than the March 7th target date.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210226_44/)
>- [The Government announced new measures to bolster watch for virus variants.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210227_17/)
>- [Japan may open border to Olympic athletes from March, according to sources.](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210227/p2g/00m/0sp/078000c)
>- [Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ campaign will remain suspended after the State Of Emergency is lifted, in spite of comments made by the LDP earlier this month.](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210228/p2g/00m/0na/069000c)
>- [As the month ended, concerns for the planned March end to state of emergency grew, as Tokyo’s infection decline slowed.](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210227/p2a/00m/0na/006000c)
>**January 2021 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 390,687 – Deaths – 5,765**
>- On January 7th, Japan declared a State Of Emergency for the Tokyo Area, as well as Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures. This was modified on January 13th to include Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Gifu, Tochigi and Fukuoka.
>- [Word began circulating that the Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics were uncertain of the Games’ future with the current pandemic raging.](http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14091366)
>- [With 3 new variants discovered, Japan expanded restrictions to include those entering Japan on business and began to toughen laws on people who break quarantine.](https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Japan-halts-business-travel-threatens-to-deport-quarantine-violators)
>- The Health Ministry announced a plan to track foreign entrants who test positive for COVID on entry to Japan. The authorities currently register the names and nationalities of foreigners entering Japan at quarantine stations, but the database is separate from the nationwide system called HER-SYS. The Ministry is working to link the two data systems using passport numbers of travelers.
>- [A top Government Official indicated that widespread vaccination in Japan would not be a prerequisite for the Tokyo Olympics to be held in July.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/01/19/national/tokyo-olympics-coronavirus-vaccine/)
>- [ANA announced that from March 28 through October 30, the following routes would be restricted or halted entirely.](https://www.anahd.co.jp/group/en/pr/202101/20210126.html) If you are affected, please contact ANA directly for more information.
>- [By the end of January, the Government began to make arrangements to extend the SOE for another month, along with adding hard hit prefectures like Okinawa to the list.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/01/31/national/japan-emergency-coronavirus-extension/)