September 15, 2025, reports indicate a resurgence of COVID-19 infections across Japan this summer, driven by the Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1), an Omicron sublineage. The variant, first detected globally in January 2025, has been designated a "variant under monitoring" by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its increased transmissibility, though it does not appear to cause … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Infections Surge Again in Japan Amid Heatwave; 80% Linked to Nimbus Variant
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First Case of Clade Ib Mpox Confirmed in Japan
September 16, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and Kobe City announced that a woman in her 20s, who visited a medical facility in Kobe, tested positive for the Clade Ib strain of mpox, previously known as monkeypox. This is the first time this strain has been identified in Japan. The woman, who sought medical attention on September 12 for symptoms including … [Read more...] about First Case of Clade Ib Mpox Confirmed in Japan
Japan and India Plan to Exchange Over 500,000 People in Five Years
On August 27, 2025, Japan and India announced plans to finalize an agreement for exchanging more than 500,000 people over the next five years. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet in Japan on Friday to discuss this initiative. A key focus of the talks will be increasing people-to-people exchanges. Japan aims to welcome … [Read more...] about Japan and India Plan to Exchange Over 500,000 People in Five Years
Sri Lankan Man Arrested in Japan for Alleged Visa Fraud Scheme
A 44-year-old Sri Lankan man, Mohamed Irfan, was arrested on July 7, 2025, in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, on suspicion of orchestrating a visa fraud scheme. Authorities allege that Irfan facilitated illegal residency for fellow Sri Lankans by submitting falsified corporate documents to Japan’s immigration authorities. Irfan has denied the allegations.According to … [Read more...] about Sri Lankan Man Arrested in Japan for Alleged Visa Fraud Scheme
Japanese Company Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Workplace Harassment and Degrading Punishments
A lawsuit filed against Neo Corporation, an Osaka-based electrical equipment company, has brought allegations of severe workplace harassment and degrading punishments to public attention. Five former employees initiated the legal action in March, seeking 19 million yen (approximately US$132,000) in damages for what they claim were improper wage deductions and workplace … [Read more...] about Japanese Company Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Workplace Harassment and Degrading Punishments