FUMIO KISHIDA

Japan World Heritage FILE - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivers a speech during a New Year celebration party of business leaders in Tokyo, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. Kishida's decision to nominate the 400-year-old site in northern Japan apparently reverses his earlier, more cautious stance after a strong push by powerful ultra-rightwing historical revisionists in his governing party. The Sado mine was selected last month by Japan’s Council for Cultural Affairs as a candidate for a UNESCO World Heritage site, triggering South Korean protests. South Korean protests about the site omitting mention that Koreans also toiled on the island triggered a UNESCO decision urging Japan to present a more balanced version of history. If everything goes as planned, a UNESCO advisory group will survey the mine site in the fall before deciding around May 2023 whether to add it to the list ahead of the World Heritage Committee screening.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says Japan will recommend a former gold mine on Sado Island for a UNESCO World Heritage list despite protests from South Korea that the site is inappropriate because of its wartime abuse of Korean laborers.

Biden and Kishida on Friday used their first formal meeting to discuss concerns about China's growing military assertiveness that's spurring increasing disquiet in the Pacific. Kishida said the two leaders spent a "significant amount" of their 80-minute call on issues surrounding China, including shared concerns about China's increasing aggression toward Taiwan. In recent months, China has stepped up military exercises near Taiwan, frequently sending warplanes near the island's airspace. Biden and Kishida also discussed the situations in Hong Kong and China's Xinjiang province. Friday's virtual meeting was the first substantial exchange between the leaders since Kishida took office in October.

Biden and Kishida are holding their first formal talks on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, as the two leaders face fresh concerns about North Korea's nuclear program and China's growing military assertiveness. The virtual meeting comes after North Korea earlier this week suggested it might resume nuclear and long-range missile testing that has been paused for more than three years. The 80-minute virtual meeting came as North Korea earlier this week suggested it might resume nuclear and long-range missile testing that has been paused for more than three years. China claims self-governing Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. Friday's virtual meeting was the first substantial exchange between the leaders since Kishida took office in October.

US Japan FILE - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 4, 2021. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will hold their first formal talks on Friday as the two leaders face fresh concerns about North Korea’s nuclear program and China’s growing military assertiveness. The virtual meeting comes after North Korea earlier this week suggested it might resume nuclear and long-range missile testing that has been paused for more than three years. China claims self-governing Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. Friday's virtual meeting will be the first substantial exchange between the leaders since Kishida took office in October.

President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have used their first formal meeting to discuss concerns about China’s growing military assertiveness.

Tokyo and a dozen other areas in Japan are set to face new COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, with local leaders shortening hours for restaurants, as omicron cases hit a record high in the capital. Tokyo logged 7,377 new cases on Wednesday, its highest number since its previous record of 5,908 on Aug. 13. The fast-spreading variant has caused a number of medical workers and others to self-isolate after testing positive or coming into close contact with someone who has. “The omicron infections may not only overwhelm the medical systems but could paralyze our daily lives,” she said. Nationwide, Japan logged more than 32,000 cases, bringing its total to 1.93 million cases, with 184,00 deaths.

Tokyo and a dozen other areas in Japan are set to face new COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, with local leaders shortening hours for restaurants, as omicron cases hit a record high in the capital. Tokyo logged 7,377 new cases on Wednesday, its highest number since its previous record of 5,908 on Aug. 13. Only about one-quarter of available beds have been filled in Tokyo and serious cases account for just 2% of all hospitalizations, according to the city government. Nationwide, Japan logged more than 32,000 cases, bringing its total to 1.93 million cases, with 184,00 deaths. Other areas, including badly hit Osaka, where 5,396 new cases were reported Tuesday, are taking a wait-and-see stance for now.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to officially announce the new measures at a government taskforce meeting later Wednesday. But experts say breakthrough infections by the omicron variant are more common. Nationwide, Japan has logged more than 32,000 cases, bringing its total to 1.93 million cases, with 184,00 deaths. Other areas, including badly hit Osaka, where 5,396 new cases were reported Tuesday, may be added later. Critics also say the measures, which almost exclusively target bars and restaurants, make little sense and are unfair.

Tokyo and a dozen other areas in Japan will face new coronavirus restrictions effective Friday, with local leaders shortening hours for restaurants, as omicron cases hit a record high in the capital.

The head of emergencies at the World Health Organization says the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, including deaths, hospitalizations and lockdowns, could be over this year if huge inequities in vaccinations and medicines are addressed quickly.

Japan’s environment minister says the country will gradually phase out coal plants over the next two decades while developing new technologies to reduce, capture and recycle carbon.

North Korea on Monday fired two suspected ballistic missiles into the sea in its fourth weapons launch this month, South Korea's military said, with the apparent goal of demonstrating its military might amid paused diplomacy with the United States and pandemic border closures. Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office also said it detected a possible ballistic missile launch from North Korea, but didn’t immediately provide more details. Japan’s Coast Guard issued a warning for vessels traveling around Japanese waters to watch out for falling objects, but no immediate damage was reported.

The Japanese minister assigned the task of containing COVID-19 while steering the world’s third largest economy toward growth says Japan must learn to coexist with the coronavirus.

Pyongyang didn't initially comment on the launch but it followed the second test of what it called a hypersonic missile – a claim Seoul cast doubts on.

Japan briefly eased border controls in November after COVID-19 cases rapidly declined, but quickly reinstated a ban on most foreign entrants after the highly transmissible new variant emerged. Kishida said the stringent border controls have helped slow the variant's spread and “bought time” to prepare for an imminent surge. Japan had few cases until late December, but infections have since shot up to thousands a day. Nationwide, Japan reported 6,438 new cases for an accumulated total of about 1.77 million, including about 18,400 deaths. Kishida noted that there still are many “unknowns” about omicron, but it could be milder and less fatal than previous variants.

Japan says it will keep its borders closed to most foreign citizens through February as it attempts to accelerate coronavirus booster shots for elderly people and expand hospital capacity to cope with the rapidly spreading omicron variant.

Japan will keep its borders closed to most foreign citizens through February as it attempts to accelerate coronavirus booster shots for elderly people and expand hospital capacity to cope with the rapidly spreading omicron variant, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday. Japan briefly eased border controls in November after COVID-19 cases rapidly declined, but quickly reinstated a ban on most foreign entrants after the highly transmissible new variant emerged. Kishida said the stringent border controls have helped slow the variant's spread and “bought time” to prepare for an imminent surge.

Virus Outbreak Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks to the media at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, on Jan. 6, 2022. Kishida said Sunday, Jan. 9, Japan and the U.S. have reached “a basic agreement” on banning the U.S. military from leaving base grounds, amid growing worries about a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. Kishida said American soldiers will stay on base “except when absolutely necessary,” which presumably means for emergencies or other security reasons. The spike has been blamed on the U.S. military because the case increases are most pronounced in areas near the bases. Japan asked the U.S. for cooperation in keeping its military personnel on base last week.

The prime ministers of Japan and Australia met virtually on Thursday, and signed a reciprocal access agreement between the two countries.

Top U.S. and Japanese officials are highlighting new defense agreements, including a five-year deal on sharing the cost of the American military presence in Japan.

American forces have been criticized due to a spike in cases in areas where they're based in large numbers, including Okinawa and Iwakuni, both in southern Japan.

Australia Japan Defense Pact FILE - This combination of photos shows Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in London on June 15, 2021 and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Dec. 21, 2021. Australia and Japan will sign a treaty on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 to increase defense and security co-operation in a move that has been hailed as "historic" but which might anger China. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met in a virtual summit to sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement, the first such defense pact signed by Japan with any country other than the United States. “Japan is our closest partner in Asia as demonstrated by our special strategic partnership — Australia’s only such partnership,” Morrison said. “There is a territorial dispute between China and Japan ... and more significantly there is a growing concern China will make a move over Taiwan in the next few years.”The pact builds on the strategic dialogue known as “the Quad,” which includes Japan, Australia, the United States and India.

The leaders of Japan and Australia have signed a “landmark” defense agreement that allows closer cooperation between their militaries and stands as a rebuke to China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Asian stock markets have followed Wall Street lower after investors saw minutes from a Federal Reserve meeting as a sign the U.S. central bank might hike interest rates faster to cool inflation.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi has asked that the U.S. military in Japan stay inside its bases to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

U.S. military says the launch posed no threat, but "highlights the destabilizing impact" of Kim Jong Un's weapons program, which has neighbor Japan rethinking its defense-only stance.

Australia Japan Defense Pact FILE - This combination of photos shows Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in London on June 15, 2021 and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Dec. 21, 2021. Australia and Japan will sign a treaty on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 to increase defense and security co-operation in a move that has been hailed as "historic" but which might anger China. Morrison and Kishida will meet in a virtual summit to sign the agreement, which Morrison said "will underpin greater and more complex practical engagement between the Australian Defense Force and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces." (Pool Photo via AP, File) (Uncredited)SYDNEY — (AP) — Australia and Japan will sign a treaty on Thursday to increase defense and security cooperation in a move that has been hailed as “historic” but which might anger China. “Australia and Japan are the closest of friends,” Morrison added.

Australia and Japan will sign a treaty on Thursday to increase defense and security cooperation in a move that has been hailed as “historic” but which might anger China.

Among the space events to watch in the coming year is the collision between a NASA probe and an asteroid in the autumn of 2022. The DART mission. VIDEOGRAPHIC

(Sebastian Gollnow/DPA via AP) (Sebastian Gollnow)TOKYO — Japan has approved the COVID-19 pill developed by U.S. pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. for use beginning next week, the Japanese health minister said Friday. Health Minister Shigeyuki Goto told reporters that a ministry drug panel authorized Merck’s molnupiravir under a fast-track process and the drug will be shipped to hospitals and pharmacies beginning next week. Japan has also arranged for a shipment of 2 million doses of a COVID-19 pill made by Pfizer that hasn't yet received approval for use in the country. Until recently, Japan largely kept out coronavirus infections involving the new omicron variant by enforcing stringent border controls. Those who have had one dose will get the money after receiving a second dose and those getting a booster dose when the program kicks off.

Tulane University in New Orleans is delaying the start of its spring semester because of the latest surge in coronavirus cases, and another private school says students must get booster shots before returning.

Japan Defense FILE - Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, rides on a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Type 10 tank during a review at the JGSDF Camp Asaka in Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Kishida’s Cabinet approved record 5.4 trillion yen ($47 billion) budget Friday, Dec. 24, for fiscal 2022 that includes researches and development into future fighter jets and other “game-changer” arsenals as Japan bolsters its arms capability amid China's rise and its tension with Taiwan. The budget, which still needs to be approved by parliament, includes a record 291 billion yen ($2.55 billion) for defense research and development, up 38% from the current year. Of that, 100 billion yen ($870 million) is for development of the F-X fighter jet to replace Japan’s aging fleet of F-2 aircraft around 2035. Japan’s defense spending now ranks among the top 10 in the world, according to international defense research organizations.

Japan’s Cabinet has approved a record 5.4 trillion yen ($47 billion) defense budget for fiscal 2022 that includes funding for research and development of a new fighter jet and other “game-changing” weapons as Japan bolsters its defense capabilities in response to China’s growing military might and its tensions with Taiwan.

Olympics Beijing Japan Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno speaks at a news conference in Tokyo, Friday, Dec. 24, 2021. Japan announced Friday it won't send a delegation of ministers to represent the government at the Beijing Games but three Olympic officials will attend, a mixed response to a U.S.-led move to boycott the games to protest China's human rights conditions. (Sadayuki Goto/Kyodo News via AP) (Sadayuki Goto)TOKYO — (AP) — Japan announced Friday it won't send a delegation of ministers to represent the government at the Beijing Games but three Olympic officials will attend, a decision that follows a U.S.-led move to diplomatically boycott the Games to protest China's human rights conditions. He has been repeatedly asked what to do about the Beijing Olympics in recent weeks but only said he was to make a decision comprehensively for Japan's national interest. “Japan hopes the Beijing Olympics will be held as the festival of peace in the spirit of Olympics and Paralympics,” Matsuno said.

TOKYO — (AP) — Japan announced Friday it won't send a delegation of ministers to represent the government at the Beijing Games but three Olympic officials will attend, a mixed response to a U.S.-led move to boycott the games to protest China's human rights conditions. Matsuno said the three officials are attending at the invitation of the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees to represent the JOC and IPC. He has been repeatedly asked what to do about the Beijing Olympics in recent weeks but only said he was to make a decision comprehensively for Japan's national interest. Japan took those points into consideration to make its own decision, he added. “Japan hopes the Beijing Olympics will be held as the festival of peace in the spirit of Olympics and Paralympics,” Matsuno said.

Japan says it won’t send a delegation of ministers to represent the government at the Beijing Games but three Olympic officials will attend.

Japan on Wednesday, Dec. 22, confirmed its first known local transmissions of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus in Osaka, a sign it is already making its way in the country. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO — (AP) — Japan on Wednesday confirmed its first known local transmissions of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus in Osaka, a sign it is already making its way in the country. The three are the first known cases of community transmission of the highly infectious omicron variant in Japan, Yoshimura said. About 80 previous omicron cases have been identified in Japan, but all involved people who tested positive upon entry at airports or those linked to them, government officials have said. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday that he plans to keep the border controls, among the world's most stringent, in place until more details about the omicron variant are known.

Japan has confirmed its first known local transmissions of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus in Osaka, a sign it is already making its way in the country.

Scientists have confirmed the existence of the largest bug to ever exist — a millipede that was “as big as a car,” weighed more than 100 pounds and roamed the Earth before dinosaurs.

Japan’s parliament on Monday approved a record extra budget of nearly 36 trillion yen ($317 billion) for the fiscal year through March to help out pandemic-hit households and businesses. (Kyodo News via AP) (Uncredited)TOKYO — (AP) — Japan’s parliament on Monday approved a record extra budget of nearly 36 trillion yen ($317 billion) for the fiscal year through March to help out pandemic-hit households and businesses. It allocates 617 billion yen ($5.4 billion) for promoting semiconductor manufacturing inside Japan as the country moves to improve its economic security and counter shortages of the computer chips that are vital for a wide range of products. The health ministry reported 14 omicron cases among arrivals at Japanese airports, bringing the known omicron cases to more than 80. It was not known if they included omicron cases.

Japan, which lacks home-developed vaccines, has so far approved booster shots from Pfizer and Moderna. Kishida said the government will start giving booster shots to elderly people seven months after their second shot starting February. Japan on Dec. 1 started giving booster shots to medical workers using the Pfizer vaccine, with the elderly expected to be next in line. The Health Ministry also said Thursday that one of its quarantine officials tested positive for the omicron variant. The new findings bring Japan’s confirmed omicron cases to 34.

The Health Ministry on Thursday granted fast-track approval for the Moderna vaccine to be used in booster shots. Kishida’s talks with the Pfizer CEO come amid growing concerns over a possible rise in community transmission of the omicron variant in Japan. Tokyo on Thursday confirmed its first case of the omicron variant in a traveler from the United States who was isolating at home. Separately, the Health Ministry announced Thursday that one of its quarantine officials tested positive for the omicron variant. Japan has stepped up its border controls since the omicron variant was first reported in South Africa, and now bans entry to most foreign nationals.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says his government is accelerating COVID-19 booster shots and securing oral medicines after speaking with Pfizer Inc. CEO Albert Burla.

China has accused the United States of violating the Olympic spirit after the Biden administration announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Games over human rights concerns.

Dozens of Japanese tanks are participating in a major exercise on the northern island of Hokkaido in a display of military power that coincides with a recent escalation of Chinese and Russian military moves around Japanese territory.

The transport ministry has retracted the request after receiving criticism that the travel ban was too strict.

The transport ministry has retracted the request after receiving criticism that the travel ban was too strict.

Japan says it has retracted a ban on new incoming international flight bookings to defend against the new variant of the coronavirus only a day after the policy was announced.

Japan says it has retracted a ban on new incoming international flight bookings to defend against the new variant of the coronavirus only a day after the policy was announced, following criticisms that it was an overreaction. The transport ministry on Wednesday issued a request to international airlines to stop taking new reservations for flights coming into Japan until the end of December as an emergency precaution to defend against the new omicron variant. The ministry said Thursday it has retracted the request after receiving criticisms that the ban was too strict and tantamount to abandoning its own people.

Tourism businesses that were just finding their footing after nearly two years of devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic are being rattled again as countries throw up new barriers to travel in an effort to contain the omicron variant.

Coronavirus: Japan bars new foreign visitors amid omicron variant concerns Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida answers questions from reporters regarding the response to the Omicron COVID-19 variant at his office in Tokyo on November 29, 2021. (STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)TOKYO — Another country is barring new international visitors amid concerns about a new coronavirus variant, omicron. >> Read more trending newsAccording to The Associated Press, Japan said Monday that it is suspending entry of foreign visitors beginning Tuesday. On Sunday, Oxford University’s Our World in Data project reported that so far, 54.1% of people worldwide have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. More coronavirus pandemic coverage:>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?

Asian shares are mixed as investors continue to cautiously weigh how much damage the new omicron coronavirus variant may unleash on the global economy.

The World Health Organization says the global risk from the omicron variant of the coronavirus is “very high” based on early evidence.

Japan announced Monday it will suspend entry of all foreign visitors from around the world as a new coronavirus variant spreads, prompting an increasing number of countries to tighten their borders. “We are taking the step as an emergency precaution to prevent a worst-case scenario in Japan,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. The decision means Japan will restore border controls that it eased earlier this month for short-term business visitors, foreign students and workers.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at his first troop review, has renewed his pledge to consider “all options,” including acquiring enemy base strike capability, and vowed to create a stronger Self-Defense Force to protect the country amid growing threats from China and North Korea.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at his first troop review Saturday, renewed his pledge to consider “all options,” including acquiring enemy base strike capability, and vowed to create a stronger Self-Defense Force to protect the country amid growing threats from China and North Korea. Kishida said the security situation around Japan is rapidly changing and that “the reality is severer than ever,” with North Korea continuing to test-fire ballistic missiles while advancing its capability, and China pursuing a military buildup and increasingly assertive activity in the region.

The leaders of Japan and Vietnam expressed serious concern on Wednesday about the situation in the South China Sea and any unilateral actions aimed at altering the status quo, and agreed to work together to sustain free and open sea lanes as tensions escalate in the region amid China's rise. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is the first foreign leader to visit Japan for talks with new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who took office in October. Kishida told Chinh in his opening remarks that “Vietnam is an important partner who holds a key to achieving ‘a free and open Indo-Pacific,’" a vision aimed at countering China's increasingly assertive territorial claims in the disputed region.

TOKYO — (AP) — Japan's Cabinet approved on Friday a record 56 trillion yen ($490 billion) stimulus package, including cash handouts and aid to ailing businesses, to help the economy out of the doldrums worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. Kishida has promised speedy action, and parliament will convene next month, he said. The scale of the latest package also will push Japan's debt higher since it will be financed by issuing bonds. Japan’s economy contracted at an annual rate of 3% in the July-September period, largely because of weak consumer spending. Japan has also promised to earmark spending for vaccine research after facing criticism over being dependent on imports for coronavirus vaccines.

Asian stock markets were mostly higher Friday after Wall Street hit a record and Japanese inflation eased. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) (Ahn Young-joon)BEIJING — (AP) — Global stocks were mostly higher Friday after Wall Street hit a record and Japan’s Cabinet approved a record stimulus package worth nearly a half-billion dollars. Japan’s October consumer inflation eased to 0.1% over a year earlier from the previous month’s 0.2%, the government reported. On Thursday, the S&P gained 0.3% while the Dow lost 0.2%. On Wall Street, two-thirds of companies in the S&P 500 fell Thursday.

Asian stock markets are higher after Wall Street hit a record and Japanese inflation eased.

Stocks closed mostly lower on Wall Street Friday, though gains for several tech companies pushed the Nasdaq composite to another record high and its first close over 16,000 points.

TOKYO — (AP) — Japan's prime minister outlined Friday a record 56 trillion yen, or $490 billion stimulus package, including cash handouts and aid to ailing businesses, to help the economy out of the doldrums worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. The government has been studying restarting the “GoTo Travel” campaign of discounts at restaurants and stores, designed to encourage domestic travel. The scale of the latest package will require Japan to sink deeper into debt by issuing bonds. Japan’s economy contracted at an annual rate of 3% in the July-September period, largely because of weak consumer spending. Japan has also promised to earmark spending for vaccine research after facing criticism over being dependent on imports for coronavirus vaccines.

Japan's Cabinet has approved a record 56 trillion yen, or $490 billion stimulus package, including cash handouts and aid to ailing businesses, to help the economy out of the doldrums worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Asian shares mostly declined Thursday after stock indexes shuffled lower on Wall Street. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO — (AP) — Global shares were mixed Thursday after stock indexes shuffled lower on Wall Street. The future for the Dow industrials was trading 0.2% higher, while the future for the S&P 500 added 0.3%. U.S. stocks have been powering mostly higher over the last month as companies reported much stronger profits for the summer than analysts expected. The U.S. dollar rose to 114.20 Japanese yen from 114.14 yen.

Asian shares mostly declined Thursday after stock indexes shuffled lower on Wall Street. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO — (AP) — Asian shares mostly declined Thursday after stock indexes shuffled lower on Wall Street. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 fell 0.3% to 4,688.67 and is sitting just 13.03 points below its all-time high set a week and a half ago. In currency trading, the recent stall in the dollar's rally has put some Asian markets in a wait-and-see mood. The U.S. dollar rose to 114.22 Japanese yen from 114.14 yen.

Asian stock markets are higher as President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping hold a summit meeting by video link.

Japan’s economy shrank at a 3% annual rate in the July-September quarter, as private consumption and auto production took a hit from the ongoing efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

One person has died as a result of a two-car accident in Southwest Philadelphia.

Virus Outbreak Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks at a meeting for the COVID-19 measures at the prime minister's office in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. (Kyodo News via AP) (Uncredited)TOKYO — (AP) — The Japanese government's preparations for the next virus surge include adding thousands more hospital beds to avoid a situation like last summer when COVID-19 patients were forced to stay home, even while dependent on oxygen deliveries. Even though Japan has a reasonable health insurance system and the world’s largest number of beds per capita, COVID-19 patients were admitted to only about one-fifth of the beds, mostly at public, university and major private hospitals. Small private hospitals have been reluctant to accept COVID-19 patients, citing insufficient expertise to handle infectious diseases, lack of staff or the cost. Some prefectures have set up systems where those hospitals would accept patients who are no longer infectious and rehabilitating from serious illness.

Japan’s preparations for the next coronavirus surge include adding thousands more hospital beds to avoid a situation like last summer when many COVID-19 patients were forced to stay home, even when they needed supplemental oxygen.

(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO — (AP) — Global shares were mixed Thursday after a worrisome report on U.S. inflation that slammed into the bond market and knocked stocks lower on Wall Street. France's CAC 40 edged up 0.1% to 7,050.48 in early trading, while Germany's DAX lost 0.2% to 16,033.55. Pushed by the inflation report, investors are now pricing in a 66.5% chance that the Fed will raise rates by the end of June. It has already begun to pare back on bond purchases it makes every month to keep longer-term rates low. Other central banks have mostly kept rates low, though some including New Zealand and Indonesia are already acting to tighten policy.

Japan US Adm. John Aquilino, left, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, talks with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. (Issei Kato/Pool Photo via AP) (Issei Kato)TOKYO — (AP) — The head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on Thursday met with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and reaffirmed America's commitment to achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific despite rising tensions amid China's increasingly assertive military actions. Aquilino told Kishida he is committed to working with Japan “to deliver a free and open Indo-Pacific and peace and stability and prosperity for the region.”He said the U.S.-Japan alliance is strong thanks to Japan and other allies and partners in the region. Kishida told Aquilino he wants to further promote cooperation with the United States in the region "for the stability of the region and the international community." Earlier Thursday, Aquilino met with Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and the two discussed recent developments related to North Korea's missile and nuclear development.

The head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has met with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and reaffirmed America’s commitment to achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific despite rising tensions amid China’s increasingly assertive military actions.

(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO — (AP) — Asian shares were mixed Thursday after a worrisome report on U.S. inflation that slammed into the bond market and knocked stocks lower on Wall Street. That sent Treasury yields to their biggest gains in months. Longer-term Treasury yields also rose, with the 10-year yield up to 1.55% early Thursday from 1.43% late Wednesday. It has already begun to pare back on bond purchases it makes every month to keep longer-term rates low. Other central banks have mostly kept rates low, though some including New Zealand and Indonesia are already acting to tighten policy.

Shares are mostly higher in Asia after Wall Street benchmarks managed to close mostly higher.

(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO — (AP) — Asian shares were mixed Thursday, after a worrisome report on U.S. inflation that slammed into the bond market and knocked stocks lower on Wall Street. That sent Treasury yields to their biggest gains in months. Longer-term Treasury yields also rose, with the 10-year yield up to 1.55% early Thursday from 1.43% late Wednesday. It has already begun to pare back on bond purchases it makes every month to keep longer-term rates low. Other central banks have mostly kept rates low, though some including New Zealand and Indonesia are already acting to tighten policy.

Japan Politics Fumio Kishida, center, bows after being reelected as Japan's prime minister at the parliament's lower house Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO — (AP) — Fumio Kishida was reelected as Japan’s prime minister on Wednesday after his governing party scored a major victory in key parliamentary elections. Kishida promises to create a reinforcing cycle of growth and improved economic distribution to raise incomes under his “new capitalism” economic policy. At a government meeting Tuesday, Kishida renewed his pledge to create a positive cycle of growth-distribution by bolstering investment and income. As a former foreign minister, Kishida will continue to prioritize the Japan-U.S. security alliance and promote a vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” with other democracies, including Quad dialogue members the U.S., Australia and India.

Asian shares are trading mixed after a worrisome report on U.S. inflation that slammed into the bond market and knocked stocks lower on Wall Street.

Fumio Kishida has been reelected as Japan’s prime minister after his governing party scored a major victory in key parliamentary elections.

Japan Politics FILE - Japan's Prime Minister and ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference at the party headquarters in Tokyo on Nov. 1, 2021. Kishida is set to be reelected as Japan’s prime minister Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021 after clearing the first major test of his leadership in recent elections. (Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool Photo via AP, File) (Rodrigo Reyes Marin)TOKYO — (AP) — Fumio Kishida is set to be reelected as Japan’s prime minister Wednesday after clearing the first major test of his leadership in recent elections. In the first session of parliament since the election, Kishida is to be reelected and then will form his second Cabinet in a month by reappointing most of his ministers. As a former foreign minister, Kishida will continue to prioritize the Japan-U.S. security alliance and promote a vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” with other democracies, including Quad dialogue members the U.S., Australia and India.

Fumio Kishida is set to be reelected as Japan's prime minister after clearing the first major test of his leadership in recent elections.

The head of Japan's largest labor federation says stable work must be the top priority after the pandemic, which has hit women and other vulnerable groups the hardest.

Asian shares are mixed amid cautious trading ahead of a Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the target Monday at the U.N. climate summit in Glasgow. “We present today a new, more ambitious climate goal,” Environment Minister Joaquim Leite said at the U.N. Glasgow climate conference. “As we open this much anticipated climate conference, we are still heading for climate disaster,” he said. But he added that Putin will record a video address to be delivered to a forest and land use conference which is part of the U.N. climate conference. Peskov told reporters Monday that Russia fully shares global climate efforts and will stick to its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Stocks have advanced in Asia, with Tokyo's benchmark up 2.2% after the ruling Liberal Democrats won a stronger than expected majority in an election Sunday. The Nasdaq was barely higher as technology stocks lagged the rest of the market. Stocks advanced in Europe and most of Asia on Monday, with Tokyo’s benchmark up 2.6% after the ruling Liberal Democrats won a stronger than expected majority in an election Sunday. The gains followed further milestones on Wall Street, where the three major indexes set records. On Friday, the S&P 500 rose 0.2%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3% and the Nasdaq closed 0.3% higher.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is heading to the U.N. climate summit saying his country will push strongly for emissions reductions.

Stocks have advanced in Asia, with Tokyo's benchmark up 2.2% after the ruling Liberal Democrats won a stronger than expected majority in an election Sunday. The gains followed further milestones on Wall Street, where the three major indexes set records. On Friday, the S&P 500 rose 0.2%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3% and the Nasdaq closed 0.3% higher. Shares have since rebounded amid signs Kishida's administration will likely continue the market-supporting policies of his predecessors Shinzo Abe and Yoshihide Suga. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index surged 754 points to 29,647.08, while the Kospi in Seoul gained 0.3% to 2,978.94.

Stocks have advanced in Asia, with Tokyo's benchmark up 2.5% after the ruling Liberal Democrats won a stronger than expected majority in an election Sunday.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says Japan should revitalize its economy through “new capitalism" and many in this country are puzzled over exactly what he has in mind.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s coalition kept a comfortable majority in a parliamentary election despite losing some seats.

Japan’s new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces a crucial test in Sunday's national parliamentary elections, which will determine if his government will have enough support to stay in power long enough to repair the pandemic-hit economy, and tackle climate change and China’s rise.

A Group of 20 summit scheduled for this weekend in Rome is the first in-person gathering of leaders of the world’s biggest economies since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Japan has adopted a new energy policy that promotes nuclear and renewables as sources of clean energy to achieve the country’s pledge of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

Asian shares are mixed after a late-in-the-day wave of buying pushed the S&P 500 to a fresh record high.

South Korea's military says North Korea has fired at least one ballistic missile into the sea that was likely designed to be launched from a submarine.

Almost overnight, Japan has become a stunning, and somewhat mysterious, coronavirus success story.

Japan's new prime minister has visited the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant and said a planned mass disposal of wastewater stored at the complex cannot be delayed, despite concerns from local residents.

Asian shares are higher after technology companies powered the biggest rally on Wall Street since March.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has dissolved the lower house of parliament for Japan’s first elections of the pandemic.