Live updates: the Covid-19 coronavirus situation in Tokyo and Japan right now
Keep calm and read this: the latest news and updates on the Covid-19 coronavirus situation in Tokyo and Japan
How has Covid-19 affected Tokyo and Japan? To be honest, it hasn’t been the happiest or most relaxing time. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a total of 777,643 positive cases have been confirmed in Japan as of June 16.
Nevertheless, we’re doing our best to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus by spending time inside. Whether you’re just passing through Japan, or living here for the long haul, remember to wash your hands, don’t touch your face and practice social distancing if you must go outside.
If you’re not feeling well, or if there’s an emergency, the Japan National Tourism Organization has set up a 24-hour coronavirus hotline for tourists, available in English, Chinese and Korean. Call 050 3816 2787 within Japan, or +81 50 3816 2787 from overseas.
Also see: What's it like to go out in Tokyo right now during the coronavirus pandemic
Live updates
[June 15] Japan will start vaccinating people under 65 at Tokyo and Osaka centres from June 17
The two large-scale inoculation centres run by the Self-Defense Forces will open to younger people across Japan
[June 15] Japan considers placing Tokyo under quasi-emergency during the Olympics
Even after the current state of emergency ends, the city may face Covid-19 restrictions for the Tokyo 2020 Games
[June 9] Japan sets a target of vaccinating all residents by November 2021
Prime Minister Suga says the government aims to get all willing residents vaccinated in the next six months
[June 8] Japan is reportedly looking to implement vaccine passports this summer
Official certificates used for international travel may specify the brand of vaccine and date of inoculation
[June 2] The Olympic event site at Yoyogi Park will become a Covid-19 vaccination centre
The event spot was initially scheduled to host free live screenings as well as events related to the Tokyo Olympics
[May 31] Japan to open Covid-19 vaccination to people under 65 as early as mid-June
Individual municipalities will be given more leeway in determining how to prioritise rollout
[May 28] Confirmed: Japan extends Covid-19 emergency in Tokyo until June 20
The state of emergency extension also applies Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Fukuoka, Aichi, Hokkaido, Okayama, and Hiroshima
[May 28] Explained: Japan’s three different quarantine rules upon re-entry
Depending on which country you arrive from, different levels of quarantine apply. Here are the key details
[May 27] Japan to extend Covid-19 emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and seven other prefectures
The state of emergency will now expire on June 20 – more details to come tomorrow, Friday May 28
[May 24] Japan hints at possibly extending current Covid-19 state of emergency
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido and five other prefectures could have their state of emergency extended until June 20
[May 20] Japan adds Thailand and six more countries to its entry ban list
Foreign nationals will be denied re-entry if they've been to any of the stipulated countries in the Indian sub-continent
[May 19] Japan restricts re-entry for arrivals from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Stricter border measures are taken to prevent the spread of the new Indian coronavirus variant into Japan
[May 13] Here’s how Tokyo’s new large-scale Covid-19 vaccination centre will roll out inoculation
Opening in Otemachi later this month, the large-scale centre will be run by the Japan Self-Defense Forces
[May 12] Japan to temporarily ban foreign residents travelling from India, Nepal and Pakistan
The temporary measure could take effect as early as May 14 to curb the spread of Covid-19
[May 7] Japan’s Covid-19 state of emergency extended to May 31 – with some rule changes
Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto will be joined by Fukuoka and Aichi prefectures under the extended emergency
[May 6] Tokyo has requested an extension of the Covid-19 state of emergency until May 31
A decision from Prime Minister Suga is expected tomorrow, Friday May 7
[May 5] Japan may extend Covid-19 state of emergency beyond May 11
It’s been reported that the government is uncertain about the effectiveness of the current 17-day long restrictions
[April 29] Japan may reopen international travel with ‘vaccine passports'
The government is planning to introduce Covid-19 vaccine certification system so that international travel could resume
[April 29] Tokyo parks issue Covid-19 safety advice for visiting during the state of emergency
Popular parks like Yoyogi Park, Kinuta Park and Saigoyama Park have implemented rules to curb the spread of Covid-19
[April 27] Japan to open large-scale Covid-19 vaccination centres in Tokyo and Osaka
Medically certified Self-Defense Forces personnel will be deployed at each centre to administer up to 10,000 vaccines a day
[April 23] Tokyo enters a new state of emergency from April 25 – here are the restrictions
The central government has just approved a third Covid-19 state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo
[April 22] Japan may call new Covid-19 state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo on Friday
All four prefectures have formally requested stricter measures as they are overwhelmed by a fourth wave of infections
[April 19] Tokyo considers calling a third state of emergency as Covid-19 cases rise
Governor Yuriko Koike has told officials to consider a possible state of emergency if current measures don’t work
[April 12] Here are Tokyo's Covid-19 quasi-state of emergency restrictions
Until Tuesday May 11, event attendance is capped and restaurants and bars must close early
[April 9] Covid-19 quasi-emergency measures in Tokyo will begin Monday April 12
The measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus will also take effect in Kyoto and Okinawa prefectures
[April 8] Tokyo Governor Koike requests stronger Covid-19 measures; could be in place by Friday
On April 8, the capital reported 545 new cases of coronavirus
[April 7] Tokyo governor Koike plans to request stronger measures as Covid-19 cases rise
On April 7, the capital reported 555 new cases of coronavirus
[April 2] Japan now has a free multilingual call centre for Covid-19 vaccine inquiries
The hotline is open every day and covers eight languages including English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and more
[March 29] Japan’s Covid-19 vaccination information is now in 17 languages including English
The health ministry has published draft vaccination documents for foreign residents, in Korean, Spanish, Thai and more
[March 29] Japan to introduce digital health certificate for Covid-19 status and vaccination
CommonPass, an app to verify negative Covid-19 test results as well as vaccination, is currently being tested in Japan
[March 25] Go To Travel campaign won’t resume before Golden Week
Officials say that the domestic travel subsidy won’t be available for Japan’s longest national holiday
[March 22] The state of emergency in Tokyo has been lifted – so what happens now?
The end of the Covid-19 emergency: what it means for Tokyo, which restrictions are lifted and which ones remain
[March 18] Confirmed: Greater Tokyo's state of emergency ends after Sunday March 21
The state of emergency will be lifted as planned on March 22 for Tokyo, but some restrictions remain in place
[March 17] PM Suga says state of emergency in Greater Tokyo will be lifted on Monday March 22
The Prime Minister intends to end the Covid-19 state of emergency for four prefectures, including Tokyo, as scheduled
[March 11] Foreign airlines flying into Japan are restricted to 100 passengers per flight
The cap is higher for international flights run by Japanese airlines, at 3,400 passengers per week
[March 9] Japan considers a limit of 2,000 arrivals per day ahead of the Tokyo Olympics
The potential cap on people entering the country could be implemented after Tokyo’s state of emergency is lifted
[March 3] Tokyo to request an extension of the Covid-19 state of emergency
Governors of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama will seek a two-week extension as the decline in cases slows
[March 1] Go to Travel campaign to remain suspended even after the lift of emergency
Japan’s domestic tourism campaign will still be on hold until more Covid-19 prevention measures can be put in place
[February 24] Japan considers lifting the state of emergency for six prefectures by end-February
Good news for the prefectures of Aichi, Gifu, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka
[February 18] Japan considers maintaining the current state of emergency
This is to help with the implementation of the country’s Covid-19 vaccination programme
[February 10] You can now get Covid-19 test kits from vending machines in Tokyo
The machines in Shibuya, Ueno, Shinagawa and Chiyoda offer Takenoko ENT Clinic’s at-home saliva PCR test kits
[February 5] Japan updates its quarantine rules and extends entry restrictions
Travel restrictions will remain in place until March 7 following Japan’s state of emergency extension
[February 3] Confirmed: Japan extends state of emergency for another month
The decision affects 10 prefectures including Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, and remains in effect until March 7
[February 2] Japan to introduce fines penalising those breaking Covid-19 safety measures
The new legislation has so far been approved by the Lower House
[February 2] Foreign residents are eligible for Japan’s Covid-19 vaccination programme, confirms minister
The Minister of Administrative Affairs, Taro Kono tweeted that ‘expats and foreign residents’ will receive the vaccine
[January 27] Japan considers extending its second state of emergency
The current state of Covid-19 emergency covering 11 prefectures could continue on after February 7
[January 26] Japan to begin random Covid-19 tests to understand the virus spread in cities
From March, free PCR tests could be conducted even on individuals showing no coronavirus symptoms
[January 21] Travelling under Covid-19: Getting from Narita and Haneda airports into Tokyo
Overseas arrivals are banned from taking public transport – but there are private cars, train packages and special buses
[January 20] Here’s the tentative timeline of Japan’s Covid-19 vaccination programme
When we can expect the coronavirus vaccines to be approved and how they’ll be distributed
[January 14] Japan will name and shame people who break 14-day quarantine
Foreign residents who violate Covid-19 quarantine rules will also lose their resident status
[January 13] Japan bans all foreign travellers until February 7
Business travellers are now also banned from entry, but Japanese citizens and foreign residents are exempt
[January 13] Japan's state of emergency now covers 11 prefectures
The emergency declaration now applies to Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Gifu, Tochigi and Fukuoka as well
[January 8] What will change in Tokyo during its second state of emergency
Schools will stay open, but gyms, cinemas and even Tokyo Disneyland will close earlier
[January 7] A second state of emergency has been declared for Tokyo – here’s what that means
It's not a hard lockdown, but it will run until February 7, with bars, restaurants and more to close by 8pm
[January 5] Tokyo urges bars and restaurants to close and people to stay home from 8pm
New Covid-19 measures in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba will come into effect on Friday January 8
[January 4] Japan may declare a Covid-19 state of emergency in Tokyo this week
A 'limited' state of emergency for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures is under consideration
[December 21] Late-night trains on New Year’s Eve in Tokyo are cancelled due to Covid-19
JR East, Tokyo Metro and other major train companies are asked to cancel all-night services on December 31 2020
[December 21] The Kansai region has declared a state of emergency for the New Year holidays
The decision, which affects Osaka and Kyoto, is due to a surge in Covid-19 cases and a shortage of hospital beds
[December 21] Japan plans to start Covid-19 vaccination programme in late February 2021
Medical frontliners could be the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine
[December 17] How to take the new Airport Limousine Bus from Narita and Haneda airports into Tokyo
This is a special bus service for international travellers arriving in Japan under Covid-19 restrictions
[December 17] Tokyo's medical alert goes red as new Covid-19 cases hit a daily high of 822
This is the first time the city has raised its medical preparedness alert to the highest of its four levels
[December 14] Go to Travel campaign suspended nationwide over the New Year holidays
This comes as the coronavirus expert panel urges the government to take solid measures to curb the spread of Covid-19
[December 14] Overseas arrivals at Narita airport could be allowed to use the train to get into Tokyo
Starting this month, some cars on selected airport trains may be designated for travellers arriving from abroad
[December 10] Japan will launch a health monitoring centre for overseas tourists in March
Visitors will be required to register and provide updates on their health during their first two weeks in Japan
[December 7] Japan considers opening up again to international tourists in spring 2021
The government could allow overseas visitors within the first few months of 2021
[December 2] This new Covid-19 testing centre in Shinbashi offers PCR tests for just ¥2,900
From December 4, you can get saliva tests and certificates at the new Covid-19 Coronavirus PCR Test Centre Shinbashi
[December 2] Approved: Japan will provide free Covid-19 vaccination for the whole country
However, it is unclear if foreign residents are eligible
[November 26] Japan could declare another state of emergency – if the Covid-19 surge continues
The next three weeks are crucial to see if Japan can get the coronavirus under control
[November 25] Tokyo urges restaurants and bars to shut early, people to stay home amid a Covid-19 surge
Restaurants, bars and karaoke parlors will be asked to close at 10pm from November 28 to December 17
[November 25] So you’ve booked a Go to Travel deal to Osaka or Sapporo. What happens now?
Here’s what you can do since Osaka and Sapporo have been taken off the Go to Travel campaign
[November 24] Japan to suspend Go to Travel campaign in cities where coronavirus cases are surging
Sapporo and Osaka will be the first to be taken off the travel subsidy programme
[November 19] No business closures, but Tokyoites are asked to practise Five Ss to curb Covid-19 spread
The metropolitan government’s new guidelines are all about keeping gatherings small, short and separated
[November 19] Tokyo raises its virus alert to the highest level due to a spike in Covid-19 cases
The capital is now officially on stage four alert. New rules for businesses or individuals may be coming
[November 19] Google now offers Covid-19 forecasts for Japan
The 28-day projections in English and Japanese include coronavirus case numbers and deaths by prefecture
[November 19] Tokyo registered a new daily record of 493 new coronavirus cases today. What happens now?
There’s growing concern that Japan could be heading for a third wave of Covid-19
[November 17] With coronavirus cases rising in Hokkaido, is the prefecture going into a lockdown?
The short answer is no – but there will be requests for self-restraint directed at businesses in the city and residents
[October 28] Japan will provide free Covid-19 vaccines to all residents
The government has approved a bill to offer all residents a free coronavirus vaccine once it’s available
[October 23] Narita airport is offering two-hour coronavirus PCR tests starting November
The new testing centre will enable departing travellers to get tested and obtain a certificate for negative test result
[October 22] Japan might exempt short-term business travellers from quarantine
This could apply to short-term business travellers who’ll be in Japan for 72 hours or less
[October 8] Japan plans to lift 14-day quarantine rule for all business travellers and residents
To skip quarantine, you’ll have to submit a detailed plan of your movements for your first two weeks back in Japan
[October 5] Japan could reopen to tourists from spring 2021
Here’s how Japan is planning to reopen its borders ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games
[October 5] Japan plans to resume short- and long-term travel with South Korea
Business travel between South Korea and Japan could be possible by the end of the month
[September 29] Japan might allow outbound international travel starting from October
The government is looking to lower its travel advisory level in stages starting next month
[September 25] Soon you will be able to book your Covid-19 PCR test before travelling
This website, expected to launch in October, allows business travellers and athletes to book their coronavirus PCR tests
[September 23] Japan plans to further ease entry restrictions – now for those staying mid-to-long term
This applies to medical staff, athletes and other foreign residents staying in Japan for at least three months – but not tourists
