Japan issues third COVID emergency ahead of Olympics

State of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo declared from April 25, just three months before the Olympics.

Japan has declared a third state of emergency for Tokyo and three western prefectures as the country struggles to contain a resurgent coronavirus pandemic just three months before the Olympics. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced the emergency on Friday for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo from April 25 through May 11. The step is largely intended to be “short and intensive” to stop people from travelling and spreading the virus during Japan’s Golden Week holidays from late April through the first week of May, Suga said.