On January 7, 2021, the Japanese government announced a state of emergency for the prefectures of Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa that will run from January 8 to February 7. Due to the high risk of COVID-19 infection, bars and restaurants have been asked to shorten operating hours, while residents have been requested to work from home where possible and refrain from going outside unnecessarily after 8:00 pm. As of January 13, reports indicate that seven other prefectures, including Osaka and Aichi, are set to join the state of emergency. This is the second time the government has announced a state of emergency ... (full story)