Learn Japanese from the News

Season 2, Episode 3: Japan to Downgrade COVID Classification on May 8

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Join us as we listen to a news story about how Japan's government has decided to downgrade the legal status of COVID-19, which is currently classified as equivalent to Category 2, the second-most severe tier. On May 8, it will be lowered to Category 5, the same grouping as seasonal influenza. We talk about what will change with the reclassification, ask international residents for their thoughts, and consult experts for advice.

All Episodes - Season 2

Safety Tips for Driving in Snowy Conditions
Episode 1
Safety Tips for Driving in Snowy Conditions
 Japan Post to Start Delivering Letters and Packages by Drone as Early as Fiscal Year 2023
Episode 2
Japan Post to Start Delivering Letters and Packages by Drone as Early as Fiscal Year 2023
 Japan to Downgrade COVID Classification on May 8
Episode 3
Japan to Downgrade COVID Classification on May 8
 Pollen Levels in Tokyo This Spring Projected to be Fourth Highest on Record
Episode 4
Pollen Levels in Tokyo This Spring Projected to be Fourth Highest on Record
 Justice Ministry Proposes Changing Law to Discourage "Kirakira Names"
Episode 5
Justice Ministry Proposes Changing Law to Discourage "Kirakira Names"
 Cyclists Required to Make Effort to Wear Helmet Starting April
Episode 6
Cyclists Required to Make Effort to Wear Helmet Starting April
 New Service Makes It Easy for International Residents to Open Bank Accounts on Smartphone
Episode 7
New Service Makes It Easy for International Residents to Open Bank Accounts on Smartphone
 New Evacuation Plan Aims to Leave No Person Behind in the Event Mt. Fuji Erupts
Episode 8
New Evacuation Plan Aims to Leave No Person Behind in the Event Mt. Fuji Erupts
 Train Fares to Go Up by 10 Yen to Improve Station Accessibility
Episode 9
Train Fares to Go Up by 10 Yen to Improve Station Accessibility
 New System to Allow Dynamic Pricing for Taxis
Episode 10
New System to Allow Dynamic Pricing for Taxis
 New Multilingual Guide to Having a Baby in Japan
Episode 11
New Multilingual Guide to Having a Baby in Japan
 Japan's Weather Agency to Forecast Linear Rainbands
Episode 12
Japan's Weather Agency to Forecast Linear Rainbands
 Farmer Uses Ducklings to Grow Rice Without Chemicals
Episode 13
Farmer Uses Ducklings to Grow Rice Without Chemicals
 Japan Bans Trade of Invasive Crayfish and Turtles
Episode 14
Japan Bans Trade of Invasive Crayfish and Turtles
 Japan to Expand Eligibility for Skilled Worker Status
Episode 15
Japan to Expand Eligibility for Skilled Worker Status
 Japan to Issue Redesigned Banknotes in July 2024
Episode 16
Japan to Issue Redesigned Banknotes in July 2024
 Swordsmith Forges Sacred Blade for Shrine Deity
Episode 17
Swordsmith Forges Sacred Blade for Shrine Deity
 Police Warns Public About "Dark" Part-Time Jobs
Episode 18
Police Warns Public About "Dark" Part-Time Jobs
 Cooking Site Compiles Recipes for Disaster Preparedness
Episode 19
Cooking Site Compiles Recipes for Disaster Preparedness
 Railway in Gifu Launches New Food Model-Themed Train
Episode 20
Railway in Gifu Launches New Food Model-Themed Train
 Miyajima Island Introduces 100 Yen Visitor Tax
Episode 21
Miyajima Island Introduces 100 Yen Visitor Tax
 More Security Firms Utilizing Drones and Robots
Episode 22
More Security Firms Utilizing Drones and Robots
 Smartphone-Based Digital Business Cards on the Rise
Episode 23
Smartphone-Based Digital Business Cards on the Rise
 New Anime Center Opens in Tokyo
Episode 24
New Anime Center Opens in Tokyo
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