Japan is facing an escalation of flu outbreak, as cases in 39 of the country's 47 prefectures have already exceeded the warning level, according to data released by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on Friday.
The data showed that a total of 196,900 flu cases were reported by thousands of designated medical institutions across Japan during the week from November 17 to 23, averaging 51.12 cases per facility, and far exceeding the warning level of 30.
Meanwhile, the number of new cases had increased for 14 consecutive weeks.
Japanese media reports indicate that the current transmission rate is nearing historical peaks observed at the end of last year.
Particularly severe outbreaks are being observed in Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate prefectures, where each designated medical institution reports more than 80 flu cases every week.
As a result of the flu outbreak, a total of 8,817 childcare centers, kindergartens, as well as primary and secondary schools across Japan had either fully closed or suspended classes for certain grades or classes as of last Sunday.
This year's flu season, officially declared on October 3 by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, began approximately one month earlier than last year and marks the second earliest time since the current statistical method was introduced in 1999.
Flu outbreak escalates in Japan as cases surpass warning level
Flu outbreak escalates in Japan as cases surpass warning level
A Chinese defense spokesman urged vigilance against Japan's recent military and security policy shifts.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks on Thursday at a regular press briefing.
According to media reports, the Japanese government has officially revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its implementation guidelines, which in principle green-lighted Japan's export of lethal weapons. In addition, it has resumed military ranks used by the Imperial Japanese Army such as Taisa, and passed a bill to set up a National Intelligence Bureau.
"Japan has recently taken dangerous, adventuristic and provocative actions in the military and security fields. Such moves have already turned against its self-proclaimed identity as a peace-loving country and its 'exclusively defense-oriented' principle," said the spokesman.
"Moreover, Japan is trying to resume the military rank system used by the Imperial Japanese Army, and the intelligence apparatus it plans to form is reminiscent of the notorious Tokko. These actions seriously hurt the national feelings of the people in Asian countries," he said.
"Japan is making reckless and unchecked strides on the path of remilitarization. Will it once again bring disasters to East Asia?" Zhang asked.
"All peace-loving people should stay on high alert, resolutely stop Japan's retrogressive moves, and never allow it to undermine peace and bring calamities to the world," added the spokesman.
Defense spokesman urges vigilance against Japan's recent military, security policy shifts
