Japan is currently experiencing a sharp spike in coronavirus infections, leading the government to declare a second state of emergency. Hospital beds are filling up and in one case, a patient was rejected by 24 emergency care facilities. At the same time, new strains from around the world present the threat of a further surge. We take a look at how experts are using the latest data and technology to avoid a worst-case scenario.

Japan is in the midst of a third wave of coronavirus infections, the worst yet. The collapse of the medical system could soon become reality. With beds in short supply, ambulances transporting patients are increasingly being turned away from hospitals. Many people have no choice but to recuperate at home, anxiously monitoring for a sudden deterioration in their conditions. We ask medical experts how Japan can bring the situation under control.

Japan's izakaya dining bars have always been places for people to enjoy a cozy drink and a bite to eat with friends. It's a dining culture that attracts overseas tourists too. But the coronavirus pandemic has the industry up against a wall. Some izakaya have transitioned into barbecue restaurants with robot servers, while others now specialize in take-out and delivery. A major worry is how to safeguard jobs in an industry where most of the workers are part-timers. NHK's cameras followed one major izakaya chain to document its efforts to survive.