Briefly

JAPAN

Cases hit new high, but more suspected

Japan has reported a new record for daily coronavirus cases at more than 25,000, which is likely an undercount in a nation where coronavirus testing hasn't been widespread, The Associated Press reported on Thursday. The Health Ministry on Thursday gave the total as 25,141, of which 1,223 cases were still being confirmed. Japanese media gave different tallies, but all surpassing 25,000. Much of Japan, including Tokyo, is under a "state of emergency" that asks restaurants to close at night and people to stay home. Worries are growing about overcrowded hospitals. Japan has had more than 15,500 COVID-19-related deaths in the pandemic.

SOUTH KOREA

Court orders seizure of Mitsubishi assets

A South Korean court has ordered the seizure of Mitsubishi's assets in the country over the Japanese industrial giant's use of forced labor during World War II, reports said on Thursday. Japan and South Korea are both allies of the United States in Northeast Asia, but their relationship has been strained for decades as a result of Tokyo's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula. Around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labor by Japan during the 35-year occupation, according to data from Seoul, not including women forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops.

HAITI

Earthquake death toll surpasses 2,000

The death toll from a massive earthquake in Haiti soared past 2,000 on Wednesday as relief workers warned of challenges to aid efforts five days after thousands of people were left homeless. The number of people killed in Saturday's devastating quake has risen by almost 250 to 2,189, the country's civil protection agency said.

Agencies - Xinhua