COVID-19 risks
Oct. 19, 2022, midnight
In light of the general improvement in the global infection situation and the fact that the G7 countries have already canceled the designation of levels by country and region, all the new coronavirus infectious disease risk information was issued on October 19. The world is uniformly set to level 1 (please be careful).
Aug. 24, 2022, midnight
On August 24, the infectious disease risk information for 41 countries was changed from level 3 (recommendation to avoid travel) to level 2 (please refrain from non-essential travel), and the infectious disease risk information for 55 countries/regions was changed to level 2. The level has been lowered from (Please refrain from unnecessary and non-urgent travel) to Level 1 (Please be careful).
July 25, 2022, midnight
On July 23, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak of monkeypox a "public health emergency of international concern." According to the WHO, more than 16,000 cases of monkeypox infection in 75 countries and regions have been reported so far, and the infection is spreading worldwide.
July 1, 2022, midnight
Although the infection status of the new corona varies depending on the situation in each country and region, the risk of death and aggravation has decreased, and deregulation at the water's edge and in Japan has also been seen, especially in countries where vaccination is progressing worldwide. I'm on the way. Based on these trends, the infectious disease risk information level is now available after comprehensively considering the actual conditions of each country / region, such as the status of infection, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures in each country / region. Was reviewed.
May 26, 2022, midnight
Although the infection status of the new corona varies depending on the situation in each country and region, the number of new infections and deaths is declining worldwide, and the risk of death and aggravation is mainly in countries where vaccination is progressing. Is declining, and regulations are being relaxed at the water's edge and in Japan. Based on these trends, the infectious disease risk information level is now available after comprehensively considering the actual conditions of each country / region, such as the status of infection, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures in each country / region. Was reviewed.
April 1, 2022, midnight
The level of infectious disease risk information should be reviewed after comprehensively considering the actual situation of each country / region, such as the number of newly infected people in each country / region, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures. It was made. As a result, infectious disease risk information has been reduced from Level 3 "Recommendation for suspension of travel" to Level 2 "Please stop unnecessary and unurgent travel" in 106 countries.
Nov. 29, 2021, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please be informed and try to prevent the infection.
Nov. 29, 2021, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please be informed and try to prevent the infection.
Aug. 13, 2021, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please obtain the latest information and try to prevent the infection.
May 18, 2021, midnight
Coronavirus infections are still spreading worldwide, with more than 160 million confirmed infections and more than 3 million deaths worldwide. Although the number of infected people is decreasing in North America and Europe, the situation continues to require caution, such as the remarkable spread of infection in South Asia.
Based on this situation, the infectious disease risk information level in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Saint Lucia, Thailand, East Timor, and Mongolia has been newly set to Level 2 by comprehensively considering various situations including the deterioration of the infection situation. "Please stop unnecessary and unurgent travel" has been raised to Level 3 "Travel Cancellation Recommendation".
Oct. 30, 2020, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please obtain the latest information and try to prevent the infection.
Local and national news
Information for the past 30 days.
Table of contents
- March 28, 2025, midnight Alert regarding measles overseas
- Feb. 25, 2025, midnight [Wide-area information] Notice of consultation desk regarding special fraud cases
- Feb. 21, 2025, midnight Polio awareness (If you are traveling to a polio-endemic country or region, please consider getting additional vaccinations)
- Feb. 20, 2025, midnight [Wide-area information] Warning about special fraud cases (How to avoid becoming a perpetrator (Part 3))
- Feb. 17, 2025, midnight Caution regarding overseas travel and stays during Ramadan
Alert regarding measles overseas
March 28, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
● Measles outbreaks have been reported overseas, and there is a risk of contracting measles at your travel destination.
● If you are traveling abroad, check your vaccination history, and if you do not have a record of having received routine vaccinations, consider getting vaccinated in advance.
[Wide-area information] Notice of consultation desk regarding special fraud cases
Feb. 25, 2025, midnight wide area information
We will issue a "Notice regarding consultation desk for special fraud cases."
Polio awareness (If you are traveling to a polio-endemic country or region, please consider getting additional vaccinations)
Feb. 21, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
● If you are traveling to a country or region where polio is prevalent, please consider receiving additional vaccinations depending on the local infection situation.
● On May 5, 2014, WHO determined that the polio outbreak was a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and has announced that the polio outbreak continues to be a PHEIC.
[Wide-area information] Warning about special fraud cases (How to avoid becoming a perpetrator (Part 3))
Feb. 20, 2025, midnight wide area information
We would like to warn you about special fraud cases (How to avoid becoming a perpetrator (Part 3)).
Caution regarding overseas travel and stays during Ramadan
Feb. 17, 2025, midnight wide area information
●The period from around Friday, February 28th to around Tuesday, April 1st is the Islamic month of Ramadan and the festival marking the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr).
●During past Ramadan and Eid periods, there have been terrorist attacks carried out by international terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and their supporters.
Please make an effort to obtain the latest information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Overseas Safety Website, Tabi-Reji, news reports, etc., and take sufficient care to ensure your safety.
Travel advisories from local embassies and consulates
Information from the past two weeks.
Beware of scams posing as police officers
March 26, 2025, 6:15 a.m.
[Main text]
1. Several cases have been reported to our Consulate-General of Japan in which individuals claim to be Japanese police officers, imply involvement in crimes by saying things like "your mobile phone is being used for specialized fraud," create fear by using words like "arrest" and "deportation," and request credit card information or money.
2. It is common for criminals playing the role of police officers to tell victims they will be interrogating them via video chat on a messaging app, wearing fake uniforms and hats, and presenting fake police badges and arrest warrants. However, police officers will never contact victims via messaging apps, and will never ask for money or credit card information.
3. The other party will call after knowing your personal information. They will mix legal jargon into the conversation to stir up anxiety, and by setting a deadline such as "You must prove that you are not involved within x hours...", they will deprive you of the ability to make sound judgments and the opportunity to seek advice, and will then ask for money, credit card information, account information, etc.
4. If you receive a suspicious phone call, such as one demanding money, hang up and inform a family member, friend, colleague, or the consulate general of Japan.
5. Our website
● Warning about special fraud https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/tokushusagi.html
Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta
Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta
Phipps Tower Suite 850
3438 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30326
TEL: (404) 240‐4300
EMAIL: ryoji@aa.mofa.go.jp
[Warning] Robbery incident involving a Japanese resident at a famous tourist spot
March 26, 2025, 5:10 a.m.
[Main text]
● Summary of the incident At approximately 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22nd, a Japanese resident and three Japanese tourists were visiting the Robie House (a masterpiece by architect Frank Lloyd Wright) adjacent to the University of Chicago. After parking their car in a nearby parking lot and getting out of their car, they were surrounded by a group of four masked men carrying guns.
The Japanese resident was hit with a gun and had his bag stolen. A traveler in the car was also threatened with a gun and forced to get out of the car, but was hit with a gun and had his bag stolen. The robbers fled. The victim has already filed a police report.
● Damage prevention measures 1: Do not visit dangerous areas.
In Chicago, the areas south of Chinatown and west of the United Center are generally considered to be unsafe. Please be careful not to approach these areas or their surrounding areas without a specific purpose, and be careful not to get caught up in unexpected situations.
2. Check your surroundings.
If you are driving down the road and notice a suspicious situation, such as multiple suspicious people hanging around and staring at you, do not stop your vehicle, but just pass them by and escape. Also, if a suspicious person approaches and calls out to you after you have stopped your vehicle, immediately start your vehicle and escape. There is no need to open the window to hear what they are saying.
3. Be mindful of inconspicuous clothing.
When you go out, avoid flashy clothes, accessories, and luxury cars. It is also important not to give the impression of being a tourist by carrying a camera around your neck or walking around with a map open. Also, it is forbidden to give the impression of being vulnerable by moving around while operating a smartphone.
4. Do not carry valuables or large amounts of cash.
Do not carry valuables that you may be concerned about if stolen, large amounts of cash, more credit cards than you need, etc. Even if you do need to carry them, try to distribute your cash and valuables among multiple bags or pockets.
5. Do not resist the perpetrator.
If you are robbed, do not resist under any circumstances. Criminals will do whatever it takes to steal what they are after, so your first priority should be your own safety. Also, do not try to take your wallet out of your jacket pocket or do anything that might give the robber the wrong impression that you are taking out a weapon. Instead, point out where your cash is and slowly remove it.
Furthermore, if you are attacked by a robber, try not to look at the robber's face and simply hand over your belongings. If the robber sees his/her face, he/she may think that you will report him/her to the police and may attack you. In addition, please tell the police any information you remember, such as what you were wearing.
We ask that all Japanese residents in Japan take note of the above and be cautious about becoming a victim of robbery.
*Please share this information with your friends and fellow travelers.
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[Contact Information]
Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago
Tel: (312) 280-0400 (24 hours)
Fax: (312) 280-9568
Email: ryoji1@cg.mofa.go.jp
[Warning] Local governments raise precautions in preparation for the eruption of Mount Spar in southern Alaska
March 25, 2025, 9:25 a.m.
1. The City of Anchorage Emergency Management Agency has raised the activity level to the second of five (Incident Monitoring) in response to the increasing possibility of an eruption at Mount Spurr (approximately 120 km west of Anchorage) and will continue to monitor the situation and share information.
2. According to experts at the observatory, there is a high possibility of an eruption within the next few weeks to months, and local governments are calling for residents to be vigilant. In addition, if an eruption were to occur, a large amount of volcanic ash would be scattered over the surrounding areas (including Anchorage City), as in past eruptions (1953, 1992), which could cause various damage, including health hazards, traffic disruptions, and impacts on social life.
3. Japanese residents and travelers should endeavor to obtain the latest information on their destinations from the media (see the website below) and check the situation in the areas they plan to visit in advance. In addition, if a large-scale disaster occurs in the area where they are staying and evacuation recommendations or orders are issued by local authorities, they should endeavor to ensure their own safety, such as by evacuating promptly in accordance with instructions.
4. If you are caught up in a disaster, please make efforts to ensure your safety by following the warnings and instructions issued by local authorities, and contact our office to inform us of your own safety and other circumstances.
[Reference] Emergency preparedness The City of Anchorage recommends making the following preparations in case of an emergency:
(1) Basic disaster supplies (It is recommended that you stockpile a two-week supply.)
Water: 1 gallon per person per day
Food: non-perishable foods that you are accustomed to eatingRadio: battery-operated or hand-crankedFlashlightFirst-aid kit: non-prescription medicinesSpare batteriesWhistle: to call for helpDust mask (N95): to keep contaminated air outPlastic sheeting and duct tape: to prevent ash from entering the home (for home protection)Hygiene products: wet wipes, garbage bags, plastic string, feminine hygiene productsWrench or pliersManual can openerLocal mapCell phone and charger, and spare charger (2)Additional disaster suppliesPrescription medicationsEyeglass and contact lens cleaning solutionInfant formula, baby bottles, diapers, wet wipes, heat rash creamPet food and extra water for petsCash or traveler's checksFamily documents: insurance policy, identification (stored in electronic form)
Bedding: blankets, sleeping bags; Clothing: sturdy shoes, hats, gloves, etc.; Matches in a waterproof container; Dishware set, paper cups, plates, paper towels, plastic dishes; Paper and pencils; Car supplies (spare air filters, oil filters, windshield wipers, washer fluid, etc.)
<<Reference Websites>>
○Alaska Volcano Observatory (volcano-related information)
https://avo.alaska.edu/
○Anchorage Daily News
https://www.adn.com/
○State of Alaska Press Release
https://ready.alaska.gov/Documents/PIO/PressReleases/2025.03.10_Ash%20Alert%20How%20to%20protect%20your%20family,%20home,%20and%20business.pdf
○ City of Anchorage press release
https://www.muni.org/departments/mayor/pressreleases/Pages/Municipality-levels-up-preparations-for-Mount-Spurr.aspx
City of Anchorage Emergency Preparedness: https://www.muni.org/Departments/OEM/Prepared/Pages/SupplyKit.aspx
* Prime Minister's Office website (disaster prevention measures)
https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/headline/bousai/jishin.html
(Contact information)
Consular Office in Anchorage Address: 3601 C St. Suite 1300, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 562-8424
FAX: (907) 562-8434
Email: ryouji-ak@se.mofa.go.jp
[Warning] Wildfires occurring in Texas and Oklahoma
March 21, 2025, 8:06 a.m.
As of March 20, wildfires are occurring in various parts of Texas and Oklahoma, including the Sam Houston National Forest north of Houston, and may continue to spread.
2. Depending on the weather and wind direction, the possibility of the wildfires spreading rapidly cannot be denied. In addition, the fires may cause air pollution to worsen.
3. In relation to this, if you are staying or planning to stay in an area where a wildfire is occurring, please obtain the latest information from the media and the websites of authorities, etc., and if the wildfire is likely to affect or has already affected the areas around where you are staying, please put your own safety first and take the necessary measures, such as following evacuation instructions from the authorities.
4. Some local governments are calling for people to register for emergency notification services in case of emergencies. If you require special assistance, especially in the case of an evacuation, we strongly recommend that you register for these services, as local governments will provide the necessary assistance according to the situation.
(Reference information)
Examples of where to get wildfire information: National Weather Service:
https://www.weather.gov/fire/
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*In order to protect your family, friends and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please encourage your acquaintances, business travelers and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of 3 months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than 3 months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
******************************************************
Consulate-General of Japan in Houston
Consulate-General of Japan in Houston
2 Houston Center, Suite 3000, 909 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77010
Phone: 713-652-2977 (Main) 24-hour emergency response
https://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/index_j.htm
