Japan is battling its second-worst Covid-19 wave since the start of the pandemic. Infections have spiked since July 2022, after weeks of declining numbers. The country reported 178,356 cases on August 14, 2022. Japan has opened up to international visitors, including quarantine-free travel for some nationals. The country recorded more than 200 daily deaths for five consecutive days since August 9. The highly-infectious BA.5 variant is driving the surge, especially among youngsters.