June 17, Thursday, 2021 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1. A member of Myanmar’s national soccer team who appears set to file for political asylum in Japan says he fears for his life if he returns to his country.
2. Japan’s government is considering lifting the coronavirus state of emergency currently issued for 10 prefectures except Okinawa.
3.Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide says people should stay vigilant for a possible rebound in coronavirus cases even after the state of emergency is lifted in most of the covered areas.