April 28, Friday, 2023

1. The Bank of Japan has wrapped up a two-day policy meeting—the first since Ueda Kazuo became its governor earlier this month. Policymakers say they are leaving the central bank’s easing program unchanged. They also announced that they will conduct a review of their measures. 2. Work to raise a sunken Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter is expected to begin shortly now that a salvage ship has arrived in the area where its apparent wreckage was found. The helicopter , carrying a crew of 10, dropped off radar near the island of Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, on April 6. Five of the missing crewmembers have since been confirmed dead.
3. Japan will end its COVID-19 requirements for people arriving in the country starting on Saturday. The Japanese government currently requires people entering the nation to show proof that they have received three or more vaccinations, among other requirements. Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said in a news conference on Friday that the requirements will be lifted for people arriving on Saturday onwards.