In this Global Solutions flash briefing, Mami Kato discusses the Government of Japan’s response to evidence that new strains of COVID-19 have emerged and an increase in positive cases generally. In addition, she addresses the recently extended state of emergency, entry restrictions, vaccination rollout, and the impending Summer Olympic Games. Ogletree Deakins’ Global Solutions podcast series includes country-specific flash briefings, full podcast episodes on relevant topics for multinational employers, recap episodes, and companion materials.