Panic Spreads in Japan Over Swine Flu

Japan is taking major precautions against the outbreak of a new type of swine flu, which has spread to Osaka and Kobe and threatens to hit Tokyo and its population of more than 10 million.

Japan’s government, schools and companies are on high alert over the flu. Prime Minister Taro Aso even appeared on a television program Thursday to ask his people to stay calm.

According to the Tourism Ryokan Association of Osaka and Kyoto, reservations amounting to 360,000 nights at hotels or other lodging facilities were canceled from Saturday through Thursday.

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