The Japanese air force’s aerobatic demonstration squadron, Blue Impulse, flew over central Tokyo in a salute to medical workers on the frontline against the coronavirus pandemic.

As a team of six T-4 training jets streaked across a clear blue sky shortly after noon, doctors and nurses on hospital rooftops waved and held up mobile phones to take photos of the passing planes.

“A lot of people, including medical workers, are working hard to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We would like to pay our respect and express our appreciation,” Defence Minister Taro Kono said ahead of the flight.

Medical workers react as they watch the 'Blue-Impulse' aerobatic team of Japan Air Self-Defence Force as they fly over the Self-Defence Forces Central Hospital to salute the medical workers at the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus in Tokyo, Japan. — Reuters
Medical workers react as they watch the 'Blue-Impulse' aerobatic team of Japan Air Self-Defence Force as they fly over the Self-Defence Forces Central Hospital to salute the medical workers at the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus in Tokyo, Japan. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

A new deal
Updated 16 Jun, 2026

A new deal

AFTER three and a half months of war between US-Israel and Iran and an acrimonious temporary ceasefire, a genuine...
Charter of economy
16 Jun, 2026

Charter of economy

NO one expected the PTI to accept the government’s invitation to sign a charter of economy; just as few expected...
Hostage seamen
16 Jun, 2026

Hostage seamen

SOME 50 days on, 11 Pakistani nationals are still in Somali pirates’ captivity. Their appeals to the Pakistani and...
Climate choices
Updated 15 Jun, 2026

Climate choices

The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.
Brief opening
15 Jun, 2026

Brief opening

WE have been here before. Throughout the weekend, there was great anticipation that a tentative framework for peace...
Environmental disaster
15 Jun, 2026

Environmental disaster

IT was a heartbreaking sight. A recent news report in these pages carried a picture of a sea turtle lying half ...