Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrives at his office in Tokyo Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Kishida on Friday announced plans to start preparations for downgrading legal status of COVID-19 to an equivalent of seasonal influenza in the spring, a move that would further relax mask wearing and other preventive measures as the country seeks an exit plan. (Kyodo News via AP) JAPAN OUT; SIPA OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
