Nikkei wrote that the global spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has begun affecting Japan’s diplomatic activities, as Defense Minister Kishi has cancelled his planned meetings in Tokyo with his Canadian and Italian counterparts this week and Foreign Minister Hayashi may participate in a G7 foreign ministerial meeting to be held in the UK on Friday only virtually. The paper wrote that although Prime Minister Kishida is hoping to visit the United States at an early date for talks with President Biden, the spread of the Omicron variant may complicate arrangements for a trip to Washington.