Japan's government announced in a statement on Sunday that they have officially approved a coronavirus vaccine developed by the US pharmaceutical company Pfizer.
The vaccine is the first to be given the green light for use against the coronavirus in the country.
Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry announced that it had granted authorization after a panel of experts reached a decision on Friday based on their findings on the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.
Pfizer applied for approval of the vaccine in December.
The vaccine will be given to people aged 16 or older. Two shots will be administered three weeks apart.