Japan's seven-day average of new coronavirus infection cases has risen for four consecutive weeks.

The nationwide weekly average had declined for seven consecutive weeks through October 13.

But it jumped 22 percent the next week, followed by rises of 6 percent, 38 percent and 30 percent in the succeeding weeks through Thursday.

Several prefectures in particular saw large rises. The figure rose 69 percent in Tokushima, 49 percent in Fukui, 47 percent in Miyagi and 44 percent in Yamanashi.

Hokkaido had the highest number of cases per 100,000 people, at over 900.

Meanwhile, the health ministry confirmed 7,899 new coronavirus cases in Tokyo on Friday. That is up 4,801 from a week ago and the seventh straight day with a week-on-week increase.

The ministry also reported seven deaths from the virus in the capital.