The Japanese government plans to step up anti-coronavirus measures targeting younger people as the number of new cases that age demographic is rising.

Health ministry officials say people in their 20s accounted for the largest number of new infections among all age groups in the week through last Tuesday. They say people aged between 10 and 29 accounted for about half of the total.

The government's data shows about 40 percent of the entire population have received a third vaccine shot. But the rate among young people remains relatively low. Tokyo officials say just over 20 percent of people in their 20s have done so.

The government is closely monitoring the infection situation among younger generations due to concerns that gatherings for entrance ceremonies and welcome parties could lead to a resurgence of infections.

Officials hope to prevent the spread of the coronavirus from younger people to other generations.

They plan to strengthen calls for younger people to get a third shot and raise awareness of preventive measures at restaurants and bars.

They also plan to prepare the medical care system for an increase in coronavirus cases.