Japan's capital and other areas are under a 'quasi' state of emergency set to be lifted on July 12, but a recent uptick in infections has officials concerned and could affect the number of spectators allowed into Olympics venues.

As Tokyo's infections rose to 714, their highest since May 26, the Mainichi Shimbun daily said the government was considering the extension that would overlap with the Olympics, due to open on July 23 after a year's delay over the pandemic.

A government meeting later in the day will discuss how to tackle signs of an impending surge that have worried experts and ignited concern about the spread of more infectious variants.

"Any decisions regarding quasi-emergency measures will be taken based on policies we have in place," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a news conference.

The 'quasi' state of emergency caps spectators at 5,000. Olympics organizers have said spectators will be allowed up to half of venue capacity or a maximum of 10,000, though foreign spectators have been banned.

Media said Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike would work from home for an indefinite period after her release early on Wednesday from hospital, where she had been recovering from fatigue.

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