TOKYO -- The world continued to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic this year. Many countries aimed to reopen their economies with the help of massive vaccine drives, but new variants such as delta and omicron hindered these moves -- and hopes. This year's most read stories were marked by COVID-related articles, much like last year.
Border restrictions have caused side effects, including massive supply chain strains. Many parts used for products including mobile phones, automobiles and other equipment couldn't be delivered from Asia, the world's factory. Serious supply chain problems have been of great interest to our readers.
