TOKYO - The number of COVID-19 infections in Japan increased by 53 to reach a total of 773 on Sunday, according to data from Japan's health ministry and local governments.

The majority of confirmed cases stemmed from Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido which has confirmed 144 cases and declared a state of emergency.

According to the latest statistics, Aichi Prefecture has 121 confirmed cases, Osaka 102, Tokyo 87, Hyogo 67 and Kanagawa Prefecture has confirmed 50 COVID-19 infections.

The 697 cases of infections on the virus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship previously quarantined in Yokohama Port were calculated separately.

The death toll in Japan from the virus currently stands at 29, including seven from the cruise ship, according to the health ministry.

The 46 patients with severe symptoms are on ventilators to receive respiratory assistance or have been admitted to intensive care units.

The ministry also said that 525 people have been discharged from hospitals after their symptoms improved.