Tokyo confirmed 181 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, breaking the single-day figure for the second consecutive day, while Osaka also saw a spike with its record 92 newly confirmed individuals, the two governments said.

The total number of the cases in Tokyo has topped 1,500, with Osaka at 616 as of Thursday evening.

On Wednesday, Tokyo reported 144 cases, setting a record that day too after a two-day lull. Osaka's past record for a single day was 53 reported on Tuesday.

"I think the infection is rapidly spreading. The new cases (on Thursday) are a different level of number compared to the past ones," said Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura

Starting Tuesday earlier this week, the capital and Osaka were put under a state of emergency over the outbreak along with five prefectures.

RELATED PHOTOS People with protective masks use a pedestrian crossing Thursday in Tokyo. | AP

Photo shows an uncrowded shopping street in the city of Osaka on Thursday. | KYODO