Experts found that one-third of Tokyo’s recent
cases were linked to hostess clubs and other
night entertainment districts where cluster
tracing is difficult. Meanwhile, compliance with
calls for working remotely and other social
distancing has been weak.
Q. IS ALL OF JAPAN AFFECTED?
A. The state of emergency announced Tuesday
applies to only Tokyo, neighboring Chiba,
Kanagawa and Saitama, Osaka, and Hyogo in
the west and Fukuoka in the south. That is only
seven of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Residents are
requested to avoid nonessential trips within
and outside the designated areas, but there are
no restrictions on travel. Some Tokyo residents
drew criticism for rushing to escape from Tokyo
to the countryside.
Q. DOES A STATE OF EMERGENCY CAUSE A
TOKYO LOCKDOWN?
A. No, Abe and officials say Japan cannot legally
enforce hard lockdowns. Public transportation
is operating as normal. Most state of emergency
measures are requests and instructions. Violators
cannot be punished unless they fail to comply
with orders related to storage or shipment of
emergency relief goods and medical supplies.
Q. WHY IS JAPAN NOT IMPOSING A
HARD LOCKDOWN?
A. Japan’s history of repression under fascist
governments before and during World War II has
left the public wary of government overreach.
The country’s postwar constitution lays out strict
protections for civil liberties. Abe’s government
was reluctant to risk severe economic
repercussions from more severe measures.