Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to decide on declaring a state of emergency because of rising coronavirus cases for Tokyo and Osaka, with an announcement by Friday at the latest.
Declaring a state of emergency for the two cities and other neighboring areas is a major decision for Suga as the Olympics draws near. With just three months to go, some officials have expressed concerns over how the declaration could impact the event, which will be hosted in the nation's capital.
Local government officials from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo have all submitted requests for the national government to impose a state of emergency. Osaka was the latest one to submit its application Wednesday.
If Suga grants the request, a massive portion of Japan, from Tokyo to Kyoto, will implement emergency pandemic measures to mitigate the further spread of the virus. This would affect roughly a quarter of the nation's population of 126 million.
"I would like to work with local governments and examine the contents of their requests, and then make a decision as soon as this week," Suga said earlier in the week.
Suga previously pledged to avoid reintroducing a state of emergency if possible. He said implementing the measure would only serve to delay the country's economic recovery and further impact the already struggling businesses across the nation.
Tokyo submitted a request for a state of emergency to be put in place from April 29 to May 9 during the nation's Golden Week holiday period. Once the central government approves its request, Tokyo plans to order the temporary closure of all entertainment facilities and commercial establishments.
Sources said metropolitan government officials are now holding talks with officials from the central government regarding its plans to suspend commercial business operations during the emergency declaration period.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has expressed some concerns over the economic impact of the state of emergency declaration. Sources said Yuriko had hoped to shorten the declaration period and instead impose tougher movement restrictions.
Over the past few months, the number of COVID-19 cases in Japan has been on a steady rise. Under the current measures, social distancing is not strictly imposed as commuter trains, restaurants, and stores continue to be packed with people.
