Japanese companies prepared to close retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and offices, while expanding work-from-home policies, after the government declared a state of emergency in major metropolitan areas.
Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., Lumine Co. and Rakuten Inc. are closing stores, while Nintendo Co. said it will shut its flagship Tokyo shop until further notice. Toyo Tire Co. said after the declaration it would close its headquarters and other operations in Hyogo Prefecture for a month, while workers telecommute. Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. said it would close all offices in the affected areas for a month too, including its main Tokyo site.
Critical businesses in manufacturing and technology will keep operating. Automakers, including Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co., plan to continue assembly, while Toshiba Corp.-affiliate Kioxia Holdings is maintaining normal operations at its Yokkaichi plant, a key producer of memory chips for iPhones and other smartphones. Grocers and convenience stores, including those operated by Seven & I Holdings Co. and Lawson Inc., will remain open so residents can shop for essentials.