Yusuke Aoi has seen earnings at his traditional Tokyo bar plunge since the coronavirus pandemic began last year — and fears the area's second state of emergency could deliver a final blow.
Japan declared a month-long, limited state of emergency in the capital, Tokyo, and three neighboring prefectures on Thursday to stem the spread of COVID-19.
The curbs are less stringent than during last year's emergency period, where people were largely confined to their homes. This time people are asked to stay at home after 8 p.m. unless they have essential reasons to leave.