Anti-COVID steps far from uniform for Japan prefectures under quasi-emergency
Of the 16 prefectures to be under a quasi-emergency from Friday, some will halt alcohol sales at restaurants completely, while others will impose limits on when booze can be served.
Two Tokyo bars make the World’s Best 50 List
It's award season for the world's food and drink establishments, and venues in Tokyo continue to be rewarded.
Japan's restaurants seeing slow recovery two weeks after COVID-19 curbs lifted
Izakaya pubs, in particularly, are facing challenges given that many people work from home now and have fewer opportunities to go out.
Tokyo region to ease COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants
Some 67% of Japan's population is now fully vaccinated, and the government is planning to roll out booster shots this winter.
Restaurants to trial entry with proof of vaccination or COVID-19 test
The government trials will begin Thursday in Kyoto Prefecture, followed by Hokkaido and Fukuoka Prefecture.
For Japan’s Champagne lovers, every day is now a cause for celebration
Forget about unsatisfying mocktail pairings: With Tokyo’s state of emergency over, it’s time to bust out the bubbles. For the best Champagne cart around, head to Sezanne.
Behind the ‘closed’ doors of Tokyo’s bars, alcohol is still flowing
A pervasive but hushed rebellion is happening across the city. Whether they accepted subsidies or not, bars operating as semi-secret COVID-era speakeasies are everywhere.
Rebellious Tokyo bars flout virus measure requests
Bars and eateries account for about 17% of Japan’s COVID-19-related bankruptcies, the most among any industry group, research shows.
Industry leaders welcome government plan to ease coronavirus rules
"Everyone feels stuck now," said Kirin Holdings President Yoshinori Isozaki, expressing hopes for the loosening of the restrictions.
How to stock your home bar (with a Japanese twist)
It’s quasi-prohibition time once more in much of Japan, and if ever there were a time to build a home bar, it’s now. Here's how to get started, with tips from some of Japan's best bartenders
Tokyo restaurant and bar owners angry over COVID-19 aid system
A new system is offering relief quick payments, but many operators have yet to see aid from an existing program that is facing delays.
Japan's bars and restaurants toast eased COVID-19 alcohol measures
Workers at eating and drinking establishments in Tokyo and other parts in Japan expressed happiness at being able to serve alcoholic drinks for the first time in months.
