A Stark Contrast with Angela Merkel
The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked the world, while also exposing the capabilities of world leaders. In Japan, many have deplored Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide’s obvious lack of talent in appealing for public support. Suga’s typical “style” is to simply reel off a script prepared for him by the bureaucracy. The issue is not merely his words: He also seems to vacillate politically, influenced by figures like Secretary General Nikai Toshihiro and Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization Nishimura Yasutoshi. Even members of his own Liberal Democratic Party have mocked the weakness of his administration.
June 30
Tokyo reports 54 new cases, with the daily total rising above 50 for the fifrth successive day. The average daily total over the past 7-day period rises to 55.1. Yokohama reports 28 new cases, of which 26 are host club employees. A total of 138 cases are reported nationwide.
June 29
Tokyo reports 58 new cases, with the daily total rising above 50 for the fourth successive day. The average daily total over the past 7-day period rises to 51.9, going over 50, which is one of the benchmarks for renewed business suspension requests. Hokkaidō reports 11 new cases, including 3 in Otaru and 7 in Sapporo.
June 28
Tokyo reports 60 new cases, its highest daily total since the state of emergency was lifted. The average daily total over the past 7-day period rises to 47.7, approaching 50, which is one of the benchmarks for renewed business suspension requests. In Otaru, Hokkaidō, 14 new cases are reported connected to an establishment offering daytime karaoke.