Commuters in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward on May 12, the first day of the extended state of emergency over COVID-19 (Hiroyuki Yamamoto)
A “ho-hum” attitude was expressed among commuters, businesses and the general public on the first day of the extended state of emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many said the declaration has no effect on their lives. Some were elated that the government allowed for an easing of anti-virus measures, but others questioned if those relaxed rules were sending a mixed signal on the seriousness of the novel coronavirus situation.
The state of emergency, initially scheduled to end on May 11, was extended in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures until May 31. Aichi and Fukuoka prefectures were added to the list from May 12.