What will life in Japan under a state of emergency look like?

tell us what YOU are doing as an individual to protect your family

not going out except for groceries and to the local park IF there are no people there. Washing my hands so much they're chapped. Dancing with my kids at home to keep everyone's morale up. Teaching my wife and kids martial arts. Need I go on?

Rather than just criticize the government (yes - we all disagree with their approach), tell us what YOU are doing as an individual to protect your family andf the measures you are taking. Far more useful to us.

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism- thomas jefferson

Digging out ancient Quarantine laws really doesn't help anynody and is like clutching at straws.

those laws act as a blueprint as to what the gov can legally do when this spirals out of control

The supermarket near my condo was cleaned out of all produce and dry goods, and closed early last night. I really don't see the need to panic given absolutely NOTHING of importance is changing. 

Here we go, you’re going to see a ripple effect now.

To those like the selfish transportation minister, whom I'm quite sure doesn't ride a crowded train himself, please tell us, why have social gatherings like parties, concerts, and activities at local assembly halls cancelled? I've heard it's because the virus spreads by contact and proximity. So, why is contact and proximity okay on crowded trains for people going to work? Do you think the virus will say, "Oh, yeah. Work's necessary, my bad. I'll stick to parties"?

Abe, Aso or any of these big shots are not or wouldn’t dare be caught in a tightly packed commuter train. They will do whatever they can to safeguard themselves.

Veggie garden planted, rice, pasta, couscous and beans well stocked. Emergency petrol and gas for cooking.

everything is perfect, except our holiday in NZ and Aussie.

friends in NZ/Aussie say domestic violence, police brutality, alcoholism and suicide is rising sharply. Also friends in the UK say the same.

japans way seems good(before testing).

masks don’t work. Social distancing, hand washing and not touching your face do! Be safe.

Aly - the thing is, it is just your wife and kids that shold be the most imporatnt, It is that easy if you choose it to be. Rather than just criticize the government (yes - we all disagree with their approach), tell us what YOU are doing as an individual to protect your family andf the measures you are taking. Far more useful to us.

Digging out ancient Quarantine laws really doesn't help anynody and is like clutching at straws.

After the earthquake in 2011, I'll never condemn anyone for their decision to go or stay. It's a personal decision anyone has the right to make, based on their own situation and priorities. There is no one-size-fits-all response to situations like that one and this.

Mistakes (BIG) are made but as citizens of other countries we DO have a choice at the end of the day.

what choice? to leave your family behind? And its not just my wife and kids. My inlaws, our friends, our children's friends, Its not so easy. I wish it was.

Im sorry, 'but my fanily is here', 'my job is here'etc just don't cut it.

Why not? Those are some of the biggest factors on which we make decisions in life.

It is THE factor on which I make all my decisions in life.

Interesting. But reading through that, as far as I can tell it only applies to vessels coming into Japan, not to the citizenry/residents of the country. I only skimmed it though, so maybe I misunderstood.

No you read it right. I just wanted to post it here as I have a feeling that it will be used as a template for a lockdown. Or even "reinterpreted" to include lockdowns- whatever.

Im sorry, 'but my fanily is here', 'my job is here'etc just don't cut it.

Why not? Those are some of the biggest factors on which we make decisions in life.

This is very different. We say what happened with the toilet paper and paper towels and if that’s the case, it won’t be long before the foods start flying off the shelves. Government said, not to woes about Tepco and they haven’t taken this seriously, so yes, I do believe once the reality sinks in on how serious this is, pandemonium will set in.

No.

Japan does have a Quarantine Act.

http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/detail_main?vm=02&id=31

Interesting. But reading through that, as far as I can tell it only applies to vessels coming into Japan, not to the citizenry/residents of the country. I only skimmed it though, so maybe I misunderstood.

I hear ya Aly - and you held one of the most vociferous opinions about the coming disaster but chose to stay here? I'm not looking for conflict, just wondered why you've stayed? You had plenty of time to leave before borders were closed etc. Im sorry, 'but my fanily is here', 'my job is here'etc just don't cut it. Surely they are the most important thing to you - negating that excuse. Plenty of people here very, very happy to critiscise, but stayed? Reminds me so much of 2011. Mistakes (BIG) are made but as citizens of other countries we DO have a choice at the end of the day.

bass4funk: "This is very different. We say what happened with the toilet paper and paper towels and if that’s the case, it won’t be long before the foods start flying off the shelves."

The supermarket near my condo was cleaned out of all produce and dry goods, and closed early last night. I really don't see the need to panic given absolutely NOTHING of importance is changing.

To those like the selfish transportation minister, whom I'm quite sure doesn't ride a crowded train himself, please tell us, why have social gatherings like parties, concerts, and activities at local assembly halls cancelled? I've heard it's because the virus spreads by contact and proximity. So, why is contact and proximity okay on crowded trains for people going to work? Do you think the virus will say, "Oh, yeah. Work's necessary, my bad. I'll stick to parties"?

It is going to be same mild measure as ever. Japan doesn't have a martial law, so can't order people forcibly what to do even if under state of emergency.

However Japan does have a Quarantine Act.

http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/detail_main?vm=02&id=31

Sheer pandemonium

seriously?

Pretty much the same.

On my way to work today, the usual people roaming around aimlessly and old people trudging along.

It also makes me wonder, do people actually work around here? An awful lot of kids, some in uniforms, some not.

It seems as if there is no continuity here at all, let alone leadership.

but I will say this: IF Tokyo spikes like New York, you'll see a quarantine, and you better believe that it will be enforced. I'll bet you the LDP is drafting a proposal for that.

Yeah, because that’s how Japanese have acted in emergencies in the past

This is very different. We say what happened with the toilet paper and paper towels and if that’s the case, it won’t be long before the foods start flying off the shelves. Government said, not to woes about Tepco and they haven’t taken this seriously, so yes, I do believe once the reality sinks in on how serious this is, pandemonium will set in.

There's no punishments for individuals or businesses, so basically this "emergency" is just a stronger-worded urging. There's going to be very minimal changes, and I doubt many places who did not already close would close due to a stronger-worded urging. For one thing, the Japanese national government's messaging as it stands now downplays the virus, and clearly is not going to get people to social distance.

Just look at this message on MHLW atm; "現時点では、国内では、未だ大規模なまん延が認められる地域があるわけではありません" https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000164708_00001.html

How is the Japanese government going to convince people to stay home and not gather if they won't even admit there's community spread????

Also, with the government about to declare this "emergency", but all the schools are opening back up and holding entrance ceremonies gathering large amount of people yesterday.

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6356426

Japanese government clearly have no coherent plan on coronavirus at all.

Today I am increasing the maximum fine for violations of state-mandated social distancing rules from $500 to $1000.

This is an enemy we have underestimated since day one.

Said the Governor of Novel York.

So we tend to think first which way is more effective, Cuomo or Koike. But the answer is whichever, the virus is going to spread anyway. Sorry to be pessimistic but that’s the reality. I will cooperate and isolate though.

That is Japan, no martial law. They can't beat/shoot people trying to go out.

Where exactly are they doing that?

The virus can't wait for the Golden Week holidays. We'll soon get to see how far "common sense" goes in Japan.

I was talking about the need to distinguish the two.

The barber who cut my hair and shaved my face was wearing a mask but I am not and unfortunately he sniveled several times.

By all accounts I've seen Covid-19 does not cause a runny nose. It may block your sinuses, but not cause them to run. Your barber most likely had allergies or something quite unrelated. If you are so concerned you probably shouldn't have gone out to get a haircut.

About the effectiveness of masks, the only mask that will protect you from COVID-19 is military-grade NBC gear.

Studies show that masks are most effective when infected persons wear them, and have little effect on healthy persons.

Paper and cloth masks can block some aerosol particles, but viruses pass right through.

Put on a surgical mask and fart. Can you smell the fart? Viruses are 10,000 times smaller than fart particles.

So why do surgeons wear masks? To protect the patient from their own spatter or blood splatter.

Sadly even though we don't like to admit it, people are gonna die no matter how much care, ventilators, masks or love they are given. Many more will get over their symptoms and gain some immunity, that's natural, it's nature.

Ok... what is your point here? That we should roll over and accept it and do nothing? Or...?

There is no expert in this situation

This is not true.

Epidemiology:

the branch of medicine dealing with the incidence and prevalence of disease in large populations and with detection of the source and cause of epidemics of infectious disease.

This is an entire branch of medicine dedicated to studying these situations, with experts in that branch of medicine.

not even the most intellectual scientist can predict what is going to happen.

This is true insofar as no one can predict the future with absolute certainty. That said, it's possible to extrapolate likely outcomes based on data analysis of prior similar events, and modeling based on the understandings gleaned from that analysis.

The problem is that it takes time to understand a virus. They are still figuring this one out, and it takes time. The Ebola vaccine wasn't developed early enough to help with the 2014 epidemic, but was very effective in the 2019 epidemic.

The longer this pandemic goes on, the more data the epidemiologists will have on how the virus propagates, and how it affects the body and the better the predictions they'll be able to make.

So yes, no one knows the future, but that doesn't mean we're clueless as to what is likely to happen based on taking various approaches.

My doctor friend, the same one who has told me all along that wearing masks, while not 100% effective, are not 100% ineffective, told me that the Japanese response is decided by bureaucrats, not science. And that scares me.

@rgcivilian1

If you close the exits to the affected prefectures, how are people who don't live there supposed to get home?

'"Transportation is important infrastructure that supports people's lives and economic activities. We must maintain its function," transport minister Kazuyoshi Akaba has said.'

The virus doesn't care. So, as long as you maintain its function, the virus will spread, and the "state of emergency" declaration means nothing.

What will life in Japan under a state of emergency look like?

https://twitter.com/fabiangib/status/1243259668107005952?s=21

It definitely won’t look like that of India in the above link. Japan opts for cooperation rather than enforcement.

I grew up with the belt and “wait til your father gets home.” Enjoying my civil liberties but will cooperate and isolate.

Many western countries are on voluntary social-distancing (aka isolating) based on government requests, and the people are overwhelmingly complying; New Zealand, Australia, Canada for example. It's very unlikely that the Japanese - who are generally compliant to demands from authority - won't comply.

"This is a reminder that during COVID 19, please remember to keep at least 1 large alligator between you and everyone else at all times," Leon County, Florida said.

Sheer pandemonium

Yeah, because that’s how Japanese have acted in emergencies in the past.

Good luck with that!

Its not stopping the seven local oyajis drinking cup sake under a cherry blossom tree in my local park this morning!

Zero social distancing.

Take care everyone!

The govt can’t enforce anything other than closing government owned venues.

It also means all the people who complained about Japan having “draconian” laws will now be demanding Japan take more draconian measures.

Most people who are smart ignored the 'leaders' and their media spokespeople claiming it's just a flu/cold, it's not a pandemic, we've got this thing under control, it's just another tactic used to take such and such a leader down.

That’s not the case in Japan.

Fortunately there are a lot of smart people. Unfortunately their lives and livelihoods are at risk because there are so many people who aren't smart.

There are also a lot of clueless people in this country that don’t pay attention, do research or just don’t care or even know the severity of this virus.

We are not used to boredom.

Except those who read Heller's 'Catch 22' and learned from Orr, who through wile and a mastery of boredom ended up a winner. :)

Each nation is doing all the necessary measures and approach to fight with this virus. There is no expert in this situation not even the most intellectual scientist can predict what is going to happen. Mother Nature or many other local governments all over the world depending to your perspective handed us a reset called quarantine. The earth is healing due to a forced break from manufacturing and over-production. Yet we, as the human race refuse to heal. We are not used to boredom. We are addicted to phone causing a high craving for entertainment, our schedules packed , travelling to every part of the world. shopping expensive items here and there. Trapped in our homes, we tend to continue the trend. So let's help the planet heal. Let's give it an opportunity to return to calm, clear waters and blue skies....there is always HOPE!!!

If people are smart they'll voluntarily stay home to protect their community.

I - F. IF. Most people who are smart will stay at home. Most of them listened to the medical experts early on. Most people who are smart listened to those reporting how devastating this thing was.

Most people who are smart ignored the 'leaders' and their media spokespeople claiming it's just a flu/cold, it's not a pandemic, we've got this thing under control, it's just another tactic used to take such and such a leader down.

Fortunately there are a lot of smart people. Unfortunately their lives and livelihoods are at risk because there are so many people who aren't smart.

Sheer pandemonium.

i just think it,s funny when they ask people to stay home when there are millions of people ( Tokyo - millions ) that wanna stay home but they have to go to work because of whatever reason one of them being because this is Japan of course. they just wanna protect their families waiting for them at home ( in some cases pregnant wives and/or children ). it,s not just the people that go to work, it,s also the people waiting for them at home. it doesn,t have anything to do with laziness ...

Now is the time you wish you had that second house in Shizuoka or Nagano , Cabin in the mountains would be nice this time of year too !!

Monkey see monkey do. What a terrible decision.

It's funny seeing people actually advocate for totalitarian measures like martial law. I think Japan putting the no enforcement clause in the constitution is a good thing. If people are smart they'll voluntarily stay home to protect their community.

You don't need Big Brother watching your every move.

Many people want to know what the govt. is going to decide to compensate those businesses to be stopped, especially entertainment, restaurant industry, and minor services. If it will be compensated many people will understand. Japan didn't start the lockdown many countries did a month ago, but I felt many business had losses according to world pandemic started. Hope and wish this pandemic disease will be decreased within a month, most European countries are going to 2d month of social isolation. China recovery isn't a good example, I doubt they're are able to normally live as it was before breakdown.

The measures sound very weak, so we are reliant on people changing their own behaviour. I can't say I am very optimistic about this.

If they had a clue, the media could take a lead and show presenters social distancing. There's just been clip on promoting a programme which is just celebs drinking in a pub and gossiping. They are not taking this seriously.

we need to distinguish between state of emergency and lockdown. They are not the same thing

Japan can't lockdown any cities like Italy, Spain, France,,,,etc because there is NO law of such lockdown and the state of emergency means basically REQUEST/ASK all people what to do/how to do from govt. That is Japan, no martial law.

@rgcivilian1: You may be new to Japan, but the Constitution and several laws clearly prohibit "the police to close all exits out of the declared prefectures and not allowed anyone exit those areas."

Unlike some neighboring countries, Japan cannot simply weld the door to your apartment shut, or arrest you while you go buy a sack of rice. Or, just leave your home to take a walk.

However, if you want to live in a police state and be subject to the whims of the leaders , I will be the first to wave to you as you leave on your flight out of Japan.

we need to distinguish between state of emergency and lockdown. They are not the same thing

yeah yeah yeah, don,t go out except for food or medical care ... if possible, work from home ( small percentage ), supermarkets and pharmacies open, schools, restaurants, stadiums ( etc ) closed, yeah we know all that ... but how about those people that WANT to stay home but they,re thinking they,ll probably have to go to work ... that,s what we wanna know... if it,s as ridiculous as we think it is ...

It is going to be same mild measure as ever. Japan doesn't have a martial law, so can't order people forcibly what to do even if under state of emergency.

Let me take a wild guess: busy as usual pachinko parlors, busy roads, busy trains, busy buses. In other words, no changes.

Government can't "enforce" anybody from venturing out. There will still be people out and about without a care because they think "everyone else is inside, so I'm safe".

What's worse is, the prefectures not listed will think there is nothing to fear and business will go on as usual. While people in the affected prefectures will flee to the more outlying prefectures...spreading the virus across the lesser populated places.

We're in for a long ride folks! Buckle up!

Sounds harsh but this virus cannot be taken lightly any longer.

Posters who for weeks dismissed the severity of this virus must regret having done so. Amirite? Or will they blame 'the media'.

I went to a barber shop several days ago to cut my hair. It crossed my mind before going about the danger of infection. But what else can I do to cut my hair short? The barber shop was crowded and six or seven barbers were cutting hairs of customers. Chairs were standing side by side about one meter away each. The barber who cut my hair and shaved my face was wearing a mask but I am not and unfortunately he sniveled several times. I was scared but I cannot go away cutting my hair half done. As soon as I came back home, I washed my hair and face several times using a soap. Announcement of the government today may include closure of barbershops. It was too late for me.

Spoke with several neighbors around via cell phone, and some are concerned that there will be "the no common sense" group of people who will return and exit out of Tokyo and head back to their rural areas thus increasing of spreading the virus to parts not currently infected. There is huge concerns and worry about this. The police should close all exits out of the declared prefectures and not allowed anyone exit those areas. Sounds harsh but this virus cannot be taken lightly any longer.

A state of emergency is set to be declared in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka prefectures -- areas most heavily hit by the spread of the coronavirus.

It's ridiculous it's got to this point. Had 'leaders' made better decisions earlier on, we wouldn't be at this stage. Media outlets and social media posters, among others, who constantly dismissed the severity of this virus have to assume some responsibility for the rest of us being forced to endure a state of emergency, especially those who intentionally mislead.

All the necessities we need to buy at the supermarket need to be produced, processed and transported.

Even the mechanic who fixes the engine on delivery trucks contributes.

More people need to continue to work to keep the system going than you think.

This has been taken into account, hence the exemption for essential employees.

Like the last two weekends by all accounts after watching both the Abe and Koike press conferences yesterday. Panic buying has already been done. Was all relatively calm last night on my journey home last night.

The article forgets to mention that many people won’t be getting an income to buy food- it’s either Scylla or Charybdis!

It will be same like many other countries. Face masks in public, panic buying, etc.