There are many cases in which those working in nightlife districts would not respond to our inquiries, as they would say they were unemployed when we questioned them about their place of work.

An official at Shinjuku Ward’s public health center in Tokyo, which traces possible links in cluster infections. Experts say measures that can reduce the spread of the coronavirus risks in Japan’s nightlife areas, including bars and restaurants, will be the key to preventing another wave of infections, but identifying people who work in the industry is difficult.

© Yomirui Shimbun