EarlyGray comments

Why not tap into Japan's vast potential for geothermal energy? Japan sits on top of the "ring of fire," so might as well make the best of a dangerous situation.

The problem with that is that most of the places most suitable for developing geothermal energy are already onsen resorts. Any efforts to develop this type of energy generally meet with large opposition from the tourist industry in these areas.

Even if the numbers are under reported does it really make sense to ground the ecomony to a halt for 100 or even a 1000 deaths?

If it was to stop at just 1000 deaths, then you're right that it makes no sense, but the numbers won't stop there, they will grow exponentially if it isn't checked, especially due to the long incubation period.

I saw one estimate that approx 40% of humanity could be eventually infected and if there is a 2% death rate there that means 0.8% of the population would die. That would translate to approximately 1 million deaths in Japan. That's why it is so important to take measures to keep it from spreading until vaccines and effective treatments can be prepared.