Japan and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Japan and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author(s): Andrzej Dąbrowski
Subject(s): National Economy, Governance, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Health and medicine and law, Economic development
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Japan; COVID-19 pandemic; imposing restrictions; state of emergency; postponement of the Olympic Games; decline in industry and tourism revenues; economic development; Japan’s response to pandemic;
Summary/Abstract: Japan was the first country outside of China to identify a COVID-19 case on its soil. Initially, in fear of the economic consequences, the government did not impose restrictions. However, a state of emergency was introduced on 7 April, although only in the most affected prefectures. On 16 April, Prime Minister Abe Shinzō extended the state of emergency to cover the whole country. The anticipated recession, a decline in industry and tourism revenues, and postponement of the Olympic Games will hurt the Japanese economy. This may limit the government’s ability to carry out planned reforms and hinder the deepening of economic relations, including with the European Union.

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