"Japan's Current State After Rejecting Masayoshi Son's Offer of Free Testing for 1 Million People"

Chairman Masayoshi Son of SoftBank Group / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] As Japan faces the reality of more than 8,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the fact that Masayoshi Son (Son Masayoshi in Japanese), chairman of SoftBank Group, Japan's largest software distribution company and IT investment firm, offered free polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing last month is once again being discussed.

According to NHK's tally as of 4 p.m. on the 13th, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan is 8,150. This includes those who were aboard the cruise ship Diamond Princess. In Tokyo, there have also been cases of cluster infections within hospitals. NHK reported that among the 166 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in the prefecture the previous day, 87 were patients, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at Ekoda Hospital in Nakano Ward.

Amid this, attention is focused on a post Son made on his social networking service (SNS) on the 11th of last month. At that time, he tweeted, "I want to provide free PCR testing opportunities to those who feel anxious about COVID-19," adding, "Initially for 1 million people. We are preparing the application method from now."

However, at that time in Japan, the prevailing opinion regarding Son's statement was that "expanding PCR testing could cause confusion in medical institutions."

As a result, Son eventually withdrew his offer to provide free PCR testing with a post saying, "I thought about it because I heard there are many people who want to be tested but cannot, but since public opinion is not good, maybe I should stop..."

Nevertheless, Yoichi Masuzoe, former Tokyo governor and former Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, supported Son's statement in an interview with Mainichi Shimbun, saying, "I have argued from the beginning that the number of PCR tests should be increased, but the (Japanese government's) response was slow."

Former Tokyo Governor Masuzoe also claimed, "The number of infected people is actually off by about a single digit," and "The number of infected people is likely ten times higher than the official announcement."

Despite the Japanese government's cold response, Son showed goodwill again on the 11th, when the COVID-19 situation became serious, stating, "From next month, I will supply 300 million masks per month to the Japanese market." Mask production will be handled by BYD, a Chinese company cooperating with SoftBank Group.

Son extended his hand once more, saying, "Through cooperation with the (Japanese) government, I want to supply masks to more people, including medical sites."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.