Nightlife District Identified as COVID-19 Epicenter in Japan... "Crackdowns Are Overreach, Effectiveness Questionable"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Although the Japanese government has indicated that it will deploy police to crack down on entertainment districts where COVID-19 is rapidly spreading, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of such measures.

Previously, the Japanese government announced that, based on the "Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business, etc. (Fuzoku Eigyoho)," police forces would be deployed to host clubs where male hosts entertain female customers and to cabaret clubs where female hosts entertain male customers.

However, Sankei Shimbun pointed out that these measures are only intended to check compliance with business hours and whether employees match the registration list, and are not premised on infection prevention measures such as mask-wearing or maintaining safe distances between people, thus lacking effectiveness.

Tokyo Shimbun also reported that "the Fuzoku Eigyoho originally does not grant authority to enforce COVID-19 countermeasures, and this is an attempt to force closures through police intimidation."

In response, the Japanese National Police Agency explained, "Even if it is found that infection prevention measures are not properly implemented, it will only be a request for improvement."

In fact, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga appeared on the private Fuji TV on the 19th and strongly stated, "Now that we know where the source of COVID-19 is, we will deploy police to dismantle each source one by one."

However, the entertainment industry expressed dissatisfaction about being singled out as the source of COVID-19 spread and facing public criticism.

At a press conference held the previous day, Kaori Koga, representative director of the general incorporated association "Japan Mizushobai (liquor and beverage business) Association," an interest group for entertainment establishments, stated, "There are significant differences in infection control measures depending on the establishment, and criticizing 'nightlife' or 'hosts' collectively will not solve the problem."

She added, "The guidelines presented by the government are detached from reality, unrealistic, and there is no system to ensure thorough compliance."

Regarding the deployment of police forces, Representative Koga also said, "If the authorities exceed their jurisdiction, we may file a lawsuit."

Under Japan's current legal system, when a state of emergency is declared due to COVID-19, authorities can request business closures but it is difficult to enforce them compulsorily.

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