May 27, 2020 (NHK) - Japan is slowly bringing its economy back on line as a state of emergency was fully lifted after almost two months. While many in Tokyo seemed eager to reclaim a sense of normalcy, steps to keep the coronavirus at bay mean it's far from business as usual.
On Tuesday, stocks in the capital rose on the back of optimism about an economic recovery. The benchmark Nikkei Average jumped 2.6 percent, reaching levels not seen since early March.
A major challenge will be adapting to new rules on social distancing.
A bowling alley opened its lanes for the first time in a month and a half. But celebrations had to be low-key. The once ubiquitous high-five is now a no-no.
Some commercial complexes are preparing to reopen as the capital moves to fully restart economic activities.
Still, the optimism is coupled with anxiety after such a long closure. At a clothing store that saw sales drop to only about 30 percent of the same period last year, a staff member wondered if customers would return.
Osawa Takenori said, "I want there to be an atmosphere that makes customers want to buy something, not just an increase in the number of people going out."
At Narita Airport near Tokyo, passengers were still few and far between.
As of Tuesday, the Japanese government has banned entry from 100 countries and territories including the US and Russia. Many shops at the airport have been forced to close.
Ito Hayato at NAA Retailing said, " I think it will take some time before passenger levels on international flights return to normal. I hope the environment for travel improves, and customers come back."
Meanwhile, the Japanese Cabinet is set to approve a second supplementary budget bill for the current fiscal year on Wednesday. It's expected to exceed 100 trillion yen, or about 940 billion dollars.
The budget will include cash handouts of up to 200,000 yen for healthcare workers. It also includes a plan to help struggling businesses by covering two-thirds of their rent for six months.
Source: ANNnewsCH
