Press Conference by the Prime Minister, following the Declaration of the State of Emergency (COVID-19)

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister, following the Declaration of the State of Emergency (COVID-19)

[Place]

[Date] January 8, 2021

[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet

[Notes] Provsional Translation

[Full text]

The state of emergency has entered into effect from today. We intend to implement thoroughgoing measures, such as shortening the operating hours of dining and drinking establishments and having 70% of workers teleworking. In each area nationwide, the number of new cases of infection has made record highs.

We take this extremely seriously. We would like to overcome this pressing situation at all costs, with the cooperation of the citizens.

I ask for your cooperation in this regard.

(On the necessity of expanding areas subject to the state of emergency to include Osaka and Aichi)

The four prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo and Kanagawa accounted for more than half the new cases of infection over the New Year's holiday period. In other prefectures (such as Osaka and Aichi), under the state of emergency it is still possible to implement measures in the same way we did in those four prefectures. Also, we intend to take thorough measures by confirming the situations in and closely collaborating with such prefectures.