The nation began moving toward normalization of social and economic activities on Monday, as municipal governments of major urban areas across the country ease business-suspension requests made to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus infections.
The Tokyo metropolitan government has moved to the second stage of easing its request for the suspension of businesses, so a wider range of commercial facilities, including movie theaters, private tutoring schools and department stores are operating.
Even gyms are back in business. Gold's Gym Ginza Tokyo, a members-only gym in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, at 7 a.m. Monday opened its doors for the first time in about two months.
Asakusa Engei Hall in Taito Ward, Tokyo, known for performing traditional Japanese storytelling such as rakugo, also reopened Monday. It had been a couple of months since eager fans enjoyed the light and easy storytelling.
The hall, which had been performing almost all year round since 1964, has limited the use of its 340 seats over two floors to 100 seats. In the hall, a notice was posted saying, "Please laugh without taking off your mask."
"It felt lonely when rakugo, dialogue among manzaishi comedians and laughter disappeared," said a president of the hall. "I want to do my best again so that the culture won't disappear."
The Tokyo metropolitan government has yet to decide when to move to the third stage of the easing of requests to include karaoke establishments and pachinko parlors.
Meanwhile, Tokyo residents are requested to continue refraining from nonessential, nonurgent outings, such as going to other prefectures.
In Chiba Prefecture, the prefectural government removed pachinko parlors and karaoke establishments from the list of those subject to the business suspension request, while continuing to ask live music clubs and nightclubs not to operate.
The Aichi prefectural government withdrew its business suspension request for bars and clubs where clients are entertained at night, live music venues and karaoke bars. This made it possible for all industries to operate in the prefecture.
In Hokkaido, a similar request for all industries has also ended.
The Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto prefectural governments also fully canceled their suspension requests. They had asked live music venues, karaoke establishments and gyms -- where clusters of coronavirus infections occurred in the past -- but decided to end the request out of consideration for the burden on operators in such industries.
The Fukuoka prefectural government also lifted its request for self-restraint in business operations, but excluded Kitakyushu, where a COVID-19 outbreak is growing.
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