The lifting of Tokyo's business suspension requests amid the spread of a new coronavirus infection entered "Phase 3" on Friday, and for the first time in about two months, almost all industries are able to operate. While keeping an eye on the possibility of a resurgence of infections, a new "everyday life" has begun.
-- Preserving the mood
"Cheers!" At "Sherlock," a bar in Ginza, Tokyo, two regular customers and four mask-wearing bartenders celebrated their reunion Friday evening with glasses of champagne.
The establishment was crowded with customers as soon as it opened at 4 p.m. and the counter, which has been reduced from eight seats to six, was at full capacity. Kazuki Hara, 49, from Taito Ward, Tokyo, who came to the bar on his own said, "Alcohol that's enjoyed while talking with someone is definitely delicious."
The bar was under temporary closure since April 6, the day before the government declared a state of emergency, and has paid about 1.5 million yen per month in fixed costs, such as labor costs and rent, directly from the store's savings.
To resume operation, the company racked its brains to find ways to prevent infections. The counter was decorated with a fence around the flowerbed to prevent splashes without ruining the stylish atmosphere. Waterproof curtains were installed so that the windows could be opened even on rainy days.
According to the metropolitan government's guidelines, restaurants are allowed to operate on truncated hours, but "bars without entertainment" were incorporated into "Phase 3" of the restriction lifting plans. Owner Yoshimoto Takeshi, 44, said: "We are working hard to create an environment where customers can enjoy themselves while devising measures to prevent infections. It is unfair to draw a line between different establishments. I would have liked the content of the request to be more clear and reasonable enough to understand."
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