A degree of vitality returned to Japan's streets over the weekend, the first since the state of emergency over the new coronavirus was lifted in 39 prefectures, as people in masks appeared in shopping areas around the nation.
An increasing number of stores also reopened in Osaka Prefecture, where official requests for shutdowns have been eased. At the same time, concerns have emerged about people in Tokyo being less vigilant about refraining from going out.
The Tenjin district in Fukuoka, the largest shopping district in Kyushu, restarted. The Iwataya department store reopened its entire building after being closed except for its food section. At the front entrance of the store, employees wearing face shields called on customers to disinfect their hands to prevent infection.
A camera has been installed to automatically measure customers' body temperature. A sign told customers not to enter if they had a fever of 37.5 C or higher, or if they were not wearing a mask.
Nakasu Juban, a stall in the Nakasu district in Fukuoka, has reopened. The stall is famous for its so-called yakiramen, or fried ramen. To prevent infection, transparent acrylic boards were placed on the counter and there were fewer chairs.
Some businesses in the busy Sakae shopping district in Nagoya have resumed operations, including clothing stores, restaurants and underground shopping areas.
A 60-year-old man who came with his wife to buy bread said: "I commuted to work during the state of emergency, but I think the number of people started to increase a little after Golden Week holiday. We want to take measures to prevent infection, such as keeping away from crowds as much as possible."
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