Effective April 25, 2021, the Japanese government declared a state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo due to a rise in COVID variant infections.  The state of emergency will run until May 11, during which the entry ban on foreigners and the freeze on most issuance of visas will continue as mentioned in our prior blog post.  This is the third state of emergency for Japan.  During the state of emergency, large-scale establishments (e.g., shopping malls), bars and restaurants serving alcohol ­must all be closed.  Large-scale events must in principle be without spectators and residents subject to the state of emergency are asked to avoid traveling for non-essential purposes.  Due to a new amendment to the Special Measures Law that came into effect in February, restaurants that fail to comply with orders will be subject to fines of up to 300,000 Japanese Yen (approximately $2,780).

Visit us at mayerbrown.com

Mayer Brown is a global legal services provider comprising legal practices that are separate entities (the "Mayer Brown Practices"). The Mayer Brown Practices are: Mayer Brown LLP and Mayer Brown Europe - Brussels LLP, both limited liability partnerships established in Illinois USA; Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales (authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England and Wales number OC 303359); Mayer Brown, a SELAS established in France; Mayer Brown JSM, a Hong Kong partnership and its associated entities in Asia; and Tauil & Chequer Advogados, a Brazilian law partnership with which Mayer Brown is associated. "Mayer Brown" and the Mayer Brown logo are the trademarks of the Mayer Brown Practices in their respective jurisdictions.

© Copyright 2020. The Mayer Brown Practices. All rights reserved.

This Mayer Brown article provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein.