Some criticise what they call a half-hearted government response. Tobe's bar was nominally closed, although two regulars were still being served. "Though there are subsidies, for restaurants and bars the relations of trust are important," said Yuji Tobe, a 34-year-old barman in a standing-only drinking spot, where wooden tabletops rest on stacks of plastic crates. The government has offered subsidies to establishments that close on time, but some say it's not enough, and worry about losing customers. In Shimbashi, many drinking spots are cramped and with poor ventilation. Nearby, touts called out on the street, advertising places that were still open.Īuthorities have worried about the potential spread of infection at bars and restaurants. He and a friend were looking for a place to duck into among a jumble of izakayas on Shimbashi's narrow streets. "There are people who can't have dinner until after 8 p.m., including me," Hamazono said, citing his working hours. While compliance has been high - most of Shimbashi's karaoke bars and izakaya taverns were closed on Friday night - more people appear to be ignoring the state of emergency this time than one last year.
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