Japan Virus Emergency Counts on Citizens to Lock Themselves Down

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for a state of emergency as Covid-19 cases jump in Tokyo and worries mounted that Japan could be the next developed nation to see an explosive surge in infections. The declaration would cover seven regions including Tokyo and Osaka and last for about a month.

The measure would hand power to local governments to try to contain the virus, including by urging residents to stay at home. It would be the first such declaration under a law revised last month, but will not result in a European-style “lockdown.” Due to civil liberties enshrined in Japan’s postwar constitution, the government cannot send police to clear people off the streets, as has happened in places including France, Italy and the U.K. The country’s strongest enforcement measure could be public obedience -- and it remains to be seen whether that will be enough.