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Ongoing Topics

The Emergency Economic Measures to Cope with COVID-19 have been decided (Overview | Full Text).

Information on Support Measures Related to COVID-19 (Overview)

The following is a reference of measures implemented by the government and relevant authorities

The assessment made by the government experts on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19): "Analysis of the Response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Recommendations (Summary) (May 29)" (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare); "[Addendum] Japan's Cluster-based Approach" (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare); "Analysis of the Response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Recommendations (Summary) (May 4)" (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare); "Analysis of the Response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Recommendations (Summary) (May 1)" (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare); "Analysis of the Response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Recommendations (Summary) (April 22)" (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare); "Analysis of the Response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Recommendations (Exerpt) (April 1)" (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)

The status of novel coronavirus epidemic in Japan: how it infects; measures to prevent infection; and what to do when suspect infection.: Q & A on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)

Basic information for taking necessary precautions againt the novel coronavirus

Practicing "New Lifestyles" (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)

The government published examples of practicing a "New Lifestyle" that takes into account the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) based on the recommendation of the Expert Meeting on the Novel Coronavirus Disease Control so that citizens have a clear image of what it entails. Example of Practicing "New Lifestyle" (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)

Three 3Cs (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)


"Avoid the 'Three Cs'!"	"How to Avoid the 3Cs"	"Avoid Closed spaces, Crowded places, and Close-contact settings!"

Special Cash Payments: For those who are registered with Basic Resident Registration System as of April 27, 2020, special cash payments of 100,000 yen per person will be available. The start date for accepting applications will be decided by each municipality. Municipalities will accept applications for three month from the starting date of accepting applications.

Preventive measures and response at schools and also the current status of school closure: "Government Responses on Government Responses on the Coronavirus Disease 2019" (Prime Minister's Office)
"Information about MEXT's measures" (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology).

Information on teleworking and taking time off from work: Due to the recent temporary school closures, it is expected that opportunities for parents to work at home will increase. Taking this opportunity of disease control, including the perspective of the prevention of the spread of infections, the government will strongly promote teleworking so that people can work even during disease control, and make a new work-style model take root.

The status of production and distribution of goods, such as masks, sanitizers, and toilet paper, and the government's actions: Current Status of Production and Supply of Face Masks, Antiseptics and Toilet Paper (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare & Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)

The supply status of food products and disposable chopsticks, etc.: Items like rice, cup noodles and other food products are produced and supplied as usual. There are also sufficient stocks of such items and there is sufficient supply volume and inventory to meet demand.
For items like disposable chopsticks and food products for business use, many of which are imported from China, there should be no concerns for their supply as long as consumer behavior remain at an ordinary pace.

Support for micro, small- and medium-sized business operators or other business owners: Measure for Supporting SMEs Affected by Novel Coronavirus to be Taken (Designation of Areas Subject to No.4 Safety Nets for Financing Guarantee)(Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry); Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses (>Overview| Sites for Supporting Filing Requests)

Other support for businesses.: METI's Support Measures for Companies Concerning the Impacts of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)
Second Emergency Response Package (Key Points)(Prime Minister's Office); Relief Measures based on "Reasons beyond one�fs Control" and "Legitimate Reasons" when prescribed procedures are affected by COVID-19 (Japan Patent Office); Q&A on support for businesses in Japan amidst measures to limit the spread of novel coronavirus disease (Japan External Trade Organization)

Extension of filing and payment deadlines for self-assessed income tax, gift tax and consumption tax for sole proprietors.: The deadline for filing of tax returns for 2019 has been extended to April 16, Thursday.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has issused notifications to all local governments about the extension of the filing deadline for local taxes.

Processing of the various types of residency applications by foreigners.: Regarding the period of validity of the Certificate of Eligibility in relation to the effects of the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)(Ministry of Justice)
Handling of Applications for Residence due to the Spread of New Coronavirus Infection(Ministry of Justice)

Extension to the validity of shaken (legally required automobile inspection).: Validity will be extended to April 30 nationwide.

Procedures to follow in case for failing to renew my driving license during the renewal period: In the event that you are unable to renew your driving license and it becomes invalid due to infection or risk of infection by novel coronavirus, you can go after the renewal period and renew your license under the same conditions as a standard renewal. For further details, please see the police department website of the relevant prefecture.

The status of novel coronavirus infection in other countries and regions: "Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 By Country"(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Information about border control measures: "Notice on denial of landing (April 29)"(Ministry of Justice)
The Status of border control measures and other restrictions (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Frequently Asked Questions on quarantine(Ministry of Health, Labour and Wealth)

Point of Inquiries for foreign visitors in various languages: The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) provides the Japan Visitor Hotline, a multilingual visitor call center, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

JNTO English Website
JNTO Chinese Website

Human Rights Counseling for Foreign nationals: Contact Information(Ministry of Justice)
Human Rights Counseling Leaflet for Foreigners"
Leaflet in Other Languages(Ministry of Justice)