December 14th – Comprehensive Japanese media reported on the 13th that due to the impact of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government is considering whether to remove the Tokyo Metropolitan and Nagoya tourism subsidy project “Go To Travel”.
According to Kyodo News Agency, on the afternoon of the 13th local time, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiro Kan held consultations with Yasuhiro Kanjimura, the health and labor officer, and Kato Katsunobu, who took charge of economic regeneration, at his official residence.
After the consultation, Nishimura told the media at the official residence that he would continue to coordinate with the local government on this matter.
Regarding whether Tokyo and Nagoya City will be targeted for the suspension, it is expected that based on the results of Nishimura’s consultation with the local government, a meeting of the government’s response headquarters will be held on the 14th to decide on the final response.
In the context of the government’s Go To Travel project, the extension of the suspension of discounts for travel destinations in Osaka and Sapporo is being coordinated for a longer period of 15 days than originally scheduled.
According to the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK), Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiro Kan said on the 13th that the travel subsidy activity “Go To Travel” is aimed at boosting the local economy.
But he added that the government will arrange for an appropriate response with local governments to curb the spread of COVID-19.
At present, Hokkaido and Osaka, Japan’s epidemic hotspots, have been excluded from Go To Travel. As the coronavirus epidemic continues to spread in both cities, the central government of Japan is considering expanding restrictions.
