According to Japanese media reports, the U.S. Army Command in Japan issued an order on December 3 to prohibit U.S. military personnel within 150 kilometers of the Kanto Plain from eating in restaurants, canteens and restaurants outside the base. At the same time, the densely populated areas of 1 capital circle of Japan (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama) are “no allowed”.
Japanese journalist Hirosuke Takahashi said that for many days, the number of people infected with COVID-19 in Tokyo has exceeded 500 in a single day. Under the circumstances of the expanding number of infected people in the capital circle, the U.S. military in Japan has taken a stricter response than the Japanese government. This order is contrary to the Japanese government’s policy of enabling tourism “Go To Travel” and the policy of enabling restaurants, “Go To Eat”.
Non-military personnel, including American employees, are also strongly encouraged to comply with this directive. Soldiers who violate this directive will be punished. Specifically, violators will be the subject of the Uniform Military Courts Act (UCMJ) and will be punished adversely. Punishments include the loss of the right to enter facilities such as bases, deprivation of rights, being the target of layoffs, the loss of the right to welfare benefits, and the early return of family members.
