Both states of emergency were declared only after local leaders pleaded with him to do so. Experts have warned that even the emergency declarations, which are nonbinding and largely rely on voluntary cooperation, may be insufficient to significantly slow the infections. Unlike an earlier seven-week emergency Japan had in April and May last year, schools, gyms, theaters and shops will stay open. Suga has faced criticism for not taking strong enough government action earlier in the outbreak. Suga eventually took action after calls from the local leaders, while his support ratings nosedived in polls showing the public increasingly dissatisfied with his handling of the virus.

Source: Daily Sun January 13, 2021 13:18 UTC