TOKYO -- Japan's decision to extend its state of emergency through the end of this month will knock another 1 to 2 percentage points from economic growth this fiscal year, experts predict, as consumers stuck at home amid the coronavirus pandemic keep their wallets closed.
A survey released last week by the Japan Foodservice Association underscores the dire straits faced by restaurants, with some seeing April sales shrinking to less than 10% the year-earlier level. Monthly revenue at five major department store operators declined 70% to 90% last month.
