Tokyo's bars and restaurants stay open despite coronavirus curbs

City shortens list of businesses asked to close as economic worries mount

Restaurants, including izakaya pubs, will stay open until 8 p.m. and serve alcohol until 7 p.m. under Tokyo's business closure plans. (Photo by Koji Uema)

Nikkei staff writers

April 9, 2020 21:12 JST

Updated on April 10, 2020 02:05 JST

TOKYO -- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to keep restaurants and pubs open with limited hours during Japan's monthlong state of emergency, in an about-face prompted by pressure from the central government.

Tokyo Gov. Yurko Koike plans to announce the details Friday, hoping for swift business closures.