ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Society

Tokyo coronavirus emergency threatens internet cafe 'refugees'

Salon operators say they cannot suddenly chase away their long-stay customers

The Japanese internet cafe has evolved into a kind of informal hotel that offers free manga, Wi-Fi and DVDs. Some people even call these places home.   © Kyodo

TOKYO -- Millions of people will be inconvenienced by the Tokyo metropolitan government's business shutdown campaign as the city battens down against increasing numbers of coronavirus infections, but some of the megalopolis's most marginalized residents will lose their homes.

So-called internet cafe "refugees" sleep in these all-night businesses out of necessity as they cannot afford a place of their own.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more