Over 400,000 flee Tokyo in 2020 coronavirus exodus

Teleworking options and job loss weakens pull of capital city

The Japanese capital has long attracted those seeking jobs, opportunity and excitement, but many are rethinking the choice amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)

RIONA GOMI and AKIKO FUKUSHIMA, Nikkei staff writers

January 30, 2021 10:16 JST

TOKYO -- A record number of Tokyo residents left the city in 2020, as concerns over the coronavirus pandemic and greater availability of remote work propelled hundreds of thousands of people to seek cheaper and less crowded areas in Japan.