Japan: Pachinko parlours suspend business until May 11

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures have ordered the suspension of Pachinko parlours until at least May 11 due to a rise in Covid-19 cases.

Japan.- Pachinko parlours are going through one of the worst crises in their history. While the number of pachinko parlours continues to fall, the government has asked pachinko businesses to close their doors again until May 11.

For now, the measure affects in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo but could be extended to other cities if Covid-19 cases continue to rise amid a fourth wave of the pandemic.

According to local media, Yuriko Koike, Tokyo’s governor, has asked smaller businesses, including pachinko parlours to close and turn off neon signs after 8pm to discourage people from going out at night.

Unlike previous months, this time the government could apply fines if pachinko parlours do not follow the rules. 

Last March, the government asked pachinko parlours to undertake voluntary closures.

The industry has seen sales fall and several venues close permanently. Aside from the Covid-19 cases, there is uncertainty over tighter regulations from the government to stop organised crime in the industry.