Statement by Kengo Sakurada, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai on Declaration of State of Emergency Expanded to All Prefectures of Japan

April 17, 2020

Kengo Sakurada
Chairman, Keizai Doyukai

With the number of confirmed new coronavirus infections rising nationwide, the government has at this time decided to expand the declaration of a state of emergency to all prefectures of Japan. We appreciate the decision demonstrating the administration's firm commitment to end the spread of infections at the earliest possible date.
Behavioral changes to prevent the explosive spread of infections, including reduction of person-to-person contact by 80%, are not easy to carry out. Hence we request the government to expeditiously deploy effective measures nationwide, in close cooperation with prefectures and by sharing with them lessons learned from local successes and failures in an accurate, timely manner.
Looking to overcome the current crisis, all citizens are requested to share a sense of urgency, be aware of their own responsibilities, and change their behavior, in tandem with efforts of the government and the municipalities. Keizai Doyukai will continue to request its members' organizations to promote teleworking and reduce in-office working even further, from a perspective of fulfilling their corporate social responsibility. It will also endeavor to ensure availability of medical supplies and support their offering, in cooperation with Keizai Doyukai in each region.

Chairman's Messages