Through six waves of COVID-19 in Japan, the number of cases and deaths per capita has been significantly lower than in other G7 countries. This is despite having the world’s oldest population and being densely packed. Yes, Japan has high vaccination rates, especially for older people, and masking is common. But neither of these fully explains such vast differences. Deaths were low even before vaccines were available, and masks are common across Asia. Japan has sought to understand the spread and risks of the disease and apply that to minimizing deaths and hospitalizations while maintaining social and economic activities. Trade-offs among these factors can be uneasy. Strong social pressure probably helped to boost protective measures, such as mask-wearing and minimized risky behaviors. Overall, the government quickly equipped its people with information to take protective action and avoided rigid prescriptions.

There is no silver bullet that can eliminate the virus. Certainly, Japan’s response has not been perfect and has received criticism. It is true that the country’s initial testing capacity was limited, but extensive testing is not enough to suppress transmission. Scientists and government advisers grapple with the fact that we do not yet know the right balance in the long term. They must understand that the behavior of both the virus and people is subject to change — and adjust recommendations as such changes unfold.

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References

  1. COVID lessons from Japan: the right messaging empowers citizens. (2022, May 23). Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01385-9?utm_source=Nature+Briefing&utm_campaign=880196f532-briefing-dy-20230105&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c9dfd39373-880196f532-47677880

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