Apple to start reopening Japan stores this week

Apple Inc. will begin reopening its retail stores in Japan this week, one of its most important markets, after the stores were shuttered for months due to the coronavirus.

Two locations — in Fukuoka and Nagoya Sakae — will reopen on Wednesday, according to the company’s retail website. Reopening dates for the eight other stores have not yet been posted.

In September, Apple opened its latest and largest outlet in Tokyo’s Marunouchi business district, moments away from the historic Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace.

Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Monday that the government’s advisory panel had approved a plan to lift the measure later the same day, a week ahead of schedule.

Apple has already reopened stores in Australia, Germany, Austria, South Korea, Switzerland and some stores in Italy and the United States.

In a statement confirming the Japan openings, Apple reiterated that stores will require temperature checks at the door, social distancing and the use of masks by customers and staff alike. This is in line with requirements among local retailers such as sporting goods chain Montbell, which turns away customers without face masks.

—Japan Times