NHK Documentary

COVID-19 Pandemic: 132 Critical Days (Part 2)

This two-part program examines the challenges Japan faced over 132 days in the first wave of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Part 2 focuses on the 2 months after the country's first-ever declaration of a state of emergency. Through interviews with more than 100 policymakers, scientists and other experts, we shed light on a core weakness in Japan's attempts to deal with the elusive virus. And we reveal the behind-the-scenes wrangling between experts and government leaders over a key question: Should the focus be containing the virus or protecting Japan's economy?