Translation guide
Refers to Japan's quasi-emergency measures (man'en bōshi tō jūten sochi) implemented under the revised COVID-19 law, allowing prefectural governors to impose targeted restrictions short of a full state of emergency.
The formal designation for the set of restrictions authorized under the revised Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response, applied at the prefectural level when infection levels are elevated but do not warrant a full state of emergency.
Official term used by the Japanese government and media. Literally 'priority measures to prevent the spread of disease.' Often shortened in news to まん延防止措置 or まん防.
政府は東京にまん延防止等重点措置を適用した。
The government applied quasi-emergency measures to Tokyo.
まん延防止等重点措置の期間が延長された。
The period of the quasi-emergency measures was extended.
Common abbreviated form used in news headlines and conversation. Drops 等重点 (priority) for brevity.
まん延防止措置が発令された。
Quasi-emergency measures were issued.
Slangy abbreviation widely used in social media and casual conversation. Not used in formal contexts.
またまん防が出るかもしれない。
They might issue quasi-emergency measures again.
Specific actions taken by businesses or requested by authorities under the quasi-emergency framework, such as shortened hours or alcohol bans.
Request for shortened business hours, a key component of quasi-emergency measures. Often used with 協力 (cooperation).
飲食店に時短要請が出ている。
Restaurants are being asked to shorten their hours.
Restrictions on serving alcohol, often imposed under quasi-emergency measures.
まん延防止措置で酒類提供の制限が行われた。
Alcohol service was restricted under the quasi-emergency measures.
Distinguishing the quasi-emergency from the stricter state of emergency (緊急事態宣言).
In Japanese, these are distinct legal statuses. Mixing them up can cause confusion. The quasi-emergency allows prefectural governors to act without a national declaration.
緊急事態宣言とまん延防止等重点措置の違いは何ですか？
What is the difference between a state of emergency and quasi-emergency measures?
緊急事態宣言 (state of emergency) is declared by the prime minister for the whole country or specific prefectures, allowing stronger measures like school closures and business shutdowns. まん延防止等重点措置 (quasi-emergency) is declared by the minister in charge of COVID-19 at the request of prefectural governors, focusing on limited, targeted restrictions like shortened hours for restaurants. The quasi-emergency was introduced in February 2021 as a more flexible tool.
In news reports, you'll often hear まん延防止措置 or simply まん防. The full term is used in official announcements and legal documents.