Photos: Tokyo's taxi drivers contend with a fan-free Olympics

While taking a cab in the Japanese capital is a luxurious experience, drivers face the constant threat of coronavirus infection, and recently suffered another blow to business when Olympic spectators were banned in Tokyo. Japan has seen nearly 15,000 Covid-19 deaths, and around 17% of its population is fully vaccinated. A new virus state of emergency began in Tokyo on July 12, limiting alcohol sales and restaurant opening hours, as well as capping crowd sizes at events.

Published on: Jul 13, 2021 6:01 PM IST

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Taxi driver Yuki Kawaguchi driving in the Ginza district in Tokyo on July 7. In his white gloves, dark suit and tie, taxi driver Yuki Kawaguchi is ready to ferry passengers around Tokyo in style. (Philip Fong / AFP)

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Yuki Kawaguchi (C) arriving at the Shinagawa office of his employer Nihon Kotsu in Tokyo on July 7. But while taking a cab in the Japanese capital is a luxurious experience, drivers face the constant threat of coronavirus infection, and recently suffered another blow to business when Olympic spectators were banned in Tokyo. (Philip Fong / AFP)

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Yuki Kawaguchi conducting an alcohol level check at the Shinagawa office of his employer Nihon Kotsu company in Tokyo on July 7. After changing into his smart uniform, he takes a breathalyser test and a temperature check, then enters his gleaming black taxi adorned with the logo of the virus-postponed 2020 Games. (Philip Fong / AFP)

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Name tags of taxi drivers at the Shinagawa office of taxi company Nihon Kotsu in Tokyo on July 7. Organisers decided last week to hold Olympic events in and around the city behind closed doors as Covid-19 infections rebounded – a move which will adversely affect taxi drivers banking on spectator traffic. (Phillip Fong / AFP)

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Yuki Kawaguchi conducting a safety check for the vehicles at the Shinagawa office of his employer Nihon Kotsu in Tokyo on July 7. The fan ban is "inevitable,: Kawaguchi told AFP, describing it as "the strongest step (organisers) can take short of cancellation." Japan has seen nearly 15,000 Covid-19 deaths, and around 17 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. (Philip Fong / AFP)

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Taxis travelling through the Ginza district in Tokyo on July 7. Kawaguchi said he wants to get a jab quickly, despite his concerns over side effects. "I don't deny that I want to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as we drive many people we don't know. But at the same time I hear reports of side effects, so I have mixed feelings." (Philip Fong / AFP)

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Yuki Kawaguchi reflected in the rear view mirror as he drives in the Ginza district in Tokyo on July 7. As passenger numbers fell during the pandemic, Kawaguchi's employer Nihon Kotsu has made up for lost income with a goods delivery service. (Philip Fong / AFP)

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Yuki Kawaguchi looking out from his car as a Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games poster is seen in Tsukiji district of Tokyo on July 7. During the Paralympic Games, which begin on August 24, Kawaguchi will drive designated taxis and shuttle buses for para-athletes and officials. (Philip Fong / AFP)

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Taxi drivers making calculations after their shifts at the Shinagawa office of taxi company Nihon Kotsu in Tokyo on July 7. A new virus state of emergency also began in Tokyo on July 12, bringing further restrictions to crowd sizes at events and in turn customers for taxis. But until the games begin, he will work the usual shift, Kawaguchi said, as he checked his mirror, made sure his mask was firmly in place, and drove off into the night. (Philip Fong / AFP)