Japan's approach to social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic might seem to other nations around the world like it is very social, and not so distant.

As communities from Milan to Melbourne find themselves compelled to hunker down in their homes, peeking through the curtains at a world they once roamed freely, coronavirus life in Japan has been much like it ever was, save for some extra hygienic precautions.

Major sporting events have been disrupted or are being played behind closed doors. Companies are asking workers to consider working from home. And the spring tradition of spending time under cherry blossom trees is now more strolling than sitting.

Until very recently, Japanese authorities had not felt the need to impose stricter measures in Tokyo, home to nearly 14 million people. Only on Wednesday, Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike requested that citizens stay indoors over the weekend, citing "an important phase in preventing an explosive rise."