Tokyo exotic dancer who earns tips can’t prove income drop to apply for Japan’s coronavirus aid

Japan has extended its state of emergency to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, but this means many self-employed people cannot work

They can claim up to US$9,355 from a stimulus package if they show their income has halved, but exotic dancer Aya Yumiko is unable to do this

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Burlesque show exotic dancer Aya Yumiko has been unable to perform since the coronavirus outbreak, and is living off her savings. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:30pm, 5 May 2020Updated: 9:15pm, 5 May 2020

Japanese exotic dancer Aya Yumiko has been living off her savings since March as she waits for the bars and clubs in Tokyo where she performs in burlesque shows to reopen.

But a decision by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this week to extend a state of emergency to tackle the coronavirus pandemic until the end of May means Yumiko could use up her last reserves of cash before she can get back to work.

“I had enough saved up to last me for two or three months,” said the 40-year-old dancer, who performs under the name Aya Mermaid.

Japanese exotic dancer Aya Yumiko makes new stage costumes while unable to work. Photo: Reuters

During her unexpected break she uses a sewing machine at home to fashion new costumes from feathers, faux fur and other materials, and tries to keep fit with springtime runs through a nearby park.

Japan’s lockdown has been less severe than many other countries, with bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues asked to stay closed rather than ordered to do so.

Despite a US$1.1 trillion stimulus package, the Japanese economy is slowing, with factory output down and consumer prices in Tokyo falling for the first time in three years.

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