Year Three of COVID-19 in Japan was a tale of two halves. Until the summer, a sense of cautious optimism prevailed as spirits were lifted by the growing leeway to mingle and travel in-country ¡ª a welcome relief after such a long period of ¡°self-restraint.¡±
This low-level positivity rapidly morphed into a veritable adrenaline rush as Japan¡¯s borders creaked open and inbound tourism surged. With most restrictions lifted, the influx seemed to inspire a burst of fresh energy in Tokyo¡¯s dining scene with a raft of new openings, special events and collaborations.
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