I am not a scientist, and evidence will take two weeks to start to show. But early indications are not encouraging.

I live in Shibuya, a few minutes' walk from the famous "scramble crossing". I went down there at lunchtime, trying to keep 2m from everyone I passed. That was impossible.

Yes, there were fewer people than normal – but normal in Shibuya is shoulder to shoulder. It is not like that now, but nor is it empty. Burger King and McDonalds were deserted, but the ramen shops were still crowded.

Outside the station there’s a smoking area where tobacco lovers crowd in for a post-lunch puff. Today it’s taped off, but the smokers were just standing outside it, bunched together as close as usual.

No-one who’s lived in Japan will be particularly surprised. Friends back in the UK tell me their impression of Japan is of a well-organised society - which is true - that will respond quickly to the coronavirus pandemic - which is not.

The biggest obstacle to reacting fast is hierarchy. Japan is top-down, with a culture that doesn't allow you to question the boss.

For weeks everyone has been waiting for the big boss, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to make a decision. Finally, last night he did.

But his announcement was extremely vague. He didn’t even specify which businesses should close and which can stay open.

Until he does, most businesses are staying open and Japanese people are continuing to go to work.