Jim Rogers: "Japan's COVID-19 Response Worst in Asia"

Jim Rogers, Chairman of Rogers Holdings, is delivering a welcome speech at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Pyeongchang Peace Forum held at the Alpensia Convention Center in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do on the afternoon of the 9th. Photo by Lee Jae-myung, News1 Joint Press Corps, 20200209

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Jim Rogers (78), known as one of the world's top three investors, gave a failing grade to Japan's response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

According to the Weekly Asahi (週刊朝日) on the 5th, Rogers stated in an article for the December 12 issue, "Based on the information I have obtained, I cannot say that Japan is 'doing very well'."

Rogers said, "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (安倍普三) does not seem to have used effective measures in the COVID-19 response," adding, "While (Prime Minister Abe) failed to demonstrate leadership, the domestic situation in Japan worsened."

He continued, "Why were Japanese people unable to receive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests?" He raised doubts, saying, "In the U.S., there was a problem of not being able to get PCR tests early in the outbreak due to a shortage of test kits, but I have never heard that there was a shortage of test kits in Japan. Still, many people could not get PCR tests. It is incomprehensible."

Rogers also pointed out, "In terms of deaths per capita, Japan ranks among the worst in Asia," and criticized, "Looking at the results alone, Japan's response is worse than South Korea's."

Furthermore, Rogers said, "The fact that Prime Minister Abe failed to demonstrate leadership is certainly one reason, but I feel there is a deep-rooted problem behind it," and criticized, "Japanese society lacks flexibility and seems to be worsening every year."

Rogers added, "One reason Japan lacks flexibility may be because of its low immigration," and stated, "Closed countries will soon lose their influence."