How Covid-19 Has Affected Homeless Populations in Japan

The purpose of this paper is to see how Covid-19 has changed homeless persons’ lives in Japan and possible solutions to the new problems that have arisen. Common ways of preventing spread of Covid-19, such as wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and avoiding groups are not accessible to the homeless. Temporary housing like 24-hour internet cafes and homeless shelters are at limited hours and/or capacity, leaving many with no shelter. Soup kitchens have shut down out of fear of transmission. I compare homelessness pre- and post-pandemic in Japan in terms of the rates of homelessness, what new problems have arisen, and how aid methods should be changed