Photo/Illutration A sample page from the Tokyo metropolitan government's COVID-19 vaccination certification program (Provided by Tokyo metropolitan government)

A smartphone certification system to offer discounts and other benefits at participating bars and restaurants in Tokyo for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 started on Nov. 1.  

The program, operated by the Tokyo metropolitan government, began at noon that day and by 8 p.m. about 400 people had received certification confirmations. 

The metropolitan government lifted restrictions on business hours and serving alcohol targeting bars and restaurants from Oct. 25, but has continued to request that only parties of four or fewer gather at any one table to prevent infection clusters.

But those who are certified through the smartphone app can drink in parties of five or more by showing the certification to staff at the bar or restaurant.

The service will be provided through the Line free messaging app. After signing up as a “friend” of the Tokyo metropolitan government program, the individual must upload photos of an ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as the document showing that two jabs had been received.

A secretariat commissioned by the metropolitan government will confirm the uploaded photos are valid and display a “registration completed” entry in the user’s smartphone when the Line page is accessed. Officials said confirmation would be completed within 24 hours of receiving the application.

The program will initially be open only to Tokyo residents, but plans call for expanding the service to residents of other prefectures who commute to work or schools in the capital.

The metropolitan government has budgeted 1 billion yen ($8.8 million) to operate the service.

Those who are certified can receive discounts at bars and discounts by showing the smartphone page. Other companies, such as the Aeon group retailing conglomerate, are also participating and will announce its special offers from Nov. 15.

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