After being buffeted by six waves of coronavirus infections across the nation, the operator of a "yakatabune" pleasure boat in Tokyo is hoping for smoother waters ahead. 

In February 2020, a man who contracted COVID-19 on a Funasei Ltd.’s yakatabune in the capital was reported as the nation’s “first cluster infection.” The news dealt a heavy blow to the industry, as it heralded the start of the pandemic in Japan. 

Funasei has since been struggling with sluggish sales for more than two years since.

As the pre-emergency measures against the ongoing health scare in effect in Tokyo and elsewhere were lifted on March 21, the company is scrambling to “make business come alive like in the past.”

HAPPY TIMES GRADUALLY RETURNING

On the evening of March 23, a Funasei yakatabune was gearing up for a cruise at a wharf in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward that is situated 2 kilometers southwest of the Rainbow Bridge.

The boat was leased out to Yoshie Hasebe, 64, a self-employed woman from the capital’s Toshima Ward, who organized a grand farewell party with 31 participants for her senior retiring worker.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Hasebe said she traveled only between her office and home every day.

“I was concerned about the spread of infections of the coronavirus, but I now feel relieved because the party can be held as scheduled,” Hasebe said. “We will talk about our situations these days with each other on the boat.”

Yoko Ito, 69, Funasei’s owner, happily watched her patrons ready to embark on their outing.

Whereas as few as 10 or so reservations were made in the two-month period when the pre-emergency measures were in effect, two groups of passengers were scheduled for rides that day. A reservation for a yakatabune for a party of 60 customers was scheduled for the weekend as well.

“People are apparently wanting to venture out since it is getting warmer,” Ito said. “Patrons’ responses are better than two years ago.”

Following the reports of the infection of a man taking part in a banquet aboard a Funasei yakatabune in February 2020, there were other confirmed COVID-19 cases among other passengers and yakatabune staff, shortly before the first emergency declaration was issued in Japan.

Half of the bookings through October 2020 were then canceled successively.

Every time a state of emergency was declared or pre-emergency steps were taken, Funasei saw its proceeds plummet due to the public perception that use of “yakatabune leads to coronavirus infections.”

Funasei raked in more than 50 million yen ($410,000) in August before the virus pandemic, while the sales for the same month last year during the fourth state of emergency was as low as 550,000 yen.

The boat operator expected that more non-Japanese riders would show up to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, which were delayed until summer 2021, but no foreign visitors popped up for yakatabune trips. The company instead spent 8 million yen to apply anti-virus measures to partitions and tables.

HOPES AND FEARS FOR THE FUTURE

Following the long and difficult time, Funasei began seeing business pick up even amid the sixth wave of infections in January this year.

Opening windows along seats on yakatabune allows that type of boat to quickly draw in fresh outdoor air, and Ito heard many passengers praise Funasei for “good ventilation and thorough countermeasures.”

Ito was pleased because she felt having committed herself fully to taking steps against COVID-19 was appreciated by customers.

Spring is the busiest season for yakatabune navigating the Sumidagawa river, as many cherry trees are in full bloom along its banks.

Up to 600 individuals previously turned out to enjoy daily rides before the coronavirus crisis struck, and all the staff members of Funasei had to field calls for reservations for consecutive days.

Funasei’s yakatabune were used mainly by groups of 20 or more even on weekdays so companies could hold farewell and welcoming parties for employees and also wine and dine officials from their client businesses.

The operator’s seven yakatabune were operating constantly day and night during the season.

“I hold expectations and fears at the same time about whether things will really return to the way they were previously,” Ito said. “Continuing to move forward while hoping to bring smiles back to many passengers’ faces, however, is the only option for us.”

(This article was written by Keita Yamaguchi and Takaaki Fujino.)