Owners of restaurants and bars in Tokyo, as well as the prefectures of Kyoto and Okinawa, on Friday expressed worries after they were added by the government to the list of areas subject to stricter anti-virus measures.

Amid a sharp rebound in infections, the governors of Tokyo and the two prefectures were granted the authority to order establishments serving food and alcohol in targeted areas to close by 8 p.m. and impose a fine of up to 200,000 yen ($1,800) for noncompliance.

A street filled with closed restaurants and bars is seen in Tokyo's Yurakucho area on Feb. 13, 2021, as such establishments are asked to wrap up business by 8 p.m. under the coronavirus state of emergency. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

"Atmosphere usually starts to warm up around 8 p.m. but we have to close the door by then," said a 26-year-old manager of a Japanese-style "izakaya" pub near the capital's bustling JR Ikebukuro Station.

"Damage will be big, even if it is just one hour difference," he said before the new steps that take effect on Monday and last through May 11 for Tokyo.

Closing hours of such establishments in Tokyo were just extended by one hour with the lifting of the second state of emergency at midnight on March 21.

A 32-year-old manager of another izakaya pub criticized the central and local governments' handling of the pandemic, saying it seems they are just reacting to situations without a clear vision.

"I want (the governments) to take drastic measures," he said.

Meanwhile, Yuko Miso, who runs a bar in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district, expressed understanding toward the Japanese and Tokyo metropolitan governments' virus policies.

"Until we put infections under control, we have to cooperate with the request to shorten business hours," she said.

However, the 48-year-old also added, "We need to prepare for it beforehand. I hope they will disclose their plans as early as possible."

People wearing face masks walk in Tokyo's Shimbashi area on Jan. 4, 2021, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Bars, restaurants and other nightlife establishments in Tokyo will be requested to shorten their business hours further as Japan plans to declare another state of emergency in the capital and three neighboring prefectures, possibly for about one month, to curb the spread of the new coronavirus in view of the unabated uptrend in infections. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Similar opinions were heard at restaurants and bars in Kyoto.

"We were pinning our hope on the Golden Week holidays (from late April)," said Yoshiko Murata, a 77-year-old female manager of an izakaya in Kyoto.

In Okinawa, April to May is a traditional season for people to pay respect to their ancestors.

"I think it will be scaled down," said Sachie Sonan, a 65-year-old resident who runs a sweet shop in Naha.