Did you know Japan recorded the lowest number of COVID-19 deaths per capita among OECD countries. This was despite considerable vulnerabilities – for example, Japan has the oldest population in the world and relatively limited hospital capacity to accommodate a surge in patients.

How did Japan respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what were the political factors that shaped its approach? Japanese leaders have touted the merits of the “Japan model” of COVID-19 response as exemplary of how to manage the pandemic without sacrificing fundamental democratic values and civil liberties. The model broadly emphasizes the avoidance of mandates and harsh lockdowns, maintenance of macroeconomic growth, and evidence-based measures that rely on scientific experts. What contributed to the Japan model, and are there useful lessons for other countries like Canada?