In his white gloves, dark suit and tie, taxi driver Yuki Kawaguchi is ready to ferry passengers around Tokyo in style.

Taking a taxi in the Japanese capital is a luxurious experience
Taking a taxi in the Japanese capital is a luxurious experience AFP / Philip FONG

But while taking a cab in the Japanese capital is a luxurious experience, drivers face the constant threat of coronavirus infection, and recently suffered another blow to business when Olympic spectators were banned in Tokyo.

A new virus state of emergency began in Tokyo on Monday
A new virus state of emergency began in Tokyo on Monday AFP / Philip FONG

Kawaguchi, 26, turns up for work at his taxi firm in the busy district of Shinagawa in jeans and a baggy T-shirt.

Kawaguchi turns up for work at his taxi firm dressed in a baggy T-shirt and jeans
Kawaguchi turns up for work at his taxi firm dressed in a baggy T-shirt and jeans AFP / Philip FONG

After changing into his smart uniform, he takes a breathalyser test and a temperature check, then enters his gleaming black taxi adorned with the logo of the virus-postponed 2020 Games.

Many taxis in Tokyo carry the logo of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Many taxis in Tokyo carry the logo of the Olympic and Paralympic Games AFP / Philip FONG

Organisers decided last week to hold Olympic events in and around the city behind closed doors as Covid-19 infections rebounded.

During the Paralympic Games, Kawaguchi will drive designated taxis and shuttle buses
During the Paralympic Games, Kawaguchi will drive designated taxis and shuttle buses AFP / Philip FONG

The fan ban is "inevitable", Kawaguchi told AFP, describing it as "the strongest step (organisers) can take short of cancellation".

Around 17 percent of the Japanese population is fully vaccinated
Around 17 percent of the Japanese population is fully vaccinated AFP / Philip FONG

Japan has seen nearly 15,000 Covid-19 deaths, and around 17 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

Kawaguchi's employer has made up for lost income with a goods delivery service
Kawaguchi's employer has made up for lost income with a goods delivery service AFP / Philip FONG

Kawaguchi said he wants to get a jab quickly, despite his concerns over side effects.

"I don't deny that I want to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as we drive many people we don't know.

"But at the same time I hear reports of side effects, so I have mixed feelings."

A new virus state of emergency began in Tokyo on Monday, limiting alcohol sales and restaurant opening hours, as well as capping crowd sizes at events.

As passenger numbers fell during the pandemic, Kawaguchi's employer Nihon Kotsu has made up for lost income with a goods delivery service.

During the Paralympic Games, which begin on August 24, Kawaguchi will drive designated taxis and shuttle buses for para-athletes and officials.

But until then, he will work his usual shift, he said, as he checked his mirror, made sure his mask was firmly in place, and drove off into the night.

Coronavirus