Major Japanese companies are streamlining their offices as they embrace working from home amid the pandemic. Some even see the change becoming a more permanent solution.

NHK has learned that Mitsubishi Chemical is planning to reduce its three head offices in Tokyo to a single site next April.

Some Japanese businesses are giving financial support to employees who are teleworking or on furlough.

Marketplace-app operator Mercari decided to close its offices in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka after the government declared a state of emergency on Tuesday.