TOKYO: Stock transactions will continue in Japan even if the Japanese government declares a state of emergency to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, according to Akira Kiyota, chief executive officer of Japan Exchange Group Inc., or JPX.

"Exchanges will be operated as usual" in case of the state of emergency or a lockdown of Tokyo, Kiyota told a press conference on Tuesday. JPX has the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Osaka Exchange under its wing.

Referring to the recent volatility of share prices, Kiyota said, "The market has somewhat calmed down, but is unlikely to become stable until we see the end of the fight against the virus."

Some 12 companies shelved their plans to make a stock market debut due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Kiyota.

JPX will take measures to support such companies, including free fees for examining their initial public offering applications in case they make renewed IPO applications within three years.

JIJI Press