TOKYO: More than 100,000 people have registered to use the Tokyo metropolitan government’s app to display proof of COVID-19 vaccinations on smartphone screens since its Nov. 1 debut.

“Many people have applied” to use Tokyo Vaction App, a metropolitan government official said. Vaction is a coinage that combines “vaccine” and “action.”

Users can get discounts and other special services at restaurants and retail shops participating in the Tokyo Vaction inoculation promotion campaign by presenting their vaccination proof on the app.

The app was initially intended to give young people an incentive to receive coronavirus vaccinations. The metropolitan government now recommends the use of the app at various places as the resumption of economic activities is progressing with many coronavirus restrictions eased or lifted.

Fully vaccinated smartphone users will be able to use the app if they register themselves as friends of Tokyo Vaction App’s official account of the Line free messaging service and upload images of an identity verification document and proof of inoculation issued by local governments.

After confirmation by the Tokyo Vaction secretariat, the app will show proof of vaccinations on smartphone screens of the registered users.

While written proof issued by local governments bears the names and addresses of vaccinated people, the app shows only anonymous IDs, reducing concerns about privacy.

More than 140 business operators including those running restaurants and retail shops have applied to join the Tokyo Vaction campaign.

In a special service from Nov. 15, electronic coupons will be given away to registered app users if they apply for the coupons and are chosen by lot.

The metropolitan government is asking restaurants and bars to limit the number of customers per table basically to four in a measure set to continue until the end of November.

The metropolitan government recommends that groups of five or more people visiting such establishments use Tokyo Vaction App. It also calls for the use of the app at venues of events for which attendance and other restrictions have been relaxed.

JIJI Press