Homeless seek shelter as Japan closes 24/7 comic book cafes

Katsuya Asao, 54, prepares to rest at a shelter provided by Kanagawa prefecture for the people who can’t afford to rent an apartment and used to stay at designated internet cafes, which are closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak state of emergency, at a Judo sport hall in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture on April 13, 2020. - AFP

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AFP): Thousands of homeless 'net cafe refugees' in Japan risk being turfed out onto the streets as the coronavirus pandemic forces the sudden closure of their uniquely Japanese 24/7 comic book havens.

The ubiquitous all-night internet and 'manga' comic cafes offer couches, computers, comics, soft drinks and shower facilities for an overnight stay typically priced around 2,000 yen (US$18).