FILE PHOTO: Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe talks to the journalists in front of the prime minister's residence in Tokyo, Japan March 24, 2020. Charly Triballeau/Pool via REUTERS

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday a lockdown of Tokyo would have a severe impact on the economy given its huge population and the key role it plays as the center of the country.

“For now, I don’t think we need to call a state of emergency. But it’s very important to respond appropriately since the Tokyo metropolitan area has a huge population,” Abe told parliament.