Apple Inc. is set to reopen its biggest stores in Japan from midday on Wednesday, bringing its physical retail network back online in one of its biggest markets. At the same time Apple has closed all U.S. Stores due to uncontrollable rioting. 

Shuttered after the coronavirus outbreak forced a series of restrictive measures across the country, Apple’s stores in the shopping districts of Omotesando, Ginza and Shibuya are all reopening their doors, with the biggest and latest outlet in Marunouchi joining them. All 10 of Apple’s stores in Japan will be open by midweek, after the company tentatively resumed sales at two of them a week ago.

Bloomberg further noted that "In a statement confirming the original Japan openings, Apple reiterated that stores will require temperature checks at the door, social distancing and the use of masks by customers and staff alike. This is in line with requirements among local Japanese retailers such as Montbell, which turns away customers without face masks.

While Apple Stores are reopening in Japan this week, Apple along with Amazon-owned Whole Foods, Target and other major retailers temporarily closed stores across the country as protests against police violence continued on Sunday." Patently Apple reported on a number of Apple Stores that were ransacked over the weekend.

As the chaotic protests raged on throughout the U.S. for it sixth straight night with Police and bystanders being attacked, buildings, businesses and cars set ablaze and complete chaos in play, the days of peaceful protests led by Martin Luther King are no more.

It's difficult for most to watch these riots used as an excuse for looting, mayhem and destruction and pretend that this is a meaningful protest of any kind. Many who were sickened by the murder of George Floyd are now equally disgusted at the extent of violence being played out across the U.S. Any meaningful messages about civil rights are completely lost and falling on deaf ears.

For those interested in reading Tim Cook's full message to employees about this situation, click here.