Not a day passes by without more news about this new virus and it seems the world has come to a standstill. So it does not really come as a surprise to many that Tokyo events are canceled due to coronavirus. With sporting events, exhibitions and public outings to name just a few, Abe’s announcement of closing all schools from the 2nd of March leaving many parents confused and facing issues. Raising the question of are we being overly cautious?
As of today, there have been 86,992 people infected, 2,979 people have died and 42,334 people counted as recovered. Japan currently reported 241 cases (not including the Diamond Princess) and counting 6 fatalities it is holding 5th place, behind Iran, Italy, South Korea, and China. With new cases being reported every day.
Travel Recommendations
The travel warning for Japan by the US State Department has now been on a level 2 for some time. This means travelers should exercise caution when making a decision on visiting, but there is no strict travel ban yet. Compared to China, at a Level 4, where it is clearly stated people should refrain from traveling.
Nevertheless, as per Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, a few countries have issued travel warnings including Israel, Samoa, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Thailand, Bhutan, and South Korea.
And as this epidemic spreads, many are making an effort to slow down the spreading of the coronavirus. With many towns in Italy being on total lockdown and even Hokkaido’s governor declaring a state of emergency, calling on all residents on staying indoors this weekend in an effort to halt the rise of infections.
Although this so far is not the case in Tokyo, with a plethora of events being canceled or postponed, only time will tell with the next two weeks being absolutely crucial.
On 28 February, WHO raised the risk assessment for the #COVID19 outbreak internationally from “high” to “very high.”#coronavirus https://t.co/Opqi73eCdv
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 29, 2020
What has been canceled so far?
The biggest event that has been modified due to the coronavirus so far is without a doubt the Tokyo marathon. Normally attracting more than 30’000 participants now only elite runners are allowed to participate. But this is already old news. So what are the latest updates?
For one, teamLab Borderless has just announced its closure starting from the 29th of February. Not announcing when it will reopen, but refunding ticket holders as per their homepage.
《teamLab Planets:Temporary Closure Information》
— teamLab (@teamLab_net) February 28, 2020
To help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus inside and outside of Japan, teamLab Planets will be temporarily closed from February 29th, 2020 to March 15th, 2020. https://t.co/ltwlViaMWu pic.twitter.com/uUEADZrzAo
Also, Sanrio Puroland announced that they will close from the 22nd of February to the 12th of March. As well as the famous Ghibli Museum will close its doors from the 25th of February to the 17th of March.
But the big news is that the two Disney resorts in Tokyo, both Disneyland and DisneySea have decided to close from the 29th of February until the 15th of March. This is big news as it is an indicator of Tokyo becoming more serious about the spread of the coronavirus. Especially as there is still the question of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With the decision about whether the Tokyo Olympics will be held still not made the IOC giving it a 2-3 Month window to make this call.
Senior members of the International Olympic Committee raised the possibility Tuesday of cancellation or postponement of the Tokyo Games if the coronavirus outbreak wasn’t contained in the next three months https://t.co/qFLZ6fWwT3
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) February 25, 2020
Furthermore, although not in Tokyo but worth mentioning is the cancellation of the Nipponbashi Street Festa 2020 scheduled to be held on the 15th of March in Osaka. One of Japan’s most famous cosplay events with crowds up to 200’000 people participating each year it does not come as a surprise organizers have decided to cancel it.
Canceled Events in Tokyo due to the coronavirus
With these certainly being the bigger events, there are numerous others. With many Museums closing there doors for two weeks and festivals being canceled it will be a quiet start into March.
Here is a list of cancellations up to this point:
- teamLab Borderless: closed from the 29th of February reopening not decided yet
- Sanrio Puroland: closed from the 22nd of February to the 12th of March
- Ghibli Museum: closed from the 25th of February to the 17th of March
- Disneyland and DisneySea: closed from the 29th of February until the 15th of March
- Baseball, the Yomiuri Giants will be playing, but the Tokyo Dome will be closed to all fans. With hopes to be back for the next game on the 20th of March
- Sakana & Japan Festival: canceled
- Moominvalley Park: closed from 2nd of March to 13th of March
- J-League soccer, all games have been suspended until the 15th of March.
- Yomiuri Land: closed from 29th of February to 15th of March
- Mori Art Museum: closed from 29th of February to 13th of March
- The New National Theatre: closed until the 15th of March
- The Japan Golf Fair: canceled
- “NIKKEI MESSE”: canceled.
- The National Museum of Modern Art: closed from 29th of February to 15th of March
- The Hara Museum of Contemporary Art: closed until the 13th of March
- The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum: closed from 28th of February to 16th of March
- The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum: closed from 29th of February to 15th of March
- BIO Asia-Tokyo conference: canceled
- Setagaya Plum Festival: canceled
- Yushima Tenjin Plum Festival: canceled
- Japanese Plum Garden at Koishikawa Korakuen: canceled
Conclusion
It is quite certain, these are not the only sights and events being canceled over the next two weeks. And although disrupting, it does seem the right step forward. With much at stake, it is wise for everyone to be cautious and follow the coronavirus guidelines. In hope that soon things settle down and we can go back to a normal schedule.
