[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the 26th requested the restraint of large-scale sports and cultural events for two weeks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
According to Kyodo News and others, Prime Minister Abe said at a COVID-19 countermeasure meeting held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo that afternoon, "The next one to two weeks will be a very important period to prevent the spread of COVID-19," urging the cancellation, postponement, or downsizing of events. Accordingly, most Japanese national art museums, museums, and theaters are expected to remain closed until mid-March.
The Japanese government, however, stated that the cancellation, postponement, or downsizing of events is up to each event organizer's judgment and is not being enforced compulsorily. Kyodo News reported that Prime Minister Abe's request is an unprecedented measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection and that the Japanese economy is expected to be significantly affected by COVID-19.
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