JAPAN

As Japan scales down events due to COVID-19, Ehime Prefecture sticks to hanami tradition

Despite calls for self-restraint in organizing large events to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, Ehime Gov. Tokihiro Nakamura said he won't urge the cancellation of hanami parties. | GETTY IMAGES

By Tomohiro Osaki
Staff Writer

Mar 14, 2020

The ever-growing outbreak of COVID-19 is prompting some municipalities to urge cancellations of hanami parties, the annual Japanese tradition of picnicking and carousing while enjoying the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms that start gracing parks and riversides once spring arrives.

But Tokihiro Nakamura, governor of Shikoku's Ehime Prefecture, said Friday he was having none of it.

In a meeting held to discuss emergency economic measures to salvage local businesses hurt by virus fears, the governor reportedly clarified that the prefecture will not call for the across-the-board cancellation of hanami parties.

As Japan scales down events due to COVID-19, Ehime Prefecture sticks to hanami tradition

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