The forced cancellations of major festivals and fireworks events next summer due to the coronavirus pandemic is a huge disappointment and financial blow to the host towns and cities.
The pneumonia-causing virus has forced parts of Kyoto's famed Gion Festival to cancel for the first time in 58 years, while the Nebuta Festival in Aomori was called off for the first time in 62 years. Kochi's Yosakoi Festival was also canceled for the first time in its 66-year history.
Ikujiro Kimura, head of the Gion Festival's organizing committee, said Kyoto residents would like to hold the annual Yamahoko float procession, but that the ancient capital cannot afford to run the risk of becoming a coronavirus hotspot.