With the rainy season over, Japan enters summer without its typical festival, fireworks and beach settings this year because of the novel coronavirus.
Shonan and other famous beaches in Kanagawa Prefecture are without huts or lifeguards as people have been advised to stay away as part of strict infection control measures.
An association representing around 40 beach hut operators in Zushi said some members cannot make ends meet without opening and that they are continuing to patrol and clean up because people are still visiting beaches that are not off-limits.