The Japanese emperor Naruhito will celebrate his birthday without pomp or festivities because of the Coronavirus. – Yasushi Kannofor Pool / AP / SIPA
Japanese Emperor Naruhito will blow out its candles in small groups. The reception of the public in the gardens of the Palace for the birthday of the new sovereign on February 23 has been canceled, announced on Monday the Imperial House, because of fears aroused by
the spread of the new coronavirus.
“In the current context, we have decided to cancel the visit of the general public to the Palace for Her Majesty’s birthday,” said the Imperial Household Agency. On Sunday, the Japanese government called on the population to avoid “unnecessary” rallies. “Her Majesty’s appearance in the morning and the signing of the Guest Book by the public will also be canceled,” she said.
At least 60 cases listed in Japan
At least 60 people with the virus have been identified in Japan without counting more than 350 passengers and crew members of a liner in quarantine. Japanese Minister of Health Katsunobu Kato warned on Sunday that Japan was entering a “new phase” of this viral infection, the country finding daily more cases among people who did not go to China, center of the epidemic, and having had no contact with visitors from China.
The Japanese media also reported that amateur runners would not be admitted to the Tokyo Marathon, scheduled for March 1, which will therefore be reserved for professionals. “We are unable to announce an official decision at this time. We are studying the matter and as soon as a decision is made we will make it public, “a spokesperson for the organizers told AFP.
The last time a rally for the sovereign’s birthday had been canceled dates back to 1996, after a hostage-taking at the residence of the Japanese ambassador to Peru during a reception in honor of the then emperor, Akihito.
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