Japan cancels emperor’s birthday celebrations amid virus fears


Japan Self-Defence Force personnel at the pier where the Diamond Princess cruise ship is docked. Birthday celebrations for Emperor Naruhito have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. – EPA pic, February 17, 2020.

JAPAN today said it will cancel a public gathering to celebrate the birthday of new Emperor Naruhito, as fears grow over the spread of the new coronavirus in the country.

“In light of various situations, we have decided to cancel the visit by the general public to the palace for His Majesty’s birthday,” the imperial household agency said in a statement a day after the government warned people to avoid crowds and “non-essential gatherings”.


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