This information was confirmed by the Imperial Japanese Administration today (November 27). The agency said that holding a New Year party in the presence of many people, including many elderly people, could create a high risk of spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Thus, this is the first time in 20 years that the Emperor’s New Year’s party has been canceled. In 1990, Japan canceled the Emperor’s New Year’s Eve party after Emperor Hirohito passed away.
Traditionally, during the New Year’s Eve event, usually held on January 2 every year, the emperor, the Empress and members of the Imperial Family of Japan will appear from the balcony of the Imperial Palace to send greetings. New year to thousands of people. Earlier this year, Emperor Naruhito’s New Year’s party drew in around 68,000 people.
As of yesterday (November 26), the spread of Covid-19 in Tokyo is still alarming with nearly 500 new cases per day. This is the highest level since the emergency order was lifted in May 2020.