Local Govt's In Central Japan Slam Lax COVID Rules In Hip-hop Event

Chiefs of local governments in central Japan on Monday condemned the organizer of a hip hop music event held the previous day in Aichi Prefecture for its lax COVID-19 measures despite a pledge to follow the anti-infection guidelines set by the live concert industry, Kyodo News reported.

Photo Insert: Japanese hip-hop artists, NAMIMONOGATARI 2019

According to the Aichi prefectural government, about 8,000 tickets were sold for the event, Namimonogatari2021, held at a convention center in Tokoname, which its organizer says is one of the largest outdoor music events in Japan, bringing together hip hop, and rhythm and blues artists.

"No social distancing was observed near the stage, and some alcoholic beverages were sold at the venue. It is extremely regrettable that our safety requests were not followed," Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura said in a press conference.

The prefectural government began implementing business restrictions on Aug. 8, including a request for large event organizers to refrain from selling alcohol. Tightened restrictions under the state of emergency declared for the entire prefecture on Friday set an audience cap for large events at 5,000.

The event's organizer, office keef Co. based in Nagoya, says the annual music event has been held since 2005.

Under event guidelines posted on its website, attendees were asked to wear masks, stay at least 1 meter from each other and refrain from shouting. The company originally planned to sell 10,000 tickets for this year's event.

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