The government will provide up to 25 million yen to businesses that either cancel or postpone events due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry announced on Tuesday.
The money is expected to be used to cover cancellation costs and ticket refund fees.
The financial support will be provided to the 11 prefectures under a state of emergency, as well as areas that have implemented measures in accordance with the emergency declaration.
Organizers of such events as music and theater performances and operators of amusement parks are eligible to apply.
If multiple venues are used for an event, each venue will be eligible for support of up to 25 million yen.
The government will begin accepting applications as early as February.
The government is calling for the operators of events in areas under the state of emergency to limit attendance to 5,000, or 50% of venue capacity.
However, there is a risk that some businesses will ignore the request because lower attendance would make their businesses unprofitable.
The government is seeking cooperation in infection control measures by providing support to subsidize the costs involved in cancelations.
The financial support will also be used to cover the rehearsal and promotion costs of canceled events.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
