The spread of infections with the new coronavirus has forced cultural events, such as concerts, plays, shows and exhibitions, to be canceled or postponed in Japan.
This is especially because, from the viewpoint of preventing infections, it has become difficult to hold indoor events where many people gather. The government has also requested organizers to downscale the size of events or refrain from holding them.
According to major ticket sales company Pia Corp., there have been 81,000 cancellations or postponements of events that require admission fees as of the end of March, with an estimated loss of 175 billion yen. If this situation continues until the end of May, an additional 155 billion yen is calculated to be lost.
Since theater companies and bands are mainly supported by admission fees, the economic damage to them is extremely serious.
If the request for self-restraint in going out or holding events persists for a long time, theater companies and the like will be forced to disband, suspending their activities. It is not easy to reignite the activities once they have been extinguished.
It is understandable that industry organizations in such fields as music, theater and traditional arts are asking the government for support.
First, those affected should make the most of the emergency measures the government has announced.
Under the special loan system, theater companies, for instance, can receive loans of effectively zero interest without collateral. Organizations covered by the employment insurance system will receive employment adjustment subsidies for letting their members take leave.
Freelance actors and musicians can also use the emergency small cash fund system from which they can obtain interest-free loans of up to 200,000 yen.
However, these measures alone cannot be said to be enough.
The Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito have proposed a system that would regard the money people paid for event tickets as charitable contributions, thus allowing them to receive tax deductions if they do not get a refund for the tickets. The move is aimed at reducing the burden on organizers caused by issuing refunds.
If many people use this system, it will be an effective support measure.
In the private sector, Sony Corp. has announced the establishment of a fund to support the entertainment industry. There also have been a growing number of crowdfunding campaigns aimed at raising funds for artists' activities.
There have also been efforts to livestream for a fee audience-free performances and shows. People paying to watch online the performances of their favorite artists contribute to encouraging and supporting the performers.
The time will come when infections with the virus will be contained and cultural events can resume. To prepare for that time, the government and industry organizations must consider establishing guidelines for safely carrying out performances and exhibitions.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on April 6, 2020.
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