The novel coronavirus pandemic has delivered a blow to live music clubs in Hokkaido, prompting one local musician to help venues raise funds by busking.
Nurse Keiko Koyama, 41, said she was moved to tears when people listening to her solo saxophone performance in Odori Park, Sapporo, left tips and offered her words of support.
"More people in Sapporo care about the local music scene than I'd imagined. I was surprised," she said. "I want to deliver that message to the venues."
Koyama donated part of the money she received to the G-HIP live music venue in Sapporo's Toyohira Ward. The venue closed temporarily in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
G-HIP owner Nobi, 52, said he considered closing the business permanently but changed his mind.
"I want to give something back to the people who saved me by providing a space where musicians can deliver their best performances," Nobi said.
Local musician Hikoichi Kudo, 61, said he has been spending more time practicing at home recently. "The fear of infection still exists, so it's hard to get the band together. I can't wait for the day we can all play together again," he said.
Meanwhile, a music venue in Otaru had its stage illuminated for the first time in about four months for an online event last month. Staff at Otaru Goldstone tried to lift the atmosphere for the musicians while the performance was being streamed live on YouTube.
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