The traditional Tori no Ichi fair, held to pray for business prosperity and good luck, started early Monday at Otori Shrine in the Asakusa district of Taito Ward, Tokyo.
To avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus, the number of stalls on the shrine grounds was halved from the usual level, and vendors wore masks.
Each time a lucky bamboo rake, the featured item, was sold, sounds of handclaps echoed loudly, although the calls for business prosperity that usually accompany the transactions were restrained.
"I hope the event will be more busy and lively next year," said Shinya Yamada, a 43-year-old company employee who was visiting from Osaka.
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