KEY POINTS

  • AnimeJapan 2020 and Family Anime Festa 2020 are called off
  • The events scheduled for this March are cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak
  • All the tickets will be refunded

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has compelled AnimeJapan Executive Committee to cancel the AnimeJapan event originally slated for March 21 to 24. An official statement has been released on Twitter.

Official Statement After The Cancellation of Family Anime Festa 2020 and AnimeJapan 2020

“In the face of the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the call from the Japanese government to cancel large-scale events made on February 26, but most of all thinking about the health and safety of our visitors and everyone involved in the event we have decided to cancel AnimeJapan 2020 and Family Anime Festa 2020.

We are very sorry to all the anime fans looking forward to this year’s edition and all parties who were preparing for the event, however, the conclusion has been made to prevent the further spread of the infection.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.”

After the announcement was made, the website of AnimeJapan shared details regarding the admission tickets refund. People who have purchased a ticket for AnimeJapan 2020 are eligible to get a refund. According to the website, the refund period is scheduled to start on March 6 and patrons are encouraged to check the official website for more information.

According to Crunchyroll, various other events have been canceled including concerts with performers like UVERworld, Exile and Perfume, and the Tokyo Girls Collection Fashion Show event and more.

On Feb. 26, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for postponement or cancellation of big events in Japan.

“This is a very important time to end the outbreak of infection early. Many people gather because the last one or two weeks is extremely important for preventing the spread of infection. Considering the risk of large-scale transmission for such nationwide sports and cultural events, we will request measures such as suspension, postponement, or reduction in size in the next two weeks,” Abe said.

With cases being reported in more countries -- and lockdowns in nations including Austria, Italy and Spain -- traders are growing increasingly fearful about the impact of the coronavirus on the global economy
With cases being reported in more countries -- and lockdowns in nations including Austria, Italy and Spain -- traders are growing increasingly fearful about the impact of the coronavirus on the global economy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Lizabeth MENZIES
RELATED STORIES
Coronavirus Twitter China Japan