The ever-growing outbreak of COVID-19 is prompting some municipalities to urge cancellations of hanami parties, the annual Japanese tradition of picnicking and carousing while enjoying the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms that start gracing parks and riversides once spring arrives.
But Tokihiro Nakamura, governor of Shikoku's Ehime Prefecture, said Friday he was having none of it.
In a meeting held to discuss emergency economic measures to salvage local businesses hurt by virus fears, the governor reportedly clarified that the prefecture will not call for the across-the-board cancellation of hanami parties.
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