Concern over the omicron coronavirus variant has forced the cancellation of events and trips by Japanese officials to Dubai in order to promote the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo.
Japan Day, scheduled to take place on Dec. 11 at the Dubai Expo, will still take place with local staff. But citing worries about the spread of the omicron variant, expo minister Kenji Wakamiya indicated Friday that he would not attend the event. In addition, trips by Japan-based entertainers for 2025 expo-related performances in Dubai that day have also been canceled.
Wakamiya’s decision came a few days after Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura, also citing omicron concerns, decided not to visit Dubai.