‘Lion dance’ shows in Japan seek end to coronavirus

ANKARA

People in Japan held on Sunday “lion dance” shows to seek an end to the novel coronavirus pandemic, local media reported.

Residents of Chinatowns in Yokohama province, south of the capital Tokyo, and the western city of Kobe danced in stylized lion costumes to please Gods, ward off evil and bring good fortunes, according to The Mainichi newspaper.

It was the first mass event after travel restrictions were lifted nationwide.

Dancers could be seen performing at 3 p.m. local time (0600GMT) at both the locations simultaneously, while the sounds of firecrackers and drums resonated in the air.

Lion dance, a form of traditional dance in the Asia-Pacific region, is performed to bring good luck and fortune.

Japan has reported a total of 18,539 virus cases including those from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, according to Kyodo News.
As many as 345,249 people have been tested for the infection, while 953 people have died thus far.