THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
February 9, 2020 at 18:01 JST
High fives and handshakes with fans are taboo amid the spread of the new coronovirus, as entertainers are being forced to take precautions against infection.
The all-female Takarazuka Revue Co. theater troupe announced on Feb. 7 that its performers will refrain from high fives and handshakes with fans when they descend from the stage and walk along a passage through the audience during shows, regardless of the venue.
On Feb. 1, two male groups from Johnny & Associates--the SixTONES, which released its first CD in January, and the Snow Man--announced the postponement of events featuring high fives with fans that were initially planned for February and March.
The popular AKB48 all-girl idol group has also postponed events to shake hands with fans.
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Children give high fives with heroes of the Ultraman TV series at Marumori, Miyagi Prefecture, on Jan. 26. (Eiji Shimura)
