Photo/Illutration Only a few customers can be found at the Hirome Ichiba commercial complex in Kochi on Feb. 28 as the new type of coronavirus spreads, though the facility is normally filled with people even during the day on weekdays. (Urara Yukawa)

KOCHI--Old traditions die hard in Kochi as authorities ask the public to refrain from sharing liquor cups with others at banquets and on other occasions as the new coronavirus spreads in Japan.

Residents expressed both disagreement and understanding over the request as the “kenpai” and “henpai” traditions, under which two people exchange cups and drink from the same vessel, are popular in Kochi Prefecture.

The Kochi prefectural government released a written request on Feb. 27 to halt the local practice that could lead to “a significantly higher risk of infection” given that the virus is said to spread through coughing and sneezing.

“We were reluctant but had no choice but to make the decision, because kenpai and henpai mean people’s lips indirectly come into contact with each other and thus pose a high infection risk,” said an official of the prefecture’s health and longevity policy department.

As the prefectural government sent the notice to tourism facilities, restaurants, hotels and other relevant establishments calling for cooperation, the annual Okyaku sake festival scheduled in March here has been canceled.

On the early afternoon of Feb. 28, many vacant seats were seen at the Hirome Ichiba commercial complex in Kochi city. The facility is normally packed with tourists and residents enjoying local specialties and sake from the morning on weekends.

People exchanging cups with others sitting in adjacent seats is a common sight there, but no one was seen engaging in the practice.

A 66-year-old man from the city who was eating a beef croquette over a cup of lemon sour said he was displeased with the prefecture’s request.

“Kenpai or henpai are not symbols of infection,” he said. “The culture of Kochi should be respected more."

A 37-year-old woman enjoying lunch, who said she is a company employee in the city and often engages in henpai with her colleagues at drinking parties, expressed understanding for the decision.

“Doing henpai may lead to spreading the virus,” she said.

Tadao Yoshikawa, 61, manager of an “izakaya” pub within the complex, said he is concerned about sake-loving residents of Kochi Prefecture going out for social functions less frequently.

“If the effects of the new coronavirus remain for one month, pubs would be unable to stay in business,” Yoshikawa said.

(This article was written by Momoe Sugasawa and Urara Yukawa.)

Related News