Photo/Illutration A music concert is held without an audience in Osaka on Dec. 31 for live streaming. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Four music associations said the government's request to hold performances without audiences under the current state of emergency has struck a sour note in their industry, jeopardizing livelihoods and unfairly penalizing customers.

The industry associations, representing music creators, concert event hosts and others, released a statement on May 5 asking the government to withdraw its request to hold musical events only behind closed doors.

The associations said that “they have been proving that live music and concert venues are not places with a high risk of infections by their efforts and results” while taking anti-virus measures based on guidelines created by the music industry.

With Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures currently under a third state of emergency to curb the spread of COVID-19 cases, the government is asking event operators to hold concerts, theatrical plays and sports competitions without audiences in those areas.

The music associations said the loss of audiences is resulting in sharp drops in income for music artists and concert event-related staff during the pandemic.

“Each one of us is proud of being involved with the creation of a music culture and supporting the music, but sadly we are reaching our limits, mentally,” the statement said.

“(The government) requested it without advance notice, not providing us enough time to give out information to customers. The central and local governments are not cooperating properly, which caused a lot of trouble and a heavy burden among our customers.”

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