Kyoto's famous Miyako Odori, an annual spring performance by "geiko" and "maiko" dancers in the Gion district, will be canceled for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Gion Kobu Kabukai announced earlier this month.
Given the uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, "we have no choice but to cancel the event as our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of the dancers and the audience," the organizer said.
Gion Kobu announced in December last year that this spring's performance would be held April 1-20, but reconsidered after coronavirus infections spread in Kyoto and a state of emergency was declared in the prefecture for a second time.
"We had looked forward to being able to hold it this year around, but given the current circumstances, it is impossible to make proper preparations," the group said. "It is truly regrettable."
Similarly, the Kitano Odori, another of the five "kagai" annual performances across Kyoto, has also been canceled, according to its organizer, Kamishichiken Kabukai.
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