To those who are planning to go to AnimeJapan 2020 next month, there is some bad news. The organizers have officially announced that the convention is canceled due to the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak. The Japanese government is currently on high alert to prevent the virus from spreading which includes closing all schools until April to stop the spread.

It is not only AnimeJapan that have cancelled their plans. In fact, some major anime and video game-related events have been cancelled as safety measure from the outbreak. Below is the statement released by the AnimeJapan website yesterday in relation to the cancellation.

About the cancellation of AnimeJapan 2020 and Family Anime Festa 2020

In the face of the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the call from the Japanese government to cancel large-scale events made on February 26, but most of all thinking about the health and safety of our visitors and everyone involved in the event we have decided to cancel AnimeJapan 2020 and Family Anime Festa 2020.

We are extremely sorry towards all the anime fans looking forward to this year’s edition and all involved parties who were preparing for the event, however the conclusion has been made to prevent the further spread of the infection.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

For those who have already purchased tickets to AnimeJapan, refunds will be given beginning March 6. The organizers advised attendees to visit the website on the date for more information.

About Anime Japan 2020

The Heisei Era has come to an end and with that AnimeJapan has entered the new Reiwa Era.

Making it this far would not have been possible without the help and support of all our exhibitors, sponsors and visitors enjoying AnimeJapan each year.

We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you.

The theme of the 7th edition of AnimeJapan is “JAPAN”.

In 2020 the world’s attention will be focused on Japan.

With the help of Japanese anime and all industry players, we will do our best to present the “Japanese style” to the world.

We are counting on your help!

Let’s make it the best AnimeJapan yet!

In the case of video-game related events and promotions, we reported last week that those who will be attending the “Battle Train Final Fantasy VII Remake Another Story” event this Saturday. Square Enix announced that they will be cancelling the event due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

This was going to be a free “real-world treasure hunt” what would take 280 players on a one-hour mission on Yamanote. To those who are not familiar with the train lines in Japan, Yamanote is the busy train artery line that loops around Tokyo’s central area. Players are required to use their smartphones throughout the mission and will receive a present after completing the event.

Although this might bring a little bit of disappointment for those who are looking forward to this event, however, safety always comes first and Square Enix has done the right decision to cancel the event.

Source: AnimeJapan Official Website