Japan Press Weekly

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2022 November 2 - 8 TOP3 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Performing arts still face hardship caused by COVID-19

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

November 3 is "Culture Day" in Japan. Business revenues increased in the performing arts industry after the government lifted coronavirus-related restrictions such as entry bans on foreign nationals into Japan. However, the industry, especially theater companies, is still facing severe financial conditions.

According to the Japan Council of Performers' Organizations, 68.4% of artistic organizations are demanding that the government provide benefits to them in order to relieve some of the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and 72.8% of artists hope that compensation will be paid to cover the loss of earnings due to a decrease in jobs or the cancellation of shows and performances triggered by natural disasters.

Many artists and staff in the performing arts industry work as freelancers. Combined with the ongoing price surge, the tax-invoice system which will start in October 2023 could force a number of artists and workers in the arts industry to turn to other forms of employment.

Injection of public money is necessary to help them continue sustainably with their work. However, the Cultural Affairs Agency did not incorporate any projects which give aid to artists and artistic organizations in case of another wave of coronavirus infections in its budget request for the next fiscal year.

Reportedly, the eighth wave of COVID-19 may hit Japan toward the end of this year, and some shows and performances may have to be cancelled or postponed again. The government should compile a supplementary budget to implement support measures so that their possible financial losses can be sufficiently compensated.