A sad New Year for the Japanese people.

For the Japanese people, visiting temples and shrines is an indispensable ritual during the New Year celebrations. During the first three days of the new year, millions of people across the country flock to temples and shrines to pray for peace and good fortune. Each year, the number of people visiting Meiji Shrine alone from the start of the new year until January 3rd reaches approximately 3.1 million.

However, this year, the shrine will close for the first time during the New Year's celebrations since the end of World War II. According to a spokesperson for the Meiji Shrine, the closure is necessary to limit crowds.

This move comes as Japan grapples with a third wave of Covid-19 infections, with the number of new cases in recent weeks consistently reaching record highs. Meanwhile, many religious institutions in Japan are also asking people to make reservations in advance for the New Year.

The Tokyo metropolitan government also urged residents to stay home for the New Year, and all railway and subway lines were closed on New Year's Eve to limit crowds.

Ha Le