Japan said it would cancel a public gathering to celebrate the birthday of Emperor Naruhito, as fears grow over the spread of the new coronavirus in the country.
"In light of various situations, we have decided to cancel the visit by the general public to the palace for His Majesty's birthday," the imperial household agency said in a statement.
"His Majesty's appearance in the morning as well as the public signing of the greeting book will be cancelled," Daily Mail cited the statement as saying.
The birthday gathering on February 23 was cancelled as local media reported that the amateur section of the Tokyo Marathon, scheduled for March 1, would be cancelled. At least 60 people in Japan have so far been diagnosed with the new virus.
