As Japan relaxes coronavirus (COVID-19) shut down orders in some regions, two of its largest cinema chains are reopening theaters in a limited way.
According to Variety, the national government, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, lifted the state of emergency May 11 in 34 prefectures. This allows the Toho theater chain to reopen 10 theaters on May 15. Meanwhile, rival theater chain Aeon plans to reopen 27 theaters on May 18 in 16 prefectures in that region.
Apart from the two theater chains, there are some independent cinemas open in those areas. Thirteen prefectures -- the ones hardest hit by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic -- remain closed under a state of emergency until the end of May. The closed prefectures include the major cities of Tokyo and Osaka.
Neither chain has any films scheduled yet, as all movie releases have been postponed. However, both chains plan to implement safety precautions for their patrons and staff, including spacing apart assigned seats, having employees wear masks, installing plastic shields and providing hand sanitizer at the entrances.
Japan, the third-largest global cinema market, shut down theaters in mid-April as coronavirus began to spread.