The ruling was made by a government subcommittee, although for the moment a national attendance ceiling of 50-percent capacity will be maintained.

In that sense, 27 of all 47 prefectures of Japan were under a state of emergency or near due to the pandemic until late September.

Since early October, the government has checked the epidemiological situation to make a decision on restrictions on attendance at large-scale events, such as sports games or concerts.

The maximum number of spectators allowed in such events is until now limited to 10,000, or 50 percent of capacity; for instance, 25,000 spectators are not allowed to enter a 50,000-capacity stadium in the concerned prefectures.

The central administration is considering further easing restrictions, such as allowing full capacity attendance under certain conditions, and will present it for debate next month.

jg/lcr/mem/nvo/cvl