Vienna Philharmonic Granted Special Entry To Japan
The Japanese government has granted the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra a special entry permit for November so it can perform in the cities of Kitakyushu, Osaka and Kawasaki, as well as Tokyo.
Japan denies entry from many countries and regions in principle due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials with the orchestra say they were notified about the permit on Friday.
They say Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz sent a letter to Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide urging him to allow the Vienna Philharmonic to perform.
Members and staff will take thorough anti-infection measures, including regular PCR tests and chartered Shinkansen bullet trains.
The Japan tour will be the orchestra's first outside Austria since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. The first concert is scheduled for Thursday. Conductor Valery Gergiev is also performing.
The Vienna Philharmonic resumed performances in Austria in June.
