Socially-distanced families in the western Japanese city of Kobe have enjoyed handheld fireworks at a night park.

The event took place as a replacement for fireworks displays and other summer traditions that have been canceled this year due to the spread of the coronavirus.

A university in western Japan is teaming up with restaurants to encourage the use of "handheld masks" when people wine and dine in the coronavirus era.

Kyoto Saga University of Arts developed the prototypes, which are made of paper or non-woven fabric with handles attached.