Japan will soon reopen its amusement parks, but with one catch: screaming is not allowed.
Operators of major theme parks recently introduced a set of guidelines to ensure the safety of both guests and staff amid the threat of COVID-19. The East and West Japan Theme Park Associations is a group of over 30 major amusement park operators in Japan such as Universal Studios Japan and Oriental Land Company, which operates Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea.
Roller coaster in a park
Since February, major theme parks across Japan were shut down in the fight against coronavirus pandemic. However, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lifted the nationwide state of emergency on Monday, May 25, in a televised speech after the special coronavirus panel approved the easing of restrictions. The decision was made days earlier than the decree's set expiration on May 31.
As Japan reopens amusement parks, operators' new coronavirus guidelines are banning screaming
Some of the major amusement parks in Japan have already reopened, but Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Japan have yet to announce when they would welcome guests again.
As expected, the group recommends the enhanced measures of sanitation, regular body temperature checks, and the wearing of face mask while highlighting the value of social distancing.
However, visitors may be shocked by some of the suggestions where they are encouraged to avoid shouting or cheering while riding the outdoor attractions, including roller coasters. This may be a tough task as some of the rides are extremely wild.
The lifting of restrictions follows as Japan's COVID-19 cases fall to acceptable rates. The prime minister urged citizens and businesses to adapt to a "new normal" that includes using face masks and social distancing whenever possible.
Some surprising theme park rules
Japan currently has over 16,500 COVID-19 cases and 820 deaths, which is a relatively low figure compared to other nations' death toll. Abe said Japan's success to control the virus in such a short time shows how powerful the "Japan model" is.
Also, for some employees who have difficulty wearing masks while at work, including entertainers and haunted house staff, they should at least maintain a one-meter distance from visitors.
Park staff, including those dressed as animal mascots and superheroes, should not shake hands or high-five young fans and maintain a proper distance, which may leave children unhappy.
Fuji-Q Highland, Fujiyoshida-shi, Japan
Perhaps the most difficult among the recommendations, aside from asking visitors to wear masks, is that they will be urged to "refrain from vocalizing loudly," even when riding roller coasters and other extreme rides.
The guidelines may also compromise customer service as discussions should be kept short. "As a new style of customer service, even when you're wearing a mask, you can use a combination of smiley eyes, hand gestures, etc., to communicate with visitors," one of the suggestions noted.
However, operators admitted "these guidelines will not bring infections to zero, but will reduce the risk of infection" and they pledged to continue to find measures to lower the transmission risks.
Aside from the recommendations of the operators' group, the Fuji-Q Highland theme park, located at the foot of Fuji Mountain renowned for its haunted house, has issued its own rules. It will only reopen its outdoor attractions and just accept visitors living in Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata, and Shizuoka prefectures.