Japanese shows fall victim to COVID once again

Japan’s continuing struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the cancellation of both its major fishing tackle trade and consumer shows in their physical formats next year.

Fishing Show Osaka 2020 has been cancelled and the Japan Fishing Festival will now take place as an online event. The venue for the Osaka show (main picture) has been commandeered for use as a large-scale medical treatment centre and therefore is not available to host the event.

The organiser said: “We have had no choice but to abandon the event. The INTEX Osaka Building Number Six is the main venue for the show, but it is now being used in the fight against COVID. We apologise to the visitors who look forward to the fishing show every year and we kindly ask for their understanding and forgiveness regarding the decision.”

It added that it is looking at other options. “We will hurry to formulate a plan to replace the real event and will inform everyone when that has been achieved. We would be grateful if you could give us a little grace.” The Osaka event was due to take place from February 4th to 6th.

For the second year running the Japan Fishing Festival will be a digital-only event – taking place between January 21st and 23rd. “Sadly the real show won’t happen because of the pandemic, but it will be online again,” said the organiser. “Unfortunately we cannot see products in front of us, but they can be reviewed from anywhere in the world through the special website.”

Last year brands were able to upload new product information on their pages that were up for all to see for a month. There will also be a YouTube channel and live stage performances from some of the country’s top professional anglers.

“It is surely disappointing you cannot see and touch the product by hand, but it is also a great opportunity to watch and find out about them from home,” added the organiser.