NJPW has canceled three shows scheduled for next month at Korakuen Hall due to a state of emergency declaration for Tokyo.
The company wrote the following on their website:
As a result of the State of Emergency declared across Tokyo, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has arrived at the decision to cancel three events on the Road to Wrestle Grand Slam tour on May 8, 10 and 11 at Korakuen Hall.
We deeply apologise to fans who were looking forward to these events. Though matches with no fans in attendance were considered, NJPW has decided that, in order to act in the best interests of staff and wrestlers as they prepare for Wrestle Grand Slam in Yokohama Stadium May 15 and Tokyo Dome May 29, cancellation was the correct course of action.
The company also said in their statement that the rest of their events are set to be held as planned, and will be in contact with authorities in regards to restrictions and regulations. All tickets for the canceled shows will be refunded.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga delcared a state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo that began on April 25 and will run through May 11 due to an increase in COVID-19 infections.
NJPW’s next big shows are Wrestling Dontaku on May 3 and 4 in Fukuoka, Wrestle Grand Slam in Yokohama Stadium on May 15, and Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome on May 29.