Santa Claus to cancel visit to Japan

Nov 18 (NHK) - Santa Claus has cancelled his annual visit to Japan amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Finnair has invited Santa Claus, who is recognized by Finland's Santa Claus Foundation, every year for the past 30 years.

Santa has visited children at day care facilities, and other places, to bring presents. Last year, excited children greeted him when he arrived at Narita Airport near Tokyo.

It is the first time that Finnair has cancelled the event.

The firm's public relations person said it is unfortunate Santa cannot visit Japan, but that he must be thinking about ways to deliver presents to Japanese children.

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