Society

Japanese gamers asked to not send Valentine's chocolates to favorite characters due to virus

Feb 14 (Japan Times) - Video game fans are being asked not to send chocolate to their favorite characters on Valentine’s Day amid the continuing spread of the coronavirus.

Every Feb. 14, gamers send chocolates to characters and developers of Square Enix Co., best known for the blockbuster Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy games.

This year, however, the Tokyo-based company has posted a message on its website asking fans to refrain from sending gifts this year.

Square Enix employees were given the option to work completely from home from December, making it difficult for its staff to receive such gifts at the office. The gaming giant also cited the government’s coronavirus state of emergency as a reason for the decision.

Outside the game industry, B. League basketball club Chiba Jets Funabashi asked fans on Twitter to refrain from giving chocolate to players.

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Death toll rises to 9 in Japan's Ishikawa following heavy rain

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