The decision to call off the event, which was to be presented by ENEOS and due to have taken place on April 18, is aimed at preventing the risk of coronavirus infection and protecting members of the public, performers and staff.

One of the four main events hosted by Tokyo 2020 as part of its planned Nippon Festival, the programme had been scheduled to feature performances by renowned kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō XI and singers Anna Pirozzi and Erwin Schrott.

It is claimed the programme embodied different aspects of what the organisers called "integration and coexistence between western and eastern cultures and comparisons between the traditional and the modern".

Tokyo 2020 says those who have purchased tickets will receive a full refund under the terms and conditions of the ticket vendor company.

Details can be found here.

In November, Spanish opera singer Plácido Domingo, one of the famous Three Tenors, withdrew from the Nippon Festival event after being accused of sexual harassment by several women.

Tokyo 2020 claimed the decision had been taken following "mutual consideration" after the 79-year-old claimed he had opted not to participate "due to the complexity of the project".

Domingo confirmed in a Facebook post earlier this week that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

He advised his followers to adhere to safety guidelines proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including hand washing and social distancing.

On Tuesday (March 24), the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 announced the postponement of this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In the light of the postponement, Tokyo 2020 says further announcements regarding other Nippon Festival events scheduled during the build-up to the original planned opening of the Olympics in July will be made in due course.