The impact of the Coronavirus on the Japanese verbal arts (wagei)

The performing arts have been one of the fields most severely hit by the spread of COVID-19. In my essay I analyze the measures taken by the Japanese theater world to cope with the crisis, in particular my research focuses on the verbal performing arts (wagei). My investigation moves in two directions: one follows the changes and the new regulations introduced over the last three years from February 2020. The data is obtained from textual and video sources; the second involves more in-depth research using a questionnaire I distributed to wagei performers in August 2022 and my fieldwork in Japan in September 2022. The positive and resilient reaction of artists in dealing with the crisis caused by the pandemic shows how art can be important in finding creative ways out.