With schools temporarily closed due to the spread of the new coronavirus, a group of maiko called Akita Maiko has launched an “online theater” program to interact with children in after-school day care, getting them to dance together. The group plays an active role in the Kawabata entertainment district of Akita City.
 The program aims to help children make up for a lack of exercise and get rid of stress. On Monday, the first day of the program, about 20 children at a day-care center in the city tuned in as a maiko said to the camera, “Everyone, please dance with me.” The children danced cheerfully to hit songs and took part in quizzes and other games for 45 minutes.
 According to the company that the maiko belong to, more than 70% of reservations for performances in March were canceled due to people avoiding holding parties. The company then came up with the idea for the program, thinking, “There’s no risk of infection if it’s online.” It will continue to hold these online events if requested by day-care centers.
 Otoha, an Akita maiko, said, “I want to do my best to make children smile.”