Coronavirus attacks world's longest running cartoon
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The uncertain future
Even as the world grapples with the long term effects of the coronavirus pandemic, a cartoon which aired in 1969, and has been running since then, faces an uncertain future.
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Sazae-san
As per AFP reports, "Sazae-san" revolves around the life of Mrs Sazae, a cheerful but klutzy full-time housewife who lives with her parents, husband, son, brother and sister. The 30-minute episodes aired Sunday nights are very popular, and for many in Japan have come to denote the end of the weekend.
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Record interrupted
The cartoon, recognised as the longest-running animated TV series by Guinness World Records, has been hampered by the outbreak of the virus, with animation dubbing halted to keep staff safe, broadcaster Fuji Television Network said.
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Re-runs
"We will halt broadcast of new episodes of 'Sazae-san' for the time being from May 17 and instead air re-runs," it announced on Sunday. The network said upcoming broadcasts would be episodes from two years ago, adding it would announce a date for the resumption of new episodes as soon as possible. It is the first time the network has been forced to air re-runs since 1975, when the economic effects of an earlier oil crisis lingered.
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Japan's numbers
Japan has seen a comparatively small coronavirus outbreak with nearly 15,800 infections and 621 deaths. The country is under a state of emergency that was extended last week until the end of May, though the government is considering lifting the measures early in parts of the country.