As the Covid-19 virus epidemic rages on, now affecting almost 90 countries and over 3,000 fatalities majority of which is in China which has over 80,000 cases, big public events in affected countries are being cancelled with authorities in certain countries banning large public gatherings. For airsoft, the postponement of the IWA Outdoor Classics 2020 is massive letdown, but it was understandable as it is about the health and safety of everyone who was intending to attend the event which supposedly should be underway right now.

Another event which is also significant for airsoft got cancelled --- the 59th Shizuoka Hobby Show that is held in Japan. Held in May, the organisers made the decision as it is very much uncertain when the epidemic will have exhausted itself out and Japan is one of the more affected countries.

The Shizuoka Hobby Show is the first major trade event that Tokyo Marui makes new product announcements, unveiling their latest innovations, which usually surprises the airsoft community. But with the cancellation of the event, we do not know how the company will make their new announcements. We have reached out to them and they do have plans pending finalization on how they are going to do a product launch without a major trade event being a backdrop.

Here is the official statement of the organisers (roughly translated using online translation tools):

Cancellation of the 59th Shizuoka Hobby Show

"The 59th Shizuoka Hobby Show" scheduled to be held from May 13 (Wed) to 17 (Sun) in Reiwa (invited by vendors, invited by elementary / junior / high school students, open to the public) ) Was decided to stop the event, considering the safety of visitors and everyone involved in this event as the first responsibility in view of the spread of the new coronavirus.

We are sorry for all those who are looking forward to the event, exhibitors who have been striving to prepare for the event, and everyone who cooperates, including the Modelers Club.

It is with regret we announce that due to the potential risk of further spread of the new coronavirus, it has been decided to cancel the 59th Shizuoka Hobby Show which was planned for May 13-17, 2020.We ask for your kind understanding in regard to this difficult decision.

We’ll keep you posted on to what Tokyo Marui will be planning in order to launch new products in the first half of 2020.