Many Actors in Japan Struggling amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Tokyo, April 13 (Jiji Press)--A survey by the Japan Actors Union has shown that many actors are struggling financially partly due to cancellations of events caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Many respondents failed to get performance and cancellation fees for canceled events, drama shoots and other work, but they are reluctant to take out government-backed loans for those hit by the COVID-19 crisis, according to interim results of the survey. The 15-question online survey is under way with actors and voice actors from March 31. It received 880 responses by Tuesday. According to the interim results, announced Wednesday, 76.3 pct of the respondents said they had not been paid at all appearance or cancellation fees for events and filming sessions that were called off or postponed. Including those paid only partially, the total share of those who suffered nonpayment stood at 96.2 pct. With multiple answers allowed, the survey asked respondents why they had not been paid. A total of 32.1 pct answered that they could not ask to be paid, taking into consideration the effects of such requests on their future careers. The survey showed that 51.5 pct of all respondents said they intend to draw on their savings in order to survive from March. Including those expecting to borrow money, a total of 78.7 pct said they cannot make up for their income losses with other revenues. A total of 87.3 pct were reluctant to use the government's lending system to help those suffering income drops due to the virus crisis. With multiple answers allowed, the survey asked the reasons for the answers. A total of 62.6 pct said that they are unsure whether they will have work in the future, and 44.4 pct said they do not think they can pay off fresh debts. Asked what the government should do for those affected by the crisis, some urged the state to give them cash as soon as possible. A respondent voiced concern that there will be more deaths from the recession caused by the mood of self-restraint owing to the outbreak than deaths caused by the virus itself. The union has submitted the survey results to the Cultural Affairs Agency and a group of lawmakers to ask the government to help the lives of actors. END