This archive report was first published on 22 August 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, a Japanese group has come up with an unconventional way to help people cope with stress - by putting them in coffins surrounded by chainsaw-wielding zombies.
Customers in Tokyo can lie in a 2-metre windowed box, listening to a horror story, watching actors perform, and getting poked with fake hands and squirted with water.
"The pandemic is stressful, and we hope people can get a bit of relief by having a good scream," said Kenta Iwana, coordinator of production company Kowagarasetai - Scare Squad, which is putting on the 15-minute shows.
With Japan experiencing a COVID-19 upswing, Iwana is scrambling to find work for his actors, who normally perform at venues such as theme parks. Last month, Kowagarasetai offered drive-in horror shows.
Customers, too, are looking for alternatives - and a way to blow off steam. "Lots of events have been cancelled because of the coronavirus, and I was looking for a way to get rid of my stress," said Kazushiro Hashiguchi, 36, after lying through the Sh820 (800-yen) show. "I feel relaxed now."
