One of the first decisions that authorities around the globe made to limit the advance of COVID-19 was to suspend all public shows. Theatre, concerts, sports events. But in Japan, and more specifically in Tokyo, they found a solution that seems to fit perfectly with this “new normal”: Zombies. Do you want an adrenaline rush? Drive your car into a garage, and let the zombie horde of the Kowagarasetai group come to you…
The Pandemic Hits the Arts Hard
COVID-19 hit particularly hard many industries and activities, with art (as a whole) being one of them. Museums and cinemas closed, plays suspended, filming and productions delayed. Even a titan like Cirque du Soleil had to declare bankruptcy and lay off 3,500 people. The world is doing its best to return to its pre-pandemic rhythm, but the truth is that the virus hasn't gone anywhere, and many events have a low priority in the return.
The Scare Squad in Tokyo
Some don't manage to survive… and then there's the case of the Kowagarasetai group based in Tokyo. This “scare squad” specializes in zombies and frequently gave shows at theme parks, but COVID-19 shattered their continuity. They then tried to reproduce their work while maintaining a social distance of two meters; however, the group's coordinator, Kenta Iawana, admits it's “a bit boring” that way. The solution? “Drive-In”.
The Drive-In Zombie Experience
In the same way that fast food chains and cinemas found a lifeline with drive-ins, the Kowagarasetai group adapted its shows to a special format: A vehicle enters a garage in Tokyo. Its occupants hear the story of a brutal murder, accompanied by terrifying sound effects… and that's when the zombies appear, throwing themselves against the windows and covering everything with blood.
Each “event” lasts about 15 minutes on average (until the curtains go up, the car leaves, and another one enters), with a price of 9,000 yen (74 euros). Iawana expects to “entertain” about eleven carloads of people per day during weekends in July, and probably August as well. And those interested in participating who don't own a vehicle can borrow one. In fact, Iawana believes the format could continue once the pandemic is over.
