The number of couples in Japan planning to hold wedding ceremonies is increasing gradually after the government lifted its coronavirus emergency in late May.

Many couples have postponed or canceled their wedding ceremonies and receptions due to the new coronavirus outbreak.

A small chapel located in a large commercial facility in Tokyo's Koto Ward had been closed from April 8 until the end of May.

Of all couples who had planned to have wedding ceremonies at the chapel in and after March, 74 couples postponed their events and 10 canceled them.

Many couples are considering postponing wedding ceremonies until this autumn, according to the operator of the chapel.

The operator has reopened the chapel while taking measures to prevent virus infection, such as limiting the number of participants from original 48 to 24.

A couple who made a reservation right after the lifting of the government's coronavirus emergency on May 25 held their ceremony June 13, the first wedding ceremony to be held at the chapel after the reopening.