The imperial garden party planned for the fall has been canceled to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus amid growing concern over a resurgence of infections, the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday.

The biannual event was also canceled in the spring due to the virus outbreak, putting off the first such party to be hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

The emperor ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in May last year after his father's abdication. Last year's garden parties were canceled as they clashed with the couple's enthronement rites.

The agency said there was a higher risk of infection as guests from across the country would socialize as they eat and drink.