December 20, 2020 4:12:26 p.m.
Amid the pandemic, people in Santa Claus costumes were riding their motorcycles at the Xmas Toy Run parade to rejuvenate the holiday spirit and rally against child abuse. (Source: Reuters)
Santa Claus-dressed Harley Davidson bikes rode through the streets of central Tokyo on Sunday for their annual anti-child abuse march, saying more children were vulnerable in 2020 as a result of pandemic coronavirus infection .
The parade, followed by a toy run to give children toys, is a global tradition around Christmas time. In Tokyo, the event is hosted by members of the Harley Santa Club, founded in 2008.
Riders proudly built their engines to bring Christmas cheer to children living in orphanages. (Source: Reuters)
At the parade, cyclists said this year’s event meant more as more children were vulnerable to domestic violence during the coronavirus year. “Especially because of this year’s coronavirus pandemic, I think a lot of child abuse cases are out of sight,” said Takashi Mine, director of the event.
The number of child abuse cases in Japan rose monthly by up to 20% between January and March compared to the same period last year. (Source: Reuters)
“It is very likely now that parents will take the pressure off their children after they have lost their jobs, so I think especially through the pandemic that we need to march to do, ”he said.
The number of cases of child abuse in Japan rose monthly by up to 20% between January and March compared to the same period last year, as more families spent time at home due to the disease. panoramic, the Asahi Shimbun gave a daily account.
Hundreds of motorcyclists usually take part in the parade, but due to coronavirus only about 100 were killed this year. (Source: Reuters)
The number of reported child abuse cases was higher than last year, according to the health ministry. Hundreds of motorcyclists usually take part in the parade, but due to coronavirus only about 100 were killed this year.
A man in Santa Claus costume rides a motorcycle before Xmas Toy Run marches in a rally against child abuse. (Source: Reuters)
However, riders proudly built their engines to bring Christmas cheer to children living in children’s homes. Riders plan to visit four homes in Tokyo this year to hand out toys and candy to about 400 children.