The new normal post-pandemic: Screaming silently on thrilling roller coasters

By: Alex

"It's too hard!" "I can't do it!" — So the theme park president had to personally demonstrate the "correct" way to ride a roller coaster: wearing a mask is a must, and even if it's extremely thrilling, to avoid droplet transmission, please don't scream. As suggested by the theme park, just scream in your heart instead.

Additionally, the amusement park's infection prevention guidelines request that guests refrain from loud screaming.
As we received feedback saying "It's difficult" and "It's impossible," our park has prepared a demonstration video from our president.
Please take a look... #PresidentHoriiIsAfraidOfHeights #CanYouDoIt #FujiQHighland #FujiQ pic.twitter.com/ntMJz7ZNlZ

— Fuji-Q Highland Official (@fujikyunow) June 17, 2020

As the pandemic situation improves, various theme parks across Japan are planning to gradually reopen. Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 transmission, visitors are urged to avoid shouting while enjoying the attractions. Fuji-Q Highland’s president, Dai Masashi Iwata, along with the parent company’s president, Koichiro Horiuchi of Fuji Kyuko, rode the five-star intensity roller coaster FUJIYAMA, "calmly" taking on the thrilling challenge.

Fuji-Q Highland in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, actually resumed operations on May 23 but was initially only open to residents of Yamanashi. It wasn’t until June 19 that it fully reopened to the public. Many online comments expressed disbelief at the presidents’ demonstration: "His expression didn’t change the whole time, only his mask shifted slightly… what a gentleman…", "So surreal, truly befitting a president!", "Seriously, is he not screaming because he’s scared?"

▲Full version of the 'scream in your heart' demonstration

Located about a two-hour drive from Tokyo, Fuji-Q Highland is also home to a haunted house called “The Absolute Worst: The Haunted Hospital Asylum,” which rivals the fame of the FUJIYAMA roller coaster. Dubbed the world’s largest haunted hospital, it takes about 50 minutes to “escape,” and buying an amulet (to exorcise the ghosts) costs an additional 500 yen (about HK$36)! Now, under the new arrangements, will visitors also have to “just scream in their hearts”?

Source: J-town