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There is a rare treat for classical music fans in Tokyo this week with the visit of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under their star conductor Valery Gergiev. And it’s even more of a treat when you consider the conditions under which the concerts are taking place, with full audiences rather than the socially distanced half house limits we have become accustomed to. Apart from a requirement for patrons to wear masks, it looks pretty much like a normal series of exorbitantly priced prestige concerts at the Suntory Hall (150 quid in the cheap seats).

While very welcome, this does raise an awkward question: how did one of the world’s premier orchestras make it to the venue in the first place, given the supposed two-week isolation period required for visitors from Europe? Surely the entire orchestra and their entourage haven’t spent a fortnight hunkered down at Narita Airport, or tuning their instruments in hotel rooms at enormous expense?

It turns out the Phil and the Suntory Hall were given a special exemption, which had nothing to do with an improving Covid-19 situation, a hard to escape contractual obligation, or the needs of culture famished Tokyoites.