I am living in Japan during one of the strangest times in recent history. While spending this time here, I’ve integrated with a society that has dealt with the pandemic for over a year now.
Ever since the start of 2020, the government has asked its residence to take precautions. Key word, “asked”, because the Japanese government has yet to demand anything from its residents, but instead only requests that people follow the guidelines in place.
Masks
Mask-wearing has been practiced by nearly everyone. I have been wearing one every day at work since last April. Usually, people will not take off their masks when speaking to each other and the most common type is the non-reusable paper mask. It is often thrown away after a few uses.
Social Distancing
Social distancing has been largely ignored. Being that much of the population relies on trains and stations, there have been incredibly crowded spaces during my commutes each day. Restaurants are operating at a smaller capacity with reduced hours. Schools and businesses have been running as usual. There is also a government-funded campaign to encourage domestic travel, in an effort to put a parachute on the collapsing economy.
Support
The government sent about $1000 to all residents. It is also financially supporting restaurants that have minimized their hours of operation. The only other government support I received were two reusable masks, sent to each household, a gesture heavily mocked for being a wasted effort.
The Tokyo Olympics were postponed and a cancellation is being considered.
Japan is currently in a state of emergency, and the future is unknown.
The future is unknown for all of us and I wish health and happiness to you and yours, whoever you may be, reading this.
A final thought about the uncertainties of life,
When conducting oneself, improvise with the melody of the moment to harmonize with the composition of tomorrow.
J.S
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