Rethinking going to Japan... just talking out loud... Thoughts?

[wishing4PA]

OP Here
That is a main worry... we might get to go...then what about getting back to the US... or facing quarantine upon arrival... We are still hoping to go... I think that we will have to really look hard, and see what what the reality of going could or would be, and any problems or issue we might face...

That is a huge concern right now.

Japan is looking better than France right now...

Japan is looking better than a lot of places now! Imho, even the U.S.

So I just yesterday talked to the Airbnb host we stayed with last year. She’s a teacher and I was curious how things are going in Japan. She said everyone is going about their normal business for the most part. She expects them to be in school after break that they’re on right now. She sent me pictures of yoyogi park because she was out walking

It's the waiting that is so hard for a long-planned trip! It's too early to cancel June, and I really do think things are looking good for Japan in June.
I think it'll be on the downhill edge here in the U.S.
Both of those being just my guesses, of course.
June could be a great time to visit without as many gaijin running around and businesses happy to get back to normal.
But either way, Japan might not want US visitors in June, regardless of whether it's trying to get back to normal tourism (and Olympics) in July.
I am watching the COVID-19 numbers far more than I would if not for the trip.
It's hard to know what to do. Right now I really wish I'd planned an October trip instead. (Not possible with DD's school, of course, but I can dream.)

 

[Coaster629]

Japan resident here, and imo, if you don’t need to travel, don’t. While at this current moment Japan is doing a but better than other countries especially since here was one of the first places with the infection, I still would say hold off.

I was looking to travel this week back to the US to visit family, and I have canceled that trip. Not because I worry very much about possibly spreading things to my family, but also because of what may change within the time I am in the US. I do not want to be grounded there for an indefinite amount of time due to changes in travel bans.

I do feel Japan is actually a safer place in regards to the virus compared to other countries. The culture is a bit more “sanitary” than others since people usually wear masks anyway and there isn’t a lot of touching between one another (ie handshakes or hugging for greetings). Still, TDR is reporting to re-open early April and the new expansion openings will be pushed into May. To be honest, Prime Minister Abe made the 10 day extension recommendation a few days ago and I don’t expect it to be the last one. I would be surprised if TDR were to open in April.

Also for such a meaningful trip, are you going to have any peace of mind and fully enjoy your time here, or will you be constantly worried about getting the virus? I would hate for you or anyone to go theough with a “vacation” and be stressed and fearful the entire time.

Of course you make the best decision for you. But imo, I would wait, especially if you have family you would not want to possibly give the virus to. In Japan everyone is basically going about their day as normal, but we still are very cautious and aware of the situation. If you need any additional info, let me know!!

 

[LovesTimone]

Japan resident here, and imo, if you don’t need to travel, don’t. While at this current moment Japan is doing a but better than other countries especially since here was one of the first places with the infection, I still would say hold off.

I was looking to travel this week back to the US to visit family, and I have canceled that trip. Not because I worry very much about possibly spreading things to my family, but also because of what may change within the time I am in the US. I do not want to be grounded there for an indefinite amount of time due to changes in travel bans.

I do feel Japan is actually a safer place in regards to the virus compared to other countries. The culture is a bit more “sanitary” than others since people usually wear masks anyway and there isn’t a lot of touching between one another (ie handshakes or hugging for greetings). Still, TDR is reporting to re-open early April and the new expansion openings will be pushed into May. To be honest, Prime Minister Abe made the 10 day extension recommendation a few days ago and I don’t expect it to be the last one. I would be surprised if TDR were to open in April.

Also for such a meaningful trip, are you going to have any peace of mind and fully enjoy your time here, or will you be constantly worried about getting the virus? I would hate for you or anyone to go theough with a “vacation” and be stressed and fearful the entire time.

Of course you make the best decision for you. But imo, I would wait, especially if you have family you would not want to possibly give the virus to. In Japan everyone is basically going about their day as normal, but we still are very cautious and aware of the situation. If you need any additional info, let me know!!

OP here

Our trip in right in the middle of November, what are your thoughts on the time frame... ? If we go, what should we see and do off the beaten path? Day trip suggestions?

We chose this time of year for several reason, the weather we do not like to travel when its hot and humid out we live in it Central Florida, and prefer a cooler days, and even chilly nights... this is a good time of year for DH's to take off work... plus we might get to see some fall foliage colors...

Just wondering, and being very curious... Are you an American living over there? how long have you lived in Japan?

My neighbor keeps me updated with her friends son who is a expat living over there... Her friend reports to her what going on with them then she tells me, and from that report... He said that it seemed like on Sunday when they went to YoYogi parks... that there were alot more people out as well, and there were more people in the restaurants and on the streets, he said that once a month they go to an American chain restaurant.. it helps with them missing family and friends back here in the US... and that it was quite crowded... He still is returning to working in the office on the 30th.... and is not sure about his wife going back to teaching school, but he said that it is looking that way soon...
The relocation specialist assigned to them... said most likely they will be tested before they are allowed back into the work space or classroom...
They got a box from her last week, that had all kinds of goodies and treats from the US, as well as masks, gloves, a bunch of vitamins, and OTC meds, travel size clorox wipes...

Do you agree with the above?

 

[Coaster629]

Well about myself, I am an American living in Japan. I have been for 3 years. Life here is basically normal aside from TDR, USJ, and major sport and music events being canceled. Restaurants, malls, stores, etc... are all open and operating. Maybe the hours are a little different, but still are open. You really wouldn’t know there is a pandemic happening.

Culture in Japan creates a much more sanitary culture compared to the US, so maybe that is why the spread isn’t as dramatic. I of course am not a specialist, so take that only as my opinion.

In regards to your November travel, no one truly knows. That is so far out. I would love to believe things would be ok by then, but no one knows. As of right now, TDR said they are looking to open again early April and the new expansions would debut in May.

November is a good time to visit if weather is a concern, as summer in Tokyo is brutal. Just as bad or maybe a little worse than Orlando. During that time, it is the Christmas events, which are typically the most crowded/popular seasonal events for TDR. Weekends are always atrocious all year round, with weekdays at Tokyo Disneyland usually being a typical day at WDW or DL. Every year it can change though. I would just stay updated and see what happens, but it will be hard to tell by November.

I was actually supposed to have traveled today back to the US to visit. My main concern would have been of possible travel bans to and/or from Japan. That would be the main concern I would have, especially if you get stuck in Japan. Hotel accommodations can be rather expensive. Definitely keep all that stuff in mind, but we will all have to see what the world will be like in November.

Lastly, in regards to what places to visit off the beaten path, it really depends on what you like and what you are looking to get out of your trip. I live in Yokohama, which is south of Tokyo, and I like it a lot more. So if you have never visited Yokohama, you should. Visit Minato Mirai for the modern shopping and entertainment area. There is also the Chinatown a station or two after. You could also visit Kamakura, which is a place full of old shrines and temples. There is also the Buddha statue. Again it really depends on what you are looking for. There are many great places in Tokyo, but there are also many places to visit outside of there!

 

[gelatoni fan]

Lastly, in regards to what places to visit off the beaten path, it really depends on what you like and what you are looking to get out of your trip. I live in Yokohama, which is south of Tokyo, and I like it a lot more. So if you have never visited Yokohama, you should. Visit Minato Mirai for the modern shopping and entertainment area. There is also the Chinatown a station or two after. You could also visit Kamakura, which is a place full of old shrines and temples. There is also the Buddha statue. Again it really depends on what you are looking for. There are many great places in Tokyo, but there are also many places to visit outside of there!

I go to Yokohama a few times a year for various reasons and was wondering if you had any favorite restaurants or things to do near the Minato Mirai or Yokohama station area. I usually have a few hours in between meetings (if my trip in June isn't cancelled, I'll be free from 3PM till 8PM) so going to Kamakura is a bit far but I've almost run out of museums in Minato Mirai to visit. For my next trip I was thinking of either visiting the Omorshiro Aquarium or a few exhibits at Orbi unless I find something else more interesting.

For first time visitors to Yokohama, I recommend eating at the Cup Noodles Musuem and riding the Cosmo Clock Ferris wheel.

 

[LovesTimone]

Well about myself, I am an American living in Japan. I have been for 3 years. Life here is basically normal aside from TDR, USJ, and major sport and music events being canceled. Restaurants, malls, stores, etc... are all open and operating. Maybe the hours are a little different, but still are open. You really wouldn’t know there is a pandemic happening.

Culture in Japan creates a much more sanitary culture compared to the US, so maybe that is why the spread isn’t as dramatic. I of course am not a specialist, so take that only as my opinion.

In regards to your November travel, no one truly knows. That is so far out. I would love to believe things would be ok by then, but no one knows. As of right now, TDR said they are looking to open again early April and the new expansions would debut in May.

November is a good time to visit if weather is a concern, as summer in Tokyo is brutal. Just as bad or maybe a little worse than Orlando. During that time, it is the Christmas events, which are typically the most crowded/popular seasonal events for TDR. Weekends are always atrocious all year round, with weekdays at Tokyo Disneyland usually being a typical day at WDW or DL. Every year it can change though. I would just stay updated and see what happens, but it will be hard to tell by November.

I was actually supposed to have traveled today back to the US to visit. My main concern would have been of possible travel bans to and/or from Japan. That would be the main concern I would have, especially if you get stuck in Japan. Hotel accommodations can be rather expensive. Definitely keep all that stuff in mind, but we will all have to see what the world will be like in November.

Lastly, in regards to what places to visit off the beaten path, it really depends on what you like and what you are looking to get out of your trip. I live in Yokohama, which is south of Tokyo, and I like it a lot more. So if you have never visited Yokohama, you should. Visit Minato Mirai for the modern shopping and entertainment area. There is also the Chinatown a station or two after. You could also visit Kamakura, which is a place full of old shrines and temples. There is also the Buddha statue. Again it really depends on what you are looking for. There are many great places in Tokyo, but there are also many places to visit outside of there!

This will be our first trip to Japan... 10 nights we decided to stick with checking out Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland, and possible a day trip... we did want to go to Osaka, with our flight times and amount of nights that we will be there... I'm not sure that Osaka is doable... we waffle back and forth on it daily... LOL

I'm going to Check out Yokohama, and Kamakura thanks for the tips...

DH and I love to check out museums, historical spots, botanical gardens,... we enjoy the theater, music, things like Cirque and as well we love to have fun trying new things and really good food...and love hanging out...

We like to stroll around, that's why we love Paris so much you can walk out of the hotel and just walk and take in everything, soak everything up... we don't do commando style traveling...

Where are they with the Olympic's?

Any thoughts or suggestion are welcome...

oh yeah... Welcome... I see that you are earning your ears...

 

[shelemm]

Do not make any more reservations. It will hurt that much more to have to cancel later.

Epidemiologists are saying that the 'warm weather abatement' does not necessarily apply to COVID. And no reason to compare this to SARS or Swine Flu or any other after 1918. SARS was more severe if you got it, but symptoms came on quickly so it was easier to isolate, and then it just wasn't robust to last for all that long. COVID is harder to detect and will last for longer. Already, more people have died from COVID than SARS even though it is less lethal.

 

[gelatoni fan]

This will be our first trip to Japan... 10 nights we decided to stick with checking out Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland, and possible a day trip... we did want to go to Osaka, with our flight times and amount of nights that we will be there... I'm not sure that Osaka is doable... we waffle back and forth on it daily... LOL

I'm going to Check out Yokohama, and Kamakura thanks for the tips...

DH and I love to check out museums, historical spots, botanical gardens,... we enjoy the theater, music, things like Cirque and as well we love to have fun trying new things and really good food...and love hanging out...

We like to stroll around, that's why we love Paris so much you can walk out of the hotel and just walk and take in everything, soak everything up... we don't do commando style traveling...

Where are they with the Olympic's?

The torch relay has started and some schools are starting in April so it seems like Japan is trying really hard to make the Olympics still happen.

I think Kyoto is best in terms of historical spots but places may not always be the most accessible. I recommend seeing if you can get a tour from Osaka for those if you decide to go there.

 

[Coaster629]

As someone said earlier, the torch has arrived. Japan has invested a ton into the Olympics with the new stadium and a lot of construction around Tokyo. I can understand why they are pushing hard to keep on schedule. Tourism has been down in Japan, so a delay would really hurt.

I moved to Yokohama about a year ago, so I am still learning about what is in the area. If you like museums, the Cup Noodle museum is in Minato Mirai, Yokohama!

I do like Kyoto very much, but that is of course a major tourist spot. If you are ok with massive crowds in small spaces, then you should be fine. I personally am not a fan of that, so Kamakura is a bit more laid back. It is still busy, but not like Kyoto. Look into Kamakura.You would def enjoy it.

If you like to just walk around, I feel the most “in Japan” when I am in suburb or countryside areas. The city areas are of course beautiful and impressive, but my personal taste of Japan is the historical side of things. I always walk around where I live or when I am about in Tokyo, I will go on long walks rather that using the trains.

In regards to Osaka, Universal Studios is fantastic! Only place left with T2-3D and Jaws. I went there a couple years ago. I am looking to go back soon, but as of now, Nintendo Land is supposed to open in the summer, so things will be crazy then. But remember you can take the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka. Takes about 3 hours for Osaka. If you were really desperate to go to Osaka for the day, you could, but that will be a very tiring day.

If you haven’t ever looked i to it, explore the street market areas in Japan. I personally really enjoy those areas. Kamakura has one, and there is a fantastic market in Kyoto called Nishiki Market. Also visit the Gion area in Kyoto. The area is most known for Geishas, but it has become more “touristy” as time goes on.

I am def not a good travel guide, so look into attractions around Yokohama or Kanagawa prefecture. If you are able to rent a car and are not afraid to drive, maybe drive town to the towns around Mt. Fuji!

 

[LovesTimone]

Do not make any more reservations. It will hurt that much more to have to cancel later.

Epidemiologists are saying that the 'warm weather abatement' does not necessarily apply to COVID. And no reason to compare this to SARS or Swine Flu or any other after 1918. SARS was more severe if you got it, but symptoms came on quickly so it was easier to isolate, and then it just wasn't robust to last for all that long. COVID is harder to detect and will last for longer. Already, more people have died from COVID than SARS even though it is less lethal.

The only thing we did was book and pay for our airfare... So we are okay as far as that, and we are booked with Delta... so I'm not really worried about a refund or whatever... We were working on hotels when all this broke out... so we are just in a holding pattern...

I agree you can't compare... anything to really anything when it come to medical issues...everyone is completely different...

I read some where ( livescience.com - I think) that they believe that Swine flu killed 201,000 people world wide... and back then we did not have the reporting systems in place as we do now so the numbers are not a true showing... DH got the swine flu and he got in a meeting at the hospital, ... everyone in that meeting got it... he was soooo sick... So here is something to think about, When we went to the doctor's office, and he tested positive, I said to the doctor ... oh great I'm going to get it now... She said when were you born, and I told her, then she asked, when you were in school did the line you up in the hallways and give you shots, I was like yes... she said then you have had the vaccine... and you won't get it... and I didn't... and I slept in the same bed and took care of him.. and never got it..

The flu( influenza) from last year alone causes 36 million illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 death's and this was just in the US alone.. which was according to the CDC....

In caution because this is a new virus we have to learn more about it...so no way to compare it...

As well I think that we will see higher number here in the next few days, due to the back log of cases that are being run now due to the new way samples are processed is much faster... So if you mix the back log with the new samples from people now.... you are going to get higher daily rates... which doesn't mean new daily case or people that are newly infected... Hopefully all that will pan out and slow down so we can get a truer read on what is really happening...

I am hoping that the warmer weather will slow things down, so that people can relax some, and things can get back to normal, and all this fear shopping and hoarding, will stop... Of course everyone should still be vigilant... daily... whether it is flu season or not... WASH YOUR HANDS... protect yourself... I can not tell you how many times that I see grown women walk out the the restroom stall and do not wash their hands...Yes in the last weeks, ... I have always been that person on a plane that wipes everything down, and I can't tell you how many time I have gotten the side eye or people making comments, now that behavior doesn't seem so strange or silly... I re-wipe hotel rooms down, tables at fast food spots...

All in all I am still hoping and planning for Japan...

 

[Ceilidhscot]

Would be worried if Japan does decide to go ahead with the Olympics tbh. Lots of countries will still not have reached their “peak” or have travel restrictions. Why take the risk of reinfection of your country when figures there are lower. Surely it would just increase the numbers there?

 

[LovesTimone]

Op here..

I talked to my neighbor last night, the one with the friends son who is a expat living in Japan... So this weeks update from him is, that things are about the same, he did feel that more people are moving around...He will be going back to working in the office, next Monday as planned... they said he could come back today to work in the office if he wanted to, but the relocation specialist, said next Monday to be sure... she is his point person... As far as his wife and going back to teaching, it looks like she will go back to work when school starts back up in April, as of right now, she has not been told anything different...so that's kinda up in the air... He did say that they have been on the trains, and everyone is just going about their life, the only real difference is everyone is wearing mask's, and gloves on the trains.. they went to Odaiba sometime in the last week just to get out of the house, and Odaiba malls were not as busy as usual, still there were people shopping, eating and enjoying the day...

So I am just sharing what I was told...

 

[LovesTimone]

Would be worried if Japan does decide to go ahead with the Olympics tbh. Lots of countries will still not have reached their “peak” or have travel restrictions. Why take the risk of reinfection of your country when figures there are lower. Surely it would just increase the numbers there?

OP here,
I was trying to find out something about the Olympics, looking for something even a hint one way or another... and from the only interview I could really find from the head of the Olympic committee, is just they are waiting to see what happens, and he would not commit to anything or even a date to make a decision... I could not imagine trying to make this type of decision, with all the pressure from all sides... and if they postpone it then you have to figure out how to handle all that.. it's not like canceling a ball game, or a concert... Just thinking of all the moving parts, All scenarios that could, possibly happen.. gives me a headache...

Hopefully we will know something soon...

 

[Haley R]

OP here,
I was trying to find out something about the Olympics, looking for something even a hint one way or another... and from the only interview I could really find from the head of the Olympic committee, is just they are waiting to see what happens, and he would not commit to anything or even a date to make a decision... I could not imagine trying to make this type of decision, with all the pressure from all sides... and if they postpone it then you have to figure out how to handle all that.. it's not like canceling a ball game, or a concert... Just thinking of all the moving parts, All scenarios that could, possibly happen.. gives me a headache...

Hopefully we will know something soon...

They recently stated it might be postponed a year because some countries are saying they won't come if it's held this year. This article says Canada and Australia were ones that said that:
https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/japan-pm-delay-option-olympics-held-fully-69740571

 

[Coaster629]

Just need to be patient and just wait and see. All we can do at this point. Safety is most important. Not only for you, but for the others you may interact with. Goal now for the entire world is to stop this from spreading. Many people are asymptomatic and are unaware they carry it. Then they spread it to others and the chain reaction happens. Many of us need to put certain desires aside right now to make sure we don’t cause any spread. Just wait and see.

 

[LovesTimone]

Just need to be patient and just wait and see. All we can do at this point. Safety is most important. Not only for you, but for the others you may interact with. Goal now for the entire world is to stop this from spreading. Many people are asymptomatic and are unaware they carry it. Then they spread it to others and the chain reaction happens. Many of us need to put certain desires aside right now to make sure we don’t cause any spread. Just wait and see.

I feel that personal responsibility is something that everyone needs to embrace.... and use caution and precautions whether you are going to the grocery store or on a trip internationally... Not just with virus but everyday... People - WASH YOUR HANDS!!!! -

My parents, my Dad is 81, and my mom 78, - I have made sure that they are not going out, I do the grocery shopping, and run errands for them. The only place that they are going is to the Doctors office, which they have to go to for their other health problems... I walk through the garage, and straight to the bathroom, to wash my hands, no hugging or kissing on them, which just kills me not to do... I wipe the grocery bags off with a Lysol wipes before bring them into the house... I am going to protect them the best that I can....

Things like here in the US, wearing mask, or gloves on subways, and public transportation, air planes... as well planes, trains, subway/metro cars, all forms of public transportation needs to be cleaned several times daily, if you have ever ridden the subway in NYC, you know those cars are like a petri dish full of just gross stuff... We could take some lessons from the Japanese with keeping public transportation clean, and protect other's from us when we are sick.. That is the reason that the Japanese wear mask, not to protect themselves from us, but to protect everyone from them if they are sick and not feeling well...

Honestly you just can not just put a closed sign on the world... are we suppose to just quarantine the whole world... and for how long, weeks, months, years, ...this idea of just keep waiting and waiting is not helping anyone out... wait and see, wait and see, and you can't let the "what if's" rule the world...

This is not about desires it's about keeping the world up and running. Here in the US, our government is trying to help people by giving us a stimulus, instant unemployment for people effected by the closure of business, due to the virus...still for most people that will not be enough... Most countries are not going to do that for their citizens...what are they suppose to do and how are they going to take care of their families? There is a bigger picture that needs to looked at... the World's economy is at stake, and it must be stable...

My DD is laid off right now she works in the tourist industry, so she will get the instant unemployment, thankfully her DH works in a essential service company, so he is still working.... my grandson is in pre-K and at home with her... and the school are closed here... Yet the day care is still expecting payment, for next month... if they don't pay then they will give up his spot, so once they go back to school and day care, he will not have a spot - So how are they suppose to pay for something that they are not using, nor without her working can they pay for, yet you can see the day-cares side of it...they still need to pay bills, so that they can re-open when all this blow over... No-one is right or wrong... it just the way it is.

People need to be able to eat, feed their families and keep a roof over their families head... Most people live paycheck to paycheck, that is the reality of it...

It cost big money to do research, and so forth... Where is that money going to come from? Everyone is working on this, make no mistake that at some point the bill is going to come due...so who pay's that tab?

DH and I talk about this nightly... still hoping to go...

 

[Coaster629]

Not looking to dive into politics or anything along those lines. Just play it safe and keep up to date. That’s all you can do. Things change everyday.
I hope everything will improve for you and your loved ones!

 

[wishing4PA]

June is still such a dilemma for me. I am 99% sure the trip will be cancelled/rescheduled, but for when? I have to work it around school schedules. After the mess of the school schedules this year (distance learning until May now) I'm not sure I can even rely on next year's schedules that were posted earlier. To complicate matters, DD applied to a different school and is still waiting to hear if she's in, and that would mean a different schedule. School is half the reason I haven't tried calling Delta yet.
And are they still expecting 14 day quarantines and pandemic still around in June, or basing this largely on the fact that athletes can't even train right now? I don't know if the answers are out there, so I'm just waiting. It looks like Delta now is doing flexible changes with tickets through then end of May. Especially for tix that expire by June 30. Our tickets are in June and expire July 2nd. So I'm waiting... and waiting ... and enjoying the Rapunzel memes. Meanwhile, we got a sudden brief hailstorm today. 2020 is going to be a memorable year. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones, everyone, and minimize those necessary trips out of the house.

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here,

Talked to my neighbor Saturday... and she had just gotten the scoop from her friend, on what her son had to say...( he and his wife are Expat's living in Japan)... She share's with me, then I share with you all...

So here we go...

So he went back to work today the 30th, they received another boxed filled with treats from the US... along with mask, gloves and other items...the relocation specialist did offer the option to stay home another week, he choose to go back to work in the office... the relocation specialist did tell him at any time he can go back and work from home... As far as his wife, she will be returning to teaching in April when schools goes back in session... as far as right now... they are still doing the temperature checks and reporting how they are feeling daily... They have been getting out more, and everyone is still wearing mask and gloves on the trains, and on the streets, but other than that, things seem to be returning to normal there... He did say that with the Olympic being postponed everyone is really disappointed, yet are optimistic about next years games... so that's really all I have....

 

[MKTokyo]

OP here,

Talked to my neighbor Saturday... and she had just gotten the scoop from her friend, on what her son had to say...( he and his wife are Expat's living in Japan)... She share's with me, then I share with you all...

So here we go...

So he went back to work today the 30th, they received another boxed filled with treats from the US... along with mask, gloves and other items...the relocation specialist did offer the option to stay home another week, he choose to go back to work in the office... the relocation specialist did tell him at any time he can go back and work from home... As far as his wife, she will be returning to teaching in April when schools goes back in session... as far as right now... they are still doing the temperature checks and reporting how they are feeling daily... They have been getting out more, and everyone is still wearing mask and gloves on the trains, and on the streets, but other than that, things seem to be returning to normal there... He did say that with the Olympic being postponed everyone is really disappointed, yet are optimistic about next years games... so that's really all I have....

I am not looking to pick on you with this post But, most of the information here is not accurate. Things are NOT returning to normal. If those people are “getting out more,” they shouldn’t be. That is contributing to the problem. We had a voluntary lockdown here in Tokyo over the weekend because the numbers began to rise again after people selfishly went to hanami instead of staying home as instructed. It’s very possible we are looking at an extended lockdown if the numbers do not start to fall. I also do not know who is disappointed about the Olympics being postponed other than the government. Most people I know are relieved.

I write this because I do not want anyone here to be lulled into a false sense of security about the situation in Japan.

And, we do not have a problem obtaining masks or gloves anymore. Most people are making masks at home if they do not have N95s & gloves are still available online. Those things should be donated to healthcare professionals in the US.