Thought of the Day - November 24 - News from Japan Chapter 2

In October I posted some of the news from a friend in Japan ( Thought of the Day - October 27-News from Japan ).

Unfortunately since that time Japan has seen a third wave of COVID infections (it should be noted their current peak is an eighth of Canada's per capita).

Thus reopening domestic tourism is being rethought.

I recently had an update from a former colleague, who emigrated to Japan thirty-some years ago, see below.

As a preamble here is a note from much earlier in the year (April):

We are all OK (knock on wood), the national government's lack of major effort so far notwithstanding.

Most schools are closed so the kids are home now, going slightly (stir) crazy. Already more than a month since the first closure. Probably to be repeated regularly as the authorities figure out what to do, which means no end in sight. We are also preparing for telework, lots of others already doing it. I don't usually venture out even at the best of times. Not close to a strict lockdown but that might come if things get much worse in Tokyo and other big cities. Stupidity knows no borders. So far have been very lucky in the face of bureaucratic turf-wars, foot-dragging and ineptitude. Often wonder why they don't seem to pay attention to (apparently) successful efforts in other countries. Abe-san seems to be channelling Trump. (Have you heard about Abe's mask? Two of them to be sent to every family in the nation. Guess we're supposed to share.)

With luck, will get through without too much damage.

And now the update from November:

We have never been in a serious lockdown here in Shimizu, but with a third wave now spreading across the country (courtesy of a government campaign to encourage travel to tourist sites, etc., presumably to kick-start the economy) the infection numbers are getting a bit scary even here in the sticks. Maybe not as bad as in your neck of the woods, but I wonder how bad it has to become before the government changes course. Actually, they announced yesterday their “intention” to change course but seems they forgot to tell anyone when that would happen. Maybe they are crossing their fingers (or the Japanese equivalent) and hoping they can hold out, without too many deaths, until an effective vaccine becomes available.

As part of the travel promotion, they started allowing cruise ships again (only between Japanese ports). They say they have taken special precautions to ensure they don't have a repeat of the Diamond Princess fiasco, but I wonder how well that will turn out. Apparently the US CDC recommends AGAINST going on cruise ships for the time being. Read that other attempts to restart the industry in most (all?) other countries haven't ended well. Maybe Japan is special, as a lot of people like to think. Anyway, I saw a ship in Shimizu harbor a couple of weeks ago (came from Yokohama, probably going to the Inland Sea area).

I guess cruise companies in every jurisdiction have to try it for themselves ( Thought of the Day - November 17 - Test Accuracy ).

Cheers

Cliff