Similar measures previously introduced in Tokyo and other six prefectures of the island nation. Despite this, the total number of infected COVID-19 continues steadily to grow. The number of infected in the country has exceeded 10 thousand people. A serious concern is the situation in the capital, which recorded more than 3 million patients with positive tests for coronavirus. Each day they added more than a hundred new people.
Special terms are in effect until 6 may, before the end of the so-called “Golden week” – a period of long weekends in late April-early may, when the Japanese flock EN masse to travel around the country and abroad. The government believes that in the coming holidays the citizens is extremely important to stay at home.
Shinzo Abe on April 17 at a special press conference once again urged the Japanese to limit the exits to the street and contacts with other people. The head of the Cabinet of Ministers pointed to the importance of the problem and asked the people to gather strength in his fist. In support of the population in the period, Abe has promised to give to each family 100 thousand yen (930 USD). Financial assistance will be available in may. In addition, residents of the Japanese archipelago will receive a free facial mask refillable – two pieces per family. Local television showed the plot, as postmen in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward on the red scooter started to deliver a transparent sealed envelopes with masks at home.
Measures of the Japanese government in comparison with the response to the pandemic of other States look too soft. The introduction of the emergency does not involve besieging cities or penalties for violation of the regime of self-isolation, only in part extends the powers of the regional authorities. Heads of the prefectural offices and administrations can now be closed to visitors of public places, including educational and entertainment facilities, as well as to remove temporary use of land plots and real estate objects for the deployment of hospitals and medical infrastructure. The rest of the emergency Declaration is Advisory in nature and is intended for the discipline of the Japanese.
the Local population as a whole reacted responsibly to the calls of the authorities. The streets became much less people. For example, Tokyo on Saturday, when half the day was raining heavily, almost empty. A day later, it became clear that the main factor that forced people to stay home, was the bad weather, and not fear to be infected with the coronavirus. Sunday the sun came out, temperatures rose above 20 degrees, in the end, in the heart of the capital city on a small lawn near the Tokyo tower can be seen from numerous��companies of the Japanese. Parents with children, young couples frolicked in the fresh air: someone was playing badminton or ball, while others were just sitting on rugs and enjoying a warm day. In another Metropolitan area I saw a children’s Playground. Kids sledding down the hill, running and carrying on. In this April 18, on the front page of the evening edition of the newspaper “Asahi Shimbun” adorned the with a similar pad covered with a special tape. The entrance was prohibited.
And yet COVID-19 changed the life of Japan. Many in the country went to work on the remote form. School made a break in the learning process until the beginning of may. In Tokyo before the noisy and crowded areas turned into quiet streets. In larger hotels, where a couple of months ago scurried well-trained doorman and the taxi drivers helped the tourists to pack suitcases in the trunk of sparkling clean cars, now dark and deserted. At the closed door hung with the announcement of a postponement at least until may 6.
the banks, grocery stores, hospitals and transport continue to operate normally. Interestingly, Barber shops and nail salons also do not have to go into quarantine. A few days ago I looked in a neighboring barbershop. At the front Desk explained that the collapse is not going to. With annoyance in his voice said that that record won’t be a problem, as the number of clients decreased by two times.
the Local cafes and restaurants responded differently to the introduction of the emergency in the Japanese cities. Some catering primarily located in business centers, closed. Part of the reduced working hours. The majority of restaurants still serving customers, mostly clerks, at lunchtime, and gradually begins to shift to the preparation of dishes to take away.
Harder to find a place for gatherings in the evening. In Tokyo bars put up signs that says “closed” at exactly 20:00. With the purchase of alcoholic beverages, you need to decide and does to 19:00. In one pizzeria I winked at her and explained that they are ready to serve visitors until 22:00, but take orders till 21:00.
amid this situation, the Japanese often organize feasts in the Network. Come to the aid of Skype, Zoom and other applications. To sets, intended for drinking at home. Popular and traditional Japanese boxes with food “o-Bento”. Usually put a portion of rice, a few pieces of meat or fish and veggies.
People gradually get tired of the new conditions of existence. The Japanese are not used to working at home. The average Japanese head of the family disappears for days at the office until late in the evening, and then sent to skip a glass of sake with colleagues. Such a man in everyday life can not see his household. Now during isolation of the families trapped in apartments. Husband, wife and children have a long time to be face to face in a limited space. Given the small space of Japanese houses experience some serious stress.
the Most inventive Japanese came out in a funny way. People set up a tent on the balcony or in the living room. The idea particularly liking children. The guys climb into a makeshift shelter with all their belongings: toys, sweets and blankets. They can sit there for hours. In local stores was surprised to find that sales of tents in recent years has grown to several times. There are separate types of awnings. cubic shape for office workers. Where you can be alone in silence with a small table, an armchair and a laptop.
