Items

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  04/14/2020

  Todd Leonard Oral History, 2020/04/14

• 
  2023-05-15

  Unique Patterns of Behaviors Observed from Endless Masking in Japan in this "Post-Pandemic"

  Although the world is approaching the post-pandemic, many people are still wearing masks in Japan. It can be attributed to unique conformity to others who still wear a mask and the establishment of masking as a habit after 3 years of masking.
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  2023-05-15

  Pandemics and Human Tendency

  Human beings have experienced pandemic throughout the history. However, the there are always conflicts, violence, and division occur. In order not to repeat the history, it is important to learn from the past and apply to our everyday lives.
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  2023-05-15

  What we need to learn from Covid

  This is based off of what I have seen and heard throughout the pandemic. I have decided to post this because we need more awareness of the issues in education.
• 
  2022-06-10

  Tokyo reports 1,600 new cases of coronavirus on Friday

  This is an article from NHK World-Japan. There have been more COVID-19 cases reported in Tokyo, Japan. However, the article reports that the cases have been in decline despite these new 1,600 cases. The Japan Times website, they have a timeline that discusses the same 1,600 new cases, but also shows an Outbreak map of Japan's current cases, deaths, testing, and other things. This is a reminder that Japan is still struggling with the virus, but there is some hope with the cases decreasing weekly.
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  2022-05-26

  Relocation in Isolation, Reconnection in Solitude

  When Covid first kicked off, I was in the final months of my undergraduate degree, weeks away from obtaining my B.A. in history from CSU Stanislaus in December 2020. I had made plans to travel and work in Japan, teaching English, doing cultural work, and generally immersing myself into the culture I found so fascinating in my studies. However, the world's shutdown would put an end (or a pause) to this plan. Now working remotely from home, I stayed in my room working on my senior thesis, looking out the window to the often empty street. My family had decided to move, as we had decided years before but loose ends such as my degree were the final threads to be cut. Remote work had given us an unexpected leap in our time-frame, and so in the midst of the Paradise fires, to which I vividly remember the dark orange skies blotting out the sun and the ever present ashy, smoky stench on the air, carried by the warm breeze from the north, we began the process of transitioning our lives to be on the road, and to be resettled in northern Idaho. For the next year and a half or so we settled in to our new home, however the world was still largely in lock-down, and so I spent most of my time inside or in the basement where I had set up a study space to finish my senior thesis and to earn my degree through my last online semester. It was a self reflective and solitary time, in which I would often take many breaks to venture out my backdoor, which quite literally lead into the forest. Not fifty feet from my home, we have a circle of trees where we would eventually put a fire pit and often sit around together around the warmth on cold nights, talking and sharing fun with one another. When alone however, it serves as an incredible spot to simply sit back and become immersed into our natural world, an amenity I often take advantage of to this day while working on my M.A. through ASU's online program. This audio recording is a sample of that, and in it, you can hear the spring time birds chirping away, the low rumble of the highway just over the mountain, feel the breeze through the trees and the valleys from the lake, and imagine the smell of pine and flowers on the forest floor.
• 
  2022-04-27

  Life of COVID in Japan

  When COVID first started and until now I have been living in Japan. When it first started to break out things immediately began to lock down and the restrictions of what can and can’t be done began to pop off instantly. Japan is a lot stricter that what at least Arizona has been. I haven’t been to other states so I am unable to express what it is like. Now Japan ever since COVID began locked down their borders and leaving the country or traveling from where I live in Okinawa which is a small island, was extremely difficult. I work in the military and the fight against COVID was to make everyone get vaccinated and if not you were to be separated. Many people began to argue that their religion did not allow it but pretty much 99% of the claims for religion was denied. So once everyone either got the vaccination or was separated things began to get a little bit better. Restaurant began to open up but it would continue to fluctuate between if only outdoor seating was allowed or indoor and outdoor. Travel between prefectures of Japan started to open but only if vaccinated. Although COVID tests were mandatory for travel to happen. Although the US didn’t have their borders locked down, we were still unable to travel to US to see family no matter the reason except a funeral because we had to get back into Japan afterwards. By the time Japan finally opened their borders I finally was able to go home to spend time with family and be around for the holidays for first time in over two years. I think because of this, many people in the military don’t want to stay in no more because the ability to do many things aren’t able to be done. The military has to work with the country of Japan to make sure all is well between each other so the government’s power and military’s power restricted everyone from being able to do the many fun things Japan has to offer. Although, now in 2022, things are beginning to open up and things are going back to more normal barring another variant forces Japan to go into a state of emergency.
• 
  12/11/2020

  Wyatt Weisensel Oral History, 2022/11/10

  Wyatt J. Weisensel was born and raised in Sun Prairie Wisconsin and now works as a software developer for the Orbis Corporation. In the interview, Wyatt discusses how COVID-19 has affected his life, especially his work. At the time the pandemic started in March, he was teaching English in Japan. He shares his views on how, after getting back to the U.S., he needed to find a job, which turned out to be quite a difficult process. He also touches on how politics has affected the U.S. response to the virus.
• 
  2021-08-08

  Cooking with Canned and Frozen Foods

  The file that I have included is a description of how My wife and I were essentially forced to resort mostly on canned and frozen foods for our meals rather than using fresh ingredients.
• 
  2021-07-19

  HERMIT HERALD, ISSUE 121

  Afghanistan- not forgotten?
• 
  2021-07-08

  COVID-19-related suicide

  In Peru the pandemic is broiling, things are far from slowing down. Patients with COVID may go to the hospital only to find out that there are not enough ventilators or oxygen to go around. This story by the AP press describes a story of a COVID-related suicide. Although this topic is not widely covered in the U.S. media, it is a consistent storyline in Peru. [CN] I selected anonymous, but I didn't mean to, please curate as normal and add this to a curatorial note KKdP 07/19/2021
• 
  2020

  Humorous Memes about Coronavirus

  During quarantine I collected many humorous memes about staying at home and the problems that brought. All sorts of subjects were covered: cooking, getting along with your spouse/roommates, homeschooling the kids, learning to bake bread, being stuck at home, sanitizing, facemasks, people hoarding toilet paper, boredom, effects of isolation, etc. Here are a few of those memes.
• 
  2021-07-14

  Summer setback: COVID deaths and cases rising again globally

  As life goes back to normal (whatever that means) here in the United States I fear that we are all turning a blind eye to the truth, COVID is not gone. Hand sanitizing stations are no longer being refilled in most places and we can go grocery shopping without masks, restaurants are busy and people are getting back to work. This would all be good news if globally our numbers continued to decline. The truth is that growing variants, like the Delta variant, are causing numbers to rapidly rise. Here in the US we have become so comfortable with life back to "normal" that we have become complacent. We are not yet safe, people are still dying.
• 
  2020

  Dragon76, George Floyd Mural

  Dragon76, originally from Japan is a world renowned street artist who's art touches on coexistence and justice. This public mural of George Floyd asks those who view it to coexist.
• 
  2021-02-04

  Photographer Develops Photos From 2020 East Asia Trip

  I'm finally developing rolls of black and white 35mm film taken in January 2020. During this time, I solo backpacked through Japan, Hong Kong, and China -- this was just before COVID-19 was known to be spreading through East Asia. Here is shot of me looking up from my hostel's (@wontonmeen_) patio. Thanks to @drkrm_mpls + @brooklynn.kascel for teaching me the magic of developing film.
• 2020-03-09

  My life in a pandemic

  The year 2020 feels like a never-ending nightmare. January and February of 2020, were just like any other ordinary month. I was getting my life together, planning my year out. I had gotten a new job as a patient care technician, I was going to Japan in the summer, and was hoping to be a resident assistant at one of the abroad programs in the summer as well. I remember being in the student union waiting for Josh Peck to arrive as a guest star at Duquesne. My friend asked me about my trip to Japan and if I was still going. Thinking back to it, I wish I weren’t so naïve. I told my friend how I was not worried and that it should all be fine. I was not expecting the impact it would have to how the world functioned. As Spring Break came along, I began training for my job as a PCT. I was ready to start work but that was when we started to get information about universities around us closing. I thought it would be any day now that Duquesne would also follow. A week after we got back from break is when Duquesne finally decided to close. Once I got home, it took a while for me to adjust to the new teaching style. While doing so however, I also took on some new interest and hobbies. First, my family and I worked on a renovating my room. We built a new bed frame, painted my room, and redid all my furniture. At the same time, I started to cook and bake every single day. In all the craziness of online school and renovations, I found comfort in the kitchen and working out in my basement. I would always find some new recipe to try out and because of my excitement, I would spend most of my time of the day in the kitchen. While doing so, I found time to workout so that I did not gain COVID weight. I was lucky enough that my classes for spring semester was comparably easier than my past semesters. This helped in being able to continue my hobbies and do online school. Starting back Fall semester was another challenge I faced. It was the start of my senior year and it felt depressing. It was supposed to be an exciting year and I was ready to get involved more around campus. However, with the new policies set, I do not get to see my friends often, or ever. Classes are more difficult to follow along because of the hybrid system and while I am supposed to be getting ready to be a nurse in a year, my experience in clinicals are being reduced. In all the darkness that COVID brought however, I am hoping with the new vaccine that we will start moving towards a normal life again. I cannot wait for the day I can be with people without the concern of COVID.
• 
  2021-02-05

  Antibody test in 5 cities nationwide 0.91% antibody possession in Tokyo (February 5, 2021)

  This news covers the antibody rate in Japan, specifically in main cities like Tokyo, Osaka, etc. Because the rate of COVID-19 increased A LOT because people are still outside not taking social distance rules, I did expect the percentage to be higher, and it was. In trains, it is packed with people, and Japan is very analog in terms of remote working. A lot of companies still do not allow remote working plus do not change the time that the employees need to clock in and thus everyone commutes around the same time. Plus, because its winter and its cold, the trains and just local restaurants cannot open windows the whole time. Video translated by me. The antibody test conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in five cities nationwide to check the infection history of the new coronavirus found that 0.9% of people in Tokyo have the antibodies. It has increased nine times from half a year ago. Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Tamura: "There is considerable variation in numbers among local governments. Many people are infected and there is no herd immunity." Last December, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare conducted antibody tests on approximately 15,000 people in Tokyo, Osaka, Miyagi, Aichi, and Fukuoka. Using two types of tests, those who are confirmed to have the antibodies in both tests are judged as "positive". As a result, it was found that 0.91% in Tokyo, 0.58% in Osaka, 0.14% in Miyagi, 0.54% in Aichi, and 0.19% in Fukuoka had antibodies. In the survey conducted in June last year, Tokyo was 0.1%. 厚生労働省が全国の5都市で新型コロナウイルスの感染歴を調べる抗体検査をした結果、東京都では0.9％の人が抗体を持っていることが分かりました。半年前の9倍に増えています。 　田村厚労大臣：「かなり自治体でばらつきが出ている。多くの方がかかって集団免疫という話では全然ない」 　厚労省は去年12月、東京・大阪・宮城・愛知・福岡で約1万5000人を対象に抗体検査を実施しました。 　2種類の試薬を使い、両方で陽性が確認された人を「陽性」と判定しています。 　その結果、東京で0.91％、大阪で0.58％、宮城で0.14％、愛知で0.54％、福岡で0.19％の人が抗体を持っていたことが分かりました。 　去年6月の調査では東京は0.1％でした。
• 
  2021-01-25

  GoToトラベルと感染拡大の関係　詳しく分析すると・・・(2021年1月25日) - A detailed analysis of the relationship between GoTo Travel and the spread of infection ... (January 25, 2021)

  This is a news that talks about the Go To Travel. Go To Travel in simple is a plan that the government set up in order for local areas to gain back the economy by supporting up to half the amount of travel fees. Using this A LOT of people traveled around Japan despite being in a pandemic. I always have thought that this traveling plan will cause more trouble, which it did. I translated the video. A group at Kyoto University has published a research paper stating that GoTo Travel "may have affected" the spread of the new coronavirus. The survey was conducted by a group of Professor Hiroshi Nishiura of Kyoto University and was published in the international medical journal "Journal of Clinical Medicine" on the 21st. The group survey analyzed about 4000 people infected with the new coronavirus in 24 prefectures from May to August last year. As a result, it was found that about 20% traveled across prefectures or were in contact with travelers. What is interesting is the comparison of the "incidence rate" of infected people around July 22, last year when Go To Travel started. According to the initial 5 days survey when Go To Travel started, the incidence of travel-related infected people has increased 1.44 times compared to the 5 days of the previous week. Furthermore, if the purpose of travel is limited to "sightseeing," the incidence rate jumps up to 2.62 times. Late July last year is the time of the "second wave" in Japan. However, the compared 5 days were also days with special conditions. That is, 4 out of 5 days from the start of GoTo were holidays and other holidays. And at this time, it was still before Go To was implemented in Tokyo. Professor Nishiura et al. paper did not conclude that GoTo Travel was the cause of the spread of the infection, but pointed out that it may have affected it, at least in the early stages. GoToトラベルが新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大に「影響した可能性がある」とする研究論文を京都大学のグループが発表しました。 　調査は京都大学の西浦博教授らのグループが行い、21日に国際的な医学誌「ジャーナルオブクリニカルメディスン」に掲載されました。 　グループの調査では去年5月から8月にかけて24の県で約4000人の新型コロナウィルスの感染者を分析。その結果、約2割が県をまたいで旅行したか、旅行者と接触していたことが分かりました。 　興味深いのは、GoToトラベルが開始された去年7月22日前後の感染者の「発生率」の比較です。 　GoToトラベル始まった当初5日間の調査だと、旅行に関連した感染者の発生率は前の週の5日間に比べて1.44倍に上がっています。さらに、旅行の目的を「観光」に限定すると、発生率は2.62倍にまで跳ね上がるのです。 　去年7月下旬といえば、国内だと「第2波」の時期にあたります。 　ただ、比較した5日間は特別な条件の日でもありました。それは、GoTo開始から5日間のうち4日が祝日などの休みであったということ。そしてこの時期、東京ではまだGoToの実施前だったということです。 　西浦教授らの論文ではGoToトラベルが感染拡大の原因とは結論付けていないものの、少なくとも初期の段階では影響した可能性があると指摘しています。
• 
  2021-01-27

  ワクチン集団接種“初訓練”3分想定も最大26分に(2021年1月27日) – Vaccine mass vaccination "first training" assumed 3 minutes and up to 26 minutes (January 27, 2021)

  This was a news video where Kawasaki city in Japan conducted a practice round of vaccination process. Personally, I do get the reason why the practice is happening; however, Japan still doesn't have a set date of when vaccinations will actually happen. This news and event itself could lead to people having high hopes of getting vaccinations soon when in reality, it could take much longer. Unlike U.S., Japan does not have a culture of drive through, meaning people physically have to go to locations for the vaccines. Also, having large gatherings like this I personally think should be avoided and maybe they should have videotaped it and posted on YouTube on how to get vaccinated, instead of many people physically going to the place and learning how to be vaccinated. I have translated the video. After 1:00 pm on the 7th, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and Kawasaki City conducted a training for mass distribution of the new coronavirus vaccine. The training also cooperated with Pfizer, which supplies vaccines. About 40 vounteers of doctors, nurses, and patients checked the actual flow. At the venue, there was also a freezer where vaccines could be stored at a minus temperature 70 degrees or less. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has already conveyed the message of mass distribution to each local government. First, at the reception, complete the temperature measurement and identity verification, and fill in the questionnaire about your health condition and chronic illness. Next, a pre-examination will be conducted to see if the doctor can actually vaccinate, and if there are no problems, vaccination will be given. You will then need to wait 15-30 minutes to receive a vaccinated certificate and follow up for any side effects. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, it takes 3 minutes per person from pre-examination to vaccination, and if it takes 7 hours, 280 people can get the vaccine a day. However, it is said that some people took up to 26 minutes from the pre-examination to the vaccination in the training. Kawasaki City College of Nursing, President Noboru Sakamoto: "I was a simulation patient today, but I feel like I would continue asking questions like ‘I am really scared of allergies from this vaccination’. People who are receiving the vaccination are most likely afraid so we would need to consider and adjust the fact that people will ask questions, for future vaccination sessions” the issue of selecting a venue was also pointed out. Kawasaki City College of Nursing, President Noboru Sakamoto: "I think it's okay if it's a gymnasium, but when it comes to elementary, junior high and high schools, we use it in regular class for students. Once vaccination starts, we have to use it for at least half a year or a long period of time. Given that it is unbearable, we will not be able to use gymnasiums that are used for education every day.” Some local governments cannot prepare large venues. In Izu Oshima, which has a population of about 7,500, we plan to vaccinate at the Oshima Medical Center, the only medical institution on the island. Oshima Town Welfare Health Division, Tetsuya Yoshizawa, Chief: "We plan to have Saturdays and Sundays, which are holiday medical treatment days, considering the system of medical staff. If that is not enough, we are considering about one day from the weekday. However, the trouble is that we have to vaccination twice. This is just new for us.” The vaccine will be shipped by ship, but the schedule may be affected depending on the weather. Tetsuya Yoshizawa, Chief of the Oshima Town Welfare Health Division: "Of course, depending on the weather conditions, it may be canceled. If we can't see when the vaccine will arrive, it's hard to prepare.” Vaccines are first transported from warehouses that can be stored at ultra-low temperatures to hospitals equipped with freezing facilities. However, since the number of facilities equipped with freezing facilities is limited, we plan to refrigerate the facilities and transport them to each vaccination site and facilities for the elderly. The government plans to secure 10,000 ultra-low temperature freezers and aims to complete the installation by the end of May. At a facility for the elderly in Chiba City, we have begun to consider whether vaccination can be done at the facility. This is because elderly people with dementia are admitted and it is difficult to take them to the vaccination site. Chiba Workers Welfare Association, Megumi Kadowaki, Director of Nursing Care: "If possible, it is safest to ask a" family doctor "and inject the vaccine." However, whether the family doctor is given permission to inject the new corona vaccine is still unknown. In addition, Ms. Kadowaki wants the procedure for vaccination to be as simple as possible. Chiba Workers Welfare Association, Megumi Kadowaki, Long-term Care Manager: "Employees are doing their best to prevent infection and protect users of the center, so I would like you to reduce the new office work as much as possible" because there are still those who cannot visit the vaccination. Dr. Tomitsuka is visiting the clinic in Ota-ku, Tokyo. There are currently 60 patients on-site. In the middle of this month, Ota-ku recruited doctors to register as vaccination doctors for patients, including me. He says he intends to join, but he is worried about carrying the vaccine. Director of Seseragi Clinic Tamagawa Taro Tomitsuka: "The biggest fear is that the vaccine's effect is lost after transportation because the environment of minus several ten degrees cannot be maintained. At the end, I have to vaccinate it. I am accustomed to storing and transporting the vaccine. I really want people who are used in transporting and maintaining the temperature to do it.” It is said that cooperation with doctors will become more important in the future toward the first vaccination. Director of Seseragi Clinic Tamagawa / Taro Tomitsuka: "I think it's safer and more secure if you leave it to your family doctor, but on the other hand, it's a vaccination that requires speed, so you can involve local doctors well.” Minister Kono met with the presidents of the National Mayors' Association. Minister Kono, in charge of vaccination: "I told you that vaccination of the elderly will be after April 1st at the earliest. 7日午後1時過ぎ、厚生労働省と川崎市による新型コロナウイルスワクチンの集団接種の訓練が行われました。訓練は、ワクチンを供給するファイザーも協力。医師や看護師、患者役などのエキストラ約40人で、実際の流れを確認します。会場には、マイナ70度以下でワクチンを保管できる冷凍庫も用意されました。 厚労省は、すでに、集団接種のイメージを各自治体に伝えています。まず受付で、検温や本人確認などを済ませ、健康状態や持病などを問診票に記入。次に、実際に医師が接種できるかどうかを診る予診を行い、問題がなければワクチン接種を行います。その後、接種済みの証明書を受け取り、副反応が出ないかの経過観察のため、15～30分、待機する必要があります。 厚労省は、予診から接種まで1人3分で、7時間行えば、一日280人が、ワクチンを打つことができるとしています。ただ、訓練では予診から接種まで、最大で26分かかった人もいたといいます。 川崎市立看護短期大学・坂元昇学長：「きょうは模擬患者だったが、つい本音で『これってアレルギーが怖いんですね』とか、お医者さんを目の前にすると、そういう話が延々と続いてしまう。受けられる方は不安だろうから、たくさん質問するというものを今後、どうやって調整するか」 会場選びの課題も指摘されました。 川崎市立看護短期大学・坂元昇学長：「体育館だったらなんでもいいやと思われるが、小中高校になると、通常の授業で使う。いったん予防接種が始まれば、少なくとも半年とか、長い期間、使わざる負えないということを考えると、日々、教育で使うような体育館等は使えないだろう」 大きな会場が用意できない自治体もあります。人口約7500人の伊豆大島では、島内唯一の医療機関・大島医療センターで接種を行う予定です。 大島町福祉けんこう課・吉澤哲也課長：「医療従事者の体制等も考えて、休日の診療日にあたる土曜、日曜を予定。それで対応しきれない場合は、平日いずれかの曜日1日くらいを考えている。ただ、厄介なのが2回、接種しなければいけないというところで。いかんせん何もかも初めてなので」 ワクチンは船で運ばれる予定ですが、天候次第でスケジュールに影響が出る可能性もあります。 大島町福祉けんこう課・吉澤哲也課長：「当然、天候状況によっては“欠航”ということもある。我々もワクチンが、いつごろ手元に届くのか、その辺が見えてこないと、準備のほうもなかなか進めるに進められない」 ワクチンは、超低温保存ができる倉庫から、まずは、冷凍設備が整った病院などに運ばれます。ただ、冷凍設備が整った施設は限られているため、その後は、冷蔵で、各接種会場や高齢者施設などに運ばれていく予定です。政府は、超低温冷凍庫を1万台確保する方針で、5月中の設置完了を目指しています。 千葉市にある高齢者施設では、施設で接種ができないかと検討を始めました。入所しているのが認知症の高齢者で、接種会場へ連れていくことが難しいためです。 千葉勤労者福祉会・門脇めぐみ介護部長：「できれば“かかりつけ医”が問診をして、ワクチンを接種してしただくのが一番、安心」 ただ、かかりつけ医に新型コロナのワクチンの接種許可が下りるかは、まだ、わからないといいいます。さらに、門脇さんは、接種までの手続きなどを、なるべく簡潔にしてほしいと訴えます。 千葉勤労者福祉会・門脇めぐみ介護部長：「職員は、感染対策と利用者さんを守ることで精いっぱいなので、新たに生じる事務作業は極力減らしていただきたい」 接種会場に足を運べない人は、まだいます。東京都大田区で訪問診療を行っている富塚医師。訪問診療している患者は現在60人います。今月中旬には、大田区から患者にワクチン接種をする医師として登録するよう呼び掛けられました。応じるつもりだといいますが、ワクチンを運ぶことに不安があるといいます。 せせらぎクリニック多摩川・富塚太郎院長：「マイナス数十度の環境が保てなくて、ワクチンの効果が運搬後になくなっているというのが最大の恐怖。最後は私が打つ。ワクチンの保存と運搬は慣れた人にしていただきたいのが本音」 初めてのワクチン接種に向け、今後は、医師の連携が、より大切になってくるといいます。 せせらぎクリニック多摩川・富塚太郎院長：「かかりつけ医に任せていただければ、より安全・安心で、対処できると思うけど、一方で、速さを求められているワクチン接種なので、うまく地域の医者を巻き込んでいただければなと」 河野大臣は、全国市長会会長らと会談しました。 “ワクチン接種”担当・河野大臣：「高齢者のワクチン接種が、早くても4月1日以降になるとお伝えした。
• 
  2020-08-04

  Twitter Social Interaction/ Art Culture

  It shows that people are in some communities turning to the arts, and nostalgia to get them through a difficult time. Furthermore, its shows people are reflecting on what life once was before the virus. It also shows the leaps and bounds in civil rights activism for the popular culture.
• 2020-01-11

  The cause of Covid-19

  I think the cause of Covid-19 is a food item. Near Japan, they eat a lot of things that probably shouldn't be eaten, and if you don't cook it right it can have bacteria still on it. Actually, most animals haw viruses that their body they can handle that humans can't. And that is how I think the virus started, from something on an animal.
• 
  2020-12-03

  [GoTo」自粛キャンセル　13日までに申告で無料(2020年12月3日) - Cancellation of self-restraint of "Go To" Free of charge by declaration by 13th (December 3, 2020)

  In order to reduce the risk of elders, Tokyo Governor is asking elders to cancel their trip and will make canceling fee free. However, like I have said in previous stories, Japan can never enforce rules on citizens. It has to be “we would like you to do it”. I doubt a lot of elders will cancel because using Go To travel allows traveling fee to be reduced, and some would definitely think that it's a waste to not use the government’s money. 東京都は高齢者たちが自粛の呼び掛けに応じて「GoToトラベル」の旅行を取りやめる場合、13日までに申し出ればキャンセル料は無料になると明らかにしました。 　東京都は65歳以上の高齢者や基礎疾患を持つ人たちを対象に「GoToトラベル」の東京発着の旅行を17日まで自粛するよう呼び掛けるとしています。キャンセル料などに関する政府から都への回答によりますと、17日までに出発する旅行については13日までに申し出ればキャンセル料はかかりません。一方、キャンセルされた事業者に対しては解約された旅行代金の35％を国が負担するということです。また、小池都知事は1日に菅総理と会談した際、高齢者らへの「GoToトラベル」の利用自粛の呼び掛けについて、全国規模で行うことを検討するよう求めていたことも明らかにしました。 　その東京都では2日に新たに500人の感染が確認され、重症の患者は59人になりました。また、都は50代から90代の男女5人が死亡したことも発表しました。このうち4人は高血圧などの基礎疾患があったということです。 The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced that if elderly people cancel their "Go To Travel" trip, the cancellation fee will be free if they apply by the 13th. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is calling on elderly people aged 65 and over and people with underlying illnesses to refrain from traveling to and from Tokyo on "Go To Travel" until the 17th. According to the government's response to the city regarding cancellation fees, there is no cancellation fee if you apply by the 13th for trips departing by the 17th. On the other hand, the government will bear 35% of the canceled travel fee for the canceled business operator. In addition, when Governor Koike met with Prime Minister Suga on the 1st, he said that he had requested that elderly people consider refraining from using "GoTo Travel" on a nationwide scale. In Tokyo, 500 new infections were confirmed on the 2nd, and the number of patients with severe symptoms became 59. The city also announced that five men and women in their 50s and 90s had died. Four of them had underlying illnesses such as high blood pressure. Video translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-12-03

  GoToトラベル　来年中ごろまで延長する方針(2020年12月3日)- GoTo Travel, extend until mid-next year (December 3, 2020)

  Go To travel has been something I’ve been submitting to this archive. In order to boost up the economy, Japan has supported people who will be traveling by paying up to half of the traveling fee. Personally, this I think really caused the second wave of COVID-19 in Japan, but people still want to travel because it is cheap using the government’s support. 最大で旅行代金の半額相当が支援されるGoToトラベルについて、政府は来年中ごろまで延長する方針を固めました。 　GoToトラベルはこれまで1月までの旅行を対象としていましたが、政府関係者によりますと、これを来年中ごろまで延長する方針で、8日に取りまとめる緊急経済対策に盛り込むことにしています。ただ、Go Toトラベルが終わった際に旅行の需要が激減することを防ぐため、現在、最大で35％となっている割引率を段階的に引き下げることや受け取ることができる地域共通クーポンの金額の見直しなどを検討するということです。 The government has decided to extend Go To Travel, which supports up to half the travel price, until mid-next year. Go To Travel has been targeted for travel until January, but according to government officials, it is planned to extend this until the middle of next year, and it will be included in the emergency economic measures to be summarized on the 8th. However, in order to prevent the demand for travel from dropping drastically when Go To Travel is over, they will gradually reduce the discount rate, which is currently up to 35%, and review the amount of regional coupons that can be received. Video translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-11-25

  順番待ち不要！最新の銀行　窓口で現金受け渡しせず(2020年11月25日) - No need to wait in line! No delivery of cash at the latest bank counter (November 25, 2020)

  This is a news where Mitsui Sumitomo Banking Corporation, one of the biggest Banking Corporation in Japan, made the bank stores much more convenient and less clustered. Personally, I felt this was very slow in terms of technology, because compared to countries such as Korea, Japan always were analog with how they organized the bank and putting money. 銀行の順番待ちも窓口前でずっと待つ必要がなくなります。 　三井住友銀行が新たに開設した店舗では番号札を取った客がその場にいる必要がなく、店内が混雑して「密」な状態にならないようにします。また、窓口で現金の受け渡しをしません。高額の入金などは、客は電子サインの後にQRコードを受け取り、高性能なATMを使います。三井住友銀行は全体の約7割をこうした店舗にする計画です。 You don't have to wait in front of the counter to wait for the bank. At the store newly opened by Mitsui Sumitomo Banking Corporation, the customer who picked up the number tag does not need to be in the store, so that the store will not be crowded and become "clustered". In addition, cash will not be delivered at the counter. For large deposits, customers receive a QR code after an electronic signature and use a high-performance ATM. Mitsui Sumitomo Banking Corporation plans to make about 70% of all stores like this. Video Translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-11-25

  都内の新型コロナ感染者は401人　重症者は54人に(2020年11月25日) - 401 people infected with the new coronavirus in Tokyo, 54 people with severe symptoms (November 25, 2020)

  The capital and my home town, Tokyo, has started to have increased number of COVID-19 cases. It is because Japan is doing this GO TO travel campaign and trying to live as if COVID-19 is not happening. From my perspective, they are focusing more on the economy and trying to make Japan look as if it is fine for the Olympics, rather than focusing on the actual citizen’s health. 東京都は25日、新型コロナウイルスの新規感染者が401人確認され、重症者が54人になったと発表しました。重症者の数は2日連続で緊急事態宣言解除後の過去最多を更新しました。 　都内の重症者数は前日よりも3人増えて54人となりました。2日連続で緊急事態宣言解除後の過去最多を更新したことになります。また、80代から90代の男女3人の死亡も確認されました。重症者の急増などを受けて都は島しょ部を除き、お酒を提供する飲食店などに対して午後10時までの営業時間の短縮を要請することを決めました。期間は28日からの20日間としています。 The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on the 25th that 401 new cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed and 54 people were seriously ill. The number of seriously ill people reached a record high for the second consecutive day after the state of emergency was lifted. The number of seriously ill people in Tokyo increased by 3 from the previous day to 54. This is the second consecutive day that we have updated the record high since the state of emergency was lifted. In addition, three men and women in their 80s and 90s were confirmed dead. Due to the rapid increase in the number of seriously ill people, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to request restaurants that serve alcohol to shorten its business hours by 10 pm, except for the restaurants in the islands (that are still in Tokyo province). The period is from 28th of this month to 20th of December. Video translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-11-01

  Re-entry of foreign nationals with the status of residence

  From November 1st of 2020, foreign residents who have valid residency in Japan who currently are outside finally can come into Japan just like normal citizens. Before this regulation, foreign residents such as permanent residence holders had to get this “the Letter of Confirmation of Submitting Required Documentation for Re-entry into Japan” or “Receipt for Request of Re-entry” from the closest Japanese embassy. On the other hand, Japanese citizen just need to come in with a valid negative result. This applied to me, where I could not go back because that would mean I had to go to LA’s Japanese embassy to get the form, and then go back to Japan. Now, I could go back to japan, if I have a “certificate of negative result”. However, I opened the file, and it turns out I would need a signature from a medical institution and a doctor. All students from ASU can get free test from ASU, but it is not a medical institution. This means I would have to go to other places that can give me this signature, which is not that easy for me.
• 
  2020-11-19

  新型コロナ治療に光　ウイルス侵入防ぐ物質を開発(2020年11月19日) - Developed a substance to prevent invasion of light virus for new corona treatment (November 19, 2020)

  新型コロナウイルスの有力な治療薬になる可能性があります。京都府立医科大学などの研究チームは新型コロナウイルスが細胞に侵入するのを防ぐ特殊なたんぱく質を開発したと発表しました。 　京都府立医科大学・星野温助教：「（新型コロナウイルス）治療薬がまだ『これ』というのが確立されてませんので、その一つの大きな候補となる開発技術になりますので、大きく社会に貢献できるものと期待します」 　新型コロナウイルスは表面にあるトゲが人の細胞の表面にある「ACE2」と呼ばれる突起と結合することで細胞内に侵入します。京都府立医科大学の星野温助教らの研究チームは細胞の突起に結合する前に、ウイルス表面のトゲと結合する特殊なたんぱく質を開発しました。トゲと結合する力がACE2よりも100倍以上強いということです。このたんぱく質を軽症や中等症の患者に投与することで感染した後に症状の悪化を抑える効果が期待できるということです。また、似たような仕組みの抗体製剤と比べてウイルスが変異しても効果が変わらないとしています。 　京都府立医科大学・星野温助教：「抗体製剤は比較的スパイク（ウイルスのトゲ）と点でくっついている感じですね。私たちのたんぱく質製剤は元々、スパイクがACE2（細胞の突起）にくっつく面をすべてカバーしているので」 　今後は企業と協力して来年度に臨床試験を始め、再来年度の実用化を目指したいとしています。 It has the potential to be a powerful remedy for the new coronavirus. Research teams including Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine have announced that they have developed a special protein that prevents the new coronavirus from invading cells. Assistant Professor Atsushi Hoshino, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine: "(New coronavirus) Therapeutic drug has not yet been established, so it will be one of the major candidates for development technology, and will greatly contribute to society. I expect it to be possible. " The new coronavirus invades the cells by binding the spikes on the surface to the protrusions called "ACE2" on the surface of human cells. A research team led by Assistant Professor Atsushi Hoshino of Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine has developed a special protein that binds to spikes on the surface of the virus before it binds to the protrusions of cells. It means that the force to bind to spikes is more than 100 times stronger than ACE2. By administering this protein to patients with mild or moderate illness, it can be expected to have the effect of suppressing the worsening of symptoms after infection. In addition, compared to antibody preparations with a similar mechanism, the effect does not change even if the virus mutates. Atsushi Hoshino, Assistant Professor, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine: "It feels like antibody preparations are relatively sticking to spikes (virus spikes). Our protein preparations already have spikes sticking to ACE2 (cell protrusions) and it covers all of them. " In the future, we would like to cooperate with companies to start clinical trials next year and aim for practical application in the following year of next year. Video translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-11-19

  東京534人感染 最多を更新　警戒レベル「最高」に（2020年11月19日） - Updated the highest number of infections in 534 people in Tokyo to the highest alert level (November 19, 2020)

  This is a news that talks about the highest number of COVID cases in Tokyo. I believe this is caused by all the GO TO Travel which promoted people to travel despite being in COVID, and how all restaurants are open to dine-in and no one doing take-out. Also, Izakaya, a drinking/eating type of restaurants are usually have seats close to each other and do not have good ventilation. 東京都できょう、新型コロナウイルスの感染者が534人確認され、２日連続、過去最多を更新しました。 都は４段階の警戒レベルを「最高」に引き上げました。 きょう、都内で感染が確認されたのは534人できのうの493人を上回り最多を更新しました。 １日の新規感染者数が500人を超えるのは初めてです。 重症者はきのうから１人減った38人です。 こうした中、都は専門家と会議を開き、「感染状況」についての警戒レベルをおよそ２ヵ月ぶりに４段階で最も深刻な「感染が拡大している」に引き上げました。 特に重症化のリスクがある高齢者が大幅に増加したとして注意を呼びかけました。 （小池知事）「急速な感染拡大の局面にあるということ。高齢者・基礎疾患のある人は会食への参加を控えてもらいたい。避けてもらいたい。」 ただ、飲食店の営業時間の短縮要請については、「時短の効果とマイナスの影響を比較して考える必要がある」など慎重な意見もあり、現時点では行わない方針です。 In Tokyo, 534 people were confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus, which was a highest number for the second consecutive day. Tokyo has raised the four levels of alertness to "highest". Today, the number of confirmed infections (543) in Tokyo exceeded 493. This is the first time that the number of newly infected people exceeds 500 per day. The number of seriously ill people is 38, one less than yesterday. Under these circumstances, the city held a meeting with experts and raised the alert level for "infection status" to the most serious "infection is spreading" in four stages for the first time in about two months. In particular, Tokyo has stated that the number of elderly people at risk of becoming severe has increased significantly. (Governor Koike) "We are in a phase of rapid infection spread. We would like elderly people and people with underlying illnesses to refrain from attending dinner. Please avoid it." However, regarding the request to shorten the business hours of restaurants, she stated that "It is necessary to compare the effect of shortening the time with the negative effect", so we will not make that decision at this time. Video translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-11-18

  As COVID-19 soars in many communities, schools attempt to find ways through the crisis

  As schools reopened around the world, countries saw surges in new COVID-19 cases. In response, some countries have re-closed schools while others have remained upon and employed strict guidelines.
• 
  2020-11-17

  札幌で感染拡大続く　外出・往来の自粛要請へ(2020年11月17日) - Continued spread of infection in Sapporo: Request to refrain from going out and coming and going (November 17, 2020)

  Hokkaido, a region up north of Japan, has been having increased number of cases. A lot of people are saying this is happening because it is cold there. 新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大が続いている北海道では17日から札幌市の警戒ステージを引き上げ、不要不急の外出自粛などを要請します。 　北海道・鈴木直道知事：「明確な減少傾向にしていくためには、さらに強いお願いをしなければならない」 　札幌市・秋元克広市長：「不要不急の外出の自粛をお願いするなども含めてさらに強い対策を取って行く必要があるのではないか」 　北海道では16日も189人の感染が確認され、このうち札幌市では124人と感染拡大が続いています。鈴木知事と札幌市の秋元市長は札幌市の警戒ステージを「4相当」に引き上げ、感染リスクが回避できない場合、「札幌市内での不要不急の外出自粛」や「札幌市と他地域との往来自粛」を要請する方針で合意しました。道は17日午後、対策会議を開いて正式決定します。 In Hokkaido, where the infection of the new coronavirus continues to spread, they decided to raise the alert stage of Sapporo City from the 17th and request that we refrain from going out unnecessarily. Governor Naomichi Suzuki of Hokkaido: "In order to make a clear downward trend, we must make a stronger policy." Mayor of Sapporo City, Katsuhiro Akimoto: "Furthermore, we will be asking people to refrain from going out unnecessarily. It may be necessary to take strong measures.” In Hokkaido, 189 people were confirmed to be infected on the 16th, of which 124 people continued to spread in Sapporo City. Governor Suzuki and Mayor Akimoto of Sapporo City raised the alert stage of Sapporo City to "equivalent to 4", and if the risk of infection cannot be avoided, they have agreed on agreed on a policy of requesting "self-restraint from traffic" to "refrain from going out unnecessarily in Sapporo City" or "Sapporo City and other areas". The policy for the roads will be officially decided by holding a countermeasure meeting on the afternoon of the 17th. Video translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-11-17

  新型コロナワクチン開発　米モデルナ「94.5％効果」(2020年11月17日) - Development of new corona vaccine US Moderna "94.5% effect" (November 17, 2020)

  アメリカのバイオテクノロジー企業「モデルナ」は開発中の新型コロナウイルスのワクチンについて、「94.5％の効果が得られた」とする臨床試験の暫定的な結果を発表しました。 　モデルナは16日、ワクチン開発の最終段階となる大規模な臨床試験の結果を発表しました。新型コロナウイルスに対して「ワクチンが94.5％の確率で効果を示した」としています。アメリカではファイザー社のワクチンでも「90％以上」の有効性が確認されていて、来月中にも両社のワクチンの緊急使用が始まる可能性が出てきました。ただ、このタイプのワクチンは低温で保存・運搬する必要があるなど課題も残されています。日本政府はモデルナと2500万人分のワクチン供給を受ける契約を結んでいます。 American biotechnology company "Moderna" has announced the preliminary results of a clinical trial that "94.5% of the effect was obtained" for the new coronavirus vaccine under development. On the 16th, Moderna announced the results of a large-scale clinical trial, which is the final stage of vaccine development. "The vaccine has a 94.5% chance of being effective against the new coronavirus," he said. In the United States, Pfizer's vaccine has been confirmed to be "90% or more" effective, and it is possible the emergency use of both companies' vaccines will begin by the end of next month. However, there are still issues with this type of vaccine, such as the need to store and transport it at low temperatures. The Japanese government has a contract with Moderna to receive vaccines for 25 million people. Video translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-11-13

  コロナ　変異で感染力強く　東大がハムスターで実験(2020年11月13日) - Corona mutation strongly infectious University of Tokyo experimented with hamster (November 13, 2020)

  新型コロナウイルスが変異したことで感染力が強まったことを確認したということです。 　東京大学医科学研究所の河岡義裕教授は新型コロナウイルスが変異したことで感染力が強まったと発表しました。変異はD614Gと呼ばれ、ウイルスの表面にある突起部分で起きたもので、変異の前よりも細胞に結合しやすくなったということです。河岡教授はハムスターなどを使った実験で変異したウイルスが従来のウイルスよりも飛沫（ひまつ）感染しやすいことを確認しました。現在、世界で蔓延（まんえん）しているのはこの変異ウイルスですが、変異前のウイルスをもとに作ったワクチンも効果が期待されるとしています。 It was confirmed that the infectivity of the new coronavirus was strengthened by the mutation. Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka of the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, announced that the mutation of the new coronavirus increased the infectivity. The mutation, called D614G, occurs in a protrusion on the surface of the virus (Spikes), which means that it is easier to bind to cells in humans than it was before the mutation. Professor Kawaoka confirmed in experiments using hamsters, hamsters with mutated version of viruses are more susceptible to droplet (himatsu) infection than hamsters with conventional viruses. Currently, it is this mutant virus that is widespread in the world, but it is expected that vaccines made based on the virus before mutation will also be effective. Video translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-04-01

  "The Coronavirus Is Bringing Back a 1,000-Year-Old ‘Cheese’ in Japan" - Atlas Obscura

  Like other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan is experiencing a rising interest in learning new cooking recipes, particularly local culinary traditions. In a short article for Atlas Obscura, Makiko Itoh looks at how the recent cooking craze has hit Japan through the lens of a particular dairy product, known as so. Recently, the Japanese dairy industry had a problem with being unable to sell its surplus milk supply overseas due to the transit disruptions created by the pandemic. In response, Japanese consumers were encouraged to purchase more milk to save the industry and to use them for local recipes. One recipe in particular, known as so, has gained increased interest from Japanese foodies. According to Itoh, so is a cheese-like dairy product that was first created during the Nara and Heian periods of Japanese history, when dairy farming was at its height. So was popular among aristocrats, and even the Japanese emperors of the time were avid consumers. However, according to Itoh, the rise of the Kamakura Shogunate and the samurai warrior class caused the popularity of so and other dairy products to decline markedly. So making was recently revived by foodies and history buffs, who have helped popularize the recipe again for new consumers and amateur cooks.
• 
  2020-11-10

  産業医の診療もリモートで　生活習慣病など対応(2020年11月10日) - Remote medical care by occupational physicians for lifestyle-related diseases (November 10, 2020)

  テレワークの定着で産業医による診療も遠隔になりました。 　大和証券医務室・多田愼一郎センター長：「体調は悪くないですか？」 　本社勤務・50代男性：「特に問題ないですね」 　大和証券医務室・多田愼一郎センター長：「テレワークしていて運動もできているからいいですね」 　新型コロナウイルスをきっかけにすべての社員を対象に在宅勤務を導入した大和証券では、今月から産業医による診療をリモートで行っています。本社以外で勤務する社員も利用できるようになり、在宅勤務などの新しい働き方についても相談できるのが特長です。ただ、風邪などの症状には対応できないため、生活習慣病やアレルギーなどを中心に診察するということです。 With the normality of remote work, medical treatment by occupational physicians has become remote. Daiwa Securities Medical Office, Director Shinichiro Tada: "Are you feeling okay?" Working at the head office, male in his 50s: "No particular problem." Daiwa Securities Medical Office, Director Shinichiro Tada: "It’s good that you can do remote work and exercises at the same time.” Daiwa Securities, which introduced tele-commuting for all employees due to the new coronavirus provides medical care by occupational physicians remotely from this month. Employees who work outside the head office can also use it, and it is a feature that they can consult about new work styles such as working from home. However, the doctors do cannot take care of symptoms of colds but rather mainly examine lifestyle-related diseases and allergies. Video is translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-11-06

  週刊　グラフで見る新型コロナ（2020年11月6日） - Weekly Graph View New Corona (November 6, 2020)

  This video shows the number of cases of COVID-19 in each region of Japan. Tokyo is the capital and the busiest and as you can see, it has the most cases throughout the whole video. 週刊 「グラフで見る新型コロナ」、各自治体などの発表をもとにテレビ東京がまとめた新型コロナウイルス感染症の感染者推移をグラフでお送りします。 まず、1週間ごとの新規感染者の推移を示すグラフです。 首都圏と大阪で感染者数が下げ止まりする状況が続いていて、地域によってはわずかに増えています。そうした中、北海道と愛知県で感染者数が大幅に増えています。愛知県では職場などで小規模のクラスターが多く発生していて、大村知事は「事実上の第三波」との認識を示しました。 次に、地域の医療体制にも影響する一週間毎の人口10万人当たりの新規感染者数です。この1か月の動きを見てみますと、青森や北海道、宮城県など寒い地域で感染が増えていることがわかります。 今週に入ってからは特に北海道が札幌を中心に急速に増えていて、全国で最も多くなりました。道はススキノの酒を出す飲食店での営業時間の短縮要請など、対策を検討しています。 ※「1週間毎の新規感染者」はその日からさかのぼって7日間の陽性確認者を足したものです ※「1週間毎の新規感染者（人口10万人当たり）」で使用している人口は2019年10月時点です。 We will show you a graph of the transition of people infected with the new coronavirus, which was compiled by TV TOKYO based on the weekly "New Coronavirus Seen in Graph" and the announcements of each local government. First, it is a graph showing the transition of newly infected people every week. The number of infected people continues to decline in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Osaka, and is increasing slightly in some areas. Under such circumstances, the number of infected people has increased significantly in Hokkaido and Aichi prefectures. In Aichi Prefecture, there are many small clusters in the workplace, and Governor Omura has indicated that it is the "de facto third wave." Next is the number of new infections per 100,000 population per week, which also affects the local health care system. Looking at the movements over the past month, we can see that infections are increasing in cold regions such as Aomori, Hokkaido, and Miyagi prefectures. Since the beginning of this week, Hokkaido has increased rapidly, especially in Sapporo, and it has become the largest number in Japan. Michi is considering measures such as requesting shortening of business hours at restaurants that serve Susukino sake. Video is translated by Youngbin Noh
• 
  2020-04-07

  Robot Graduation

  A new reality for some graduates is a graduation prompted by limited people and digital technology.
• 
  2020-11-05

  Brazillin JiuJitsu Classes During the Pandemic

  At the start of the pandemic many gyms had to close all around the world. As the pandemic has continued, gyms have reopened and had to change the way they do things. In this tweet we can see that during the Brazilian JIuJitsu class, that all of the attendees are wearing masks. This is one adaptation that had to be made for them to continue training as safe as they possibly could.
• 2020-09-27

  Rizin 24 Behind the Scenes Photos

  Watching this event I found it interesting to see all of the masks that were being worn by staff and around the ring contrasting with the fighter not wearing one. I was also surprised that there were so many people in the crowd. This tweet and the photos it includes show that even in Japan, masks are strictly being worn in some capacity. ASU, HST485
• 
  2020-10-28

  コロナでメガネ需要急増　展示会に99万円の高級品も(2020年10月28日) - Rapid increase in demand for eyeglasses in Corona 990,000 yen luxury goods at the exhibition (October 28, 2020)

  大型イベントの休止が相次ぐなか、日本最大級のファッションの展示会が開催されました。 　独創的な眼鏡・・・お値段なんと99万円。縁は金でできています。さらに、眼科などで使う検眼をイメージして作った眼鏡です。そんなユニークな眼鏡が展示されているのは、27日から始まった日本最大級の眼鏡の展示会。眼鏡市場はコロナで需要が高まっているといいます。 　そうなると、話題に上がるのが「コロナ対策に役立つ眼鏡」です。ゴーグルにもなる眼鏡です。掛けても隙間ができず、ぴったりフィット。飛沫（ひまつ）対策になるといいます。さらに、眼鏡型のフェースシールドも。ポリカーボネートと呼ばれる素材を使用。耐久性は抜群だといいます。 　ところ変わって、眼鏡展示会のお隣では国内最大級のファッションの展示会が行われていました。今回、初めてコロナ感染対策コーナーを新設。ファッションの展示会というだけあって、おしゃれなマスクが至る所に。機能だけでなく、ファッション性も兼ね備えたマスクに注目が集まっているようです。 Japan's largest fashion exhibition was held while a series of suspensions of large-scale events. Unique eyeglasses ... The price is 990,000 yen. The rim is made of gold. In addition, these glasses are made with the idea coming from optometry used in ophthalmology. Such unique eyeglasses are exhibited at Japan's largest eyeglass exhibition that started on the 27th. The eyeglass market is said to be in high demand in Corona. In that case, the topic of discussion was "glasses that are useful for corona countermeasures." These glasses can also be used as goggles. There is no gap even when hung, and it fits perfectly. It is said to be a measure against droplets (himatsu). There is also a face shield that is combined with glasses. It uses a material called polycarbonate. It is said to have excellent durability. By the way, next to the eyeglass exhibition, one of the largest fashion exhibitions in Japan was held. This time, for the first time, a corona infection control corner was newly established. As it is a fashion exhibition, fashionable masks are everywhere. It seems that attention is focused on masks that are not only functional but also fashionable.
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  2020-10-26

  コロナ拡大後初クルーズ船商業運航“GoTo”対象も(2020年10月26日) - First cruise ship commercial operation "GoTo" Travel Campaign after the spread of coronavirus(October 26, 2020)

  Personally, when I saw this news, I was very confused at the fact that they would start a cruise ship after all the incidents that happened on the cruise earlier this year, where cluster of infection happened. Even though bringing back the economy is important, starting a cruise ship where if an infection happens, others cannot run away and avoid infection. 25日にチャータークルーズ「にっぽん丸」が愛媛県の新居浜港を出港しました。クルーズ船の商業運航は新型コロナの感染拡大後、初めてです。 　にっぽん丸は日本で3番目の大きさを誇る豪華客船です。今回のクルーズツアーは2泊3日の予定で、GoToトラベルキャンペーンの対象となっています。四国を中心に乗客約190人が参加しました。 　乗客：「うれしいです。ずっと待っていたので再開を」 　今回のクルーズツアーは乗船客へのPCR検査、サーモグラフィー検温など、徹底した感染対策を講じたうえでの運航となっています。にっぽん丸は26日、長崎県佐世保港に到着する予定です。 On the 25th, the charter cruise "Nippon Maru" departed from Niihama Port in Ehime Prefecture. This is the first commercial cruise ship operation since the spread of the new coronavirus. Nippon Maru is the third largest luxury liner in Japan. This cruise tour is scheduled for 2 nights and 3 days and is covered by the GoTo Travel Campaign. About 190 passengers participated, mainly from the Shikoku area. Passenger: "I'm happy. I've been waiting for a long time to restart." This cruise tour is operated after thorough infection countermeasures such as PCR inspection for passengers and thermography temperature measurement. Nippon Maru is scheduled to arrive at Sasebo Port in Nagasaki Prefecture on the 26th.
• 
  2020-10-23

  GoTo対象　北海道のバスツアーで41人のうち12人感染(2020年10月23日) - GoTo travel: 12 out of 41 people infected on a bus tour in Hokkaido (October 23, 2020)

  Go to travel is a program in Japan that covers certain amount of traveling fee in Japan in order for the economy to boost back up. This program has been somewhat controversial I would say because we are still in a pandemic and we should not really travel around, especially Japan has one of the highest numbers of elderly people, and by traveling we could expose them to the virus. Also, I really do not understand how they can just overlook someone when they are having some kind of symptoms. It is very irresponsible for the tour company to do so and risk others to get the virus. GoToトラベルの対象になっている北海道のバスツアーで参加者など41人のうち12人が新型コロナウイルスに感染したことが分かりました。 　読売旅行によりますと、感染者が出たのは今月中旬に関西地方から新千歳空港に入り、北海道をバスで周遊した3泊4日のツアーです。参加者38人と添乗員ら合わせて41人のうち12人の感染が確認されました。参加者は新千歳空港に到着した際、体温や健康状態を書くチェックシートを添乗員に提出しました。この時、参加者の1人が「せきや喉の痛みなどの呼吸器症状」の項目をチェックしましたが、添乗員が見落としていました。その後、この人の感染が確認されて全員の検査をすることになりました。その北海道では22日に新たに40人の感染が確認されました。このうち札幌市は31人で、一日あたりとしては過去2番目に多い人数です。 It was found that 12 out of 41 participants, were infected with the new coronavirus on a bus tour in Hokkaido, which is a part of GoTo Travel. According to the Yomiuri trip, the infected participants came from the Kansai region in the middle of this month on a 3-night 4-day tour that landed New Chitose Airport and traveled around Hokkaido by bus. Infection was confirmed in 12 out of 41 people, including 38 participants and tour conductors. When the participants arrived at New Chitose Airport, they submitted a check sheet to the tour operator to write down their body temperature and health condition. At this time, one of the participants checked the item "Respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sore throat", but the tour operator overlooked it. After that, this person's infection was confirmed and everyone had to be tested. In Hokkaido, 40 new infections were confirmed on the 22nd. Of these, 31 are in Sapporo, the second-highest number per day in the past.
• 
  2020-10-23

  テレワークでもキチンと決まる「テレウェア」とは？(2020年10月23日) - What is "tele-wear" that works for working from home? (October 23, 2020)

  This is just a fun news talking about how to look good in meetings despite feeling comfortable in meetings. In japan working from home is “Telework”, like telephone, and they used “Tele” with wear to signify business clothes that is used for remote work. 紳士服大手の「はるやま商事」は20代から30代をターゲットとした店舗でテレワークに合わせ、楽ちんなのに、きちんと決められるビジネスウェア「テレウェア」の提案を始めます。テレワークが続くなか、デニム風でやわらかい着心地のジャケットとの組み合わせやオンライン会議で自分の服装がどのように見えるか店頭で確かめて買うという新しい「試着」のスタイルも期間限定で提案します。 Haruyama Trading Co., Ltd., a major men's clothing company, is a store targeting people in their 20s and 30s, and started proposing a business wear "tele-wear", which is comfortable yet looks put together. As working from home continues, we propose this new "try-on" style for a limited time, such as combining it with a denim-like soft jacket and checking the look at the store to see what your clothes will look like for online meeting.
• 
  2020-10-17

  「コロナで収入途絶え」自殺目的で放火か　４人死傷（2020年10月17日）- "The drop in income due to Corona" Suicidal arson 4 people killed/injured (October 17, 2020)

  Personally, when I watched this news, I felt like a lot of people can relate to this man. He felt depressed most likely due to loss of income from COVID-19, and just could not handle the reality. However, he did kill and injure people during his suicidal arson, which is of course wrong. What is worse is that he is alive while he involved other people. 「コロナで収入が途絶え死を意識した」ということです。 おとといの夜、東京・北区の木造アパートの自室に灯油をまき、ライターで火を付けたとして、放火の疑いで逮捕された自称・金田一淳悦容疑者が、調べに対し「新型コロナで収入が途絶え、自殺したくて火を付けた」と供述していることがわかりました。 この火事で、２階に住む小野豊さんが死亡したほか男女３人がケガをしています "I considered of killing myself because my income was cut off in Corona." On the night two days, a self-proclaimed Kazuyoshi Kaneda, who was arrested on suspicion of arson for sprinkling kerosene in his room in a wooden apartment in Kita-ku, Tokyo and igniting it with a lighter, the investigation found that he stated, "Income is gone due the new Corona. I lit a fire because I wanted to commit himself". The fire killed Yutaka Ono, who lives on the second floor, and injured three men and women.
• 
  2020-10-19

  新型コロナ　世界の感染者4000万人超える(2020年10月19日) - New Coronavirus Over 40 million infected people worldwide (October 19, 2020)

  新型コロナウイルスの世界全体の感染者が4000万人を超えました。アメリカやヨーロッパで感染の再拡大が止まらず、外出禁止など行動制限強化の動きも出ています。 　アメリカのジョンズ・ホプキンス大学の集計によりますと、日本時間19日午後5時半すぎの時点で世界全体の感染者は4005万902人となりました。約1カ月で1000万人増えています。死者は111万3750人に上っています。感染者が最も多いのはアメリカで815万人余り、2番目のインドは約750万人です。520万人余りで続くブラジルを含む3カ国で世界全体の感染者の半数を占めています。ヨーロッパでは第1波を超えるペースで感染が拡大していて、フランスでは17日からパリなどで夜間の外出が禁止されました The number of people infected with the new coronavirus worldwide has exceeded 40 million. In the United States and Europe, the spread of infection has not stopped, and there are movements to strict restrictions such as prohibition of going out. According to the data of Johns Hopkins University in the United States, the number of infected people in the world was 4,050,902 as of 5:30 pm on the 19th of Japan time. The number has increased by 10 million in about a month. The death toll has risen to 1,113,750. The United States has the highest number of infected people with more than 8.15 million, and the second most infected is India with about 7.5 million. Three countries, including Brazil, which has more than 5.2 million people, account for half of all infected people worldwide. In Europe, the infection is spreading at a pace faster than the first wave, and in France, going out at night was banned in Paris etc. from the 17th.
• 
  2020-10-16

  Worrying for future scholarships

  I'm worried about applying for a future scholarship called the MEXT scholarship because supposedly international students are still not allowed to enter Japan. While this will likely change, I'm fearful that due to many governments around the world losing tax revenue due to the pandemic, that they'll will cut extraneous programs such as the MEXT scholarship. The pandemic prevented people taking the JLPT language assessment last July as well. That makes it harder to get certifications to help boost my current resume. They say that there will be a test date in December, but like many events during the pandemic, it's up in the air.
• 
  2020-10-16

  アビガンで新型コロナ症状早く改善　承認を申請(2020年10月16日) - Apply for approval for early improvement of new corona symptoms with Avigan (October 16, 2020)

  I previously uploaded a story about the drug Avigan, where FUJIFILM was still in the process of asking for approval. This news talks about how FUJIFILM now actually asked for manufacturing approval and could be another drug that could be used for the new coronavirus. Personally, I do here that this drug also has a lot of side effects for certain patients, so I feel like we are rushing the development of drug. Side note, Avigan is also known as Favipiravir which is known to be used for treating influenza mainly in Japan. 承認されれば日本の製薬会社が作る初めての新型コロナ治療薬となります。 　富士フイルムは「アビガン」について、新型コロナウイルスの治療薬として製造販売の承認を申請したと発表しました。3月末から行われていた臨床試験で新型コロナの患者に対してアビガンを投与すると症状が早く改善することが確認でき、安全性の面でも新たな懸念事項は認められなかったということです。厚生労働省が承認すれば「レムデシベル」「デキサメタゾン」に続いて新型コロナの治療薬としては3例目となり、日本の製薬会社が開発した薬としては初めてとなります。 If approved, it will be the first new corona treatment made by a Japanese pharmaceutical company. FUJIFILM announced that it has applied for manufacturing and marketing approval of "Avigan" as a therapeutic drug for the new coronavirus. In clinical trials that began at the end of March, it was confirmed that administration of Avigan to patients with the new corona improved their symptoms quickly, and there were no new safety concerns. If approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, it will be the third therapeutic drug for the new corona following the "Remdesiver" and "Dexamethasone", and the first drug developed by a Japanese pharmaceutical company.
• 
  2020-10-13

  Trapped in Peru

  A Japanese tourist, Jesse Katayama is Stuck in Peru during the pandemic. He has been allowed into the ruins of Machu Picchu after a seven month wait. Stuck in Peru since mid-March, he was only allowed to enter the Inca Citadel on special request. There are 33,305 deaths because of Covid-19, which is the highest per capita mortality rate.
• 
  2020-10-14

  新型コロナ“口から飲む”ワクチンの治験開始　米(2020年10月14日) - Clinical trial for the new corona "drinking from the mouth" vaccine has started in the US (October 14, 2020)

  This is a news about another form of vaccine. Honestly, I am skeptical about this vaccine because recently, there were news regarding the suspension of clinical trials of the vaccines due to the side effects. This news video does not talk about any side effects and negative parts about the vaccine. I do not have any hopes for this vaccine either because clinical trials are conducted too fast, despite the potential of side effects. 新型コロナウイルスのワクチン開発を巡り、アメリカの製薬会社「バクサート」は口から飲む経口ワクチンの治験を開始しました。 　バクサートは13日、開発中の新型コロナウイルスの経口ワクチンについて、初期の治験を開始したと発表しました。対象は18歳から54歳の最大48人で、それぞれ2回投与して効果を確認するとしています。バクサートによりますと、新型コロナの経口ワクチンとしてはアメリカで初の臨床試験となります。注射するタイプのワクチンは通常、低温で保存する必要がありますが、経口ワクチンは常温でも安定して保存でき、運搬が容易だということです。バクサートの初期の治験結果は今後、数週間で明らかになる見通しです。 Regarding the development of a vaccine for the new coronavirus, the American pharmaceutical company "Vaxart" has begun its clinical trials of an oral vaccine that can be taken in from mouth. Vaxart announced on the 13th that they have started the initial clinical trial of an oral vaccine for the new coronavirus that is under development. The subjects are up to 48 people aged from 18 to 54 years old, and it is said that the effect will be confirmed by administering twice for each subject. According to Vaxart, it will be the first clinical trial in the United States for an oral vaccine for the new coronavirus. Injectable vaccines usually need to be stored at low temperatures, but oral vaccines are stable at room temperature and easy to transport. The results of early Vaxart trials are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
• 
  2020-10-10

  コロナ感染予防にリップクリームが効果(2020年10月10日) - Lip balm is effective in preventing corona infection (October 10, 2020)

  This is a news talking how lip balms could be effective in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 virus. 新型コロナウイルスの感染経路の一つであるつばの飛散防止について、リップクリームが効果的だとフランスの研究者らが発表しました。 　研究はフランス・モンペリエ大学のアブカリアン教授らが行いました。会話中では特にPやBの発音の際、唇の間に唾液の糸ができ、それがつばとなって空気中に放出されます。しかし、リップクリームを塗ったところ唾液の糸はできにくくなり、人によっては飛散するつばの量が4分の1になったということです。 　アブカリアン教授：「もし唇の表面の質を変えたらどうなるんだろうと思いました。研究では、保湿などに使うクリームを塗ると飛沫（ひまつ）の量が減ったんです」 　音によって効果が異なるほか、効果自体も1分ほどしか持たないことから、リップクリームはマスクの代わりにはなりませんが、研究を続けていくとしています。 French researchers have announced that lip balm is effective in preventing the spread of the spit, which is one of the infection routes of the new coronavirus. The research was conducted by Professor Abcarian of the University of Montpellier, France. During conversations, especially when pronouncing P or B, a thread of saliva is formed between the lips, which becomes a spit and is released into the air. However, when lip balm was applied, it became difficult for the saliva threads to form, and for some people, the amount of scattered spit was reduced to one-fourth. Professor Abcarian: "I wondered what would happen if I changed the quality of the surface of my lips. In my research, applying a cream used for moisturizing reduced the amount of droplets (himatsu)." The effect differs depending on the sound, and the effect itself lasts only about 1 minute, so lip balm is not a substitute for a mask, but they will continue their research.
• 
  2020-10-13

  「富岳」飛沫拡散を計算　“座り位置”で飛沫5倍に(2020年10月13日) - "Tomitake" calculated that the depending on the position of the seat, the droplet could be 5 times more (October 13, 2020)

  This is the news explaining how droplets travel and the risk of exposure. スーパーコンピューター「富岳」を使った新型コロナ感染リスクの検証で、飲食店で隣同士に座って会話した場合は正面で会話するよりも5倍の飛沫（ひまつ）を浴びることが分かりました。 　富岳が4人が飲食店で1分程度話をした場合を計算した飛沫の広がり方です。理化学研究所のチームリーダーを務める神戸大学の坪倉誠教授によりますと、感染者が横に座っていて話をした場合は、正面に座った場合の5倍の飛沫を受けることが分かりました。さらに、飛沫そのものも湿度が低ければ低いほど、下に落ちずに空中に漂う量が急激に増えることが分かりました。湿度30％の場合は、60％の場合の2倍以上の飛沫が1.8メートル先まで到達したということです。また、コンサートホールなどで、合唱をする場合は飛沫は直進するため前方の人ほどリスクが高まるほか、合唱で生まれた気流によって飛沫がより遠くまで届くということです。 In the verification of the risk of new corona infection using the supercomputer "Tomitake", it was found that when sitting next to each other at a restaurant and talking, they are exposed to five times as many droplets (himatsu) compared to when sitting and talking in front of each other. “Tomitake” calculated how the droplets spread when four people talked at a restaurant for about one minute. According to Professor Makoto Tsubokura of Kobe University, who is the team leader of RIKEN, it was found that when an infected person sits next to an individual and talks, he/she is exposed to five times as many droplets as when he/she sits in front of him/her. Furthermore, it was found that the lower the humidity of the droplets themselves, the more the droplets will be floating in the air without falling down. At a humidity of 30%, more than twice as many droplets, compared to the humidity at 60%, reached 1.8 meters away. Also, when a choir is singing in a concert hall, the droplets go straight forwards and thus the risk increases for the person in front, and the airflow created by the chorus causes the droplets to reach farther.