Items

• 
  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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  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。
• 
  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
• 
  2020-11-25

  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
• 
  2020-11-19

  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
• 
  2020-04-07

  Robot Graduation

  A new reality for some graduates is a graduation prompted by limited people and digital technology.
• 
  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.
• 
  2020-09

  GO TO Travel Campaign

  The "Go To Travel Campaign" is a campaign that the government made to support up to half of the price when making a domestic travel reservation within the campaign period through a travel agency or travel reservation site. The maximum amount of support is planned to be up to 20,000 yen per person per night, and up to 10,000 yen for a day trip. (Not applicable to overseas travel) 70% of the amount of support will be given as a discount on travel expenses, and the remaining 30% will be given as a "regional common coupon" that can be used when purchasing local food and drinks, tourist facilities, and local souvenirs. This campaign was so that local restaurants and travel areas can start functioning and have the economy back. However, this campaign had a lot of flaws. First, we were still in a Pandemic and the government was urging traveling within Japan. Second, Tokyo residents were not allowed to travel outside, but people from outside of Tokyo can use the campaign and use Tokyo as a place for transportation. Tokyo residents were not allowed to use the campaign due to the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Japan, and yet they are allowing people outside to use Tokyo. Recently, the Governor of Tokyo is thinking of adding Tokyo residents to the campaign as well. This is image of one of the posters of the campaign.
• 
  2020-09-24

  「美女と野獣」東京ディズニーランド　新エリア公開(2020年9月25日) - "Beauty and the Beast" Tokyo Disneyland new area released (September 25, 2020)

  新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大の影響で公開が延期になっていた東京ディズニーランドの大規模開発エリアがお披露目されました。 　東京ディズニーランドを運営するオリエンタルランドは、約3年かけて完成した大規模開発エリアを報道向けに公開しました。新たなエリアは4万7000平方メートルあり、ディズニー映画の「美女と野獣」をテーマとしたエリアや「ベイマックス」などのアトラクションが楽しめます。当初は4月15日に開園する予定でしたが、新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大の影響で延期していました。一般公開は今月28日からとなりますが、当面は混雑を避けるためアトラクションの利用は事前に抽選予約に申し込んで当選した人に限定します。 The large-scale development area of Tokyo Disneyland, where the open date was postponed due to the spread of the new Coronavirus, was revealed. Oriental Land Co., Ltd., which operates Tokyo Disneyland, has released to the press the large-scale development area that took about three years. The new area covers 47,000 square meters, and you can enjoy rides with the theme of the Disney movies "Beauty and the Beast" and "Big Hero 6". Initially, the park was scheduled to open on April 15, but it was postponed due to the spread of the new Coronavirus. It will be open to the public from the 28th of this month, but for the time being, the use of the rides will be limited to those who have applied for a reservation in advance and got the tickets to avoid cluster of people.
• 
  2020-04-01

  Cherry Blossom in Tokyo during COVID-19 Pandemic

  When I landed in Japan on end of March, I was taken back at the cherry blossom blooming completely. After moving to U.S. in Freshman year, I have never thought I would see cherry blossoms again in Japan because the season is in the middle of the school year. Even though it was in the middle of the pandemic, I noticed that there were so many people out in the river seeing cherry blossom without taking proper social distancing rules. I think this was because the Japanese government did not close down famous parks and rivers until the number of COVID-19 patients got out of control. A little before I landed, there was a 3-day weekend, and my mom had told me that there was immense amount of people outside to see the cherry blossom even though we were in a pandemic and the government actually insisted on going out because it is an holiday. After the number of COVID-19 patient increased drastically, the government insisted on people to stay home. However, unlike other countries, Japanese government cannot enforce people to stay home, but rather just say “please stay home”. The residents and citizens will not be punished because the rules are not enforced. For me, I stayed home and watched cherry blossom from the deck, and just enjoyed it from my house to be safe. Even though the government insisted on staying home, I noticed a lot of people still going out to see the cherry blossom because it is there culture and a seasonal event called “Hanami”. On the news, there were constantly reports saying that the patient went to the famous cherry blossom parks, and yet we still see people there because they think it was ok unless they are “somewhat” careful. Honestly, I was very frustrated and the issue because it was not like the cherry blossom was going to be gone after this year, and felt it was very irresponsible for others.
• 
  2020-05-23

  Tenohashi giving out free food, clothing, medical attention at Higashi-Ikebukuro Park.

  An organization called Tenohashi set up in a small park in Ikebukuro (northwestern central Tokyo) to hand out free food, clothing, masks, medical attention, etc. People were very organized, waiting in line at tape markers placed on the ground roughly two meters apart. I donated some extra facemasks I didn't need (including the two "Abe no masks" provided to me as part of a relief package from the government). I think they've been set up there every Saturday, at least, if not more regularly than that.
• 
  05/23/2020

  Jewish Community of Japan homepage announcement on Covid19

  Front page of the official website of the Jewish Community of Japan (the primary Jewish community center and house of worship in Tokyo), reading: "Dear Members and Guests of the JCJ “The preservation of health is a mitzvah which overrides all other .” We are in the midst of a global pandemic which requires caution and responsible action. Social distancing has been suggested as one of the best ways to prevent the quick spread of the virus. It is for this reason that we have decided to cancel all Shabbat and festival services at the JCJ until further notice. "
• 2020-04-20

  Tokyo Gov Koike - Mitsu des video game

  In April 2020, as the Japanese national government dragged its feet on declaring a state of emergency or taking other strong actions, Gov. Koike Yuriko of Tokyo began holding daily TV appearances in which she encouraged the people of Tokyo to take responsible steps, including closing shops, working from home, allowing your employees to work from home, wearing masks, etc, as well as to avoid "the three Mitsu," meaning places which are crowded, closed-in, and involve close interaction. Someone then made this video game, in which you play as Gov. Koike, going around Tokyo and telling people "Mitsu desu!" ("You're too close!", or more literally, "this is crowding!"), to try to break up crowds.
• 2020-04-20

  Tokyo Gov Koike - Mitsu des EDM Remix

  In April 2020, as the Japanese national government dragged its feet on declaring a state of emergency or taking other strong actions, Gov. Koike Yuriko of Tokyo began holding daily TV appearances in which he encouraged the people of Tokyo to take responsible steps, including closing shops, working from home, allowing your employees to work from home, wearing masks, etc, as well as to avoid "the three Mitsu," meaning places which are crowded, closed-in, and involve close interaction. A video game was then released in which you play as Gov. Koike, going around Tokyo and telling people "Mitsu desu!" ("You're too close!", or more literally, "this is crowding!"). This video remixes her statements into an amusing EDM soundtrack.
• 
  2020-03-24

  2020 Summer Olympics postponed

  The Suffolk Journal, Suffolk University's student run newspaper, reports on the postponement of the Olympics during the pandemic.
• 
  2020-03-04

  Life in Japan feat. Coronavirus

  A video to show what it was like in Tokyo Japan during late February and early March 2020