Much debate has surrounded Japan’s post-Diamond Princess avoidance of the coronavirus pandemic — at least on the scale seen elsewhere, anyway. Has it been due to the general lack of physical contact in public? The pretty much standard habit of mask wearing perhaps? Or, has it always been a mere matter of time before the country succumbed?
Despite the possible merits of those cultural traits, the latter now appears to be the case, with Tokyo’s governor requesting a soft lockdown at a press conference on Wednesday. Of course how many people adhere to it remains to be seen, especially as the message was confused somewhat by a mention of only the weekend. The same goes for the timing, and ultimately its effectiveness — we’ve just got to wait and see. In the meantime, like in so many other parts of the world, it’s now simply a case of sitting tight and hoping for the best.
Coli says
What a beautiful picture! I love the colors and lines. Definitely one of my favorites of recent 😊
This situation is so incredibly frustrating in japan right now isn’t? Out of sight out of mind. I just hope this isn’t the beginning of whirlwind of trouble….
On that note though, I wanted to say thank you Lee for continuing to share you work with so many people, especially during these times. Stay safe.
Lee says
Thanks a lot! It all came together really nicely. Just had to wait for the owner to move back inside from the post box!
It really is. I thought Koike’s move to shift Tokyo towards a lockdown was a good one. With the numbers starting to rise it’s a chance — possibly the last one — to slow things down, but then the weekend element of the announcement has meant many people are out about as normal, and will just stay home Saturday and Sunday. Then from next week resume as usual. Same goes for a lot of businesses. They are closing, but then reopening again from Monday. It’s like we are sleepwalking into a situation that, as we are seeing elsewhere, could be bad beyond belief…
Thanks ever so much, and you are very welcome. In the coming days and weeks I might well be stuck at home, so as long as I have pictures taken prior to this situation that I think are worth sharing, I will. Not like I’ll have much else to do!
You too. Look after yourself. Hopefully we are wrong about things here, but if not take care and stay safe.
DavidT says
These sure are scary times but that’s one awesome photo! I so hope Japan gets through this without dealing with the shit show happening here in the States.Take care!
Lee says
Thank you! Definitely one I’m happy with.
Thanks. I hope so too, but my confidence in such an outcome is rapidly fading…
Thanks. You too. Look after yourself.
YTSL says
I hate to say it but now that the Tokyo Olympics has been postponed to 2021, I expect Japan’s Wuhan coronavirus numbers to rapidly rise. Hope you and your missus stay well.
Steve says
Hmmm.
Lee says
Thank you. You too, stay safe and look after yourself.
In regards the numbers, I do think Abe’s obsession with the Olympics might have influenced some of his actions, or at the very least his words, but personally I don’t think the infections and deaths were underreported. At least not intentionally, anyway. Wouldn’t necessarily trust him to report things honestly, but I do trust the various health authorities, individual health workers etc., and I’m sure they would not have knowingly mislead people.
My take is that basically the government, and then the population in general became too complacent. After the early closure of the country’s schools, museums, sporting events etc. (something I do have to give Abe credit for), the numbers kept low, but with a lack of warnings, insistence on social distancing and so on, a lot of those good, early moves have potentially been squandered. Or at least that’s what the rising numbers may well suggest. Just desperately hoping I’m wrong…
cdilla says
What a magnificent pallette of bright colours you have captured in this scene. Red, green, blue, white, yellow, grey, purple. Likewise with the textures and materials. And all beautifully centred on the old lady.
Is the building on the left one of those thick walled old storehouses? Looks like a fascinating area.
Lee says
Thank you. Yeah, couldn’t have asked for more really. All came together very nicely, and the old lady played her part to perfection!
Can’t say for certain, but I don’t think so. A lot of buildings in that area have fronts like that, and with a wooden side wall, it’s even less likely. They also tend to stand alone, rather than being part of a row.