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L'Arc〜en〜Ciel and VAMPS vocalist and musician Hyde is a legend in Japanese rock music, having sold 40 million albums worldwide with L'Arc〜en〜Ciel and even sold out Madison Square Garden.
This time the rock star isn't being lauded for his music, however, but rather a recent condemnation he made of people ignoring the suggested social distancing protocol to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic (avoiding closed and crowded spaces as well as close contact). Hyde recently took to Twitter to express his frustrations about how those not following protocol are increasing risks to others:
"I was appalled to see footage of people saying 'I'll be OK,' or 'Well, it's too late now anyway' and crowded pubs. No matter how you look at it, that's not a necessary reason to leave your house, and at the very least the pub owners should spread out the seats as a countermeasure. If these people are going to infect the ones who are precious to us then that cannot be excused by ignorance. Their sins are heavy."
Hyde's Tweet is resonating with a lot of other frustrated people around Japan, especially as media continues to show many people taking necessary excursions in crowded areas and not following safety precautions.
"If those with influence can say such things, lives can definitely be saved. Thank you very much."
"This is exactly right. It's too late to regret your actions after losing someone you loved."
There are people who think it's OK to go out like this because the wording is "self-restraint" and not "prohibited"...
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- External Link
- https://grapee.jp/en/
20 Comments
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Pukey2
Well, somebody's got to say something.
And why are the Japanese so oblivious to the concept of social distancing?
2020hindsights
bo
Umm, Korea had a lockdown. Both Korea and Taiwan have sorted out testing, so they can afford to ease lockdown while they monitor things. Japan doesn't have nearly enough testing to be able to do that.
So, what Hyde is saying is common sense.
smithinjapan
He's right, but he's also got to start at the top and point out how poorly the government is handling this. A lockdown would go a LONG way in giving the people the chance to social distance. Sure, we can avoid crowded pubs on weekends, or karaoke, or whatever, but pres tel what's the point if the Jiro who hits the pub after riding the crowded train home still has to ride the crowded train to get home anyway?
Sakamotodesuga
Well done, at least somebody is talking loud about this matter in Japan. Still cannot believe how my friends and acquaintances are going out to hanami, pubs, restaurants, etc :/ lack of a leader in the government.
Phil
The last few days news anchors have made a point of point out they are using “ social distancing “ by sitting apart.
Thats it, not follow up to explain how this should be done in day to day life. They go on and on about masks and washing hands. Need to do he same with social distancing and quickly.
Mr Kipling
Derek Grebe... Thats 40 million albums!
If you placed them all flat on the ground it would cover an area the size of Germany!
I made that up but its a lot of albums!
Mirai Hayashi
right on...someone using their voice for promoting the right message!
DaDude
Not ALL Japanese are oblivious. However, people will take things more seriously if the government takes it more seriously.
half-hearted jumper
Within Japan, I'd say it's appropriate.
buffalo
Who is this man and how can i thank him?
Pukey2
DaDude:
In other words, people have to wait until being told by Mother. I'd like to think that educated adults can think for themselves and make sensible choices, just by reading the news both here and around the world.
starpunk
Over here in America we're having PSAs by Arnie and Danny DeVito. I don't know about this guy or his music but if having a rock star telling the word is what it takes, then so be it! Domo Arigato, Hyde.
Johnny Park
You are naive.
Mera Hibari
At the end of the day it is great that Hyde did say something, but those who comment "why don't Japanese people......." should also look into their own country to and point out "why isnt your people....." The US is listening on the social distancing but at the same time they are not which is really frustrating because some have the mindset of "if I die I die" and not care for those around kind of like they want to drag people along with their misfortunes. I hope when all this clears up that there is no new "stereotype" on other people around the world because we all have thoughs bad bones in our country. At the end of the day no ones country is perfect and there is room to change in everyone.
Johnny Park
And be potentially blacklisted in the entertainment industry? He's not gonna risk that.
Jonathan Prin
Great comment.
Please respect your next seat neighbor.
kurisupisu
Japanese have been regulated to sit in tight spaces without complaint.
To undo years of social conditioning in a week or two？
It’s impossible ....
mmwkdw
There's a rumor circulating that the Lockdown is being prevented because the Emperor's younger Brother's Son is going to be 12 soon and wishes to have a Public Ceremony to celebrate that event - hence the reason for a lack of action on behalf of the Government... I guess its a either a fake news rumour or an actual case of passing the buck to the least liked.
Derek Grebe
And the award for Most Generous Definition of a "Rock Legend" goes to...
bo
Total lack of leadership by the Government, Korea has no lockdown , neither does Taiwan, so this in my opinion crap musician is taliking crap.