Posted in: Do you think hanami (cherry blossom viewing) gatherings in parks should be discouraged in order to lessen the spread of the coronavirus infections? See in context
Absolutely yes, since visitors often get drunk making loud voice, which spreads the virus. Also, they tend to have conversation facing each other as they often sit on the plastic carpet under the cherry blossoms. Japanese traditional events such as Hanami sometimes make it difficult to keep social distance between people.
-2 ( +0 / -2 )
Posted in: Has the coronavirus made you rethink what's important in your life? See in context
Definitely yes. As person in an educational field, students and I have been communicating through the online tool such as Zoom. When I have a lesson for them, we connect our devices with theirs. However there are variety of problems. For instance, students have Internet failures or bad access condition. To make matters worse, their understanding of the lessons, which are held online, tend to be lower than that of person to person lessons. Their test results reveal the fact. Moreover, we cannot have real experience communicating with our students, though we see them looking at the screen. Corona virus really made me realize the importance of person to person communication on the spot.
2 ( +2 / -0 )
Posted in: What do you think of cryptocurrency? See in context
For me, it still seems like a SF items. I cannot imagine using that since cryptocurrency is used people who specialize in financial fields.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Boarded-up stores, shuttered restaurants, bars and coffee shops and empty office towers: COVID-19 has emptied many city centers around the world as company employees work remotely. Is this a good thing for any city? What are some ways to bring economic activity and "buzz" back to business districts in the post-coronavirus era? See in context
I'm not familiar with economy. As a general perspective, bringing people to cities is necessary to revive the economy. However, it is important to shift our social relationship, which we are working for the counter measure of the infection, into the one as a general manner. Then, people enjoy shopping, eating out, or socializing with others under shared common sense.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: U.S. President Joe Biden is caught between two political parties that appear to be in no mood for compromise. Do you think he can unify the country over the next few years? See in context
I don't think he can, because the U.S. citizens have been badly divided into two poles over the pass few years. Also the country has fallen into isolation from some world associations. It takes enormous efforts and time to change people's mind toward that of unity. Considering the age of the new president, he will not be able to show his leadership to unify the republicans and the counterpart.
-3 ( +1 / -4 )
Posted in: Do you think climate change could lead to a greater crisis for humanity than COVID-19 or any other pandemic that might occur in the future? See in context
I don't know. However, if the earth lived like an enormous creature which let us live, they might be sending us a message such as anger for environmental destruction. It might be the time to each of us listen closely to the voice of our earth.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Police officer's loaded gun, handcuffs found in Osaka convenience store See in context
What a peaceful country Japan is. The police officer was careless enough to leave their belongings such as guns. He might have to deal with personal information at his work. In that case, he is more likely to accidentally leak such data outside from police station. It might be a small slip-up, but also terrible slip-up. Therefore I want him to be more responsible as a police.
2 ( +2 / -0 )
Posted in: Cabinet OKs bills to penalize people who do not comply with antivirus measures See in context
Finally the government decided to rely on the effect of national law. This might have a positive effect to some extent. However, this decision is a bit disappointing for me as a result of an effort as a national government. Instead of setting what goes against the law, telling what we should do is more important, I think. I heard "refrain from eating out, going out, and staying home" countless times everywhere. Nevertheless, I have not heard what to do to realize these slogan. The government and prefectural governor should have showed the specific and feasible measures which can be applied to the citizens.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Saturday marked the first anniversary of Japan's first confirmed COVID-19 case, a man who returned after visiting the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus at the time. Can you remember what you thought when you read or heard about that case? See in context
For the first time I heard that case on the news, I did not think it was the onset of the novel outbreak and bothered most of Japanese citizens for far. Even though virus outbreak had already on the media in Japan before the case on the topic, I did not take the new into consideration seriously. This lack of interest might be one of the cause of serious virus outbreak, which has stopped economy, education and medical system.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Do you think the state of emergency will be effective in lowering the number of coronavirus cases in Tokyo and its three neighboring prefectures? See in context
To some extent, I think. However, current requests for citizens would not reduce the number of infected people to a safer level, because some of them are apparently take the current situation seriously, going to the restaurant with their friends or family members in the afternoon not at the evening. I think this does not make the condition better. In addition, it is urgent that the government needs to support the medical facilities in a specific areas, otherwise they fall into the condition making them have no choice but to refuse the patient regardless of the symptoms.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Police ask public not to use 110 number for non-urgent calls See in context
Such silly and childish behaviors always make me disappointed as one of Japanese citizens. How narrow-minded they are. It's time to give penalties for those who make non-urgent calls to public officials.
4 ( +5 / -1 )
Posted in: Tokyo reports 1,494 new coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 6,081 See in context
Someone refer to the increase of the infection on the media, saying "government need ask the restaurant owners to reduce the number of customers throughout the day instead of shortening its operating hours". I think it's exactly right. Actually, there have been misunderstandings such as "people are welcome to have lunch with their friends or family members". In order not to deteriorate the growth of Japan's economy, the government needs to hear the voices of workers on the spot, and change the way it's done at the first state of emergency period.
0 ( +2 / -2 )
Posted in: Workplace trials now popular in Japan: Try out different jobs See in context
That's an interesting idea for would-be employees and employers. However this creates new type of working in place of part-time system. Employers pay small amount of money in order to make up for the lack of workers in a short time and they dismiss the employees who use the system for unfair reasons. Am I thinking of it too much?
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Australian state of NSW tightens restrictions as virus cluster expands See in context
I wish Japanese government would take Australia's early measures into consideration sincerely.
4 ( +6 / -2 )
Posted in: 5 taken to hospitals in Tokyo after choking on mochi; one dies See in context
Why do we want to eat mochi even though eating them has a risk of chocking? Mochi looks like one of the innocent killer for elderlies ironically.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Tokyo, 3 neighboring prefectures urge central gov't to issue state of emergency over virus See in context
Finally, prefectural government got tired of waiting for the central one to take the effective measures for the outbreak. I wish I could hear what Suga-san answered the request they gave. I can guess what he said, though. Probably said "keep an eye on the condition". Doesn't he want to take the responsibility so much!?
-2 ( +0 / -2 )
Posted in: When you first heard about the coronavirus, did you think it would escalate into a global crisis that would still be with us as the new year begins? See in context
When I first heard of the virus detection on the TV news, I did not think that the virus have spread to the countries around the world. We have been concerned natural disasters such as earthquake. However come to think of it, virus outbreak can be considered as a disaster, so I realized how I underestimate the potential danger of it. Also, lots of people may have had the same idea, which perhaps led to serious condition worldwide. It reminds me that I must watch world news more seriously.
2 ( +2 / -0 )
Posted in: Tokyo reports 944 new coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 3,834 See in context
Isn't it the time to judge this situation as "explosion" ? What have the government been watching so far!?
4 ( +5 / -1 )
Posted in: Tokyo governor warns of explosion in COVID-19 cases See in context
As a generalist, I think the explosion has already been occurring, and I'd like to know the reason why the government are so hesitant to declare. Something inconvenient hinders smooth judgement?
15 ( +17 / -2 )
Posted in: What do you usually do with unwanted Christmas gifts? See in context
I really appreciate it because I rarely receive anything on the day. How do I deal with the presents? Well, I put them in a storage room and have them wait to taken out some day after the long term hibernation period.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Peach to launch flights from Narita to Memanbetsu and Oita See in context
I think only the company, the first airline business venture, is expanding its business field. The next target I hope is to making a hub at Haneda airport.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: What are your fondest childhood memories of Christmas? See in context
I had quarrels with my parents a few days before the Christmas, and I realized that I had not had a talk about what I want for that day. At the morning on the Christmas, I got a AWESOME present, which I played with no more than once.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Social distancing at shrine See in context
This reminds me of a digital money offering system installed in some shrines a few years ago. First I felt a kind weird to it because it did not match the scenery. However, it may be playing an important role as one of the counter measures for the infection.
-2 ( +0 / -2 )
Posted in: If you are a foreign resident (either permanent, long term or short term) of Japan, do you currently feel safer living here amid the coronavirus, or would you prefer to be in some other country? See in context
I would go back to home country such as Europe if I were a foreign resident. Because I have not been able to see our government's serious attitude to third outbreak occurring now. We have gotten advisories, however they do not work well. More strict counter measures are urgently needed though. In contrast, European countries, for example, have applied measures in response to their conditions.
2 ( +6 / -4 )
Posted in: What is Christmas going to be like for you this year? See in context
Shouldn't it be a true home Christmas like a new year eve in Japan? I presume.
-2 ( +0 / -2 )
Posted in: Do you know anyone who is struggling either financially or with health issues as Christmas-New Year approaches? What advice would you give them to try and ease the stress? See in context
I do not spend Christmas as money consuming or stressful event. One promising idea is that you look for the way to enjoy Christmas without spending money. For example, how about stay your house and have a bit more luxurious dinner than regular ones? It reduces costs of restaurant dinner and also does the risk of infection of any viruses.
0 ( +3 / -3 )
Posted in: 4 die after being buried by snow in Yamagata See in context
I think there is another issue hidden in these cases. All of them are elderly. Aging population in these regions lead to the incident. Unless this long term issue is solved, we will have to watch these sad reports on the media.
3 ( +3 / -0 )
Posted in: How would you compare Japanese and American animation, particularly in terms of technical aspects and story-telling? See in context
I often watch Japanese Anime, so I will be able to talk about the aspect of Japanese side. First, well known Japanese Animation company stick to a way they use: tegaki, or hand drawing. On the other hand, it seems that lots of animation company overseas use digital drawing. Second, characters of Japanese anime show their expressions with eye movement or making a few seconds pause, however characters depicted in overseas company do that with their mouth and eye brow movement or body language. By comparing Japanese anime with the others overseas, we will be able to understand each country's culture. Very interesting.
1 ( +2 / -1 )
Posted in: What are some of your favorite getaway spots in Japan when you feel the need for a short holiday? See in context
Something that soothe me such as nature park or countryside. When I first visited a dam, which situated at Chichibu city, Saitama, I was so impressed by the magnificent view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Also, the temperature is a little lower than that of the city, though it soon reaches above 30℃. Such area is well maintained for visitors so some restaurants are open there, and many people living in urban areas often go to the places such as Disney Land or other exciting ones, so the dam areas are not so crowded. I highly recommend this.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: What do you think of video-sharing app TikTok? See in context
I've never used such app to share my daily life or performance, because I'm sure nobody gets interested in what I do. In my opinion, I do not understand how other people enjoy sharing their personality with their friends and unknown.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Is Russia still considering nuking parts of Russia as part of their invasion of Ukraine?
Posted in: Zelenskyy visits Sumy region bordering Russia's Kursk province
Posted in: Zelenskyy visits Sumy region bordering Russia's Kursk province
I wonder if I will be happy about the details of this Happiness Index...
Posted in: Ishiba to announce plans for 'happiness index'
Posted in: Bruce Springsteen backs Kamala Harris in latest celebrity endorsement