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Mar 20 2020 4 Comments

Japanese social distancing by the sea

With seemingly the whole world now implementing social distancing, self isolation and even full-on lockdowns, life in Japan inexplicably continues as normal, with no real measures in place whatsoever. Of course school closures were announced at the end of last month, with museums, concerts etc. quickly following suit. Sporting events have also been cancelled, or played behind closed doors, with one notable example being sumo, which now approaching the end of its spring tournament, has provided a rather surreal, and also completely joyless daily dose of the world as it currently is.

The big question, of course, is how effective such early closures have been. The number of those with the virus is (officially at least) still low, but so are the number of conducted tests, so it feels like a waiting game — a game with no shortage of risks. Things might be OK, but then again, come tomorrow they might not be. And with the likes of trains, restaurants, and shopping areas almost as busy as usual, the odds of it being the latter are a distinct possibility.

But in dark times there are thankfully still lighter moments, and seeing these two fellas taking social distancing to a whole new level last week was definitely one of them.

Japanese boat-based social distancing by the sea

On a slightly different note, I’d like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you indeed for the lovely response to my recent addition of a buy-me-a-coffee page. Despite my considerable apprehension, it has been an incredibly positive experience, and one that without a doubt has made these troubling times a lot more bearable.

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jenn says

    3/20/2020 at 12:06 pm

    I so hope Japan has dodged a bullet things are getting crazy as hell here in the US. I pray you and your loved ones stay safe!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/20/2020 at 8:50 pm

      Thank you ever so much. And likewise, hope you are away from the worst of it and keeping safe.

      As for Japan, we shall no doubt soon find out. Fingers crossed basically…

      Reply
  2. Ron says

    3/21/2020 at 12:08 am

    Be safe. The cases of COVID-19 in Europe (and the US) exploded because people continued on as normal. Wishing you all the best in these interesting times.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/21/2020 at 9:31 am

      Thanks, you too. I hope you are doing ok, and continue to do so.

      Yeah, that’s the big worry. Early measures were taken here, so no complaints there, but it does feel like complacency may have set in. We shall soon find out anyway…

      Reply

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