I love all these free streams, really do, 100% On the other hand tho... I can't help but wonder if maybe they shouldn't be doing them. I don't know how Japan has been keeping their numbers so low but I hope they're continuing to be cautious. The new treatment options going underway I think will be really helpful, I think things will start getting better around the world soon. Just, you know, I hope they're not continuing at the risk of their health
There are a few theories: "Japan was expecting a coronavirus explosion. Where is it?" https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/03/20/national/coronavirus-explosion-expected-japan/
US CDC has put Japan into a Level 3 warning (avoid non-essential travel; then again, the US State Department has put a worldwide Level 4 warning, advising Americans to not travel overseas). Japan is requesting passengers arriving from the US to undergo 14-day quarantine/self-isolation upon arrival. And they're indefinite until the coronavirus situation calms down. The concerns of those were the reason why we cancelled our trip to Japan (scheduled for late April) in the first place. But I saw some pictures swirling around of people hanging out around sakura trees. This year alone. Not 2019, but 2020. Where's the social/physical distancing??? And what's with the NJPW show in Chiba as well???
Megu received 'Wash your hands challenge' from CGM48 IZURINA Watch Megu showing how to help beat coronavirus by proper washing of hands... https://www.instagram.com/p/B-EBF8TDoQO/
I posted upthread that many smaller idol groups who I follow are continuing to hold performances as usual and on Saturday Kamen Joshi reopened their theater in Akihabara as this short video shows: if the video does not show watch the video here They handed out Kamen Joshi masks to audience members but I doubt they'll do much to prevent the spread of viruses! But yes it's kinda weird seeing so much life in Japan carrying on as normal while here in the UK everything is shutting down as it is elsewhere in Europe. The current main headline on the BBC News website concerns pressure growing on the Japanese Government and the IOC to cancel the Olympics and I think it'll have to happen.
Good in-depth article published today by the 'Financial Times' here in the UK: https://www.ft.com/content/194d488d-952a-41bc-8a96-0cd67e2f3b52
This is HUGE. http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13252339 It's Asahi, so it's subject to paywall, but the title says it: Japan set to ban entry from the U.S. as early as next week Another thing I was fearing had we not cancelled our trip earlier.
According to this NHK World report (with video), the Governor of Saitama Prefecture has called on people to avoid going to Tokyo (starting tomorrow) for non-essential purposes following a rise in new virus cases in the city: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200329_22/
if the video does not show watch the video here This guy's videos are always a pretty good indication of the on-the-street mindset of what's going on.
I'm currently watching online today's (Monday's) ZIP! morning news show on NTV and I see that the two hosts are practising 'social distancing' instead of standing next to each other :
Well, RIP Shimura Ken. The veteran comedian was the first Japanese celebrity to publicly announce that he was tested positive for COVID-19 on 23 March (days after showing symptoms). A week after, he passed away at the age of 70 after suffering complications of the coronavirus.
Wow. Can't believe what has happened since I first created this thread. I fear it is almost inevitable one of the members will come down with COVID at some point, with the benefit that they'll likely be asymptomatic.
Jurina has just tweeted a tribute to him with a 2-shot from the past: https://twitter.com/JURINA38G/status/1244559372954398721 I'm very concerned for Team A's Maeda Ayaka who is currently receiving treatment for a lung condition, I hope she stays safely away from this virus.