Rethinking going to Japan... just talking out loud... Thoughts?

[wishing4PA]

I appreciate both your comments as we all are in this wait and see and try to keep from catching and/or passing on COVID-19 mode.

 

[LovesTimone]

I am not looking to pick on you with this post But, most of the information here is not accurate. Things are NOT returning to normal. If those people are “getting out more,” they shouldn’t be. That is contributing to the problem. We had a voluntary lockdown here in Tokyo over the weekend because the numbers began to rise again after people selfishly went to hanami instead of staying home as instructed. It’s very possible we are looking at an extended lockdown if the numbers do not start to fall. I also do not know who is disappointed about the Olympics being postponed other than the government. Most people I know are relieved.

I write this because I do not want anyone here to be lulled into a false sense of security about the situation in Japan.

And, we do not have a problem obtaining masks or gloves anymore. Most people are making masks at home if they do not have N95s & gloves are still available online. Those things should be donated to healthcare professionals in the US.

OP here

Thanks for your input.. and no worries on the "picking on me" - I always am interested in what others have to say... it really helps myself and everyone here to get some perspective and read other peoples views, thoughts and opinions..... I respect your views and feelings... This couple that I am talking about lives in Shibuya and this is their take on what is happening... They are still using precautions, and following the guide lines.... which seems along the guidelines with what is happening here in Florida where I live... and have to report daily their health not only the relocation expert, as well as to their jobs....

This type of communication and sharing really is wonderful as it helps each person make a decision for themselves.

I think that some people here know that I am a "Planner" and that I do have some OCD issues.... so for me information is king!!!

As always I have a few questions...

So I am curious as always... So are you an American living in Japan? Please tell us about yourself...

Which part of the information that I was given do you feel was not accurate? are people not using precautions such as mask, gloves when moving about?

When you say Hanami - that means viewing the cherry blossoms..... is that right? So when people were out, did they not use precautions and just ignored the guidelines?

With the Olympic... again this was their view, I guess I should have given all the details that my neighbor shared, Her friends son said that many of their friends, and co-workers are disappointed that Japan would have to wait a year to show off just how beautiful and special Japan is, as well the revenue that the Olympic's will bring to Japan, as well as future tourism dollars... They all realize that postponing it until next year is the safest and really the only options for everyone's well being ... and are looking forward to next year... like they are looking for the silver-lining in all of this mess...

As far as the what the couple receive's from each of their families as well as the relocation specialist... in the way of gloves, mask, hand sanitizer, and hand soap, which they are having trouble finding, even with ordering on line, some items delay time is quite a bit.... Since they have been blessed with extra's - they have been sharing them with friends, co-workers and neighbors in the building that they live in...

I hope today finds you safe and well... with plenty of pixie dust and good vibes all around...

 

[Coaster629]

Agreed. Things are not normal. The number of cases in Tokyo skyrocketed over the past two weeks due to negligence over the virus. Also, Japan is not testing nearly as much people daily as other countries are. The numbers are low, but so are the tests. Tokyo has a population of about 13 million people. And out of those 13 million, do we really think roughly 400 people have the virus?

With everyone going out for leisure, it will cause things to spread faster and keep this virus here for longer. Go out for essentials. That’s it. People going out to go shopping or for hanami are adding to the problem.

 

[Linkura]

Japan has tested tens of thousands fewer people than my home state, MA. It's pathetic.

 

[MKTokyo]

OP here

Thanks for your input.. and no worries on the "picking on me" - I always am interested in what others have to say... it really helps myself and everyone here to get some perspective and read other peoples views, thoughts and opinions..... I respect your views and feelings... This couple that I am talking about lives in Shibuya and this is their take on what is happening... They are still using precautions, and following the guide lines.... which seems along the guidelines with what is happening here in Florida where I live... and have to report daily their health not only the relocation expert, as well as to their jobs....

This type of communication and sharing really is wonderful as it helps each person make a decision for themselves.

I think that some people here know that I am a "Planner" and that I do have some OCD issues.... so for me information is king!!!

As always I have a few questions...

So I am curious as always... So are you an American living in Japan? Please tell us about yourself...

Which part of the information that I was given do you feel was not accurate? are people not using precautions such as mask, gloves when moving about?

When you say Hanami - that means viewing the cherry blossoms..... is that right? So when people were out, did they not use precautions and just ignored the guidelines?

With the Olympic... again this was their view, I guess I should have given all the details that my neighbor shared, Her friends son said that many of their friends, and co-workers are disappointed that Japan would have to wait a year to show off just how beautiful and special Japan is, as well the revenue that the Olympic's will bring to Japan, as well as future tourism dollars... They all realize that postponing it until next year is the safest and really the only options for everyone's well being ... and are looking forward to next year... like they are looking for the silver-lining in all of this mess...

As far as the what the couple receive's from each of their families as well as the relocation specialist... in the way of gloves, mask, hand sanitizer, and hand soap, which they are having trouble finding, even with ordering on line, some items delay time is quite a bit.... Since they have been blessed with extra's - they have been sharing them with friends, co-workers and neighbors in the building that they live in...

I hope today finds you safe and well... with plenty of pixie dust and good vibes all around...

I am American & I live in Tokyo (Meguro) with my husband (Japanese).

People are, and should be, wearing masks & gloves. Hanami (yes, you are right - sakura viewing) should not have happened at all, despite the fact that a good percentage of people took precautions. Masks & gloves don’t make a person virus-proof, unfortunately.

The part I find most inaccurate is “things seem to be returning to normal.” To be blunt, they aren’t. Things are FAR from normal and getting worse. People shouldn’t be going out except for necessities or if they have an essential job.

I don’t know where those folks are shopping, but there is virtually no delay on Amazon, for example, in receiving any of the items you mentioned. I could receive 100 disposable gloves tomorrow for 1380 yen. Soap is widely available. Masks are not necessary as you can make them or use a scarf. Those items do not need to be shipped out of the US & should be left for people who need them, and have none, to purchase.

 

[LovesTimone]

I am American & I live in Tokyo (Meguro) with my husband (Japanese).

People are, and should be, wearing masks & gloves. Hanami (yes, you are right - sakura viewing) should not have happened at all, despite the fact that a good percentage of people took precautions. Masks & gloves don’t make a person virus-proof, unfortunately.

The part I find most inaccurate is “things seem to be returning to normal.” To be blunt, they aren’t. Things are FAR from normal and getting worse. People shouldn’t be going out except for necessities or if they have an essential job.

I don’t know where those folks are shopping, but there is virtually no delay on Amazon, for example, in receiving any of the items you mentioned. I could receive 100 disposable gloves tomorrow for 1380 yen. Soap is widely available. Masks are not necessary as you can make them or use a scarf. Those items do not need to be shipped out of the US & should be left for people who need them, and have none, to purchase.

I totally respect your opinion... and my intention is not to upset you... ...

Again this is just the opinion of one couple... that I am sharing with the board....

The boxes that they receive monthly ( 2 boxes) are from their family that contain special treats, or something that they can not get in Japan or that the miss from home, lately the families are sending things like gloves, masks, and other things along with the goodies... more as I think it is that they are so far from home, and their moms are worried... I think that their family is doing what they think is right for them... Plus I don't think that the Japanese are hoarding like they are doing here in the US...

I have watched some videos on line from different bloggers or vloggers, and there does seem to be quite a bit foot traffic on the streets, and in some of the train stations... people moving about there in Japan much more than say in NYC, or even in Orlando...

I think as well the longer this thing drags on, the more hyper vigilant, stressed, paranoid, people become... for some folks depression, and isolation starts to weigh in.... plus being coupe'd up in the house day in and day out... as well nothing good in the news... so much to the point that we really aren't watching TV, I want to hear the news, not all this pointing the finger, and playing the blame game... As well as the financial hit everyone is taking... It depends on which channel you are watching and depends on which version of the situation you get, then change the channel and it is something completely different that they are saying to match the agenda.... Basically you have to learn to read between the lines...

I did want to ask you, here in the states people are hoarding anything and everything... toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, meat, pasta, OTC med's, diaper, and baby wipes...even formula... the list goes on and on... Are you having the same things there, or is food, produce, meat and paper product easily available...?

 

[gelatoni fan]

I did want to ask you, here in the states people are hoarding anything and everything... toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, meat, pasta, OTC med's, diaper, and baby wipes...even formula... the list goes on and on... Are you having the same things there, or is food, produce, meat and paper product easily available...?

My impression is that Japan is doing better than the US shortage wise. There's been quite a few things sold out on Amazon US that I've been able to get from Amazon Japan. Additionally, when I was in Osaka in late January, I was able to find masks and some hand sanitizer. I went to San Francisco in the beginning of February and was completely unable to find either. I think part of it is that Japan has experience with typhoons so stores are used to handling demand fluctuations. Additionally, people know how to adjust their shopping habits when they anticipate shortages. People I know in the US are only starting to do things like wake up early to go grocery shopping and most don't ask the store for the exact time/day stuff is expected to be back in stock. Compare this to Hong Kong where in February, people were waiting in line overnight to buy masks and cleaning supplies. On one occasion, over a million people (1/7 of the population) were in the online queue for a pharmacy the day they were restocking.

 

[LovesTimone]

My impression is that Japan is doing better than the US shortage wise. There's been quite a few things sold out on Amazon US that I've been able to get from Amazon Japan. Additionally, when I was in Osaka in late January, I was able to find masks and some hand sanitizer. I went to San Francisco in the beginning of February and was completely unable to find either. I think part of it is that Japan has experience with typhoons so stores are used to handling demand fluctuations. Additionally, people know how to adjust their shopping habits when they anticipate shortages. People I know in the US are only starting to do things like wake up early to go grocery shopping and most don't ask the store for the exact time/day stuff is expected to be back in stock. Compare this to Hong Kong where in February, people were waiting in line overnight to buy masks and cleaning supplies. On one occasion, over a million people (1/7 of the population) were in the online queue for a pharmacy the day they were restocking.

Wow a million people in the queue and waiting...

I have always been a early riser, and I shop early in the morning... I'm normally shopping for DH and I...and for the last year or more, my parents
( they live about 65 miles from me)... so I like the early hours, it's easier to focus on the shopping list for 2 households... I shop every 2 weeks, with big trip to the warehouse type stores about every 3 months... Now when I go to the stores there is a line waiting to go inside... as well asking when they are going to restock an item or items... you really don't get a answer, yes we will get a truck... no we don't know when, or what's on it... very vague answer...

Living here in Florida and being a true local... Preparing for Hurricane season this time of year is ingrained into you as a kid... so we naturally keep a hurricane kits, double check, recheck, and prepare well ahead of the of the season... Plus I have OCD, and I'm a planner... so I try to stay ahead of the game always...

Thanks for your input...

 

[MKTokyo]

I totally respect your opinion... and my intention is not to upset you... ...

Again this is just the opinion of one couple... that I am sharing with the board....

The boxes that they receive monthly ( 2 boxes) are from their family that contain special treats, or something that they can not get in Japan or that the miss from home, lately the families are sending things like gloves, masks, and other things along with the goodies... more as I think it is that they are so far from home, and their moms are worried... I think that their family is doing what they think is right for them... Plus I don't think that the Japanese are hoarding like they are doing here in the US...

I have watched some videos on line from different bloggers or vloggers, and there does seem to be quite a bit foot traffic on the streets, and in some of the train stations... people moving about there in Japan much more than say in NYC, or even in Orlando...

I think as well the longer this thing drags on, the more hyper vigilant, stressed, paranoid, people become... for some folks depression, and isolation starts to weigh in.... plus being coupe'd up in the house day in and day out... as well nothing good in the news... so much to the point that we really aren't watching TV, I want to hear the news, not all this pointing the finger, and playing the blame game... As well as the financial hit everyone is taking... It depends on which channel you are watching and depends on which version of the situation you get, then change the channel and it is something completely different that they are saying to match the agenda.... Basically you have to learn to read between the lines...

I did want to ask you, here in the states people are hoarding anything and everything... toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, meat, pasta, OTC med's, diaper, and baby wipes...even formula... the list goes on and on... Are you having the same things there, or is food, produce, meat and paper product easily available...?

Don’t worry! I am not upset by you or your post I am just frustrated by other people’s behavior.

We try to avoid news overload. It’s way too easy to take in too much negative information & then we feel grumpy. So, we have been watching/reading no more than 30 minutes in the morning & 30 minutes in the evening. That’s enough to keep up on what’s going on without drowning in it.

We have not encountered a shortage of anything we have wanted to buy with the exception of fresh meat. We have been ordering that online.

 

[LovesTimone]

Don’t worry! I am not upset by you or your post I am just frustrated by other people’s behavior.

We try to avoid news overload. It’s way too easy to take in too much negative information & then we feel grumpy. So, we have been watching/reading no more than 30 minutes in the morning & 30 minutes in the evening. That’s enough to keep up on what’s going on without drowning in it.

We have not encountered a shortage of anything we have wanted to buy with the exception of fresh meat. We have been ordering that online.

I can not even begin to tell you the non-sense with people behavior that I have witnessed with my own eyes... I watched a lady clear off the all the
shelves of Kleenex, a whole cart full of nothing but boxes of tissues... and when the manager said you can only have 2 boxes, she started yelling at him... why in the world would you need that many boxes of tissues? this was before everything really started...

We are to that point as well, only watching or reading for a couple of minutes....

So where are you from originally ? me I'm a Florida girl...

Sending pixie dust your way...

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here...

DH works in essential services, and has been working like crazy... he worked yesterday ( Saturday) as a matter of fact he is working right now
(Sunday)... with him being so dang busy... and me taking care of my parents... we really haven't talked about our trip...

Last night over dinner we started talking about our trip in November (mid to later November)... and after much deliberation....

Drum roll... Please

Japan here we come!!!!

Of course we will be continuing to watch closely... If we would have to be in 2 week quarantine when we return that would be one of the factors that we would have to scrap our trip... the other reasons if flights are cancelled and/or something crazy has happened...

We actually made a few other decisions..

First one... DH hates to changes hotels... he is okay with one change... I have to agree with him, I feel like you loose a day with changing hotels... So only one change...

Second... We have been back and forth on where to stay for our Tokyo Disneyland visit... DH has mentioned staying on site... last night he was like what are the benefits of staying onsite and just buying tickets ~v~ what about if we went for a package what are the benefits... and would paying more work out better for us, so that we can ride what we really want to ride, and really see everything... I kinda went through the whole fastpass thing, and the happy 15, and since they are closed you really can't find out any info... plus we are not in the 6 month period... and DH did make a good point, what will be offered could change... Plus if we could see and do more with the fastpasses, then that would give us more time overall at Tokyo Disney, and cut a day out we had planned for 4 days in the parks... which would give us more time in Tokyo... So staying on site is back on the table...

Third... we are not going to go with a JR pass... just going to use Sucia to get around... once in Tokyo... as well if we are going to do a day trip, we will just book through the concierge in the hotel, we have done this before and it worked well for us... Honestly with how we travel, the amount of time we are there... this will work out for us...

 

[MKTokyo]

I can not even begin to tell you the non-sense with people behavior that I have witnessed with my own eyes... I watched a lady clear off the all the
shelves of Kleenex, a whole cart full of nothing but boxes of tissues... and when the manager said you can only have 2 boxes, she started yelling at him... why in the world would you need that many boxes of tissues? this was before everything really started...

We are to that point as well, only watching or reading for a couple of minutes....

So where are you from originally ? me I'm a Florida girl...

Sending pixie dust your way...

I really can’t stand the hoarding! An entire cart of tissues! I’m glad stores are implementing limits. I totally understand that people feel afraid & want to “do something” but depriving your neighbors of tissues & toilet paper is not productive

I’m from NYC... so as you can imagine, waiting for updates every day is So far I have three friends who have/had it; one was serious enough to go to the ER but was sent home because she was not quite sick ENOUGH to need a bed. Thankfully she is now recovering. The other two cases are mild.

 

[LovesTimone]

I really can’t stand the hoarding! An entire cart of tissues! I’m glad stores are implementing limits. I totally understand that people feel afraid & want to “do something” but depriving your neighbors of tissues & toilet paper is not productive

I’m from NYC... so as you can imagine, waiting for updates every day is So far I have three friends who have/had it; one was serious enough to go to the ER but was sent home because she was not quite sick ENOUGH to need a bed. Thankfully she is now recovering. The other two cases are mild.

NYC... We love to go there for long weekends.. DH is like there is no other place on earth with that type of energy that we have been to so far...

 

[scrump]

I have a few friends living in Japan, some are American, but most are Japanese nationals. They don't all know each other, so I found it interesting that over the weekend, they ALL emailed me to ask how I was doing (in NYC). I said to my DH, "maybe they're starting to get stressed?" So as someone who is not keyed into the the coronavirus scene there, I got the vibe that things were probably not normal.

OP, I am happy that you are forging on with your travel plans. It is refreshing to read about them, and gives me a small construct of "normalcy" in these unsettling times.

 

[LovesTimone]

I have a few friends living in Japan, some are American, but most are Japanese nationals. They don't all know each other, so I found it interesting that over the weekend, they ALL emailed me to ask how I was doing (in NYC). I said to my DH, "maybe they're starting to get stressed?" So as someone who is not keyed into the the coronavirus scene there, I got the vibe that things were probably not normal.

OP, I am happy that you are forging on with your travel plans. It is refreshing to read about them, and gives me a small construct of "normalcy" in these unsettling times.

Thanks so much for sharing....

My DH has a business associate that is married to a Japanese woman, she is a Japanese national, they are planning on going in June, to see her family and their friends, they go about 4 or 5 times a year... DH spoke with him... I think on Friday... and barring them cancelling the flights they are still going... and he did tell my DH that his wife's mom called and was upset and in a panic, because what they are seeing and hearing in Japan...

I have a friend that lives in NYC, she said that they have not started cleaning the subways, or other modes of public transportation? nor is it safe to use the subway, she said that she will not ride it again until all this is over... so she has been walking 6 blocks over to her moms to check on her daily.. then 6 blocks back.. my friend said that she is afraid to use a taxi because they are disgusting, she did call for a uber the guy that tried to pick her up, wasn't the guy in picture on her app... so she is just walking...

I think that keeping to your normal routine as much as possible and making plans for the future... keeps you grounded.. and gives you something to look forward to... and gives some light at the end of all of this...

Pixie Dust away...

 

[Deploraboo]

Bring n95 masks, latex gloves and lotsa Purell and you’ll be fine. We’re going to Sicily in June (assuming it’s open and the US will let us back), as the Covid cases in my County in NJ alone now triple those in all of Sicily.

By my estimation, it’s safer over there than where I’m at.

 

[MKTokyo]

PM Abe is going to declare a state of emergency this week. If that doesn’t make the situation here more clear for people, I don’t know what will.

 

[LovesTimone]

PM Abe is going to declare a state of emergency this week. If that doesn’t make the situation here more clear for people, I don’t know what will.

Op Here,

I was wondering have you noticed any changes since the state of emergency was declared?

I ask this as my neighbor updated me yesterday with what is happening with the couple that live in Shibuya... she said that according to what her friend told her son had to say... He is still going to work in the office, and has been since the end of March, using the trains... and said everyone on the trains that he use's are wearing mask and gloves... and that the trains seem moderately full... his wife is a teacher and the company she works for has her teaching on line right now... as well she has some students ( private tutoring) that she is teaching English to... sorta like her side hustle...She goes to their home... and has started back as of last week... mask and gloves... sitting apart from the students...she was upfront about what she expected when teaching like this, and no-one had any problem... They have been spending time in Yo Yogi park each weekend, and while not packed, there are people walking, and families enjoying the park... but no big groups... She said that most restaurants and stores are open, some have changed their hours... He said that really it is about the same, he did say that the nightclubs, and skinny bars are not open or not open as late, in the area that they live in...

How are you guys doing?

 

[MKTokyo]

Op Here,

I was wondering have you noticed any changes since the state of emergency was declared?

I ask this as my neighbor updated me yesterday with what is happening with the couple that live in Shibuya... she said that according to what her friend told her son had to say... He is still going to work in the office, and has been since the end of March, using the trains... and said everyone on the trains that he use's are wearing mask and gloves... and that the trains seem moderately full... his wife is a teacher and the company she works for has her teaching on line right now... as well she has some students ( private tutoring) that she is teaching English to... sorta like her side hustle...She goes to their home... and has started back as of last week... mask and gloves... sitting apart from the students...she was upfront about what she expected when teaching like this, and no-one had any problem... They have been spending time in Yo Yogi park each weekend, and while not packed, there are people walking, and families enjoying the park... but no big groups... She said that most restaurants and stores are open, some have changed their hours... He said that really it is about the same, he did say that the nightclubs, and skinny bars are not open or not open as late, in the area that they live in...

How are you guys doing?

We aren’t using trains right now. And, the governor asked everyone to stay at home over the weekend, not to stay at home unless you feel like going to the park So, I have no idea what that looks like, either, as we have been following that request. Sure, we would like to get out, but we are prioritizing the health of our community over what we would like to do.

I have no idea what they are talking about with “most restaurants and stores are open” Sure, some of them are running with reduced hours but most of them are closed. Entertainment venues are closed. We are still in a state of emergency.

 

[LovesTimone]

We aren’t using trains right now. And, the governor asked everyone to stay at home over the weekend, not to stay at home unless you feel like going to the park So, I have no idea what that looks like, either, as we have been following that request. Sure, we would like to get out, but we are prioritizing the health of our community over what we would like to do.

I have no idea what they are talking about with “most restaurants and stores are open” Sure, some of them are running with reduced hours but most of them are closed. Entertainment venues are closed. We are still in a state of emergency.

Thanks for your take on how things are going.... I think that some of it boils down to the son not wanting to worry his mom about what is happening over there... so maybe he is giving her the "everything is fine" version.... as not to worry her...

Here in Fl... our weather is starting to warm way up I think we are suppose to hit the 90's this week... which is making everyone get outside... We have some friends who live over at the beach, on the back bay.... she said that on Sunday that there where lots of people out on the public beach area, and the weekend before someone took the parking barricade down at one of the small beach outlets parking areas.... and as well people are using uber to drop them off at the beach... so people are figuring out a way around the order... Plus it's the beach... Beach life is that I'm not going to let "the man" tell me what to do mentality... living on Island time kinda way of life... No worries and all that... LOL...

Heck our neighbors down the street on Easter Sunday were having some kinda big shindig... I'm thinking I would have loved to have my family at our house for Easter... but I just want to hurry up and get this over... so we just texted and called... I think that someone must have called the HOA and complained... as in yesterday we got a Email... Reminding everyone the Stay at home order was still in effect... and large group gathering/ parties/reunions/ groups... are not permitted...

I hope that you and your DH are doing well...