The Least Useful Guide to Fukuoka

Hello from a corona-infected country.

Three patients of the new coronavirus have been identified and people are frantically looking for face masks, alcohol-based disinfectants and for some strange reasons, toilet roles. Despite all these, Fukuoka is still alive and relatively calm. There are plenty food to eat and water and electricity are provided as usual.

Although there is confusion on how to handle this particular situation nationwide (as there was in 2011, just after the earthquakes and tsunami—we haven’t learnt anything from that panic!) and fear that we may not be able to host the Olympic games this summer  (which means a massive embarrassment and damage on our already moribund economy), at least currently we are able to eat three times a day and take a nice walk without mask in quiet walking paths.

We are requested not to go out if it is unnecessary. Although I would argue against this ill-planned government order, it is the easiest task for me to achieve. I just do what I do everyday: being solitary, avoiding crowded places and close contact with anyone (and going nearly everywhere alone not using packed public transportations). Plus, I don't have to feel left behind not taking part in social events or gathering, which is a bonus! At the moment, I don't have to feel blamed for enjoying leisurely reading ( and  snacking on something) in broad daylight, which I have found much more therapeutic than watching news on TV that is scare-mongering and checking SNSs on which everyone blames each other for doing or not doing this and that-- both of them give me extra stress. 

I personally, and secretly, hope that this particular situation makes people realise we in fact do not have to get together like hamsters all the time to enjoy ourselves and being solitary will be the next trend, replacing showing off how many friends you have on SNSs.  Then I would be the queen of solo outing and the trendiest person in the world!