20 years

Today marks twenty years since I moved to Japan (pre-blog)

Some days it feels like a long time ago, some days it doesn't.

So many things have happened in that time.

Good...bad...mostly good.

Thankful for this blog and all of those that take the time to read it.

Thankful for this life.

Changing the subject, Tokyo as well as Hyogo, Kyoto and Osaka are currently in a state of emergency (the 3rd one). 

It actually started on Sunday (when we were in Kyoto).

My understanding of this state of emergency is that no one is supposed to leave their prefecture.

Since Japan's constitution says these state of emergencies are "request" only, they can only request that we do not leave our prefecture...

I really think they should create temporary laws so that at least shops can refuse serving those who do not wear masks and arrest the people who insist on drinking/partying out in public.

Tokyo’s case numbers went back up to 1000 yesterday and the variant cases are now 60%...hopefully everyone will take this state of emergency seriously even though it is Golden Week, which started yesterday.

On a happy note, it is shakuyaku season (chinese peony).

I picked some up from our neighborhood florist and am happy they are all blooming.

Hope you are doing well, keeping your spirits up and taking things one day at a time.

Please stay safe and have a good weekend.