Mass vaccination site @ Otemachi, Tokyo; May 26, 2021

About 17 months have passed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 infection in Japan. Tokyo and other nine prefectures are under the state of emergency now.

The situation is, of course, different from other countries. Some points are better than many foreign countries; some points are worse.

 

Good points: the numbers of confirmed cases as well as victims are far smaller than those in the U.S. and European countries. The numbers are about 720 thousand and 12 thousand, respectively. The levels per million are 5-10% of the levels in the U.S. and major European countries.

Bad points: The pace of vaccination is slow. It is far behind the paces achieved in the U.S. and major European countries.

Around 50 persons in 100 persons have already received vaccination of COVID-19 in the U.S. and U.K. as of May 26, according to “Our World in Data.” The figures are nearly 40% in Germany, France and other major European countries. The number is 6 in Japan.

 (The tightness of beds in the hospitals for seriously damaged patients is another bad points)

 

The vaccination started in February in the facilities of the local governments.

To national government opened mass-vaccination sites in Tokyo and Osaka on May 24 (two days ago). The services are provided by the medical staff in the Self-Defense Agency.

I visited the Tokyo site in Otemachi, central Tokyo. The government building is used for the service.

Temporary tents are places.

There are many signboards near the subway stations to show the way to the vaccination site.

The government plans to finish vaccination for all 350 million people at 65-year old or more by the end of July. Younger people are planned to get the services after the period.

 

Hydrangea in Roka Park: May 23, 2021

 

The rainy season is expected to start earlier than usual in Japan, including Tokyo, this year.

In the Tokai district, which include Nagoya and Shizuoka, it has already started. The announcement was made on May 16 by the Japan Meteorological Agency. It was about three weeks earlier than usual.

It has not yet started in Tokyo, but early rainy season is expected.

I found the hydrangea flowers fully open in the Roka Park in Setagaya City, western Tokyo.

 

I also found hydrangea flowers of various colors – blue, pink, white and purple – and in various shapes in many places in Tokyo.

Izumi-no-Mori Park @ Yamto City, Kanagawa: May 14, 2021

 

More than one year has passed since the restrictions on movement and on some activities, such as gatherings in restaurants and visiting theaters, first being introduced.

Staying home is recommended by the authorities; but some exercises are necessary to keep our conditions well. Walking outside is important for me.

 

I visited Izumi-no-Mori Park and neighboring Fureai-no-Mori Park in Yamato City. The city locates in the center of Kanagawa Prefecture.

 The Izumi-no-Mori Park was developed in the water-source area of Hikiji River in the 1980s. Many trees, grasses are reserved and/or planted.

 

I found many birds, butterflies, insects and other creatures in the park.

Many small white moths were emerging in this deep forest.

 

Aquatic plants are also placed.

Many people were enjoying their walks. 

Small water wheel is built along a creek (See the 3rd photo from the top).

I also met across a small hut for bird watching.

This dragonfly has just caught a small butterfly. It was sucking the butterfly’s body fluid.

I found a dragonfly and a bigger butterfly staying side by side. (See the 2nd photo)

 

There were various kinds of butterflies as well as wasps in this tree. The tree produces sap.

 

The Atsugi airbase locates at the south of the parks. The U.S. Navy and Japan Marine Self-Defense Force use the base.

 

Planes as well as helicopters flew over the parks.

 

 

Nogawa River Walk: May 4, 2021

 

 

The Golden Week holidays continue under the emergency declaration.

I had a walk along the Nogawa River in western Tokyo today.

Many families were enjoying their holidays in and around the river.

This scene was taken in the Seijo district in Setagaya City.

 

 

I found hundreds of people in a place. (See also the top photo)

 

Houses stand along the river.

 

There are many birds, butterflies and other lives.

One of the most popular birds is the kingfisher. (See also the 2nd photo from the top)

 

People were waiting for good shutter chances.

 

A kingfisher dove into the river to catch fish when I watched it.

 

I also found great tits.

They walked around and flew away. 

I walked along the river upward to Chofu City.

Gooses were swimming in front of a group of people enjoying picnic.

 

Tamagawa River Walk, Tokyo under emergency declaration: May 2, 2021

 

Tokyo has the Golden Week-holiday season under the emergency declaration.

People are REQUESTED (not ordered) to stay home.

Most people partially follow the request.

Many people refrain from having long-distance journeys, but spend their holidays outside around their homes.

 

I had a walk along the Tamagawa River, which flows between Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefectures. Kanagawa is under weaker restriction than Tokyo.

Many people enjoyed picnic in the river fields.

Trains were running over the people. (See the top photo)

 

Some were playing games. (See als the 2nd photo from the top)

 

Families enjoyed fishing. (See also the 3rd photo)

 

I found many people cycling and jogging on the river banks.

 

Various flowers were open in the river fields.

The butterflies were flying and the birds were singing.

The purple pea flowers were open everywhere.