Scene of Japan Now

The Japanese government completely lifted yesterday the state of emergency over COVID-19.

We will continue the new normal lifestyle, such as taking physical distancing, remote working and others, against the second wave of the infectious disease.

Scene of Japan Now 

About 20 Japanese companies, including Toyota, Canon, and Ajinomoto will release patents and other intellectual property held in Japan and overseas for free to help fight COVID-19, according to Nikkei.

Wow, what an epoch-making event! In normal times, information related to patents and other intellectual property cannot be provided for free.

So I cannot help but think at the same time this means things about COVID-19 are not as easy as all that.

Scene of Japan Now 

I heard from the news that LINE Corporation, a Japanese IT company, would enter the business for remote diagnosis using their large communication network this summer.

That is a good thing in this COVID-19 era.

At the same time, however, I hope that personal data should be strictly protected.

A Nostalgic Recollection 

I heard from the news that Fujitsu would end production of the thumb shift keyboard next year.

When I started to work at a public office, yeah, about 35 years ago, Fujitsu’s word processor was a must.

So I made an effort to master the method of type with the keyboard as a newly worker.

The news reminded me of my good old days, and now I’ve realized that one era is coming to a close.

Scene of Japan Now (and me)

In Japan, an increasing number of companies are introducing teleworking or work from home systems due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

I think that these systems will lead to great change of the archaic corporate culture faster than expected.

Apart from that, however, I have to go to my workplace tomorrow. 

Yeah, archaic work is waiting for me. But I still love the non-digital working.

Scene of Japan Now

Japan lifted Thursday coronavirus state of emergency in most regions.

But Tokyo and seven prefectures will maintain emergency measures for some time.

We should prepare for the second wave of COVID-19.

Short View on Current Issues 

I hear from the news that Prosecutors plan to press charges against former Justice Minister for bribery in connection with his wife's campaign in an upper house election last summer.

The Special Investigation Department of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office has initiated an investigation into the matter.

Short View on Current Issues 

The prosecutor is not a cat’s paw for the state.

Once the public prosecutors office of Japan brought in an indictment against a Prime Minister.

The Japan’s nationwide state of emergency against COVID-19 was extended today until the end of May.

Short View on Current Issues 

The Japanese Prime Minister referred today to amendment of the Constitution.

But now is not the time to talk about it. He should do his best against COVID-19 outbreak under this state of emergency.