In full confinement,
the series that turns to others.
Interesting to others is not only to highlight the « Foreign nationals ». Today we share the testimony of Geoffrey, 28-year-old Frenchman: He's been traveling the world for four years alone. His visa ended in the midst of a coronavirus crisis, when he had been living in a country with very different codes for more than a year: Japan.
With wisdom and a certain setback on life itself, Geoffrey entrusts to us his way of seeing things, his convictions and its initiatives in the face of this global crisis and its particular personal situation. He takes us as close as possible to the #reality of a Japanese who, under pressure from the organisation of the Olympic Games, had difficulty confessing the truth of his situation.
Geoffrey is one of these people. modest, prints of simplicity and positivisminterested and interesting, who are able to teach us much more than they will ever admit... Or we might take the time to listen to them. We were talking about enriching each other with this series of testimonies around the world, Here we are in the middle of it.
What you will find in this article:
→ The testimony of Geoffrey, who takes us to his country for the time of an article, the Japan.
→ The way we met.
→ A summary from the point of view of Haruna, our young tokyoist friend also met during our trip.
→ Links to other testimonials of the series « *Based on true stories », when almost every day these appear :
> Pavel, Russia | Asanka, Sri Lanka | Tseegii & Zaya, Mongolia | Biplav & Dipesh, Nepal | Yana & Maxime, South Korea
« Man made an illusion and he pays it from time to time.
[...] Nature always has its rights and we must adapt to them to live. »
Where
It all started.
Geoffrey had contacted us on Instagram As our 3-month adventure in Vietnam ended. We were heading towards Japan, which was equivalent to a Jumping to another world After spending six months in Southeast Asia.
« Hi, I saw you were going to Japan. I've lived here for 8 months, if you need, don't hesitate! Looking forward to meeting you. » It was the beginning of these shared moments. Once we arrived in Japan, we jumped into our van and went straight to where he lived, far too happy to be able to grasp this country so particular by meeting someone who lived there. A few days' drive and we'd meet Geoffrey: « I send you all my positive waves for this journey :). No typhoon planned soon! Have a safe trip! »
We will always be grateful to Geoffrey for the benevolence of which he has demonstrated to us, meals we had shared with him during our first days in Japan and during which he had us learn so much about the country. For all the times he helped us during our adventure, for this day spent in the country house of Sato-San, this Japanese so endearing who had taught us how to cook Mochi as a person; for this shower that he offered us at his house while we lived non-stop in our van; for this long discussion, sitting on his couch, to talk about life in general and its own adventure (his different solo adventures around the world for 4 years).
Are you comfortable?
We're leaving you now with Geoffrey.
→ As a Frenchman on Japanese territory your situation is a little special, can you tell us about it? How's it going for you with this pandemic?
« My visa ended on April 16. I had to leave Japan in early March. In view of the situation (the health crisis then erupted in Europe), I cancelled this departure considering that limiting my travels was the best solution. Once this decision was made, I moved into my girlfriend's house (which is Japanese) with her parents. Of course, I was worried about my visa as it would expire. I was afraid of being blocked. I knew that Air France offered two flights a week for repatriation, but after long reflections... I decided to stay. I feel safer here than in France, knowing that my family lives in the Greater East, the most affected region. Plus, I learned that some of my loved ones had the virus... He was unconscious to return, even though in Japan we are not confined.
I was therefore in immigration and exceptionally, following the health crisis, it was possible to extend my visa by 1 month. The wait was long: more than 3 hours to complete a 2minute document and pay 4000¥ (34€). »
→ Tell us a little about the situation in Japan: what is it today? How is it managed?
« Japan was one of the first countries affected by the virus. Especially in Hokkaido (where I lived a long time), since it was there the high tourist season in January. But strangely, for some time, the figures were not very up. The Japanese discipline is well known, but remember (in Tokyo in particular) that people live on each other! Then there was the moment when the government Officially cancelled the Olympic Games (24 March): Since then, the increase in the number of infected people has been very high and the truth is revealed as the days go by.
Prior to the announcement, patients travelling to the hospital were confronted with doctors.eur saying they just had the flu and stay home. Until this last week of March, life was more or less similar to usualExcept that all schools had been closed for more than a month. Many were on telework and tourist sites had closed for some time as well. But that didn't stop the Japanese from celebrating cherry blossoming. (“Sakura"). There was no containment, Since in Japan there is a law that prohibits confining citizens.
It is only a week after this announcement concerning the Olympics that on 7 April Abe, the Prime Minister, gave the state of emergency in 6 prefectures in Japan, including Tokyo. Leisure was prohibited, hotels and restaurants closed one after another, the number of trains was reduced. We must only go out if necessary, but there is no "punition" for those who do not comply with this recommendationprecisely because of this Japanese law that prohibits confinement. The Government therefore hopes that the population respect itself.
And it is. Many people, businesses, restaurants, etc. Initiative to close and remain confined even before this announcement. However, most must always go to work and the younger ones tend not to comply too much with the recommendations. Shops sell masks every morning If you come very early. I think they even talk about delivering two masks to the inhabitant (I'm not sure). About three weeks ago, A Japanese man tried to spread the virus to Tokyoites by coughing and sneezing everywhere. He's been arrested ever since.
Then, a few days ago, the Prime Minister said: officially apologized for taking late decisions, notably because of the Olympic Games. The whole country is now on alert until 6 May, to see how this continues. The situation is improving in Europe but is getting worse in Japan, even if I think it will last less time here as a result of Japanese discipline. They have tripled the production of masks and will give some to France. For aid, there is a system of allowances and all inhabitants will have 950€ Government. The Japanese must complete a document on the website and the money will be delivered by mail in cash. »
→ Now what's your daily life?
« For my part, who used to go outside every day, it's hard to stay positive. But since I'm a very patient person, I'm very fast. drawn up a plan of what I could do locked up, while I was doing so far an apology not to do it!
Already, since I share my daily life with my girlfriend's parents (which is a new experience) I spend two hours a day hardening my Japanese. We do a lot of cleaning at home, I learn to cook Japanese and I cook from time to time French with the little ingredients I can find. I also start the piano, we play card games, board games, I do a little stretch session before sleeping, reading from time to time and I watch documentaries about nature, travel... And spirituality, to stay positive. The objective is to be as active as possible.
As far as my visa is concerned, I will try to extend it for another two months. We don't know when we can go to Europe with my girlfriend of course, but in any case for me it will be in June, early July maximum.
I always stay positive and I accept reality, which makes me stronger and alive. »
→ How do you envisage the next one? Are you afraid for the future?
« Hard to answer that question. Many will not understand my point of view, but I see a lot positive points to this pandemic, with regard to nature, animals, the cohesion of citizens... And for some reasons, I want to say "ENFINFinally, something that affects both the poor and the rich, where all the world's population is concerned, where solidarity must be born. I do not speak between different countries, because unfortunately racism will rise for a while, but I think that man only acts and changes his habits when he finds himself concerned with such a situation. Some will reduce their meat consumption, eat more local... Others will pay more attention to hygiene and wear a mask even when they are less ill (which could result in fewer deaths from influenza, for example). People will open their eyes to life and realize that anything can stop from one moment to another. They're going to enjoy what it's like to walk freely outside, want to realize their dreams and try to be as happy as possible.
Yes, I see a lot of great things about nature, animals and citizens' cohesion. So this virus doesn't scare me.. And even if I was hit and I had to get through it: This is part of the law of nature that has been present since the creation of the earth. And then who knows, it can be interesting to see what's going on at the other end of the tunnel too!
I think man has made an illusion about his situation with regard to nature. And he pays her from time to time. Some believe otherwise, others forget because of curiosity or power, but Nature always has its rights and we must adapt to it to live ! »
A bonus?
During our stay in Japan, we also had the opportunity to share the daily lifeHaruna, this young web-designer tokyoist who dreams of adventures in other countries. She taught us to forget our spatulas to cook with chopsticks. She found the word « Lost bread » Sexy and he was taught to do « Crwêpes« . She confirms all of Geoffrey's comments about her country and also tells us about this situation. special, where the government does not have the right to establish containment and where Japanese youth break a bit with traditions and tend to... to do not comply too much with the rules.
Here is Haruna's testimony:
« Japan recently announced the state of emergency and declared that it would release 108 trillion yen (922 million euros) for those most affected by the coronavirus. But Japan cannot confine the population, there is a law that prohibits it. The government simply calls for "self-control" of the population. Because of this, a lot of people keep coming out, especially the youngest, despite the situation. However, health facilities are ready and functioning well Fortunately, however, the number of deaths remains relatively low compared to other countries. Otherwise there are no specific rules (Japanese tend to wear more masks in normal times than in Europe) apart from respecting social distances, being at home... Most shops are closed but many people have to go out for their work, It's important to them. I go out from time to time for some shopping or work. I was planning a world tour, but I guess I can cancel everything... Anyway, part of my contracts fall to the water so now my main occupation will be to see how I will deal with this lack of money. »
Listen, learn, share, relativize.
Go away.
These testimonies belong to Geoffrey & Haruna and they alone cannot be judged. For every person in the world and for every country the situation is different. It is not a question of imposing ideas here, but of share opinions, realities and Ways to Think.
In a time when we all face ourselves this series is made to open up to others : listen, learn, share, relativize... and open the mind. Finally, do what the trip offers us the opportunity to escape while enriching one another.
What's next?
The rest goes to the Nepal, China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, in Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia. Every day or almost, a new testimony will appear here, « *Based on true stories« .
Until tomorrow, you can escape with the other stories we have to tell you.
Don't hesitate to share your feelings, your own situation, your thoughts, your questions in commenting on this article. We always answerAnd we can even ask your questions to Geoffrey and Haruna.
