Because of the Covid pandemic, my daily life became a boring but safer, isolated and lonely existence.  The experience caused a strange mix of feeling vulnerable but stress-free at the same time.  One consequence was less enthusiasm for writing my regular blog posts on my life in Japan.

I tried to use FaceBook as an alternative but quickly realized that my earlier decision to abandon the platform was the correct course.  I was better off without the social network.

Over time I felt more confident that my vaccine inoculations would protect me and as conditions began to improve Keiko and I more initiated a more active but far from “normal” social life.  We dined out more frequently, began tennis lessons and playing regularly with friends, and I focused on my golf game.  A new neighborhood indoor practice facility and an easily accessible (and affordable) golf course, have added significantly to my improved mental and emotional state.

Today, with significantly reduced cases of infection in Japan and the first weekend in months without a state of emergency against the novel coronavirus in effect in any prefecture, I am looking to the future with hope and excitement.  I have renewed my commitment to fulfill the many plans I had put on pause since moving to my adopted homeland in the fall of 2019.

This coming weekend, Keiko and I are off to Kyoto to enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage, historic sites and exceptional food the “soul of Japan” offers.  Travel on a Shinkansen will greatly add to the trip’s anticipated pleasure and delight.

Also, with rekindled enthusiasm, I will regularly be writing and posting my views and reflections on my life in Japan as well as other random thoughts and opinions.  I realize now how important the disciplined process of writing was for me as well as an opportunity to maintain relationships with a small but loyal audience of family and friends around the world.

So, I’m back and living my life again!

I have been impressed with the outstanding performances of Olympic runners despite the scorching Tokyo temperatures and oppressive humidity.  Inspired after watching the women’s marathon on Friday morning, I decided to see what time I could record for my regular 5K walk/jog through our Tokyo neighborhood.

The temperature was 32^○C (89.6^○F) with 70% humidity at 10:30AM, sunlight filtered through a heavy cloud cover.

Although weather conditions have caused me to curtail outdoor exercise activity, to my great surprise I clocked a 5K Personal Best time of 45:08.  My split times were 9:30, 8:50, 8:59, 8:49 and 8:49.  Since I did no jogging the first kilometer, limited my jog intervals to roughly 30% for the other four segments, and did not finish with any “sprint,” I was pleased with my performance.

A new pair of ASICS running shoes with features that are perfect for power walking really helped.

This fall, I plan enter some local 5K races to measure my improved fitness level and relative age group performance.

Keeping track of Olympic medals won? In Japan, many people are focused on another count.

At midpoint of the “safe and secure” Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Japan has seen a sharp increase in coronavirus cases. The development is overshadowing the Olympics and adding to doubts over the government’s handling of the pandemic.

According to government reports, coronavirus infections are surging at an unprecedented pace. Nationwide, new cases hit 14,200, a record high in Japan; Tokyo reported a record 4,166 new cases on Wednesday August 4.

While the IOC, local Olympic organizers and the Japanese government have said there is no link between the Games and the spike in cases, some public health officials believe hosting the Games has affected public sentiment and eroded support for the government’s requests for people to stay home and watch the Olympics on TV.

Polls have shown many Japanese people opposed to holding the Olympics while the country lagged in efforts to contain the pandemic and vaccinate the population –– inadequate testing; multiple, inconsistent “state of emergency” declarations with weak enforcement power; a late and slow vaccination rollout; insufficient vaccine supplies; and poor public communication.

Significant vaccination hesitancy due to health concerns, heightened by widely disseminated vaccine mis-information, is another barrier to efforts to successfully combat the pandemic.

Political interests may also play a role. The increase in new cases is another setback for Japan’s Prime Minister Suga who has seen support plunge over his handling of the pandemic ahead of general elections to be held this year.

Since moving to Japan, I have comfortably accepted the designation of a “retired” senior. Admittedly, I do not have much to do, particularly within the pandemic imposed limits on one’s activities. With Keiko working a demanding job, I have defined a supportive role for myself taking on my share of responsibility for some routine household chores, shopping, cooking and pet care.

I enjoy my role but was recently taken aback when Keiko said to me with all sincerity that I had become a “perfect Japanese housewife!” It was certain she was paying me a compliment, but perhaps, I thought, something was being lost in translation.

With some quick research I discovered that the Japanese phrase ryosai kenbo, meaning a “good wife,” describes a woman who has mastered the arts of kaji (household chores) and devotes those skills and energy to the creation and maintenance of a happy and peaceful home.

Although fewer Japanese may women embrace the ryosai kenbo role with pride today, the custom of teaching women to marry the house and not the man, still holds. Indeed, they say, Iye wa onna no takara (the house is a woman’s treasure).

The act of soji or cleaning, particularly using washiki or traditional Japanese ways, nourishes the soul — the more a woman does it, the closer she gets to heaven. Housework is not shigoto (a job), exchangeable for cash, but a michi (way) that ultimately leads to self-knowledge and inner peace.

I embrace and cherish the honor; proud that our relationship reflects a degree of gender equality in contrast to the persistent gender inequality still evident in Japanese society.

I see my household activities as “productive work” and I was pleased to learn that recent studies confirm that the time spent day-to-day in such activities, including cooking, cleaning, and other household chores, also has a positive impact on my health.