I am still Japanese

The world in serious confusion because of COVID-19

April, Myanmar face to new year. The sky is deeply blue, various flowers is blooming, and town is bustling with many people. The new year festival, be called as “Thingyan”, is the one of the most exciting and significant events in a year for Burmese.

Without seeing it, I was obliged to return to Japan temporarily at the advice of the embassy.

In Myanmar, hotels, residence, office building, supermarket, and all such kind of stores carry out the temperature test before entering and if it is above 37.5 degree, police will take us to hospital. Now people who go out during the day would also be arrested by police.

The hospital, they would be taken is isolated ward for HIV and tuberculosis, a deadly disease in Myanmar. There are only 5 ventilators and of course they have no way to take adequate treatment.

In the past, expatriates have been transported to Singapore or Thailand when they broke their bone or other simple accidents which would be easily treat in developed countries. However, with Thailand and Singapore virtually stranded, as well as confirmed cases of corona in Myanmar, hospital after hospital for foreigners have closed one after another, leaving foreigners unable to even seek medical attention for colds and injuries. That is why, advisory from the embassy was issued ahead of the rainy season when dengue fever, influenza and super-typhoid, as well as Corona, are prevalent.

I am also concerned that the coronavirus will cause foreign capital to withdraw completely from Myanmar. Our society today is globalized and aimed at an economy with interdependence. This time, however, it has been fragmented and is unable to satisfy domestic demand.

I worry that this incident may promote deglobalization. I don't think it's a good idea. When we think about the past, we cannot deny the possibility that there will be more wars and terrorism in the future than there is now.

Coronaviruses are transmitted in both developed and backward countries. The economic losses in the developed world, of course, would be immeasurable. But more than that, I think it is the backward countries that depends on the capital of the developed world that are in danger as a nation.

I amazed when I came back to Japan because of its convenience and safe.

Foods, waters and all of the items are safe in everywhere with incredibly cheap price. People will never face the danger such as getting rabies from a dog bite, tetanus from a fall, or electrocution from stepping in a puddle while walking on the side of the road. The stores provide what we need in advance of what you want or find inconvenient, subdivided by use, and have a wide variety and inventory. It's full of stuff anyway.

It is clear that to follow the “recommendation” would be the wisest choice from everyone and not necessary to think about anything in a life. This is unique feature of Japan which are not found in many countries, even developed countries.

On the other hand, because of this safety, I felt that there was an atmosphere that made me forget about the danger of the corona and let my mind wander.

At the same time, I felt like this environment was taking away from me the ability to think.

The lives in Myanmar is fulfilled with scarcity. It will never reach to 100% satisfaction and we always have to look for the better way instead of the best. That's why we try to make up the difference between finding contrivances and compromises and trying to make up the difference. And when it goes better than expected, we can feel the satisfaction. It is not rare case that the better choice than the original best is better as a result.

In Japan, an apology announcement is made even if the train is a minute late, and even the explanation and response of the shop staff is very polite and appropriate. It's as if being able to deliver the best is a "given".

However, it is by no means a given. Isn't it true that in seeking that, we have become a society that does not allow for compromise?

In spite of the fact that the country is so convenient and wonderful, the high suicide rate among young people may be due to this background.

I felt that although AI can easily replace the jobs in Japan, there are still works to be done by humans in backward countries. I thought again that I would like to continue my studies in other country.

My "home countries" are increasing as well. Nevertheless, I am still Japanese.