Autumn has come to Tokyo. I have mostly been inside, so haven’t got to see the changing leaves, though I am aware that peak viewing season has arrived as such things are important in Japan.

The rise of coronavirus cases is constantly on the news. Things in Japan move slowly and the press are failing at coming up with innovative ways to describe inaction. We are on the highest level of alert, but no one seems quite sure what that means. There are no new restrictions and the government programs to “go eat” and “go travel” are still in place. And when government officials say “I feel a very strong sense of crisis” it gets confusing as to why this doesn’t also come with some sort of action.

But large buildings and bridges are being lit up red at night to remind us that we should be vigilant. Let’s hope that the government comes up with something more useful than a light show.