Keeping positive during the coronavirus crisis

The coronavirus has spread throughout the world, infecting a staggering number of people, causing financial hardships to many people, and changing the way we all live our daily lives with no end in sight. Just this past week, much loved Japanese comedian Ken Shimura passed away after contracting COVID-19, and Prime Minister Abe declared a month-long state of emergency in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka. During this very scary and uncertain time, comedians in Japan have been doing what they do best – making us smile.

Popular comedian Naomi Watanabe has been live streaming on YouTube every night in a series called ‘Let’s have dinner together tonight!’. Her videos have been very comforting to the many people all over Japan and around the world who are stuck in isolation or quarantine. If you’re looking for a nice way to spend your time and to practise your Japanese, check out her videos

The creator of the very catchy ‘Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen’ hit song, Pikotaro, has reworded his song to spread a message about how to correctly wash your hands to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Watch his new music video to have it permanently stuck in your head each time you wash your hands.

For more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Japan in English, please click here. If you need to talk about coronavirus in Japanese, check out our glossary of commonly used words and phrases here.