Japan's Slow but Steady Recovery: Signs of Life Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world, bringing many aspects of daily life to a halt. However, as the world slowly recovers, we are starting to see signs of life returning to normal. Japan, for instance, is experiencing a rebound towards pre-pandemic levels in various sectors, including tourism and entertainment.

In mid-April, the two-day Spring Takayama Festival, also known as Sanno Matsuri, was held in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, with an estimated 168,000 people in attendance. This number was more than triple the attendance of the previous year, which saw 53,000 people attending the festival. The festival's main event, a parade of floats, was held for the first time in four years, attracting many tourists from Japan and beyond. This surge in tourism is a welcome relief for the industry that was severely hit by the pandemic.

 

The tourism industry's impact was felt by businesses such as the Yakatabune pleasure boat, which saw a significant decline in customers during the pandemic. Harumiya, which operates shared boats in Tokyo's Koto Ward, saw around 9,000 cancellations of reservations between spring and autumn in 2020, which nearly sank the company. However, things have started to turn around for the company, with business picking up in summer 2022. In March 2023, Harumiya recorded its largest profit in its history for that month, which is a good sign that things are returning to normal.

 

Live music venues were hit hard by the pandemic as they were considered high-risk places for virus transmission. In some places, patrons were asked not to cheer or shout during live performances to minimize the spread of the virus. However, with the easing of restrictions, live music venues are slowly coming back to life. In mid-April, the Harajuku Ruido club in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward hosted a performance by a five-member band called Dive to the 2nd. The crowd, although mostly masked, cheered and screamed through their protective gear.

 

Similarly, J.League soccer games have also seen a resurgence of cheering since the government allowed spectators to decide whether or not to wear masks. During a match held at Todoroki Athletics Stadium in Kawasaki, fans of Kawasaki Frontale cheered maskless for their team.

 

As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is inspiring to see glimpses of life returning to normal in Japan. From bustling festivals to lively music venues, it is clear that people are eager to resume the activities they once took for granted. So, what lessons can we learn from Japan's recovery, and how can we apply them to our own lives as we navigate the uncertain road ahead?