It's interesting to see the two photos in comparison: one (left) taken on May 5, 2020 in the Center Minami (south) area, northern Yokohama and the other exactly one year ago at the same place. May 5 happens to be Children's' Day and a national holiday. It is customary to welcome the day with colorful flying carps wishing for the healthy growth of children. As you can see, there are no flying carps this year because of the novel coronavirus: so that fewer people will go out in accordance with the government decree.  In Japan, lockdown is not enforced as such but instead a strong request to stay at home.  　

The Jike countryside, northern Yokohama on May 12, 2020

Ducks were found waiting for rice planting. The ducks are a valuable asset to rice growers in that they eat weeds and pests, thus minimizing the use of chemical fertilizer and agrichemicals. 

The Jike countryside, northern Yokohama on May 20, 2020

The preparation for rice planting is ongoing. A fishing pond is open now, observing "social distancing." 

Saihouji, a Buddhist temple in northern Yokohama on May 23, 2020. 

This temple is quite unique in that it has thatched-roof buildings. The temple was originally built in Kamakura, the capital of Japan from late 12th Century to early 14th Century; it was transferred to this place about 500 years ago; the present temple buildings were erected about 300 years ago.  

The rice planting in the Jike countryside on May 25, 2020.

Center Minami (south) at night , northern Yokohama on May 30, 2020

The photo on the left shows a shopping mall which will reopen on June 1 after the lifting of the Covid-19 national emergency. On the right shows sparse vehicle traffic on a Saturday evening around 8 pm. This photo was taken from Center Minami looking towards the Center Kita (north) area. 

Home...