Hokkaido Covid countermeasures prove effective; our thoughts to areas now battling

New_virus_cases_fall_in_Hokkaido__state_of_emergency_to_end___The_Asahi_Shimbun

Yesterday, the governor of Hokkaido announced the relaxing of the 3-week movement restrictions in the island, after March 17th saw the first day with no new cases being recorded. Although we were one of the first areas of Japan to see infections, the quick action and many social distancing changes may have helped to control the outbreak. The news changes very fast every day. Especially, WMDF has many contacts all over the world, so we worry about our many friends. We send you our best wishes and support in these difficult times. Depending on the developments in Japan and overseas, we will continue consider the best way for August.  There is so much to think about in these days. We wish you all fortitude, and we will update here as often as we can.

Image credit: Asahi Shinbun, fair use.

Posted on 2020/03/20 by TOK

Our best wishes to all in Hokkaido, Japan, and overseas

Hokkaido_declares_state_of_emergency_over_coronavirus_-_The_MainichiYou will see in the news that as of Feb 28, the Hokkaido governor has made the request for local citizens to help stop the spread of Covid-19 by going outside as little as possible. Also, Japan has cancelled schools until the end of March. We hope that these measures can help to bring the outbreak situation under control, so that the future for spring and after is more clear. We are sure that many people around the world will be struggling with new conditions and challenges over the next weeks. We hope for your good health and wellbeing over these difficult times. And, we hope to see you in summer. Please stay safe everybody.

Image credit: Kyodo, via Mainichi Shinbun, fair use.

Posted on 2020/02/28 by TOK

“Children of the World” Gather on Mar 1

FPT-CoW-007-v01-GDPUpdate Feb 20: We regret that this event is cancelled due to the continuing Coronavirus situation. Please see this post (Japanese and English)

Children from many countries will gather during this long winter in Hokkaido! The “Children of the World” Festival is a heart-warming event of world dance, music, chorus and friendship. Youth artists collaborate with local children to build this festival together.

For this seventh edition, there are three groups from overseas: Canada, Taiwan, and Russia. They are accompanied and supported by local youth groups from Hakodate, plus a special appearance by the young-at-heart Hinokiya. The high quality performances by children at this event always impress the adult audience. The unique atmosphere will chase away the winter blues.

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Posted on 2020/02/08 by TOK