An open Letter from Across the Ocean
I'm Sam. I come from Europe. Right now I live in Denmark, a tiny country with 6 million people. I've been browsing the web of Japanese websites, I must say I am amazed at your style. Everything is so calm, so minimalistic. So quiet and lovely. It's a real big difference to what I am used to on "Western" websites and places. I hope you'll be happy with a foreigner coming to your platform to say hello, and make small talk.
Corona Virus
I've been following the news and read about the Corona (covid-19) situation in Japan. I came here to say that you, people of Japan, are so much admired around the world. From your beautiful cities, to your smart-minded people, to the sincere and kind smiles you seem to always carry. Even when you're also carrying grief (sadness).
Sadness
We, the people of the world, understand that life can sometimes be empty. Shallow. Meaningless. Especially during these Corona times, it can be hard upon the world. I have heard about the suicide rate in Japan being extremely high, it is in the news in many places. Know that you all, and you the reader, are not alone. You may be alone in the world, or live a lonely life, but your spirit belongs to something we all belong to. We are all people, we are all the same.
Loneliness
Please don't feel lonely. And if you do, reach out to someone. Japanese people are from what I understand the kindest. But also very shy. If you ever feel the need to connect to someone, overcome your shyness. Wave to your neighbour. Start a chat with a random stranger online. Or meditate. Know that ending your life is always a final resort, it's an ending to a book well written. Ask yourself if the chapter you are on, is truly the final note of the book that is your life. Maybe you long for salvation, or connection, or something more or less than life. But whatever you look for, you should try to find it here on earth with us first. If you want someone to talk to, know that I am here. You do not have to feel alone, sad feelings are a part of what makes you human. Please love yourself for it. I understand what it feels like to be depressed, and I know life is ultimately meaningless, but if you haven't done your best to explore the world you cannot say it is not a place for you.
Japan's succes
On better news: Congratulations on your supercomputer Fugaku being the fastest in the world again. Quite the technological achievement to be made. Japan is known in the world for being very smart with technology! Also I read that Tokyo was rated as one of the best global cities to live in. That is so awesome. It is a deepest dream of mine to come over and visit the place one day. I hope I will be able to affort that at some point in my life... I guess you never know what life brings to you.
Best regards
I know this blog post wasn't very great. I wrote it in a haste as I am a little bit busy, but I really just wanted to reach out to all of you. Tell you how much the world appreciates Japan, and Japanese people. Know that wherever you are, whoever you are, you're never alone. I know it feels like that, but that is what life is about. Finding out what you like and love individually, so one day we can come all together again and share our experiences.
From across the ocean with Love,
Sam.