Yup, it’s me. I’m still here 😁

Yikes, it’s been a while, holy moly.

Unfortunately, things just got out of hand and I forgot all about my intentions to update some of the things on this blog.

This doesn’t mean that I haven’t been thinking about this blog, though. I was constantly taking photos and jotting down notes to make sure I had ideas for posts. I have an iPhone and a new computer full of photos of places, food, and activities that I wanted to write about—all regarding Hokkaido.

I’ve just been so lazy and unmotivated to actually sit down and write.

But, the good news is that I’m back. Hopefully, for good.

The Japanese government has finally decided to open up the country to an influx of international tourists. Previously, the only non-citizens allowed in were people who had a reason to be in the country: workers, students, and relatives of non-Japanese people.

This time around, on a limited basis, people who want to visit the country for leisure purposes are allowed. Honestly, I am still conflicted. I feel like it’s time to do it because it’s inevitable. One of the main reasons why Japan was an economic force is its ability to attract tourists who are interested in travel and culture. I mean, the rest of the world is doing it already, opening up to tourism. I just want it done in a way that doesn’t cause another spike in Covid cases that will cause the medical industry to fall apart.

Hopefully, things will be better and a system that keeps the health and safety of all involved can be maintained. Ideally, it would be nice to see the tourism industry making money while the health system remains robust and able to keep up with the pandemic.

Again, this is going to be hard for Japan and the rest of the world to manage. But I have high hopes that all precautions and safety measures will be followed. I think everyone is hoping and wishing that things will go back to normal.

And this is the theme I want to stress for the rest of the year. I haven’t been really inspired and excited in a while because I’ve been in a state of constant worry. I just didn’t want to get sick, but because the attitude nowadays is to get back to normal, I just have to ride the flow and join in this effort to live a life worth living.

Tourist places have opened up for the season and travel companies are aggressively trying to drum up their businesses. Restaurants are trying to stay afloat and attract customers. Airlines have offered some decent flight prices for international and domestic travel.

So that means I need to do my part and try to be more consistent about posting things about Hokkaido that I love, or that I want people to see.

I am still very grateful to be living here despite all the bad things that have happened these last few years. I know I am still one of the lucky ones to be able to experience life on this island.