Photo/Illutration The World Trade Center Building’s observatory offers a dazzling view of Tokyo Tower and other skyscrapers after sunset in 2019. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

“TokyoTokyoTokyoTokyoTokyoTokyoTokyoTokyo ... The more I write the word, the more I yearn for the city.”

Japanese poet and dramatist Shuji Terayama (1935-1983) penned this passage as a young boy in Aomori Prefecture, according to his autobiography, “Dareka Kokyo wo Omowazaru” (Who would not think about their hometowns?). 

Several years later, Terayama left Aomori to enter university in Tokyo. His longing for the capital was extremely strong as the metropolis has long been a powerful magnet for people.

But how is the city viewed now by those not living there? Many might say, “TokyoTokyoTokyo ... The more I hear the word, the more I feel like staying away from the city.”

The number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in the capital hit 290 on July 18 and has remained high in recent days.

While new infections are rising across the nation, the Tokyo metropolitan area at the moment is the center of the fresh outbreak.

The alarming data prompted the government to exclude Tokyo from its “Go To Travel” subsidies program created to support the embattled tourism industry.

One prefectural governor even went so far as to call Tokyo “the mother of all evils.”

While the governor immediately retracted this comment, it hurt the feelings of many residents in the capital, who are making serious efforts to prevent infections.

Tokyoites themselves are showing a growing desire to live away from the capital, a recent survey indicated, which found more are interested in living in the countryside.

People often say that just walking in big cities like Tokyo can be invigorating since they are bustling with people, stores and restaurants.

But the COVID-19 crisis has made us keenly aware that some of these sources of allure can also pose potential risks.

Much the same can be said of natural disasters such as earthquakes. Few would say Tokyo does not have to change to adjust itself to the new normal in the post-COVID era.

Had it not been for the pandemic, signs saying “Welcome to Tokyo” would now be everywhere in the capital, which was to host the Summer Olympics this year. 

At least we can take some solace in the fact that people in other parts of the nation are not shouting, “Tokyo people, go home.” Or are they already?

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 19

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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