Canada ban assault weapons

Canada will ban guns from the public.

Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, said recently that the government had approved a new regulation to prohibit purchase as well as use of gadgets for mass shooting.

The Telegraph: Canada introduces immediate ban on assault weapons in wake of its worst mass shooting

This policy was a response to a mass shooting case occurred in recent. I did not know the current situation in Canada, but it seems serious as far as reading these articles. Perhaps, Canada will be successful to change the situation compared to the US struggling for balancing between safety and liberty.

Trump and Xi conflict worsening

The China government seems to strengthen pressure to Hong Kong, recently. And it made Trump present hostile comments to China.

So far, Hong Kong was resistant to China’s dominance since it was returned fro the UK to China. China persists one governor doctrine, willing to integrate Hong Kong to communist party’s ruling.

It is no doubt that the US does not like the situation. But Donald Trump did not take an action against Chinese policy. Instead, he emphasized the good relationship with Xi Jinping.

However, the latest solution of China seems to harsh for Trump to be ignored. And it is far from Trump’s affaire.

The New York Times: Trump and Xi conflict worsening China’s Hong Kong Crackdown Could Put Trump in an Unwelcome Spot

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/21/us/politics/trump-china-hong-kong.html

Perhaps, Trump in the US which is suffering from massive fatality due to COVID-19 has to make an enemy outside the US for the victory of the next Presidential campaign. But it is foolish to sacrifice diplomatic advantage for domestic support.

Suicide dropped in this April in Japan, COVID-19 releted?

Discussing COVID-19, we psychiatrists often refer to another lethal issue: suicide.

Suicide is one of the worst cause of death. We have to prevent suicide at 100% rate ideally.

Specialists of psychiatry suggest there are three patterns about COVID-19 related suicide. First, people who took COVID-19, or families with COVID-19 patients may become desperate to commit suicide. Second, medical practitioners as well as workers responsible for management of infection are overworking to become burnout. They may be blamed when failed to manage it. And the third is the risk of financial crisis relevant lockdown. It is proven that crippled economy brings many suicides.

The last is most frequently discussed in Japan. The reason why the Japan government is hesitating to set strict policy against spreading COVID-19 is the fear of economical breakdown. 

The Japan Times: COVID-19 puts the squeeze on Japan's most vulnerable

In reality, suicide rate in Japan was significantly decreased in this April. It was declined by 20% from the previous year. In every year, Japan faces many suicide in April because the fiscal year begins in April in Japan. This year, many workers have to be alone at home. It might lead to reduced stress level of interpersonal communication, according to the media.

It is unsure what is happening. First of all, suicide statistics is not so trustworthy than other official statistics. Many Japanese hate to report their relative's suicide. Especially in this year, police officers might have difficulty to take time for adequate investigation of unexpected death.

Also, victims of suicide is always vulnerable people. A part of them might be dead relevant to COVID-19.

In contrast, it is possible that many people became hypomanic because of this serious situation. It is well known that immediately after a disaster depressive people get recovered temporarily. It is explainable with acute release of adrenergic hormones. In this case, a certain period passes, people's mental health will deteriorate.

Above all, the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic and suicide should be deliberately examined for a longitudinal view.

Sudan approve to stop FGM

Very recently, Sudan's cabinet decided to amend the criminal law for banning female genital mutilation.

Bangkok Post: Women hail victory as Sudan moves to ban genital cutting

According to the media, whoever violating this rule will be sentenced up to three years imprisonment.

I respect every culture in the world. Even it seems odd or strange, each habit has its own history and therefore should be respected.

Nonetheless, I do not accept such an evil act as cutting girl's genital. It is not only violating children's right but also quite risky for victim's physical and mental health.

Therefore, I approve the policy making of Sudan government.

I am afraid, however, some outdated citizens would continue to commit this wicked habit secretly. I expect Sudan government to make efforts to perish FGM.

Kim Jong un seems to be alive

Behind corona disastrous pandemic, the situation of North Korea does not attract public attention. But, there was a rumor that Kim Jong un, the leader of North, was critically ill. Since he had not appeared for several weeks, some people outside the North Korea believed Kim was dead.

However, very recently, the North media published Kim's figure in an official ceremony, denying the rumor.

The new York Times: Kim Jong-un Resurfaces, State Media Says, After Weeks of Health Rumors

Donald Trump, the President of the US, also denied the mortality of Kim. Despite the North Korea could conceal the ex-leader's death for several months, I have no doubt about the broadcast of the North media.

Rather, if Kim is dead, the North will be seriously confused because who will succeed him is undetermined. It will lead to negative impacts to several nations such as China and South Korea. It is ironic that nobody desires Kim's dictatorship will end now.

Japan extended emergency

Japan government decided to extend the declaration of emergency for approximately one month.

Abe Shinzo, the Prime Minister of Japan, stated emergency on 7th April. At that time, the duration was estimated to one month. In Japan, the first week of May is covered with several holidays, so called “Golden Week.” I guess the government wished to avoid constructing clusters of crowd in resort areas as usual.

On the other hand, the estimation that the pandemic of the novel corona virus will be terminated within one month was too optimistic. It is admitted in many people, as well as politicians. Extension of emergency is not surprising for most Japanese, I believe.

Indeed, the number of infection is not so rapidly progressive after the declaration in Japan. Avoiding going out is considerably effective to stop deteriorating pandemic.

Taiwan and New Zealand are said to be successful in controlling viral infection. South Korea was struck seriously by the epidemic, but now there is no newly developed infection.

Thus, the pandemic can be conquered at least in some local areas. Whether each nation win the battle depends on several factors. We have to learn many things from other regions.

Trump to suspend funding to the WHO?

The US is threatening the WHO with funding.

Donald Trump, the US president, said to suspend funding to the WHO, very recently. He blamed the WHO on its management for COVID-19.

Wirefax: Trump to suspend funding to the World health organisation

Tedros Adhanom, the director-general of the WHO, asked Trump to continue supporting financially to the WHO, emphasizing the good relationship between the US and the WHO.

The Hill: WHO chief says he has good relationship with Trump despite president's comments

Tedros has been broadly criticized that his comment were biased to the Chinese side. Taiwan, not belonging to the WHO because of the opposition of China, is also conflicting with Tedros. He was blamed on discrimination against Taiwan, as well as WHO's reluctant stance for data sharing of COVID-19 with Taiwan.

Thus, Trump's hostility to the WHO seems relevant to the national conflict between the US and China. Also, the fact the US is the nation worst seriously struck by COVID-19 is irritating him.

I believe, however, Trump will cancel his policy soon. He is altering the comments every day. It is in no ways wise for the US as well as the whole world to be against the WHO. Deriving an apology from Tedros will be advantageous for Trump in the coming Presidential election. It is his intention, I reckon.

Anyway, everyone should be collaborative against the COVID-19 crisis. Not hostility, but the fact and solution, should be shared.

Conflict between US and China badly influence on Huawei as well as COVID-19 situation

We are at war against the novel corona virus. Besides, the US and China have fighting on the field of technology for years.

In recent years, Huawei rose to be a giant in this region. Its products were as good as those by Apple and Samsung, or at least not so much inferior. Also, they were far cheap. Therefore, Huawei was recognized as a great threat of the US.

The US government has been taking several ways to ban Huawei's products from the US and global market. It is an example that installing Google's Android on Huawei's tablet became illegal.

As a result, Huawei lost many profits. But the influence was not limited to Huawei itself. International collaboration between the US and China in the industry was also damaged. Some researchers suggest that the conflict between two nations caused broadened infection of the novel corona virus in the US. According to them, if both governments had been collaborated to share the exact information about COVID-19, the current situation would have been different.

Now, the US seems not to stop the battle against China. I do not support the US policy. As a citizen, there is no good of conflict between influential nations.

The Economist: Open standards, not sanctions, are America’s best weapon against Huawei

Boris returned from the ICU

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the UK, seemed to have been recovered from a critical state.

France 24: UK's Johnson moved out of intensive care, 'in extremely good spirits'

According to the media, he was moved from the ICU to a general ward. A spokesman expressed he was in a good spirits. It is very relieving news.

There are some cases reported, however, of reinfected COVID-19. It is unsure why patients are infected again soon after recovering from COVID-19 in spite of ongoing immune. It could be an issue of the PCR test sensitivity. Anyway, I hope Boris will soon perfectly get recovered.

Is wearing a mask effective against corona virus?

The COVID-19 is still expanding rapidly. Very recently, Japan government declared an emergency at last. Prevention from further spread of the novel corona virus is essential to keep our community functional.

Wearing a mask is generally believed as a precaution from transmitting viruses. In Japan, many people wear a mask in winter. I myself, wear a mask not only for viruses but also for mitigating the symptoms of hay fever in early spring.

But wearing a mask was not so common in Western countries. I seldom saw people with a mask in the UK even in cold days.

Regarding COVID-19, the effectiveness of wearing a mask is still controversial. Previously, many government did not recommended people to wear a mask because of its doubtful effect of preventing transmission. Also, if many people buy surgical masks, people at high risks such as medical practitioners cannot get ones.

However, as being revealed of asymptomatic infected persons, officials had to change the policy. Now, several governments ask citizens to wear a mask when going out.

South China Morning Post: To mask or not to mask: WHO makes U-turn while US, Singapore abandon pandemic advice and tell citizens to start wearing masks

It is not easy to examine the preventing effect of a mask exactly. In my sense, wearing a mask is somehow beneficial.

On the other hand, there are not enough amount of masks to all citizens. Indeed, I never see masks sold at a drug store for these weeks. Some worrying people can monopoly the masks. Otherwise, some distribution can be crippled.

Japan government has decided to deliver a couple of reusable masks to all citizens. I believe this act is admirable, at least among some realistic solutions.

Boris Johnson moved to ICU

Boris Johnson got worse to be moved to intensive care unit.

BBC: Coronavirus: Boris Johnson moved to intensive care as symptoms worsen

Boris Jonson is the Prime Minister of the UK. He was ex-mayor of London, and claimed that the UK should leave from the EU. After the Brexit vote, he did not seat the Prime Minister soon. But Theresa May resigned the Prime Minister due to longitudinal confusion of the Parliament, Boris succeeded her. It was a little surprising for me.

Recently, Boris was infected by the novel corona virus. He was hospitalized to get the best medical treatment. But, his status looks worsening. Boris is 55 year old, not so young. I truly hope his recovery.

On the other hand, it is very important that the leader of a nation is healthy and functioning. In the era of Eastern Japan earthquake and Tsunami disaster in 2011, the Prime Minister Naoto Kan and his ally were engaged to address the difficulty. I do not think they took the best way. But, it was fortunate Naoto completed his work at least for a year.

I am afraid that the nonexistence of Boris will cause further confusion to the UK.

Stock market collapsing due to corona virus

Monday, the New York Dow recorded a historic decline.

It was due to Donald Trump’s comment to the current situation of corona virus pandemic. He expected that the outbreak would last until this August, and the US may be headed for recession.

Forbes: Dow Plunges 3,000 Points As Trump Says U.S. ‘May Be’ Headed For Recession

The magnitude of water falling in this day was approximately 13%, the worst ever seen in the history of New York Dow Johns.

Also in Japan, many people is afraid of this worsening situation. Some remember the bitter memory of Lehman Brothers shock. Bitcoin and other crypt currencies were also seriously damaged despite they were deemed as a risk-off stock.

Trump looks a little anxious about this issue. Indeed, the opinion about when the corona virus spreading will be terminated is split among experts. Corona virus is vulnerable to warm temperature. But the COVID-19 is newly emerged one. Little facts have revealed regarding this tiny foe.

US Presidential campaign

The US Presidential campaign is approaching the turning point.

AFP: Warren, once a frontrunner, ends her US presidential campaign

Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Senator, declared to abandon the seat of candidate for the US President.

Firstly, several politicians stood for the Presidential campaign in the Democratic Party. But most of them could not survive the race in the middle way. After Warren's withdrawal, there are only two candidates, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.

Sanders fought well with Hillary Clinton in 2016 Campaign. Finally Ms. Clinton gained the appointment, but she was defeated by Donald Trump. I guess not a few members of Democratic Party believe Sanders would have won the Presidential vote if he had been appointed.

However, Sanders is suffering from difficulty to get the poll against Biden. Biden is highly likely to be victorious, considering the current situation.

To be honest, I am afraid neither Sanders or Biden will defeat Trump. The present President is greatly advantageous in the final vote. Also, Trump grabs support of many citizens, especially who are white, middle-class, men. I dislike Trump's ideology. But it should be noted that his economic policy made America somewhat better. For more four years, the US will led by Trump, unfortunately.

Ceasefire with Taliban

The US and Taliban representatives made a signature to stop the war in Afghanistan. This ceasefire terminated the conflict which was been continuous for a couple of decade.

Aljazeera: Afghanistan's Taliban, US sign agreement aimed at ending war

According to the agreement, the US troop will be withdrawn until this summer.

Afghan war has taken many lives both of natives and the US military. Donald Trump was eager to stop sacrificing US people. It is no doubt that this ceasefire will have an impact to the next Presidential election vote.

On the other hand, there are several phobias for foreign nations in the US citizens. Some aggressive people do not welcome the decision of withdrawal. Also, an attack of Taliban to take US soldiers' life brought hatred of Trump last year. It is not guaranteed that the peace will come soon to Afghan. I hope no more blood will be consumed for the conflict.

Bohemian Rhapsody will be released in China, but

Bohemian Rhapsody will be modified for the Chinese market.

Evening Standard: LGBT scenes to be cut from Bohemian Rhapsody for Chinese release

Bohemian Rhapsody is a cinema movie describing Queen, a legendary rock band, and its leader Freddie Mercury's dramatic life.

Freddie Mercury was a genius musician. Because of his extraordinary character, he caused several troubles with his friends. But many supported him. On the last scene of the film, he was again on stage with his old colleague together to send his songs to people all around the world.

Also, Freddie was a gey. His sexuality made his life strange. He experienced a bitter divorce with his wife. Gender minority is one of the themes of this film.

But, it seems not to be acceptable in China.

After getting Oscars, it was decided that Bohemian Rhapsody will be released in China. But, some scenes describing drug use and kisses between males are to be eliminated.

Being a gey is an icon of Freddie Mercury. Deleting the scenes suggesting it will discount the value of this film. Many people will be disappointed with this treatment.

On the other hand, if it is a necessary condition for releasing Bohemian Rhapsody in China, we may have to accept it. It is also no doubt many Chineses expect to see this film on cinema, even if it is a less-qualified version.

Second summit between US and North Korea ends bitter

Donald Trump, the President of the US, and Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea met again. This conference was conducted at Hanoi on Feb 27-28, 2018. It was deemed as a second round to the previous summit conducted in the last June.

However, they seem not to have got any deals.

The Economist: Trump and Kim walk away

Trump seems to have attempted to make North Korea abandon nuclear weapons. The North' complete and irreversible withdrawal from developing nuclear weapons is the goal for the US. On the other hand, the potential of nuclear weapons is a crucial tool in negotiation for the North. Kim seems to have judged it is not the time to surrender.

The two promised further continuous conversation. Therefore, it is unlikely that this event will knock the door to the nuclear war. The situation will be stuck for a while.

For Donald Trump, the next election is approaching. I expect him not to be reckless for excessive concerning about the vote.

The limit of populism suggested by Brexit

For some months I was withdrawn from writing this blog, one of the most focused topics is Brexit.

The UK declared to leave EU a couple of years ago, following the result of the referendum. However, the concrete ways and process are under augment. Theresa May seated to the Prime Minister succeeding David Cameron, to take the lead for fruitful Brexit. But she has failed to propose an effective plan. The parliament declined the proposal the government had agreed with the EU counterpart. May seems to consider to postpone the deadline of Brexit, but the EU is not friendly to her idea.

First of all, Brexit is not supported by many citizens. As far as I know, most Londoners are against Brexit. But many Britains living in a rural area are affirmative. As a result, the national poll was victorious for separatists. At the same time, however, it means split ideologies in the UK.

Populism is powerless to integrate national ideal. I do not think a national referendum is successful to take a significant decision. It is said that not a few people voted to Brexit is now regretting their actions. Making a decision should be commissioned to the concurrent leader, at least for proper policy making without confusion.

Abe cabinet reshuffled

Abe administration reshuffled the members of the cabinet.

Asahi Shinbun: Abe picks 12 new members, one woman, in Cabinet reshuffle

Recently, Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, won the election for the chairperson of ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Following the triumph of the election, Abe decided to reshuffle the cabinet. As a result, 12 lawmakers took the seat of the cabinet for the first time.

To be honest, I do not expect Abe administration anymore. I respect Shinzo Abe himself. But he seems to be occupied to maintain the current position. Also, his ideology is getting gradually biased for these some years.

On the other hand, opposing parties cannot propose any effective policies. They only criticize the Abe administration's minor faults. I do not expect any politicians to improve our society.

Korean leaders make a summit

President Moon in South Korea performed a meeting with Kim John-un, the leader of North Korea, at Pyongyang, just recently.

AFP: Moon landing: S. Korean leader and North's Kim hold summit talks

It is for the third time for the South Korean leader to make a summit with the North. They declared to terminate the military conflict between them, though there was no official treaty made. The North mentioned the possibility of denuclearization of the Peninsula. But Kim did not clarify the detailed schedule of dissemination of relevant facilities.

Anyway, the threat of war among the Peninsula has withdrawn. On the other hand, the relaxation of the situation will make the US' presence in the Peninsula weakened. Though Donald Trump celebrated the summit, I guess he is not delighted with this outcome.

Considering the past attitude of North Korea, it is possible that it restarts the threatening anytime it has something to make a negotiation. In this case, the US would not like to be involved. Moon should be prepared for such a scenario.

Murder trial for Kim Jong Num proceeds

Malaysian Court decided the Kim Jong-num murder case to throw into the criminal trial.

NDTV: Malaysia Court Rules North Korea Assassination Trial Can Proceed

Kim Jong Num, a half-blood brother of Kim Jong-un, was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur airport. He was poisoned with VX gas. The direct attackers were two women who were arrested, to be charged with murder in Malaysia.

If the court had believed there was insufficient evidence, the two women would not have been sent to the high court. Thus, it is probable that the verdict of guilty will be given to the women. In Malaysian legislation, the criminal for murder will be executed.

The media reported that the two defendants looked fearful and wept. Their families and the team of lawyers claim that they were only tricked to take the critical behavior.

It is logically possible that the women simply obeyed to the order of the boss. But I suspect they knew the characteristic of VX gas. Otherwise, the gas had been accidentally spread.

Anyway, the women were far from the core of this assassination. Any decision of the court would never take damage to North Korea, I am afraid.