Sleep behavior after COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our daily life a much. Some people are now suffering from psychiatric symptoms. The article below mentions sleep disorder relevant the pandemic.

The Conversation: Want to sleep like a baby during the coronavirus crisis? Here are 10 ways to do it

I have described about good sleep in this blog recurrently. From my knowledge and experience as a psychiatrist, I agree with the opinion written in this article above.

However, I do not believe COVID-19 pandemic causes us serious insomnia. Patients I meet at clinic seldom complain insomnia, unless specific situations. Rather, people take more sleeping time because of reduced work. Japanese are chronically lacking enough sleep. Perhaps after the COVID-19 pandemic, some people become healthier.

On the other hand, longitudinal effect of lockdown will be serious. Lack of exercise, financial crisis, reduced social communication, and loss of entertainment are each of risk for mental health. We should be aware of them.

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.

White roof is better for the environment?

White roof is environment friendly, according to some scientists.

Inverse: THE SCIENTIFIC REASON WHY A WHITE ROOF IS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

The reason is that white is reflecting color. Some studies suggest that cities composed of many white-roofed houses are less likely to be hit by the heat island phenomenon.

This result is a little surprising. But we often experience that wearing a black jacket makes us feeling warm. It is for the heat keeping effect of black color, not only for the clothes itself. Considering that, a white city may be cool.

In real, some city governments regulate the color of roof and wall of the houses mainly to maintain the harmonious landscape. In Japan, there are few cities with such legislation. But at some areas in Kyoto, some colors destroying the atmosphere of the town are prohibited. Convenience stores in such regions decorate their wall with specific color, different from usual ones of the franchise.

In the near future, white color painting will be mandated for new housing, perhaps for mitigating global warming.

Ken Shimura passed away due to corona pneumonia

Ken Shimura, a famous Japanese comedian died after being infected by COVID-19.

According to the media, Ken was hospitalized because of corona viral pneumonia. As its mortality rate is said to up to 10%, we were anxious about his prognosis. Now, the worst scenario is realized, unfortunately.

Ken was 70 yo. He was not young, but healthy before the infection. He was going to play a protagonist of a cinema movie for the first time. If he had not been infected by COVID-19, he would have been alive now.

Also, Ken delivered smiley acts every day for several decades to many Japanese. His symbolic comical acts were mimicked by many children.

I pray for Ken’s peaceful afterlife. And we have to continue to fight against this deadly virus.

Mushroom is useful for many ways

Do you like mushrooms? I like very much.

Mushrooms is strange species. They are categorized as fungi. they parasites other plants to survive years. And they spread massive spores to reproduce them.

Some people dislike mushroom. It is perhaps because of its unique smell. But other than eating them, mushrooms are very useful in our daily life.

Inverse: 9 MUSHROOM USES: SURPRISING USES FOR THE FUNGUS THAT IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

I knew mushrooms are utilized as a fuel material. As well, it is commonly knew that some mushrooms are used for resource of Chinese medicine. But it is surprising that mushroom can be a building material as well as alternative leather.

By the way, I will tell you that Japan is a mushroom-rich county. In Japanese "mushroom" means so-called brown mushroom popular in Western countries. But there are many kind of names suggesting mushroom, such as shimeji, shiitake, hiratake, enoki, nameko, kikurage, and so on.

Among them, Matsutake is the most luxury mushroom in Japan because it cannot be produced in an artificial environment. It is deemed as a representative cuisine in Autumn. Japanese love matsutake's smell like French people love truffle's smell.

But, in terms of taste, shimeji is superior to matsutake, as many Japanese admit. Shimeji is very cheap, but a delicious item. In traditional saying, "Kaori matustake, aji shimeji [Matsutake smells best, but shimeji tastes best.]"

Ghosn of Nissan released from jail

Recently, Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan CEO, was released on bail from jail.

The Guardian: Carlos Ghosn: former Nissan chairman released on bail in Tokyo

Ghosn seated Nissan CEO several years ago. He was expected to recover the performance of Nissan, a leading motor company in Japan. And indeed, he achieved a splendid profit. Once he was approved as a god of management.

However, in recent years, Ghosn has criticized by some major persons in Nissan, as well as other counterparts. Finally, Ghosn was arrested for breach of corporate governance.

I am not sure if he has committed crimes. Gohsn himself denies any involvement of crimes. It is possible that he was tricked by some enemies wanting to exile him from Nissan. On the other hand, it is possible he had betrayed workers and stakeholders as the prosecutor claims.

By the way, Japan is infamous for lengthened detention of suspects. If you are arrested, you would be detained for up to 23 days almost without any liberty. Furthermore, you will be prosecuted when you deny committing crimes. In this case, the detention will be prolonged for months, even years.

In Ghosn's case, France, as well as other foreign countries, was surprised by this Japanese trend of criminal justice. It is one of the reasons Ghosn got bailed successfully, I guess.

The environment of detention is very harsh in Japan. I know some persons who died during detention. Even if Ghosn has committed something wrong, I am doubtful he deserved to such long-term inconvenience.

Japan railways to quit on-train foods and drinks

Some popular Japanese railways have decided to abandon the service of selling foods and drinks on-train.

The Japan Times: Passengers unhappy on-train food, drink service ending

So far, you could purchase some foods and drinks, such as a riceball and beer, on the seat of Shinkansen super express or other rapid trains. Recently, however, few passengers are fond of getting foods on-train.

In Japan, there are a large variety of foods and drinks you can buy for a few coins. In a convenience store, hundreds of bottles of tea, juice and coffee are selectable. In contrast, a seller can carry only some kinds of drinks. It is disadvantageous for both seller and consumer.

In addition, some stores are selling foods and drinks for cheaper price. On the other hand, in general, express sellers do not discount the goods. Therefore, passengers who want to save the money tend to purchase foods and drinks before riding on the train.

To continue on-train selling, developing limited versions of goods is essential, I reckon. When you cannot get the food outside of the train, you will be interested in the food. But, creating an exclusive item is costly. Most railway companies are not motivated to increase the sales of on-train foods. 

Breast surgeon get innocence verdict for committing sex offense to patient

Just now, I received the news about a criminal trial I had paid attention.

In this case, a Japanese breast surgeon was prosecuted for committing the sexual offense to the patients he made an operation. According to the prosecutor, he touched and lick up the patient's breast while she was asleep under the influence of anesthesia after the surgery.

The Japan Times: Breast surgeon denies charge of licking unconscious patient’s breast

The defendant completely denied having done such an act. The lawyer of him, as well as some medical practitioners, claimed that the woman might be in delirium so that she had misunderstood the situation.

The prosecutor submitted some evidence to prove his crime. One of the evidence was a report of scientific examination suggesting that a large amount of saliva was detected on the woman's breast. However, experts sided on the defendant claimed the report is not trustworthy because the examination was inappropriately conducted.

The District Court decided the defendant is innocent, I heard from the media. I have not read the verdict itself.

I am not involved in this case at all. So, I have no idea about the correctness of the judge. In my sense, however, I believe that the surgeon is innocent.

It is quite unlikely that the surgeon committed a sexual offense in the patient's room. In Japan, most patient's rooms are open to the corridor. There might be other inpatients in the room. It was too risky for the surgeon to commit such an act.

Also, if he were a sex offender, he would have previous criminal records, even if not revealed yet. Sex offenders commit similar crimes recurrently. Such persons are often infamous among colleagues. But, I have no idea that the prosecutor provided the witnesses to tall the defendant's wicked conducts.

In contrast, his relevant people, including the academic association, have been supporting him, believing his innocence.

Finally, it is not rare that a patient just after awakened from the anesthesia has hallucinations. Not a few patients are confused in the early stage after surgery. It is not the only case, I believe, of the patients suspected to be insulted while unconscious. I am doubtful that the prosecutor did know the fact of the vulnerable mental state of the patients after surgery.

Therefore, I am relieved from the news of innocence verdict. At the same time, it has to be deemed as a serious fault of the prosecutor. The defendant might suffer from unnecessary disgrace and interruption from the work.

On the other hand, there are cases of incredibly evil acts committed by a physician in the world. Correct judgment is always difficult.

Women prosecutors increasing

In Japan, women prosecutors are increasing, according to the media.

The Japan Times: Women increase presence, roles in prosecutors offices

So far, Japanese women were suffering from difficulty to get some kinds of jobs because of sexism. Discrimination against women was widespread for centuries. The act for equality of hiring opportunities was enforced in 1972. But this legislation became viable only these some decades, in my sense. Just recently, it was revealed that several medical schools had made women students disadvantageous in the entry examination for many years.

I am often collabolative with public prosecutors in my work. Indeed, I speak with women prosecutor more frequently in recent. I do not sense any differences between gender in their work.

On the other hand, women judges are rare in Japan, especially in elder judges. In the future, women judges will increase, I hope.

Obligation chocolate at St Valentine's day

In Japan, St Valentine's day has been recognized as the day when women send chocolate to men. Originally, the chocolate was to express the love to a particular man. But many women tend to deliver chocolates to many male colleagues and bosses, so-called obligation chocolate.

Recently, this strange habit is diminishing in young ladies, according to the media.

Evening Standard: Japanese women push back against tradition that forces them to buy male colleagues Valentine's Day chocolates
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/japanese-women-push-back-against-tradition-that-forces-them-to-buy-male-colleagues-valentines-day-a4063236.html

I am indifferent to this habit since I got married. My wife thankfully gives me chocolate muffins on Feb 14th. It is my favorite sweet in the world. That's it.

Some of my colleagues send me chocolate. I am thankful to receive them. On the other hand, I do not remember who sent me the chocolate. I never discount the women who do not send chocolate.

By the way, Godiva, a famous chocolate company, said, “Tell the women in your office ‘don’t force yourself to give anyone giri choco.’” This comment is ironic. If you told such a thing to your subordinates, they would interpret it as a message to demand giri choco. I recommend you never take such a silly act.

Venom, too resemble Parasyte

This year, I expect to see several films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel Girl will be released in March, in Avengers End Game in April as well, followed by Spiderman: Far from Home and X-MEN: Dark Phoenix. Each of them is promising as excellent entertainment.

The last Marvel movie I saw on cinema was "Venom." I have not reviewed this work in my blog.

Venom is an alien came to the earth. It parasites human being, making him stronger. But it can no longer live on the earth without a host.

The protagonist is a journalist guy. He is eager to reveal the evil acts of gigantic companies. But he is fired from a news company because of his rude behaviors as well as a pressure of the company he was investigating. When he feels desperate, Venom contacts him to parasite his body. Then, the protagonist and Venom makes a strange alliance for survival.

Meanwhile, other aliens have come to the earth. One of the strongest aliens, named Riot, plans to overwhelm the human civilization to colonize the earth.

Venom is recruited by Riot. But Venom has become sympathetic with the protagonist through learning human's emotion and love from the protagonist. Therefore, Venom becomes against Riot to protect the earth from alien's invasion.

In this film, Venom is not a hero. It does not have humanity. Even it eats humans when starving. However, it depends on the protagonist's act for survival. This complex relationship between Venom and the protagonist is attractively described in this film.

It is unfortunate that this work is mimicking a comic book published in Japan many years ago. "Kiseiju," or "Parasyte," was written by Hitoshi Iwaaki in 1990s. The protagonist of this work is parasitized by a strange alien. The alien is very intellectual but not emotional at all. The protagonist and the alien share their life unwillingly at first. And they have to fight with other hostile parasites. The theme of Kiseiju is the sustainability of the earth environment. This work attracted public approval for its deep theme and realistic description. The animation series and real movie series were also released.

Wikipedia: Parasyte

Venom is not a bad movie at all. However, as a Japanese, I recognized Venom as a copy of Kiseiju, I am very sorry.

My personal rating: 3 (fair)

Ripple's challenge for Tokyo Olympics

Ripple, a significant cryptocurrency, is considered to be an official coin in Tokyo Olympics planned in 2020.

Bitcoininst.com: PETITION TO MAKE XRP THE OFFICIAL CRYPTOCURRENCY OF TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS GARNERS 7,500 SIGNATURES

Cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin has several characteristics. One of the advantages is that the transaction fee is minimal. We have to pay the exchange cost to gain foreign currency. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are basically universal. Also, its transaction is decentralized. These features enable us to exchange cryptocurrency for lower cost.

Many foreigners will come to Tokyo to see the Olympic games. It is said that tourists had difficulty also in the transaction in Rio in 2016.

I believe that cryptocurrencies will not be available as a key currency for their high volatility. On the other hand, temporary possession and usage like a traveler's check can be feasible.

I hope cryptocurrency will be spread following the Tokyo Olympics.

What is communication skills?

Some people feel difficult to communicate with others.

Some of them are diagnosed as a developmental disorder because a lack of proper communication is a dominant feature of this category of disease. Of course, not all people with communication difficulty have autism.

Communication skills are hardly definable. There are several styles of communication. Some people take leadership in every situation. Others are good at listening to others.

Among them, communication skills are often recognized as the ability to report one's thought to others as well as understanding other's thought. Also, communication is sometimes identified as the skill of making a consensus.

 At least in Japan, however, I am against this idea.

Many Japanese are not good at discussing one thing in detail. A debate is one of the most difficult skills for Japanese. Not a few Japanese feel unhappy when entering a discussion. Rejecting a proposal is sometimes misunderstood as denying the presenter himself.

Thus, communication is not a negotiation in Japan.

Instead, communication skill means an ability to maintain relationships with persons who are not supportive of you. Japanese deemed with good communication skills look friendly and calm. But they are not always empathetic with your thought. Simply they make smile not to make you angry.

In my sense, some patients with developmental disorder misunderstand this fact. They tend to think knowing others deeply is necessary to make good communication. Such attitudes are often annoyed by Japanese people. As a result, they are rejected, which makes them isolated more.

I recommend you to make a smile with no particular intention if you would like to get along with Japanese. There is little need for understanding others to make a continuous relationship with them.

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.

JR cancel railway service due to typhoon

Yesterday, Japan was struck by another typhoon.

This storm was too big to be ignored as well as the previous one. Therefore, citizens and companies were prepared for the disaster. JR East, a dominant railway company, decided to make any evening trains out of service.

Asahi Shinbun: JR East, Tokai to cancel trains at night due to typhoon

Railways in Japan are famous for strict and precise administration. It is extremely rare for railway companies to cancel all timetable.

So far, Japanese people have been obsessive to perform their duty. It is a virtue of Japanese. But, excessive sense of responsibility often harms members of the community. So-called over adaptation is a characteristic of Japanese.

I got home early yesterday. Fortunately, I was not struck by the storm.

Suicide is dominant reason for expecting mother's death in Japan

Approximately a third of deceased mothers or expecting mothers in Japan took her life, a new study revealed.

The Japan News: 30% of new mom deaths from suicide / Depression, economic hardship cited as factors

According to the article above, the researchers examined 357 fatal cases of pregnant or after giving birth. Among them, 102 women committed suicide. Cancer and heart diseases are following as the reason for the death.

Is it a shocking report? I do not think so, because other problems than suicide might be well managed, on the other hand.

The quality of medicine in Japan is generally high. The mortality rate of infants is the lowest in the world. Proper care is provided to pregnant women at least physically.

In contrast, postnatal depression is still underestimated in Japanese clinical settings. Expecting mothers are also not concerned about the risk. There is a casual term "maternity blue" in Japan. This word sounds quite light, but actually becomes a reason of unexpected death. More enlightenment is needed.

Ig Nobel prize for self-colonoscopy

A Japanese doctor won the Ig Nobel prize for detecting that self-colonoscopy with sitting posture is less painful than in ordinary ways.

NHK World: Japanese doctor wins Ig Nobel for self-colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an optical examination for observing the status of the colon. It is recognized as a relatively tough examination. Patients have to endure the stimulation of the fiberscope for several minutes. An anus is not accustomed to accepting a long tube. Also, this exam is very humiliating.

Then, the doctor, Akira Horiuchi, found that the posture of examinee influences the degree of physical pain in the examination. He could insert the tube into his own anus with ease when sitting.

Unfortunately, this method has not been accepted in the clinical setting because of its odd style.

Ig Nobel prize is to celebrate funny and suggestive research. As the name suggests, it is a parody of Nobel prize. There are astronomical numbers of studies conducted every year. Among them, very limited ones will be beneficial for our future. But any studies have particular values, all scientists believe. The idea of Ig Nobel prize supports scientific curiosity itself, I believe.

By the way, Japanese researchers have won Ig Nobel prize for 12 years. It is surprising considering the fact Japanese scientific contribution is shrinking for this decades. In Japan and the UK, people are generally proud of their eccentrics, according to  Marc Abrahams, the founder of Ig Nobel prize.

The Japan Times: Less acclaim, more fun for Japan’s Ig Nobel Prize winners

I partially agree with his comment. But, the barrier against people with strange ideas is also high in Japan.

Exam for licensed psychologist

Yesterday, I got an exam in Tokyo.

This exam was to get the license of psychologists.

So far, Japan had had no official license or certification of clinical psychologists. Many inofficial organizations have their legislation to certify the members as a professional psychologist. But people cannot distinguish which organization is trustworthy. Indeed, there are several groups which are far from sincere to grow up good psychologists.

At last, the government decided to create a new certification system for psychologists. The act of licensed psychologists came into force the previous year. And yesterday, the first examination for certification was conducted.

You have to get some academic degrees regarding psychology before taking the exam. But, medical practitioners, including psychologists and psychiatrists, who are currently working in a relevant region also take the exam. Therefore, I applied for the exam this year.

The exam was not so hard as I guessed before. You are given four hours to answer only 154 multiple-choice questions. Most of them are easy to answer for psychiatrists. I am sure to pass the exam.

Pizza vending machine lands in Japan

Pizza vending machine landed on Hiroshima in Japan, from Italy.

The Japan Times: Italian pizza vending machine debuts in Hiroshima

With this strange machine, you get a whole pizza for 9 to 11 USD even at midnight.

Vending machines are popular in Japan. You can see ones in every corner on the street. There are large kinds of can beverages.

Considering the fact, will the pizza vending machine accepted in Japan? I am afraid not.

First, you have to wait for three minutes before taking the pizza. It may be intolerable for many Japanese. There are similar vending machines which provide hamburgers and hotdogs. But, they are not so popular.

Second, and this reason is crucial, convenience stores are also popular in Japan. And every store equips frozen pizza for the low price.

Some people like to buy cola with the vending machine even if there is a convenience store in front of it, because using a vending machine is quick and easy. In contrast, a pizza vending machine takes your time.

If set in an appropriate place, a pizza vending machine will attract some attention.

Sequels in August 2018

Sunday, August 19, 2018
Murder trial for Kim Jong Num proceeds

The trial will be continued for a long time. Unfortunately, the suspects who were deemed to have taken the crucial role in the murder of Kim Jong Num have already escaped to North Korea.



Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Motorway bridge collapsed in Italy

The bridge was too important for citizens to be shut down in advance of the collapse, according to the media. If the authority had prohibited the use of the bridge, people would have been intolerable to the inconvenience. It is so-called "Cassandra's curse."

It means that similar cases will occur also in Japan.


Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Summertime debate in Japan

Previously, NHK, the national broadcasting organization, published the result of a poll in which the majority of Japanese were affirmative to the introduction of summertime.

Now, however, the media are together against summertime. What happened in the media and citizens' attitude in these days? I have been against the introduction of summertime. To be honest, I hardly understand the necessity of considering the introduction of summertime in Japan.