February Update

We are approaching the end of February and I have realised that I have not done an update to the blog for some time. So here it is - albeit a very brief one.

I have been quite busy on a few fronts recently, both in and out of work. These projects will be revealed in later posts. I have felt really lethargic over the last couple of weeks, have had a sore throat, and now a slight headache. I can only conclude the reason for my current state is the high pollen levels in Tokyo at the moment. At different times of year, depending on which tree or plant decides to propagate pollen, there are a number of peaks that have to be endured. Hay fever was never a problem for me in Britain or in rural Japan, but Tokyo is usually saturated in the pollen season and the resistance of the local population is weakened by pollution.
The picture at the top of this post is a pollen sensor which are placed at various locations around Japan by Weathernews to measure pollen levels and tell people what they already know (or feel). Personally, I would prefer a team of lumberjacks to be hired to clear the offending cedar trees. If that doesn't happen soon, I may have to start my new career as an arsonist.

Not long until I have another week off work (March 7th - 11th). I will endeavor to have something more interesting in my next post.

P.S. I have just noticed I wrote a very similar blog almost exactly 3 years ago. Looks like I will have to suffer for a couple more weeks yet. Just want to sleep......

Sick Boy

I have been feeling pretty ropey over the last 10 days. Yuki thinks that I have a severe case of hay fever whereas I believe I have a persistent cold.

It has been difficult to speak as I have had a sore throat and bunged up nose which occasionally can be coaxed to give up some thick green material that the layman would term as 'snot'. I am hoping that it is indeed a cold. If it is hay fever, I can expect to suffer the same symptoms for 3 months of every year for the duration of my stay in Japan.

Hay fever is an especially severe problem in Tokyo for 2 reasons. Firstly, the pollution exacerbates peoples' sensitivity to pollen. Secondly, since World War Two, there has been a long and sustained programme of cedar afforestation. However, the expected demand for this timber did not materialise and these plantations have been left to grow and produce large brown clouds of pollen during February and March. These cedar plantations cause misery to millions of Tokyoites every year. The most common method of battling the pollen is to wear a surgical mask. I have not gone down this road yet, but may have to 'go native' if things get too bad.

Not only do these trees cause hay fever, but they are also responsible for soil erosion as they have shallow roots when compared to the natural growth trees which they have replaced. The cedar tree is certainly the curse of Japan.

Due to my cold / hay fever, I have done very little over the last 2 weeks and have stayed at home as much as possible. My condition seems to be improving so I think I will visit my local bar for a couple of beers later. As pollen levels are currently rising, I can only conclude that I have been suffering from a cold as my condition is improving.

The weather seems to be improving and we have had a lovely few days with blue skies. I intended to pay a visit to the Imperial Palace at lunchtime so that I could take some pictures of the plum blossom for the blog. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so I guess that will give me an excuse to do another blog next week.