The Gion Festival in Kyoto Prefecture, which goes back to the 9th century, is a festival to provide hospitality to the God of Plague. Dr. ISO explains how Japanese have traditionally associated with epidemics.

The earthquake, tsunami and resulting nuclear accident of 2011 caused unprecedented damage. We have an in-depth discussion with foreign residents of Japan on their feelings and actions at the time.

There was business self-restraint in the Edo period as well, especially with restaurants, inns and teahouses. Dr. ISO also refers to the episode of self-restraint when the shogun became ill.