Ok so one of the first things i noticed here in Japan was how anal they are about the H1N1 influenza.

Just remove the thing about the Presidents Speech, throw in some unnecessary and
illegible Kanji and you’ve got Kansai Gaidai’s reaction to the H1N1 Influenza

Ok so everytime a gaijin (foreigner) is diagnosed with H1N1, it is immediately announced to ALL students via e-mail.  They do not include the persons name, but they mention the Seminar House number they’re in and how many total cases etc. etc.  Not only that, they tell us to disinfect our hands as we enter buildings and gargle (when? dunno… just gargle dammit!).  They actually have these rubbing alcohol things at the front of just about every building on campus (and even buildings OFF campus! Eg. Hirakata City Hall).  Also people are wearing masks! Everywhere!  People at work, students, general public, my teacher and even the odd gaijin wearing one (which blew my freakin mind maaan! … at first).  But i think i see the mask system now, i wondered why they would wear them at first – initially i thought people wore them all the time out of paranoia, which they do, but not actually all the time.  Usually whenever they get sick, or people around them have gotten sick, they wear the masks – which still kinda makes sense, but i still think its paranoia.  I mean if I encountered someone who did have H1N1, and wasn’t wearing a mask, i wouldn’t actually care.  I’d cut my losses and accept that I was gonna get sick, see the doctor as soon as i see symptoms and ride it out.  If i get sick, then i get sick. If I don’t, then awesome.

Lol at the dude on the far left.  Risking infection for a smoke!

Anyway, H1N1 has Kansai Gaidai (and the rest of the nation) gripped.  And I’d like to share an email I JUST recieved from the CIE (Center for International Education aka Gaijin Cesspool):

“Dear International Students,

This is a note to let you know that there have been two confirmed
cases of Influenza (may or may not be H1N1) at Seminar House 1. Those
students have been temporarily staying at off-campus accommodations.

Once again, all international students are reminded to take all
precautions (such as gargling, washing your hands very thoroughly, and
covering your mouth when you cough).

On this occasion, I would like to share the information which is
available in our school website at: [website]

————————————————————————
Further outbreak of H1N1 influenza is anticipated once classes (for
Japanese students) begin. The University has decided to take the
following measures to prevent further spread of the flu.

It has been reported that the cumulative total of infected at our
university, as of October 28, 2009, is 124 in the College of Foreign
Studies , 57 in the College of International Language and Communication,
38 in the Junior College, 2 in the Asian Studies Program and 5 faculty &
staff.

1. Gargle and wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask when you are going out.
2. If you experience any symptoms typical of influenza (fever, sore
throat, coughing, etc.), please refrain from coming to the university
and seek proper treatment at a medical facility.
3. If you are diagnosed to have H1N1, please report it to the following
offices and follow their advice.
Students at Nakamiya Campus: Student Affairs Office
Students at Hotani Campus: Student Services and Educational Section
(International students: Center for International Education)
4. Absence because of H1N1 is admitted as an authorized absence. The
period is one week from the day following when the symptom started. You
have to submit a certificate stating you had influenza.（病状証明書）
5. If your family members are diagnosed with H1N1, you can come to the
university. However, please take extra caution to perform self
protection such as measuring your temperature every morning. You are
required to wear a mask at the university. If you experience any
symptoms typical of influenza (fever, sore throat, coughing, etc.), seek
proper treatment at a medical facility immediately.
——————————————————————————
Center for International Education
Kansai Gaidai University”

…lol

Ciao for Now!