Refrain from going out and curb social and economic activities due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection.
The changes in the city were captured by many seismographs installed in the metropolitan area.
According to the analysis of the research institute, the slight vibration caused by the traffic of cars and people, the operation of the factory, etc. decreased significantly in the spring of last year, and after the second state of emergency was declared, mainly in the 23 wards. It turned out that it is on a downward trend again.
A group of researchers Yu Yabe of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, who specializes in seismology, analyzed data from January last year on the MeSO-net metropolitan area seismic observation network, which is set up in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and other five prefectures. did.
In addition to the shaking of an earthquake, seismographs also record vibrations caused by driving cars, crowds in the city, and the operation of outdoor units of air conditioners, and are usually treated as "noise."
As a result of analysis, this "noise" was below the level of January last year before the spread of the new corona in most of the 290 seismographs in April last year, about 20% to 30% in some places, and in the vicinity of Shinjuku. It was less than about 50%.
“Noise” has continued to decrease at many points since then, and last month when the second state of emergency was declared, it was more than 5% lower than last January, mainly in the 23 wards of Tokyo. We reached 72 points, which is a quarter.
On the other hand, some seismographs in the suburbs are above the normal level, and it is possible that the traffic volume and telecommuting have increased.
Researcher Yabe of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology said, "The decrease in noise is a sign that human activity is declining, and it can be seen that the city is quieter than usual. In observing the original shaking of the earthquake Hopefully, it's unusual for such a large noise change to continue. "
The decrease in "noise" observed by seismographs has been reported overseas, mainly during the so-called lockdown = city blockade in the United States and China, and the research group wants to keep an eye on future trends.
Visually impaired people who are isolated with less "ear marks"
Suppressing social activity, as seen in the reduction of "noise," may be welcomed to prevent the spread of infection.
However, some visually impaired people who rely daily on the various sounds in their lives that cause such "noise" feel isolated.
Hirokazu Ichihara (54), who lives in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, lost his eyesight in an accident 20 years ago.
He is almost totally blind due to his low vision, and when he commute to work or shop, he relies on the sound of the engine of the car and the sound of people's footsteps. It is said that the position has become difficult to understand.
At intersections, you may not hear the sounds of surrounding cars and footsteps well, and you may miss the timing to cross the traffic light or, conversely, jump out to the pedestrian crossing at the red light.
Also, in the city, there are clues to know where the store's BGM, ventilation fan, vending machine sound, etc. are now, and although I remembered it as an "ear mark", there are a number of stores that are closed or closed, so I relied on it. It means that I lost my "earmark" and lost my way more often.
In addition, it is said that in stores where the automatic doors at the entrance are left open for ventilation, the opening and closing sounds may disappear and the entrance may not be known.
Mr. Ichihara said, "Before and after the corona, the environment of people's movements and living sounds has changed, and the way of walking has become incomprehensible. It is a selfish judgment that there are fewer cars. I sometimes cross over, and I feel very scared. "
And the most disappointing thing about Mr. Ichihara's change due to the corona sickness is that people have become afraid of contact with people.
Mr. Ichihara said, "When we ask for help, we have many opportunities for contact, such as lending our elbows and shoulders, but people are spending more time at distances and intervals, and everyday life such as" calling out ". The number of people who support us is decreasing. I feel that it has become a very difficult society for the visually impaired to go out and live. "
Consideration of the disappeared entrance "2 meters" saves
Under these circumstances, some people have realized the difficulties faced by the visually impaired and have realized detailed consideration.
At the Toshima Minami-Otsuka Post Office, which is close to Mr. Ichihara's home, the automatic door at the entrance has been left open during business hours since April last year.
In the past, every time the door opened and closed, a small bell attached for crime prevention rang, which was a so-called "ear mark" for the visually impaired, but when it was left open, the bell stopped ringing. It means that there were a series of visually impaired people passing in front of the post office and standing up.
At the request of the parties concerned, the post office consulted with the ward, etc., and in November last year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which manages the road, added a Braille block on the sidewalk.
Also, at the post office, we laid a Braille mat about 2 meters from the block installed on the sidewalk to the door of the building so that we could enter without hesitation.
Etsuko Takei (65), a post office user who is totally blind, said, "Even if you can come close to a post office or a store, you often wander around without knowing the entrance, which is very helpful." I was talking.
Hiroto Fukutomi, the director of the post office, said, "I was surprised not to know that visually impaired people are using the station by relying on bells. After the installation, they can use it with peace of mind. I was talking.
An environment where it is easy for us to talk to us
As people are becoming less likely to come into contact with each other and the situation remains uncertain, we are working to make it easier for visually impaired people to speak to us.
In November last year, the Toshima Ward Blind Welfare Association, which is made up of visually impaired people such as Mr. Ichihara and Mr. Takei, made 300 stickers to put on the white paper.
It says, "Please support me for a couple of minutes," and when you need help, raise the white sword high and show it around.
Mr. Takei said, "Some visually impaired people hesitate to ask for help no matter what they do if they are disliked. I think everyone is anxious because of the corona, but I am grateful that they just talk to me, so even one person can do it. I would be happy if someone could lend me one. "
Mr. Ichihara said, "I feel that it has become easier for me to speak to you, and I feel a response. If you see the whites rising, I'd like you to help me in just a short time." It was.
This sticker can be received at the Disability Welfare Division of Toshima Ward or the Council of Social Welfare.