Dear Nobu san,
A very good afternoon to you!
Greetings from Sydney where I am now just staying at home because of the coronavirus situation.
I have been thinking of you and your wife a lot.
So I just wanted to send you an email to find out how things are with you.
Were you able to go to Italy for your holiday earlier this year, just like you had planned?
I hope you were able to see the beautiful museums and art galleries before the country shut down.
How are things now in Japan? In Kyoto?
How are you doing now?
I suppose that there are very few foreign tourists now visiting Kyoto with the current concerns around coronavirus.
I miss Japan very much and still recall the wonderful time my son and I had 2 years ago when you took us around to see the beautiful sakura (including in the secret garden of your friend).
I hope you and your family are all well and staying safe.
Perhaps some time to drink sake and relax a while.
I am really hoping and praying for an end to this COVID-19.
When we are able to travel safely again, I would very much want to visit Kyoto again to see you.
In the meantime, take care and stay safe. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Best regards,
*** * *** * *** * *** *
Thank you very much for your thoughtful mail.
How have you been?
The pandemic has impacted too strongly throughout the world.
I am pleased to hear you stay well and healthy.
My wife and I are doing quite well, thank you.
Fortunately, we were able to go to Italy and see the Last Judgement and the Last Supper!
Both of us loved Italy a lot, we believe this country itself is the world heritage site.
There are no foreign tourists at all except who live in Japan.
To see Japanese tourists is also very rare.
Some hotels close until next month.
Our prime minister declared the state of the emergency.
But is not so strict, we are allowed to commute in a jammed train.
I am afraid this pandemic will last longer than other countries.
We saw beautiful cherry blossoms without people.
I wanted to show you them!
The beautiful garden is a private garden, owner is in his 80’s.
It is closed this spring.
As for now, everyday is my off day until August.
But luckily, we are healthy.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
I hope you and your family stay well and healthy.
Sincerely Regards,
Nobuaki Nagata
Tel: +8190-1076-8788
