Permitting the use of washroom hand dryers: experiments show that they do not cause spread

　The Federation of Economic Organizations announced on April 13 that they have revised the guidelines on COVID-19 prevention measures and gave permission to resume the use of washroom hand dryers in workplaces. Based on the experiment’s results and the experts' opinions, the risk of spreading the virus through hand dryers is extremely low.

　The guidelines mention hand dryers for workplaces like offices and factories, but many commercial facilities and restaurants will be adapting the same guidelines and measures. This revision may lead to more resumption on the use of hand dryers.

　The Federation of Economic Organizations removed the statement on suspending the use of hand dryers in the revised guidelines. Furthermore, they specified that "frequently used washrooms should be cleaned several times during the day" and "hand dryers should be routinely cleaned."

　According to the assessment of the external testing company, the part of the hand dryer where you put your hand in to dry it does not scatter particles and spread the virus.

Source: https://yomidr.yomiuri.co.jp/article/20210413-OYT1T50233/?catname=news-kaisetsu_news

"Be Yourself:" Model couple poses with wedding dresses on the beach

LGBT model couple, Mimu Asato (left) and Mii-chan (right), during the wedding dress photoshoot.

March, Ishigaki city. Photo provided by ONESTYLE.

 

    On the sandy beaches of Ishigakijima, a couple is all dressed up in white wedding dresses. Out bisexual Mimu Asato and X-gender Mii-chan took part in a wedding fashion photo and video shoot in the middle of March. 【An interview with the couple who also do vlogs and works with a community radio: https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/730794】

　Tokyo-based ONESTYLE, the company that hired the model couple, pioneered an initiative to orient the photo wedding industry towards inclusion of the LGBT community. ONESTYLE's president Natsue Ikeda (40) met Mimu about 2 and a half years ago while she was travelling between Tokyo and Okinawa for work. "We wanted people to be able to represent their true selves that was outside the usual framework of the industry and they were the perfect fit for the job," Ikeda divulged.

　AMAB Mii-chan was immensely excited about the opportunity. "It has always been my childhood dream to wear a wedding dress. I was so excited!" they said. Mimu remembers a different photoshoot when Mii-chan was stiff and awkward wearing a tuxedo. "Mii-chan was so cute and glowing in a dress. Anyone can just choose whatever they want to wear. It reminded me of how important it is to be yourself," she said.

　These photos will be posted on ONESTYLE's website and will be used as PR for the location. (Okinawa Times)

Source: https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP4161RSP41DIFI00T.html

Movie director travels across Japan with a solar-powered tricycle, reaching the southernmost point of Kyushu

    With only an electric tricycle powered by solar panels, a movie director travelled across Japan from Cape Nosappu in Hokkaido to Cape Sata in Kagoshima, arriving there on March 28.



    Director Takushi Chikakane started this challenge last October, departing from the easternmost point of Hokkaido.

    Director Chikakane travelled on the solar tricycle for 5 months. He arrived at Cape Sata in Minamiosumi, which is considered to be the southernmost tip of Kagoshima, at 1 p.m. on March 28.

    According to Director Chikakane, the development of the solar-powered tricycle took about 3 months.

    The travel distance was approximately over 3800km. The original schedule was delayed by 3 months because of the state of emergency, which restricted travel between prefectures.

    "I took on this challenge because I believe that the possibilities for electric vehicles that don't rely on external power sources are endless. Maybe in the future, this can be made for public use. Someday, I want to try riding it around the world," Director Chikakane said.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210329/k10012941491000.html