Sanma Issue 30: Worship! 108 Things About Japan's Reiwa Era

Sanma Issue 30: Worship! 108 Things About Japan's Reiwa Era No one could have predicted the world would pause in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a magnifying glass, revealing systemic issues and long-standing problems, even shattering established perceptions. Japan, known for its orderliness, self-discipline, and advanced healthcare, faced unexpected challenges in managing the pandemic, leaving many who cared for and admired the country questioning, "What happened to Japan?" As 2020 transitioned into 2021, a year later, Japan did not collapse as feared. Instead, it used this difficult period for introspection. In its Winter 2020 issue, Sanma re-anchors us to the Japan we nostalgically miss. Echoing the tradition of ringing temple bells 108 times on New Year's Eve (Ōmisoka), we offer a prayer for Japan. Reflecting on the empty streets of Shibuya, the behind-the-scenes story of former Prime Minister Abe's handover to Suga, figure skating prince Yuzuru Hanyu's "cheat code" thesis, the rise of feminist consciousness with #MeToo, the 10th anniversary of the 3.11 disaster, the box office dominance of "Demon Slayer" surpassing "Spirited Away," fashion designer Rei Kawakubo's return to the Japanese runway, the explosive popularity of Taiwanese culture in Japan, and commemorating the angels who have departed. From the pandemic, politics, society, sports, film and television, to culture and Taiwan-Japan exchange, we invite travel writer Chang Wei-chung, veteran journalist Go Izunushi, design observer Wu Dong-lung, CINRA's president Taiichi Sugiura, Taiwan-based writer Hikaru Sarakura, service designer Eric Lin, film critic Chang Yen-to, drama critic CharMing, news editor Cheng Chung-lan, Waseda University researcher Keiko Atarada, social activist Satoshi Komatsu, interpreter Tomoaki Kuramoto, and others to revisit 2020 in Japan with us. In line with the special feature's theme, this issue's cover features "Bonnō" (煩悩), a term with 108 strokes. As we write "#bitterpeaceenvymouthtonguewomanbodyeyespurificationstain," accompanied by the sound of bells dispelling obstacles, we wish everyone farewell to their worldly desires. Open Sanma Issue 30 and welcome a better 2021!