Matsue city, Shimane prefecture, Japan, 22 May 2009.

In a move to pre-empt the inevitable panic and run on face masks the recently formed Matsue-shi Shingata Infuruenza Taisaku Honbu (roughly translated as the “Matsue City Anti Swine Flu Headquarters) has sent all citizens of Matsue envelopes containing not one, not two, not three, but four disposable face masks!

Why worry about how to panic if your locally elected officials can do it for you?

In case you’re wondering, with a total population of 192.727 this means a grand total of 770.908 face masks have been distributed.

Printed in red ink on the envelope is the following text (in Japanese):
“It is of vital importance that you read the instructions on how to use the masks!”

Sparing no effort the Anti Swine Flu Headquarters made sure that all 1060 foreigners living in Matsue received their instructions on how to use the mask also in English, Mandarin and Korean.

The instructions are as follows:

Regarding the distribution of face masks to prevent Swine Influenza infection,

A helpful photo is also included.

How to wear the mask:

Despite the widespread distribution of masks as of the 22nd of May the general population of Matsue appeared to be going about their daily business largely maskless.

In supermarkets and pharmacies around the city however notices were put up saying that all face masks had been sold out.
I can’t help but wonder if Matsue city hall bought all of them?

The spirit of a “Kitsune” fox god is transported between two shrines on by boat.
Kabuki actors dance wildly while the rowers chant “Horanenya!” (a plea to the gods for a good harvest).
This festival spans three days and is held only once every 12 years.

Here are some of the photo’s I took at the 2009 festival, on the second day of the event at Higashi Izumo.

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