Jeepney Press Editorial : YOMU by Dennis Sun

YOMU (means to read in Japanese) : Editorial by Dennis Sun

I can count the days, and soon, Christmas is here! And a few more days, this year would come to an end. To say this year is memorable is an understatement. Oh, what a year 2020 is!

No year comes close to what this year has been for most of us—there were natural disasters, political shenanigans, work disruption, and we all shared the collective trauma of the pandemic. But with all these challenges that we face, we should also take the opportunity to reflect upon what we have been doing to the world—to ourselves.

We were supposed to start work on April but since we are working on a government education program, we have to follow the memorandum to cancel the classes, stay at home and be safe. For 4 months, I was in work limbo and the uncertainty was unnerving. Fortunately, another school that continued to operate took me in. I feel lucky to continue working. We followed safety protocols, but you can never shake off the fear during commute that you can catch the dreaded virus.

This year has been challenging for me health wise as well—asthma attacks with chest pains that made breathing difficult, and that tendency to second guess if you have caught COVID-19. My blood sugar levels have been problematic, too, that made me lethargic at times.

Good thing, I found solace, security and sanctuary at the park. I took advantage of the fresh clean morning air at the mountain park nearby. Waking up daily at 4 AM when not a single human was around, I did long walks, stretching, deep breathing and meditation. It was all that I could do for myself. And it was more than enough. Nature always heals.

“So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! 98 and ¾ percent guaranteed! - Dr. Seuss

Art Objects by Dennis Sun

Then, exactly a month before the year ends, another drama has arrived. My landlord terminated my apartment’s lease. Moving to a new place, specially for foreigners in Japan, can be most stressful and demeaning. Beyond, the ordeal of packing and unpacking, there is that potential trauma from being discriminated because you are a foreigner (and a Filipino, at that). Many real estate people and owners in Japan can be very cold and unwelcoming, to say the least.

On the bright side, I had a successful 3-month long art exhibition at Tully’s Coffee and Gallery in Shinjuku. It was supposed to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics and was looking forward to show my art to the many people from around the world. But I was happy that despite the pandemic, there was a good crowd, and a lot of friends came over to view my artwork spreading “Love, Light & Laughter,” the title of my art exhibition.

With friends visiting my art exhibition. Thanks to all those who came to see my show! Arigatou! I know some people wanted to drop by but were still afraid to go out because of the pandemic.

So here am I, doing my last piece for Jeepney Press for 2020. No more dramas, please!

I wish you all a great end to this bizarre and tumultuous year 2020. Let’s focus on the bright promising future and new possibilities ahead. Bring it on 2021!

Dennis Sun, Jeepney Press Editor-In-Chief & Creative Director