Dr. ISO's Pandemic History, Info & Tips

How can we associate better with COVID-19? Let's find the key by learning about the history of the infectious diseases Japan has experienced. Drawing Yokai, supernatural creatures like goblins, together to get rid of an epidemic was a typical way to provide relief in the Edo period (1603-1868). Dr. ISO shows examples such as Amabie.

A popular Japanese tourist spot, the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, is said to be constructed because of a major outbreak of smallpox. Dr. ISO explains why it occurred in the Nara period (710-794).

The Gion Festival in Kyoto Prefecture, which goes back to the 9th century, is a festival to provide hospitality to the God of Plague. Dr. ISO explains how Japanese have traditionally associated with epidemics.

There was business self-restraint in the Edo period as well, especially with restaurants, inns and teahouses. Dr. ISO also refers to the episode of self-restraint when the shogun became ill.

What did people do in pre-modern times before vaccines were developed? In Japan, notices were displayed. Dr. ISO shows unique examples such as "Jo-zake ari," meaning "We have high-quality sake."

Benefits existed in the Edo period, too. For example, 7.5 kilos of rice was given to each backstreet tenement house, and importance was placed on speed. Dr. ISO explains why they could have done so.

Strict voluntary quarantine of smallpox sufferers was required in Iwakuni domain in the Edo period to protect the lord. Compliance was encouraged by a generous compensation policy that provided rice.

Let's unravel the history of masks in Japan! Dr. ISO introduces various ideas and innovations, including masks for silver mine workers and masks to block toilet odors.

With the rise in foreign trade in the late Edo period, menacing infectious diseases entered Japan. But it's also true that Westerners introduced the latest medicines and doctoral spirit of devotion.

In his diary, the 19th Prime Minister of Japan, Hara Takashi, described in detail how his health did not recover for nearly 6 months after his bout of Spanish flu.