Hello, everyone.

This is Enta.

It's the last day of Obon, isn't it?

I'm not even going back to my parents' house—I'm working from home lol

Just put your hands together in the direction of the grave and say "Namu"—that's fine.

While visiting graves is often seen as the main purpose of honoring one’s ancestors in this way, that’s actually not the case.

For those who can't make it,Putting your hands together in that direction,A Sense of Gratitude Toward Our AncestorsThat's what matters.

 

Simply put, a grave is a way of idolizing one’s ancestors; it may seem as though we’re worshiping the grave itself as if it were the ancestor, but in reality, it’s all about the sentiment.

It goes without saying that we should be grateful to our ancestors.

However, given the current global situation, we are unable to even visit graves.

 

You know how some older people often say things like, “If you don’t visit the graves, you’ll be punished!”?

In situations like that, your ancestors might be a bit petty, but my ancestors are pretty laid-back, so they won’t get mad even if you don’t visit for about a year, right? lol

You could even say that lol (though I guess that might rub some people the wrong way)

There’s no way I’ll be punished. God isn’t that petty. I believe He’s quite forgiving.

I didn't say there's a God! lol

I’m not really interested in religion at all, but I did study it a bit in the past—prompted by a question I had—with the help of various books and advice from friends, so I know a little bit about it lol.

That's why I hate people who act like second-generation jerk monks lol

 

Actually, during this COVID-19 pandemic, traveling long distances to visit graves is something that locals tend to dislike, isn't it? (Personally, I think it's fine because it boosts the economy.)

Well, going back from Aichi to Kagoshima is tiring and it's a long way, so I don't go back, lol.

Still, all I can do is put my hands together in prayer as I head from Aichi to Kagoshima by plane.

 

Since it’s that time of year, I’m sure there are family gatherings and such, but I think we’ll be able to go whenever we want once COVID becomes just like the common cold, so I’ll just have to be patient until then.

Eventually, COVID-19 will probably end up being treated like the flu. (Just my guess.)

If that happens, I can go as many times as I want.

I hope you'll splurge and have a blast celebrating Obon!

 

As expected, the impact of COVID-19 is significant in this area as well (though the media is largely to blame).

Even that media outlet is in a dire situation.

I don't know what will happen from here on out, but I want to think things through carefully before taking action.

I want to wring every last drop out of my lazy brain to come up with ideas and build a future—so that I can paint a picture of what lies ahead for the current Entame employees!

 

Now that Obon is over, let’s all—public sector workers—keep working hard to express our gratitude to our ancestors, for the sake of Japan’s economy, for ourselves, and—to some extent—for our companies!

Even after Obon, please be especially careful to avoid heatstroke and stay safe!

 

See you later.