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We have looked into new ways of thinking, behavior, and things to keep in mind when resuming outdoor activities (updated regularly)

The long-awaited lifting of the state of emergency declaration nationwide.

After the lifting, announcements of reopening have gradually begun to be sent from mountain huts and campsites that were closed, as well as tourist parking lots that had been closed.

The long-awaited ban has been waiting for many outdoor enthusiasts who have been refraining from unnecessary outings for months. On this site, reviews of mountain tools that had been cancelled had accumulated, and I was so excited to wait for this moment, eagerly distracting my days with a street run every day.

However, we should not resume activities here without a doubt.

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has fundamentally changed the way people live their daily lives. The same goes for outdoor activities, and the various situations surrounding the outdoors have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of course, the basic relationship between nature and humans and the essential mindset when you let yourself play in nature remains the same. However, it is certainly true that everyone needs to recognize that there is a new best way of thinking and preparation for new situations and update their thinking. After all, the COVID-19 pandemic is not a kind of issue where you just need to be good, but it is even more so when you consider that your behavior can have a negative impact on others and your community. And most importantly, even though the declaration has been lifted, the fear of infection has not yet subsided. Even if that is only going to be subsided, it can also be said that nothing has changed before and after the declaration.

Meanwhile, several mountain, nature and sports organizations have recently provided ideas and guidelines for conduct that respond to this new situation. This time, I have carefully selected and picked out information sources that I found to be more rational, practical, and useful, and will share them.

I hope this will help you learn about new ways of thinking and preparations you should keep in mind as you resume outdoor and recreation, and help you fully prepare and resume your work. However (this is common to any outdoor knowledge) does not mean that you should blindly follow the specifics written in the guidelines. Don't forget that what's important is the idea that serves as the basis for these guidelines.

In the second half of the article, we shared information about support projects such as mountain huts that we also supported from this site, although this is another serious issue. There may be some shortages or lack of awareness, but we will update these as soon as you point them out, so if you notice them and would like to let us know, please comment on our Facebook page or something.

A collection of useful information to help you in the future to be safe and responsible outdoor activities

Added on May 29: <Statement of Four Mountain Groups> To mountain sports enthusiasts following the government's complete lifting of the state of emergency

To mountain sports enthusiasts following the government's complete lifting of the state of emergency

On May 25th, four mountain organizations (Japan Mountain and Sports Climbing Association, the Japan Workers' Mountain Federation, the Japan Mountain Association, the Japan Mountain Association, and the Japan Mountain Guide Association, the Japan Mountain Guide Association) also issued guidelines for future mountain climbing. This is a bit of a concern, such as "Wear a mask while climbing," and "Please refrain from shopping within the mountain range from the perspective of preventing infection to local residents."

Mountain Medical Rescue Agency: "Knowledge for Resuming Mountain Climbing "Mountain Climbing Practice Edition"

Source: Mountain Medical Rescue Organization

Mountain Medical Rescue Agency: "Knowledge for Resuming Mountain Climbing "Mountain Climbing Practice Edition"

Guidelines for climbers created by the Mountain Medical Rescue Agency (updated regularly). The content is very specific, practical and intense. It's a long time, but it's easy to understand because it provides detailed guidelines for hiking and tent climbing from day trips to a hut. According to the following items, the items below are always equipment that you should carry even on day hikes (please read the contents carefully and understand why you should carry them with you).

  • Masks (bandanas, buff®, etc.)
  • Alcohol gel
  • Ziploc® (for garbage bags)
  • Tissue or toilet paper

In addition, prior to this, the guidelines for "Knowledge for Resuming Mountain Climbing (Planning and Preparation Edition)" have also been made public, covering a wide range of guidelines, from mountain hut managers and rescue workers to the general public (also updated regularly). Additionally, these guidelines also have a collection of Q&As published, so if you want to learn more, be sure to check it out as well.

Conservation Alliance Japan (CAJ) General Incorporated Association "Five Guidelines for Going Outdoors"

Source: Conservation Alliance Japan, a general incorporated association

Five guidelines for going outdoors now that COVID-19 is spreading

Conservation Alliance Japan, a non-profit support organization that collaborates with the industry and the organizations committed to sustainable conservation of Japan's outdoor fields, has published basic guidelines for conduct when acting outdoors.

 

 

 

Japan Free Climbing Association (JFA) NPO "Guidelines for using rocky areas after the state of emergency is lifted"

Source: Climbing During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Guidelines for using rocky areas after the state of emergency was lifted (PDF)

The Japan Free Climbing Association (JFA), an NPO that promotes free climbing and promotes competitions, has also issued guidelines for climbers to safely use rocky areas after the state of emergency is lifted. The basis is the " Climbing During the Coronavirus Pandemic, " a guideline published by the Access Fund, an American non-profit climbing support organization.

 

 

Examples from overseas

It appears that the US and Europe have overcome their serious peaks and are gradually beginning to resume outdoor activities. Although there are minor differences in environment and culture depending on the region, the virus itself is the same all over the world, so this should also be useful. For reference, we've done a quick look at how we're trying to deal with COVID-19.

National Park Servicwe

"#RecreateResponsibly"

After the state of emergency was lifted, parks are gradually reopening at a limited time and location in American national parks, but at the same time, they are working with a variety of outdoor manufacturers, distribution and various organizations to call for responsible actions to protect themselves and those around them, under the catchphrase "#RecreateResponsibly." They consist of five guidelines:

Know before you go.

Before traveling, be sure to check the local information (such as the condition of the park, roads, toilets, and other facilities).

Keep it close.

Follow the policies and orders issued by the state and county governing the area you are considering visiting.

Keep your distance.

Follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and act with sufficient space wherever you are.

Know your limits.

While the community is focused on preventing the spread of infection, refrain from any difficult routes or new activities that are important for you.

Keep it with you.

Take everything you bring yourself ( the "Leave No Trace" principle ).

Mountain huts overseas (from the Mountain Medical Rescue Agency website)

Reopening of mountain huts overseas (Switzerland, Germany, Austria)

The website of the Mountain Medical Rescue Agency mentioned earlier introduced the situation in Switzerland, Germany and Austria as the circumstances surrounding the reopening of mountain huts overseas. The circumstances of huts vary from country to country, so preventive measures and actions and belongings of climbers are also different. It was helpful when considering actions in Japan.

Supporting the mountain huts and outdoor industry

Once you've updated your knowledge and manners and are ready to go to the mountains, don't forget to do this at the end. As you know, many mountain huts and outdoor facilities are in danger due to the suspension of activities and closures before and after the declaration. Once it's lost, it will take many times more effort to get it back to normal. There is no doubt that Japanese mountain huts offer many benefits to all climbers who visit it, from the development of surrounding mountain trails and the use of emergency rescue operations.

So, we've picked out some outdoor-related COVID-19 damage relief projects, including mountain huts, which I've been searching for and found on various crowdfunding sites and search sites recently. I'll definitely support you here.

[Coronavirus] #Mountain Hut Support Project

[Coronavirus] #Mountain Hut Support Project – Crowdfunding READYFOR

Mountain huts have three main roles: 1. The role of climbers as a place to stay and rest 2. The role of rescue and rescue 3. The role of maintaining and managing the mountain trail Mountain huts are not merely facilities, but also the infrastructure of the mountain. It is only because of the mountain hut that climbers can enjoy safe and comfortable climbing. ...

Let's all support the mountain hut, which provides the safety and security of climbers! "Mountain Hut Aid Fund"

Let's all support the mountain hut, which provides the safety and security of climbers! "Yamagoya Aid Fund" | MOTION GALLERY

This project was launched by Yamato Keikokusha to support mountain huts that are being used as accommodations, maintenance of mountain trails, and evacuation sites amid continuing self-restraints. The funds collected will be distributed evenly to the mountain huts that are supported by the fund. I want to support mountain huts across the country that support mountain climbing! ...

Tsurugizawa Hut

Tsurugizawa Hut

Welcome to Tsurugizawa Hut's homepage. Tsurugizawa Hut is a historic mountain hut that was founded in the Taisho period. You can view Mt. Tsurugi from the front. Reservations are required when staying overnight. We may refuse to accommodate customers if the room is full. Crowdfunding Due to the impact of the new coronavirus, business operations are shrinking, and other issues are in a severe situation. We look forward to your support. The impact of the new coronavirus has also been reflected in mountains and mountain climbing. ...

Sukō Fujikan Crowdfunding

5/23 Summit Fujikan crowdfunding has started! Thank you for your support! | Mt. Fuji Mountain Hut Fujikan

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Outdoor Relief Team Request for cooperation

Regarding acceptance of support assistance for COVID-19 (Montbell)

We provided protective suits made of Tyvek material to the following medical institutions: Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, National University Corporation, COVID-19 Countermeasures Office (10 protective clothing) Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine Emergency Intensive Care Medicine (20 protective clothing, 30 rainwear top and bottom) National Hospital Organization Osaka Medical Center (10 protective clothing) Nara Prefectural Medical University (10 protective clothing)

Please support the campsite in Kosuge Village, where it is in danger of survival! I want to explore new camps in the COVID-19 era!

Please support the campsite in Kosuge Village, where it is in danger of survival! I want to explore new camps in the COVID-19 era!

Introduction/Greetings The Spinach Forest Campground is located in Kosugemura, Yamanashi Prefecture, which borders the edge of Tokyo, further down from the Okutama area. Kosuge Village is the source of the Tama River and Sagami River, and has gradually become known in recent years as the "Tama Source." ...

Don't succumb to the coronavirus! A shop support project in Hinohara Village, a Tokyo Satoyama

Don't succumb to the coronavirus! A shop support project in Hinohara Village, a Tokyo Satoyama | MOTION GALLERY

Hinohara Village is a village of forests and rivers at the western edge of Tokyo. Due to the coronavirus, many food, accommodation, and tourist facilities are refraining from operating and reducing their business. This is a project to maintain connections so that all the volunteer businesses of Hinohara Village and Hinohara fans can meet again in the village. Introduction...