More than 50,000 people infected with coronavirus in Italy

The coronavirus outbreak in Italy is currently spreading and the situation remains serious.
Many of Zen Style's friends live in Italy.
A friend of Zen Style's who runs a restaurant in Italy and serves as a bridge between Japan and Italy, asked us to send in a video with the message "Forza Italiani!" to cheer up and encourage Italy today.
I hope this video reaches many people living in Italy.

Even though it was such a short video, only two and a half minutes, I felt like it was packed with my life.

I was reminded of the memories of my 17 years in Italy, and tears welled up in my eyes.
I have also complained about various things, such as that Italians are careless and that it is a difficult country to live in.

However, hearing the messages sent by all of you made me realize once again that the fact that I am still here 17 years later means that deep down I really love this country.
Italy is currently approaching 50,000 cases of the virus and over 5,500 deaths.

Starting tomorrow, all businesses will be completely closed.
There are many people fighting in this country.

For the past 10 days, I have been at the store constantly, personally delivering food to customers' homes.

Some of them were crying because they had lost their jobs, but they still placed orders to help our restaurant.
I once again realized my own powerlessness and that I am alive thanks to the support of others.
I am once again relying on your help, but I would like to use that power to cheer up the Italian people.
I hope to repay this favor someday.

Thank you so very much.

-Akira Yoshida