It's the first swimming class of the year in early June, and a teacher is calling on third grade students at an elementary school in Gifu Prefecture to splash themselves with water — a scene that hadn't occurred in two years.
The children at Makuwa Elementary School in Motosu smiled as they vigorously splashed water on their chests. But absent during the lesson were the cheerful voices usually heard at the pool, as they were told to remain silent as part of anti-virus measures.
“I’m sad that we are not allowed to speak, but I’m glad we can get in the pool,” said Riisa Azuma, one of the students.