It's not hard to imagine why some of those who are stuck at home during this coronavirus pandemic may feel helpless to do anything as the media is dominated by worrisome news. In Japan last week, a leading physicians' association warned that the nation's healthcare system is on the verge of crisis, and a major group of doctors in Tokyo declared a "state of medical emergency" yesterday due to the impending shortage of beds and the rise of infections.

With doctors risking their lives on the frontlines, some people may feel pangs of conscience as they do takunomi 宅飲み (drink at home) or join the current trend of participating in online drinking parties. But now, there's a way you can drink while supporting doctors and promoting coronavirus awareness all at the same time.

---

"We'll enjoy our time at home and beat the coronavirus" sake cups

Ohashi Ryoki Co., Ltd., which manufactures traditional masu 枡 square sake cups made of fragrant hinoki 檜 (Japanese cypress) wood in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, is selling a special version of their sake cups for a limited period. As the name of their masu suggests, these cups are intended for drinking sake at home, but what about "beating the coronavirus"?

To begin with, the cups are printed with the hashtag #stayhome, not only serving as a reminder to continue self-isolation but also potentially promoting the message to other people when you join online drinking parties. But more importantly, a portion of the masu's sales will be donated to the Doctors Without Borders' COVID-19 Crisis Fund.

So why not say "kampai" with a handsome sake cup and do your part to beat the coronavirus too. They ship abroad, so (postal services permitting) you can even order one if you don't live in Japan.

To order yours, please visit the official product page here.

---

Product Information

• Name: 「わたしたちはコロナに負けずおうち時間を楽しみ枡！」("We'll enjoy our time at home and beat the coronavirus" sake cups)
• Dimensions: 85 mm X 85 mm X 56 mm (180 ml capacity)
• Material: domestic hinoki cypress (from Kiso, Tōnō or other areas)
• Price: 600 JPY (excl. tax)
• On sale between April 7th and May 31st
• Retailer: Masu Kobo Masuya / masu cafe (Ogaki Citu, Gifu Prefecture)