JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
-
1
To be healthy, live in the big city
-
2
Japan's nuclear safety standards flawed, says commission chief
-
3
Why do Japanese change their attitude when they communicate with foreigners?
-
4
From carnivores to herbivores: how men are defined in Japan
-
5
Teacher nabbed for using miror to peek up girl's skirt
-
- English Instructor (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)
- Berlitz Japan, Inc. (ベルリッツ・ジャパン株式会社), Kansai
- Salary: ¥125,000 ~ ¥250,000 / Month
-
- FT English Teachers for Kids - Osaka
- Kohgakusha Co., Ltd. （株式会社興学社）, Osaka
- Salary: ¥255,000 ~ ¥275,000 / Month Travel Expenses, Encouragement of Japanese learning*
-
- Translator
- ZAIHON, Inc. (日本財務翻訳株式会社), Tokyo
- Salary: ¥6.0M / Year Negotiable
1
J_rock
I grew up with the myth of Muhammed Ali, and while I respect what he did in the ring, as well as the stand he took against the Vietnam war, I'm still hard-pressed to find anything in his life story that completely explains the level of adoration that he continues to enjoy, especially in contrast to some of the other great fighters of his era. Foreman reinvented himself as a smiling, friendly pitchman after his loss to Ali, but it always seemed as though Frazier wasn't able to completely get over not only losing to Ali, but being insulted and humiliated by him. Everything I ever saw and read about him indicated that he was a good man, but one that history had overlooked somewhat. I hope that he was able to find peace in his last years, and forgive Ali for his disgusting behaviour before, during and after their classic bouts, and that people might come to realize his real greatness.
Posted in: Boxer 'Smokin' Joe Frazier dies of cancer at 67
0
J_rock
I used to work at a US based pharmaceutical company located in Japan. Since the Japanese researchers, support staff and managers worked on global projects, they would often have to read, write, and in many cases speak English with their colleagues and counterparts overseas. Site management decided to make English a priority, but stopped short of making it an "official language". We set up a training group focused not only on language skills, but also exposing them to western business practices and cross-cultural communication. The progress that was made in a few short years was amazing. Many of the issues which had for so long resulted in wasted time and effort were reduced or eliminated, and the Japanese staff really started to feel as though they belonged to the global organization, as opposed to being an isolated outpost. There were times in which "English only" meetings were held, but rarely for anything of huge importance, and the emphasis was to just make them more comfortable using English at work. In fact, when people, and especially Japanese, are taken out of their linguistic comfort zone, communication often becomes clearer and more direct. Japanese is notorious for its ambiguity, but in English, many people simply didn't have the tools to mask their true meaning in flowery, or overly formal language which didn't really mean anything. The English meetings were short and sweet, and often straight to the point.
It's important to remember that these were Japanese employees in an American firm, so for many of the scientists and managers, promotions and career-advancement did depend on being able to function in an international, and often multi-cultural environment. In cases like that, I am all for senior management pushing English, while providing adequate support for those that genuinely want to improve. But in a domestic company, where employees only ever interact with other Japanese, there's really no point.
Posted in: Adopting English as workplace language in Japan has its downside
0
J_rock
@Ted Barrera,
Exactly what article were you reading? The application was designed by SingTel, and will be available on both the Apple and Android platforms. I'm no Apple "fanboy", but for the past few weeks, the Apple haters have been out in full force, foaming at the mouth, taking each and every opportunity to get a dig in at Apple and Steve Jobs, and anyone that's ever purchased one of their products. It's boring, and ironically, much more annoying then the "fanboys" and "sheep" that they're always railing against. PLEASE give it a rest.
Posted in: Apple's tongue-tied Siri faces 'Singlish' rival
-1
J_rock
I still don't understand why so many people were "disappointed" that they announced the 4S instead of the iPhone 5. A guy at my local phone store told me last spring that they would release a "4GS" later this year, and the 5 in 2012. How is it that a guy making a couple bucks more than minimum wage was better informed than all of these fancy analysts and industry watchers? This pattern is completely in line with Apple's previous release strategies. I've been waiting for a new phone for a couple of months, and this is the one I was waiting for. Every new Apple release brings all of the haters out of the woodwork. I've had other smartphones, and am just coming off a Blackberry, and the iPhone 4 is the best that I've seen yet - so I've pre-ordered mine, and will give it a try. If I don't like it, then I'll get something different next time around. To all of the people that spend their time constantly predicting the end of Apple's dominance, and calling anyone that opts to purchase one of their well-designed and functional products, "sheep" - get over yourselves and relax.
Posted in: Apple says pre-orders for iPhone 4S break record
0
J_rock
I work in an IT company where PCs are the standard. But for the past 6 years I've use Macs as my personal machines, so I have a lot of experience with both platforms. I don't understand a lot of the anti-Apple vitriol that gets spewed on these types of threads, nor do I have a lot of time for the Apple fanboys that think they're somehow superior because they paid a bit more for their laptop. All devices have strengths and weaknesses, and a person's decision to purchase a particular machine should be based on what their needs are.
The iPad is currently the clear leader in this market, but that doesn't mean that they can't be challenged. Especially since it does still suffer from several well-known issues.
I haven't had the chance to see one in person yet, but the early reviews on the new Sony tablet have ranged from very good to excellent. Sony may not have come up with a game-changer here, but why not give them a bit of time to see what they can do? Not too long ago Sony was one of the top consumer products companies in the world, and Apple was almost bankrupt, and barely hanging on. Things can change very quickly in this industry.
Posted in: Take two tablets
0
J_rock
In pretty typical fashion, why bother to let a few troublesome facts get in the way of a good rant? Natalie Portman is having a child with her fiancee. They're engaged to be married, so the child isn't being denied anything. Perhaps reading the article prior to making hysterical posts might help in the future.
Posted in: Huckabee denies criticizing Portman's pregnancy
0
J_rock
Damned Socialists! Spending all of our childrens' money. I want my country back! Wait, did you say Iraq? Oops, never mind.
Posted in: U.S. wasted billions in rebuilding Iraq: auditors
0
J_rock
I wonder if Rome was as embarrassing to watch during its decline as America has been? The economy is in tatters, they're in the process of losing a war in the "Graveyard of Empires", their overall level of educational attainment has dropped to among the lowest of all industrialized nations, yet what concerns them is the fear that the President might be a secret Muslim (He's not, but who cares?). Way to keep your eye on the ball guys. They must be laughing out loud in Beijing.
Posted in: Growing number of Americans incorrectly call Obama Muslim
0
J_rock
Why is Japan so afraid of mature women? I'll never understand the need to constantly infantilize grown adults.
Posted in: Married life for Ebi-chan is 'sweet'
0
J_rock
My friends live right across the street from "Lips", and they didn't know until they saw the movie.
Posted in: Anvil: Yes, they’ve quit their day jobs
0
J_rock
No wonder it's so easy for them to find volunteers for "martyrdom". Everything even remotely enjoyable is prohibited, so heaven's got to seem like more fun.
Posted in: Somali Islamists ban songs on radio
0
J_rock
2-1-3-4.
Article Unavailable
0
J_rock
@Shinhiyata: Even by the lofty standards set by the Japan Today posters, that's a ridiculous comment. Pavement were/are a great band, and the fact that you referred to them as "shoegaze", only goes to prove that you don't know what you're talking about. If you don't like them, then just stay away, and let the fans enjoy their first chance to see these guys in a decade. I've already got tickets to see them on the North American leg of the tour.
Posted in: Alt-rock slackers Pavement prove disciplined enough for worldwide comeback
0
J_rock
I like H&M a lot. I think they've got a lot of good stuff I can wear both at work, and in more casual situations, and I shop there probably more than any other clothing store. Having said that, nothing inside your typical H&M justifies standing in line outside in the rain.
Article Unavailable
0
J_rock
Harry Reid chose the wrong words to express something that is completely true. Black people know it, white people know it, everyone knows it. Obama is black enough that white people can feel good and "progressive" for voting for him, but not black enough to scare them. It's the same reason everyone was so big on Colin Powell a few years ago. This faux Republican outrage would be laughable, if it were not so nakedly cynical. Reid's voting record over the years with regards to expanding and protecting civil rights speaks for itself. Trent Lott was rightly brought down for voicing support for a segregationist. Reid was speaking in support of a black candidate. The GOP have used race as an electoral weapon for decades now. While the words and images they use keep changing ("Welfare Queens", "Willie Horton", "Socialists", "Real Americans") there is never any doubt behind the intent. Nixon's southern strategy is alive and well in 2010. How do Michael Steele or any of the rest of them sleep at night?
Posted in: GOP: Response to Reid remark shows double standard
0
J_rock
This story has no good guy. Both sides make me pretty sick.
Posted in: Anti-whaling boat sinks off Antarctica
0
J_rock
This is a bit of a silly question innit? Someone taking offence can't be avoided when expressing opinions; but defamation, slander and abuse are entirely separate issues.
Posted in: Should freedom of expression include the right to offend others?
0
J_rock
"I'm sorry, but I missed my last train. Can I stay at your place?"
That question was the start of many a good night back-in-the-day. If the trains start running all night, they're going to ruin one of the J-girls' best excuses for sleeping over.
Posted in: Last train blues
0
J_rock
The problem with Japan welcoming more direct foreign investment is that it often comes along with actual foreigners. They can't go messing up the "wa" now can they?
Posted in: Japan needs to welcome foreign investment, UK minister says
0
J_rock
I am no fan of this clown, but given the IOC's track record, he's probably right. Still, it's pretty hilarious that a Japanese politician, and a member of the LDP at that, would complain about backroom deals. Irony truly is wasted on Japan.
Posted in: Ishihara blames Tokyo 2016 failure on behind-the-scenes deals