J_rock said...

J_rock at 01:01 AM JST - 6th March

Not to sound cynical, but bullying in Japan will NEVER cease. It's an important and "necessary" part of the socialization process. In a country that still places such a high value on conformity, both the victims and those who observe it are "taught" about what happens to anyone who dares…

Posted in Mie high school student commits suicide, leaving names of seven classmates in note at 01:01 AM JST - 6th March
J_rock at 04:47 AM JST - 5th March

Japanese politics would be funny if they weren't so bloody depressing. Maybe they should reinstate the Emperor as a living deity, and just let him rule by decree, because "democurashi" clearly isn't working.

Posted in Prosecutors raid local office of Ozawa; DPJ leader refuses to quit at 04:47 AM JST - 5th March
J_rock at 12:10 AM JST - 20th February

From the time I first arrived in Japan in 2000 until I left last year, they ran a version of this article on an annual basis. Every year a new record is set, and while the numbers remain comparatively low, the trend has always been upwards. Not to mention the…

Posted in No. of HIV-infected, AIDS patients in Japan hits record high in 2008 at 12:10 AM JST - 20th February
J_rock at 11:48 PM JST - 17th February

Ichiro is just like Vince Carter in the NBA. An incredibly gifted athlete who will never lead a team anywhere, because he's just too selfish. True stars make those around them better, will carry a team on their backs when necessary, and on some nights win games that they shouldn't…

Posted in Mariners seek to end infighting over Ichiro at 11:48 PM JST - 17th February
J_rock at 09:47 AM JST - 23rd January

What a dumbass. I actually disagree with Japan's overly stringent anti-marijuana laws, but it is the law. If this guy couldn't respect them, then at least try and be a bit more intelligent, or at least cautious, with regards to breaking them. While it is overpriced, and often of fairly…

Posted in Spanish student held for allegedly smuggling cannabis resins at 09:47 AM JST - 23rd January
J_rock at 12:10 PM JST - 16th January

Read: only beautiful women should be celebrities, right?

We got you, J_rock.

Yeah, because cosmetics companies, especially Japanese ones, hire spokesmodels only for their personalities. And since most "tarento" don't actually have any discernable talents, they are mostly famous for the fact that they are supposedly "kawaii". At least your…

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J_rock at 09:02 AM JST - 16th January

I've always wondered, why in a country with so many beautiful women just walking down the street, are Japanese celebrities so consistently underwhelming? You could throw a rock in Omotesando and hit 5 much more attractive women. Maybe not Shinohara, but that's a terrible picture of her.

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J_rock at 09:52 AM JST - 15th January

I'm glad that this is catching on. I would have definitely made use of a service like this when I lived in Japan. I've been using a similar service for the past 6 months in Toronto, and I really can't say enough good things about it.

Posted in Car-share services catching on as people tighten budgets at 09:52 AM JST - 15th January
J_rock at 12:45 AM JST - 14th January

The woman was the true icon/epitome of modern Japanese womanhood. Empty, shallow, devoid of the desire for personnal empowerment, materialistically obsessed and immoral.

What a load of bitter, misogynistic garbage. It does a great disservice to millions of women, and doesn't reflect all that well on yourself either.

Posted in Ai Iijima's last days shrouded in mystery at 12:45 AM JST - 14th January
J_rock at 04:21 AM JST - 31st December

I wound up there completely by accident during my first trip to Tokyo 8 years ago, and had a wonderful afternoon. A definite must-see part of the city.

Posted in Ameyoko market at 04:21 AM JST - 31st December