JohnBecker said...

JohnBecker at 01:21 AM JST - 4th September

Rio would be an interesting choice, but there are some issues. Public transport, venues, crime... It's one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen (as long as you stay away from the favelas), but it would take an incredible amount of work to get all the pieces in place.…

Posted in Tokyo still confident of 2016 bid despite IOC report at 01:21 AM JST - 4th September
JohnBecker at 12:43 AM JST - 3rd September

For people who seek out fine dining when they travel, these guides are far from pointless.

Posted in 1st Michelin Kyoto, Osaka gourmet guidebook to come out Oct 16 at 12:43 AM JST - 3rd September
JohnBecker at 01:11 AM JST - 2nd September

@franz75: It's been about 2 years since the yen was 109 to the dollar.

The strong yen may be great or terrible for those living in Japan, for varying reasons. But it's making it awfully difficult for me to consider a return visit. (Last time I was in Japan, I'd…

Posted in Tokyo stocks rebound as yen, China stocks stabilize at 01:11 AM JST - 2nd September
JohnBecker at 01:03 AM JST - 28th August

A side benefit - no one will ever stiff the driver of one of these taxis after a ride to Ibaraki.

Posted in Electric taxis to run in Tokyo, adopting battery switch system at 01:03 AM JST - 28th August
JohnBecker at 01:29 AM JST - 26th August

"Mellow Z Pride"?

Posted in Fluorescent lamps with 25% extended life at 01:29 AM JST - 26th August
JohnBecker at 01:17 AM JST - 26th August

@zoechan: it's called a taxi stand. You take the taxi at the front of the line, otherwise there would be chaos among the drivers.

@fusedentropy: Tipping has always been part of the deal in U.S. taxis. Not customary in Japan, very customary in the States. If you feel ripped off,…

Posted in Taxi driver at 01:17 AM JST - 26th August
JohnBecker at 01:20 AM JST - 25th August

Party leaders appeal to voters on last weekend before election

I'm not convinced that they're appealing to anyone.

Posted in Party leaders appeal to voters on last weekend before election at 01:20 AM JST - 25th August
JohnBecker at 02:01 AM JST - 22nd August

The author, while praising the lack of "envy-driven social climbing", fails to mention that people were born to a class and prohibited by law to "climb" to another.

Posted in What we can learn from Edo Period about recycling at 02:01 AM JST - 22nd August
JohnBecker at 01:38 AM JST - 22nd August

I am disappointed. This fine group of folks making comments, and not one said anything about "this time it's the ladies wearing beer goggles."

Article Unavailable
JohnBecker at 01:36 AM JST - 21st August

The stories eventually became so boring that he eventually put even himself to sleep.

Posted in Former rakugo storyteller held for using stimulants at 01:36 AM JST - 21st August