JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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- Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Kanto region
- RCS (RCSコーポレーション), Kanto
- Salary: ¥180,000 ~ ¥250,000 / Month includes performance bonus
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- Assistant Language Teacher - TOKYO - late-March start
- Interac, Tokyo
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
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- Assistant Language Teacher - Kanagawa Prefecture - late-March start
- Interac, Kanagawa
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
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Kuroyama
I dont see any good outcome here. Did anyone here see Natural Born Killers by Oliver Stone? Remember how the two serial killers Mickey and Mallory were treated as celebrities and idols? Well... OS was out of his mind on drugs during that project, but Ichihashi was given the same star treatment as those fictional characters when he was caught. Girls swooned and offered themselves up to him citing his cleverness and undeniable charm. The media covered it all and glorified this rapist-murderer. It made me wonder if I was on drugs...
So... For the same culture to make a movie based on his book... Unfortunate yes, but I think the true shock here is how unsurprising this is. Particularly for foreigners who live in Japan for any real length of time. There is beauty in elements of Japanese culture, but like amakudari, black sound trucks, ijime, celebrated racism, and "little emperors"... This ISNT it.
Posted in: Book by killer of British woman to become film
9
Kuroyama
Seriously... Im betting most people here citing "laziness" have never lived in Japan and dont understand that you DO walk everywhere everyday. Its not like the US at all where you can drive fom place to place. (well, rural japan is) but as for the Tokai area... You are going to walk your ash off. You better enjoy that 5 step escalator.
Posted in: Is this the shortest escalator in the world?
0
Kuroyama
@Motytrah Most Japanese salarymen have become so entrenched with their thinking of the suit jacket that they simply don't know how to live without one.
I'm betting its gonna take a televised rash of heat stroke victims before people start embracing this stuff. The first reaction of course will be to crank the AC back up. That will last until the brownouts and blackouts begin. 2011 Summer will be a challenge.
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Kuroyama
I thought this was a huge move, but hes doing it AFTER TEPCO did it. Also, hes still drawing salary as a public employee. So hes not exactly going hungry.
Still, I think its a move in the right direction. As for calls for his resignation. I think those people would be happier with NO Prime Minister at all. After Koizumi (Not my fave PM) Japan has been through... what? like 17 Prime Ministers in 5 years? These guys have no sack whatsoever, and no ability to withstand the tough stuff. When the going gets tough... The Japanese PM resigns.
I hope that trend comes to an end. This guy Kan seems to have to stuff! He may not make all the right calls, but neither does he quit at the first sign of adversity.
Everybody else wants his job, but I DOUBT they'd do any better than RESIGN under whats hes been under. Everybody wants a JOB, but nobody wants to WORK. Not only is Kan willing to WORK, but willing to do it for less money!!
Hang in there KAN!!!
Posted in: Kan to forgo PM's salary until nuclear crisis brought under control
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Kuroyama
While the "AC" jingle might get old... thos Public Service Announcements are of great service to the community!! Who here riding a train HASNT watched as perfectly able-bodied men will avert their eyes and otherwise IGNORE a pregnant lady on the train while she stands unable to find a seat? What about people riding bicycles at speed down crowded sidewalks with no regard for pedestrians?
I think viewers are complaining because the AC spots hit a nerve. The repetitiveness serves to drive the message home.
There are spots in Japan where people do treat each other with great courtesy and respect... but in the city... you take your chances. They NEED this. They should have a few more about washing your hands after finishing in the restroom, or perhaps about NOT coughing or sneezing without covering ones mouth?
Posted in: AC Japan makes new ads with SMAP, others after viewers complain
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Kuroyama
I think these days Japanese women have bigger fish to fry than what last name to use. Honestly... whos getting MARRIED? Is this generation of youth even DATING? Every other headline talks about boys holing up in their rooms with computer games and manga. Meanwhile the girls are too busy dyeing their hair orange and focusing on sad-clown makeup techniques.
Japanese society has some great qualities, but focusing on whats important doesnt seem to rank at the top of that list...
Posted in: Women file suit to keep their surnames after they marry
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Kuroyama
Aural assault is all part of the Japan Experience. Might I suggest earplugs or better, a music player. IMO the only announcement of any value is to announce the approach of a train, or the station the train is approaching. I even like the jingles that are signature to each station (I believe OP forgot to mention that part)
But since on many lines the announcer either has a mouth full of marbles, eats the microphone, or simply doesn't enunciate... I just plug in my iPhone and I'm good to go. For those not willing to spend money on a music player, ear plugs can be bought for about 300 yen.
Posted in: Why must Tokyo’s railways engage in aural assault?
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Kuroyama
I dont know what happened to Japan. Im not THAT much older than most of the posters here, but the Japanese guys I went to college with were for the most part CLASS ACTS. Great guys with a sense of responsibility, and the ability to SOCIALIZE, with others.
But, that was a few years ago. After moving here, Ive met some great people, but for the most part, its just people who cant see beyond their own skin. No ability to interact socially on any level. No ability to hold a job. Society in general doesnt seem to see this as a problem because HEY, they are JAPANESE! Unless something is done to teach these people to interact well with others both from outside Japan AND inside Japan... the future cannot bode well. Not for those who cant be bothered to hold a job and contribute to society, nor for the society which becomes smaller and more fragmented with each individual lost.
Posted in: Homeless getting younger and younger
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Kuroyama
@MrDog I dont think this is about sports figures actually. I think (now that I've thought) that its just about money. Bottom line is that they are in business not to support sports culture, but to make money. If that meant selling purple-dyed hard boiled eggs to the French... thats what ADIDAS would do if it meant more money than sports.
As much as we may or may not like Japanese boy bands (Im certainly no fan)the fact of the matter is that women and some men do. Too many men in JP spend their money on manga, and virtual girlfriends. Even if there were an honest to God Japanese 6 Million Dollar man that was sponsored by ADIDAS, it wouldnt motivate them to excercise or buy gear that make them look as if they would.
Women however, DO workout. They do their little runs, and get busy in gyms. I think its more about being pencil thin, than it is about being healthy... but thats another topic.
The point is... You market "Exile x Adidas" in Japan... chicks will drop that Yen to get it. Even if only to match clothes with their Daschunds and Chihuahuas...
Posted in: Pop group Exile sign contract with adidas
0
Kuroyama
Never been a fan of exile. I hear all this talk about "grass eating boys" At least exile sport facial hair and dont rock the "I might be a girl" look. Im no homophobe, so if a guy wants to act feminine, whatever.
I just dont think sports brand that endorses sports figures is making the right move endorsing a boy-band. UNLESS thats the new move...
ADIDAS - Selling out is Not Impossible!
Posted in: Pop group Exile sign contract with adidas
0
Kuroyama
Body nazis are a joke. You guys poke fun at overweight people then want take up all the seats with leg room even though your legs dangle as they are too short to reach the floor. I am not overweight, but at 190.5cm with a swimmers build, my backside doesnt take up the whole of the seat, but my shoulders do spill over the width at the top. I DONT fit in airline seats.
So what should the airline do for ME when some wisp of a human in front wants to stretch out as if on a living room couch and lean their seat right back into my knees? (although my knees were ALREADY pushing into the back of his seat when it was UPRIGHT!)
How about all the big people on the plane stick the small people into the overhead bins and then use what space were able to reclaim as a result.
Does that sound pretty freaking unfair??? It SHOULD. But its no LESS fair than the crap you whiners propose. Americans are big people. Airlines should realize this and build seating accordingly.
Posted in: How should airlines handle obese passengers?
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Kuroyama
J guys these days dont drink, dont bathe, dont earn, dont care to talk to women... Is there any wonder J girls are losing interest?
Having said all that... back in the 90s, it was all about clothes, cars, and music... no real substance there.
Meh, being single sucks.
Posted in: 'Herbivore' men misunderstand what marriage arranging parties are all about
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Kuroyama
People expect President Obama to clean up EIGHT YEARS of Bush-it in two years... Support politicians who DONT support the cleanup effort, then assign blame because the jobs not done yet.
Posted in: Obama's star fades in Muslim world
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Kuroyama
Im amazed that the OP thinks these traits dont apply to all women.
(Except for the "kawaii" thing... but if you translate that into (fawning) then yeah, that applies too!)
Posted in: Things Japanese girls do that make guys go, 'Huh?'
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Kuroyama
disculpame... did you say "help the CHINESE value peace??" Because the JAPANESE treasure harmony so dearly? Peace and love are the theme at the Yasukuni Shrine right...?
Posted in: Keisuke Kuwata resumes work on album after recovering from cancer surgery
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Kuroyama
Its not a matter of service or no service. There are two points you overlook.
1) By asking for something "off menu" you are asking for something the clerk has not been trained to do. However silly and obvious the request may be, it involves actual independent thought on the part of the person you are working with. THAT is what is "muri" (impossible).
2) You are foreign. Without getting into the ethics of it, locals are usually simply not as willing to go as far outside the lines for someone who is not local.
Ive heard and experienced firsthand local inability to serve a FULL coke with no ice, or a hamburger with light mayo instead of a mayo patty bigger than the beef beneath it. But these stories are lost on locals when you try to talk to them about it. Because it doesnt happen to them (usually) unless they are WITH YOU.
Posted in: In Japan, the customer is not king
0
Kuroyama
In my office smokers take all manner of breaks. I just equal it out by taking non-smoking breaks. Thing is, when I come back from break, I dont stink of tobacco. Our office has a pretty good no-smoking policy, and the rooms are separate filtered and away from work offices, but when people come back from the smoke room... you could dump a full ashtray on my desk and it would stink less.
I figure I should start smoking fat cigars in the smoking section and wait for people to complain. (I do smoke cigars, but not indoors except for cigar bars...) Anyway. If anyone complains about the cigar smoke, I'll just tell them to ^%$#( d^%$. When HR gets involved, I'll tell them I'll stop smoking cigars when the building becomes TRULY smoke free.
Posted in: How does your workplace deal with the issue of passive smoking?
0
Kuroyama
I applaud Mikitani. I work for a US company here in Japan and the amount of pushback given to English is quite scary. English as a competency is mainly only lip service. Lower grade employees with strong English skills are held back out of fear they will overshadow their bosses.
It has been my experience that Japanese who are serious about learning English will leave the country to do so. I think when met, they tend to stand out by having a far stronger global view than their peers.
IMO a Japanese company that is serious about international business will take English seriously. Good Luck Mikitani!!! Dont listen to naysayers! They are just jealous of your initiative, and scared of the outside world. Its people like you that will lead Japan into the future.
Posted in: Rakuten's decision on English not welcomed by everyone
0
Kuroyama
This movie isnt what you think it is. It is not the Japan bashing propaganda people report it as. It never ceases to amaze how people with an agenda will watch a film with one message and report incorrectly on the content of the message.
The core message of this film is that abuse of dolphins is wrong. Thats everything from Taiji senseless spearfishing of dolphins in a blocked cove, to locking dolphins in a box in the US and prompting them to do tricks for a living.
Of course, the movie puts a negative slant on the fishermen... if people were threatening YOU with weapons... and brutally butchering animals you loved, I bet you wouldnt be to glowing in their praise, now would you?
The film makes sense to anyone who sits down to actually WATCH IT from beginning to end. Forget what the fishermen, the Japanese, the Americans... forget what they all have to say and listen to the dolphins screaming as they get speared to death. Anyone that grew up within travel distance of a Sea World, or even a television... has probably heard dolphins clicking and whistling. Heck, Ive heard in while surfing with them in San Diego!! But how many hear have heard dolphins screaming as they are tortured to death. Listen to what THEY are saying. Try to look past all the human agenda driven bull$#%@ and listen to THAT.
Posted in: Internet service company to show 'The Cove' in Japan
0
Kuroyama
Nope, Burger King isnt the lunch youre dreaming of, by any stretch of the imagination. But as almost any American living here will tell you, live in Japan long enough, and food from BK, Taco Bell, will sound good to you.
Posted in: A few Whoppers