JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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To be healthy, live in the big city
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Japan's nuclear safety standards flawed, says commission chief
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Teacher nabbed for using miror to peek up girl's skirt
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From carnivores to herbivores: how men are defined in Japan
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Why do Japanese change their attitude when they communicate with foreigners?
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- 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
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- 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*
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- Translator
- ZAIHON, Inc. (日本財務翻訳株式会社), Tokyo
- Salary: ¥6.0M / Year Negotiable
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ReikiZen
Well I am not a big AKB48 fan myself but this really isn't that big a surprise. I do however feel sorry for the other nominees. There are far more talented artists in Japan and this is a real slap in the face if you ask me. In private many of my friends feel almost ashamed when AKB48 is even mentioned. To believe such a low talent group can achieve such a high honor is embarrassing, they said. It really makes me wonder though why more Japanese artists haven't taken their talents elsewhere. There are at least a half dozen I know of which would do quite well outside Japan and already have considerable fan bases as well. Just as a couple examples. X-Japan just recently signed a 3 year contract with E.M.I.
Namie Amuro performing at the WMA"s & being only the second Japanese artist ever to do so. Oh she won btw as well haha. I also believe Lecca performed with Shaggy & CL recently performed with Black Eyed Peas which was amazing. So it is not like there aren't talented Japanese/Asian artists out there as there most certainly are. If Japan doesn't start promoting it's artists more equally. There aren't going to be any ones left to promote. While AKB48 might be popular now. By no means do they have what it takes to keep the entire Japanese music industry afloat. That title is reserved for one Ayumi Hamaski which AKB48 is clearly not lol. Let's just hope that girl never retires!!
Posted in: AKB48 wins top Japan record industry award
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ReikiZen
I am not a big Gaga fan myself but she is hardly the worst of the worst. She is a very gifted and talented musician. I can name 30 other artists or groups far worse with absolutely no talent. Yet some people here wold think are just the best there ever was. The problem is that there are so few new artists these days to fill in the gaps. Gaga is among only a handful of artists which are even making any waves at all in a ever fading industry. Another thing to take into consideration is how I-tunes is changing the current landscape of the music industry, for better or for worse. I am still on the fence on this but I think it has made many artists lazy. My feeling is that you can't get a since for a group or artist by just one or two songs. Yet that is how most people are downloading or acquiring their music now days. One might say, "Hey I really like that song but I don't really know the artist." Kinda sad really that it is coming to that .
The belief that artist's are going to just think: "Hey I can hit it big off this one song, so the rest of the album doesn't have to be that great." You couldn't really get away with that kind of thinking before when album sales were more important. Although if bands start aiming just for singles, then we likely will have lost part of our musically identity. Say what you will about Gaga but you can't deny the influence she has over the industry as well as with her fans. She in a very real since is carrying the weight of the music industry on her back. Much in the same way Ayumi Hamasaki is in retrospect here. What happens from this point on is anyone's guess. Will the new digital domain of I-tunes bring in a new era of music or will it be it's death blow still remains to be seen. Only time will tell how much of an asset it will become or not. I just hope for everyone's sake it will be for the better.
Posted in: Lady Gaga to appear on 'Kohaku Uta Gassen'
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ReikiZen
Wow guys way to crucify JT on this. I think it is a great idea. I personally would be more then happy to do this if I had more time. I don't expect a thing out of it as if I was that good a writer. I would be working for the New York Times or something lol. There are some great bloggers out there. I myself have been debating on how to better contribute to JT on topics I have more knowledge on. The fact that they are even asking our opinion tells me they value the JT member community and their input. I for one would love to see more content on language, culture and the arts. As being something other then celebrity gossip.
While I know JT first and foremost is a news and information site. It doesn't mean it can't branch out into other areas of interest. JapanGuide.com has done just that and covers travel, living, food, shopping, forums, friends Pen-pal or language exchange etc. Be we Japanese or otherwise JT should be a community which it's members can contribute in different ways if they want. To expect any sort of compensation for a site which is free to it's members is laughable. Why would I have spent countless hours on JT if I expected anything in return!! I am here because I want to be nor expect to make a profit from it.
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ReikiZen
What makes this win even more impressive is that unlike the US Japan doesn't have a professional women's league. Japan's L-League is nonprofessional and many players have to keep day jobs, with practice in the evenings, to make ends meet. Nor do they have huge numbers to pull from Collages and the like. California alone has some 200,000 registered players alone. Japan has somewhere around 25,000. Not to mention little to no corporate sponsorship up to this point. This makes this win all the more important and can only ad-mange what it means for Japan's Women's Soccer program. What Women's FIFA World Cup has achieved in it relativity short history is impressive to say the least. It could have been quite different an outcome as we have seen in other sports such as Baseball & Softball. Ironically in almost identical circumstances.
A heavily favored US Women's Softball Team lost to Japan in what was to be the last showing in Olympic Competition. A truly tragic outcome to a sport which was just starting to gain some ground. To the US credit they made great strides in promoting the sport but to little to late to matter. This has created somewhat of a firestorm back home and a grassroots campaign to attempt to get it reinstated. As one young 14 year old girl stated at a news conference. "Collage ball is just not the same as Olympic Competition." " It is not the same as representing your county at this stage and at this level of play." "If we don't have that to shoot for, why bother." Strong statement which could mean trouble and put the entire softball program in jeopardy if this holds indefinitely. I haven't met a young teen yet which lives softball who doesn't have Olympic Games burned into the back of her mind lol.
The point being of this is that despite the US past 2 World Cup wins which were well deserved. It is important to see WCS move forward at this level of play. This world cup has seen some amazing performances by both teams and will only help to further it's continued growth. The sheer iron grit and determination Japan has displayed is proof enough for me Women's Soccer has entered the foray and is here to stay. I could not have asked for a better showing both these teams have displayed throughout this World Cup. What a way to end this epic tournament as will be one to remember for the ages. I hope this brings some closure to the Japanese people and hope for the future. Way to represent!!
Posted in: Japan beats U.S. in shootout to win Women's World Cup soccer
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ReikiZen
Well at this point it's hard to say what to do. Although one thing is for certain. The longer we let North Korea build up it's Nuclear program, the worse it will be latter on. Here is another thing to consider. China likely doesn't want a unified Korea! NK is China's counterweight proving they can keep them under control. So it is really in their best interest to defuse this situation before both end up with something they don't want, a unified democratic Korea. Not to mention that having a increased military presence in the South China Sea as some have mentioned is not what China wants. Military drills will still take place along with the USS George Washington this Sunday. This no doubt will infuriate the north but they would be fools to try to pull anything. If indeed this was a political maneuver by the north in conjunction with the transitioning of power. It really then is against all reason for them to pursue this any further.
In doing so will only bring more suffering and isolation to a country already on the brink. What is so sad about all this is that there is so much for NK to gain if it would only see that. South Korea is the only developed country outside Japan so far to have been included in the group of "Next Eleven" countries. It hosts the second largest modern city in the world next to Tokyo. It is among the most technically advanced and growing economies in all of Asia. South Korea was one of the few developed countries that was able to avoid a recession during the global financial crisis, and its economic growth rate is at at a respectable 6.1% this year alone. NK dear leader is no different then all dictators of his type. They care nothing for their own people and use manipulation, fear and propaganda to control the populace. The best hope we have is that China reins them in. Otherwise we are going to have a situation which could quickly turn ugly real fast.
Posted in: What is the best way for the global community to deal with North Korea?
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ReikiZen
YuriOtani why is it every time someone has a different opinion you automatically think they are Japan bashing? You are really a very interesting person but I have a hard time reading you at times. There is a thing called debate which I understand is not to common in Japan, am I right? While I don't claim I know everything about Japan. You shouldn't claim you know everything about us either. Japan has portrayed the west false realities about American people as well. No thanks to Hollywood, The Media, Corporate, Government etc.
This doesn't represent what I would consider real Americans. Of coarse there are some people like that and some tourists you get in Japan are not very good ambassadors. Although they are hardly representative. It all just gets lost in translation. My ancestors did bad things as well as did most of mankind in some form or another. Although part of understanding people is understanding ourselves first. Space Battleship Yamato I am very excited to see regardless of what it may portray. Many Animes have similar context but I don't blame the Japanese people for that. It's just what fate and destiny has brought us. I think this you would agree. ^_^
Posted in: 'Space Battleship Yamato' blasts off
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ReikiZen
The thing is NK might be crazy but an attack on the south would be an almost definite end to their rain. If that is their goal then by all means do so lol. I'm not saying that wouldn't be welcome but at what cost? How much longer will Japan, South Korea and the rest of the world be held hostage by this stalinist regime. I also question how many North Koreans will be loyal if war breaks out? Moral doesn't bode well for a country which life is basically being sucked out of it. Stay in the north and most certainly starve or take the chance at a better life in the south.
The number of North Koreans that have defected over the past three years have been over 10,000. That's about as many as had fled to the South over the entire previous period since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice. It is believed well over 20,000 in total are at large hiding in China and elsewhere. This is in addition to well over 2 million lives lost due to starvation. So I agree with the sediments here as it wouldn't take much to overthrow the north. After all who wants for fight for a madman which has no vision or concern for it's own people. The question now is will China continue to hold it's hand or throw down the gauntlet and put an end to this tragedy.
Posted in: Obama says U.S. will defend South Korea
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ReikiZen
Well in retrospect releasing best of albums isn't anything new in Japan. In addition to collaborations which are far more common here then let's say in the west. I kinda like the idea and wish more artists stateside would do that. Although that can be overdone as well no doubt. Koda Kumi is a another artist which releases get recycled far to much. Not saying some aren't good like "Best Second Session," which I love and was one of the best selling compilations that year. Although I can understand where artists like Utada would get a bit annoyed by all this. If you aren't releasing any new material which hasn't already been released previously then what's the point? She said it's tacky not to mention disrespectful which I of coarse agree. She does not want her fans to have to pay for something unnecessarily which her heart wasn't into. Us fans so respect that and it is about time someone stick up to record labels which get away with this far to often.
I agree about the point of committing contractual suicide though. Most artists would just keep quiet for fear of this. Universal Japan is not who she, adjectives aside should be upsetting here. This might explain Utada sudden hiatus and departure from the music industry, at least for now. If Universal Japan does drop her she can always go to Avex. Though likely not much better there either in this respect. Utada stated she has yet to grow up and says she needs to do so as a "person" rather than then as a "musician." She thanked fans and the staff at her EMI label for their ongoing support and asked for their patience and understanding. I don't think it's Utada that has as much growing up to do as it is her record labels lol. It's about time though she take a break!! It's not like she doesn't deserve it no doubt lol. In closing I hope this isn't the last we see of Utada. That would make me very very sad! :( We support you Utada get rested up and come back better then ever. ^_^
Posted in: Hikaru Utada advises fans not to buy her album
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ReikiZen
Well I covered this in more detail on an earlier post. Although I will say that I am sure these girls were hand picked by HQ personally. So to respond to a previous comment on healthy appearance, grooming, attitude etc etc. I doubt that is going to be an issue here. You don't spend the amount of time and money they have getting this here without choosing the absolute best girls they can. This is especially true for a new chain and being the first in Japan no less lol. HQ is going to be keeping a very close eye on this no doubt!
Posted in: A Hooter here and a Hooter there
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ReikiZen
This is one of the few times I am going to have to agree with YuriOtani. Well somewhat agree at least. Although to say this is any different then let's say a maid cafe, something similar is a bit of a stretch. Hooters is really pretty tame in comparison to some other chains like Coyote Ugly though. I would think they will try to tailor their menu somewhat to Japanese tastes as well. I mean any good restaurant will do that if they want to be around very long. I would also like to add there chains that do very well in Japan. Few and far between of coarse but do exist. This is the very first Hooters here so I have no doubt HQ will be keeping a very close eye on how well it is doing. It's no cheap venture starting any new chain franchise especially here no doubt lol.
I am sure they went to quite a bit of trouble to even get here. HQ must have felt it had a reasonable chance of doing well. I doubt they would've put the time and energy into to doing so if were not the case. On the flip side I can understand Yuri's reservations though. The food is good as we have eaten there quit a few times. Although is it appropriate for the location and will it cater to Japanese tastes and sensibilities? I also have some reservations having foreign staff on board to. For training purposes OK but not as a permanent fixture. The girls I am sure are quit good and likely were hand picked but do they speak Japanese? Being overpriced is really not an issue if the food is good. Not to mention that this is Japan right? You have a reputation to uphold as worlds most expensive destination!
Posted in: Girls, girls, girls
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ReikiZen
As long as I am in the same commercial then I would be OK with that!! Although I much prefer Koda Kumi as does do better commercials I agree. It's a toss up though I like them both. I also bought Namie's new album which is fantastic. This is making me thirsty, Coke anyone?
Posted in: Namie Amuro ready to have a 'Wild Summer'
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ReikiZen
I agree that in Japan's case the Sky Tree is needed as in many others cases of other such projects is not. You look at the Burj Khalifa building in Dubai in contrast. What was the purpose for such a massive building there. It may be the tallest now but not for long. The Madinat al-Hareer in Kawait City will topple that. The Tower Of Russia being 3rd and Incheon Tower in Seoul being 4th. All of which should be finished late this year.
The new Freedom Tower in NYC is bairly going to be in the top 10 at only 1,776 feet. Just slightly taller then the twin towers in Malaysia. In New York's case though is more symbolic in nature then out of necessity. The Chicago Spire although will eventually be tallest in North America at 2,000 feet 609 meters which is expected to finish later this year. In contract Dubai's was likely trying to sell itself to the world but at what cost? So I feel in the end Sky Tree won't be seen as a white elephant. It has a practical purpose unlike everything else on the table.
Posted in: Will Tokyo Sky Tree's completion bring down 'skyscraper curse' on Japan?
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ReikiZen
Why is it every time a celebrity comes here everyone feels they need to get their political jabs in. Don't even start with the whole carbon emissions song and dance. Do you fly or drive or maybe catch the bus or train? Well however you look at it your contributing to carbon emissions. Get over it and quit always passing the buck. It is always so convenient to blame them for all our problems. When in reality everyone can help contribute to reducing our own carbon emissions. With that said and out of the way.
Leo is a fine actor and not your typical Hollywood socialite. In fact where in the world is Leonardo tends to be the usual question. He usually disappears off the face of the earth when not filming anyways lol. There is also another issue people are not considering here. The reason why a lot of celebrities don't take commercial flights is for security reasons. It creates alot of extra unnecessary work and headaches for airport personal which can be better used elsewhere. Things then can quickly get out of hand. So frankly I don't have a problem with them taking private flights.
Posted in: Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicolas Cage arrive in Japan
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ReikiZen
Well suicide is never the answer. Using myself as a guinea pig here. I to have suffered from depression most of my life. The last 10 years have been pretty worthless but I keep going. So why haven't I committed suicide? Well it's not like I haven't thought about it in the past. I don't really fit into society that well either. Although instead of that effecting me and wanting to end it all. It has made me stronger more determined to make it though. Are Japanese so easy to give up on life when times get tough? Sure life's a struggle with no certainties but what is!! It took me nearly 15 years to realise I was good at learning languages. Although at one time i didn't consider myself good at anything. I still struggle but I do my best and make the most of it. If I ended my life long ago then I may have never discovered this hidden talent. Albert Einstein once said 90% of life is failure and the other 10% success. In my case 99% life is failure and 1% success. Although it it is that one percent chance that things will get better which keeps me going. I think about what my family would feel like if I were to leave this world. I am the last of my family and a linage that goes back hundreds of years. So in a way that motivates me as well.
What will my ancestors think and will I live up to their expectations? What hardships will I create for my family if I were to dissolve? To commit suicide is to die in disgrace and without honor. When someone in one's family commits suicide it stays with you your entire life. Which can transfer to your family and your children's family as well. What legacy will you leave for future generations for better or for worse. If I could look into a crystal ball what future may these poor souls have had. Maybe someone would find a cure for cancer. Maybe someone would save someone else's life. Maybe someone would become President or Prime Minister of their state or country. When I see so many unnecessary deaths in Japan it tears at my very soul. I may not know you but I do care. Maybe if more Japanese realized that they are not alone in this world. There are others, millions of us just like you with the same hopes, fears, struggles,dreams ambitions as you have. One can never hope to be at peace and in harmony when not at peace with oneself. Japan has so much to offer the world and it is sad they value life so little. I hope this will change in time for their sake and ours as well. ^_^
Posted in: Internet posting leads to group suicide in Kobe
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ReikiZen
As grafton mentioned this certainly could be a possibility. The Chinese military is seeking to project it's naval power well beyond the Chinese coast, from the oil ports of the Middle East to the shipping lanes of the Pacific. This strategy is a sharp break from the traditional, narrower doctrine of preparing for war over the self-governing island of Taiwan or defending the Chinese coast. This is the first time the Chinese have labeled the South China Sea a core interest, on par with Taiwan and Tibet. China is also developing a sophisticated submarine fleet that could try to prevent foreign naval vessels from entering its strategic waters if a conflict erupted in the region.
It is not to much of a stretch to believe China, however indirectly may have been involved. Last year there was an incident where a US Warship didn't detect a Chinese/Russian sub on their radar. This made major headlines and was a huge embarrassment. So to say "What country has such subs" answers that question. The Chinese may have used this incident as experiment to see how successful such an operation would be. China may have seen this as a means of getting North Korea to do it's biding without getting it's hands dirty. If this would have happened in Japanese waters the same would have been said there as well. Although who would have believed it as the blame would have shifted onto the US which is exactly what China would have intended.
Posted in: Lee says N Korea must pay for torpedo attack on warship
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ReikiZen
How in the world did the US get 37% of the vote! What would have possibly been the benefit from such an action? The US is stuck in two wars, a massive debt, 20 million people out of work, A war on the border with Mexico and a major environmental disaster growing by the day. A major confrontation with Korea is certainly not on their list of priories at the moment. Not to mention you really don't give North Korea enough credit as are more then capable of pulling off such an act. No one ever thought they could launch a successful missile test or nuclear test either lol.
The Koreans are very resourceful and I would not be surprised in the least of them pulling this off. Not to mention if a older sub was used it may have not been picked up on radar. This actually happened last year when a US Warship didn't detect a Chinese/Russian sub. This made major headlines and was a huge embarrassment. Not to mention as well when US drones were hijacked by Taliban forces using a simple $20 program lol. So I have to disagree with the previous comment. If this can happen to the US then it most certainly can happen to the South Korean Military as well.
Posted in: Who do you think was behind the sinking of a South Korean warship on March 26?
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ReikiZen
Well here we go again but I for one am not going to go through all this song and dance anymore. Although to humor the question a bit there are things in the short term which can be done. For what little crimes military personal do commit there needs to be more severe penalties. Like maybe automatic court marshal perhaps? A sort of boot camp mentality would be quite effective in these situations. Maybe a loss of privileges for everyone on base?. This would make people think twice in how they conduct themselves off base and police themselves better or pay the piper. I understand the inherent problems in keeping track of some 40,000 military personnel at all times. Although If a tough love policy is what is necessary to get the point across then so be it.
If it were not for the fact of all these unfortunate innocents taking place over the years. Maybe then there would have been a different attitude amongst the general population in regards to the base issue. On the flip side though there no doubt needs to be clearer language between military Brass and Japanese authorities. This way it would help minimize unnecessary red tape, moving the process along in a timely manner with minimal conflict. US and Japanese authorities need to get together and work out a policy which is acceptable to both parties. I doubt this has been done yet and would seem as an acceptable first step towards a more long term policy.
Another option which I strongly support is allowing military personnel who wish to relocate elsewhere be able to do so!! In this situation I would rather have people here which respect Japan laws, customs and culture then someone who didn't really want to come here in the first place. This would help eliminate the few bad apples from those who actually like being here and accepting the Japanese way of doing things. Living off base should be a privilege as well and not a right. Many foreigners who live in Japan accept this and the same should apply to the military as well. In closing a little tough love doesn't hurt anyone and I would expect this no less from our fighting forces.
Posted in: What should the U.S. military brass and/or Japanese authorities do to reduce the number of crimes committed by U.S. military personnel in Japan?
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ReikiZen
Well according to this new law is that no law enforcement can stop or integrate anyone without probable cause? What constitutes probable cause then? If I happen to look Hispanic or whatever else law enforcement deems necessary then I am suspect? You don't have to be Hispanic for this to happen. I can't tell you how many times I have been with friends that get complements on how good their English is lol. What an insult as they were born here!!
People have told me I look native American but I am just dark complected. You can't just go around accusing people of being illegals as on what grounds? In America's case then that pretty much makes everyone a suspect then doesn't it. It is arrogant to think Hispanics are the only illegal aliens within it's borders. Maybe they represent the largest demographic but by no means the only one. All this law is going to do is make an already bios law worse and turn Arizona into a police state! It sets a dangerous president and next time maybe we will be the ones on the receiving end.
Posted in: After immigration law, Arizona faces boycot calls
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ReikiZen
This kinda reminds me of an anime series I saw called Kino's Journey. There was an episode where in this one town no one would leave their homes and inter-Communication between people was nearly nonexistent. This was due in part to everyone knowing each other's thoughts lol. Twitter I guess in a way is no different. It gives people a means of saving face without physically interacting with one another. Although twitter really isn't any different then any other social networking tool like Facebook, Myspace, YouTube etc etc. Has it expanded our horizons and brought us closer together? That might be a bit of a stretch but in it's own way has helped bridge the communication gap and given people more of a voice if nothing else. Although to much of anything isn't good either as Twitter isn't the bible. On the flip side it does make one think though if this ultimate experiment we call the World Wide Web has worked? Does it just offer an excuse now for people to be more introverted and anti-social? A society living in the shadows so to speak.
It's just easier to hide behind our avatars and our alias's and see the world through an hourglass. It is always better to actually interact with people face to face and make a difference in the world instead of just twitting about it. This post is really a sign of our times and what it means to live in the information age. How exactly we interpret that and use it in our every days lives is entirely up to us. I think deep down there is an inherent need for people to be part of something bigger then themselves. Communication or lack thereof is really the biggest roadblock we have to face in this world. Although I am not sure Twitting is really the answer as I personally could never get everything I wanted to say in just a couple sound bites. At least JT give me that opportunity to fill in that gap. In retrospect though I guess Twitter has it's place but should never replace real communication with real people. It is only a tool after all and not an extension of our conscience.
Posted in: The downside of twittering as Japan goes at it 24 hours a day
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ReikiZen
I have to disagree with this as is not always the case. As an outsider it is always going to be more difficult to have friends. Although I have used this to my advantage. What I find as one of the most important things to learn is distinguishing between the Hon'ne and Tatemae. This is probably one of the most important survival skills you can acquire which can be like decrypting Egyptian hieroglyphics. This applies to friendships as well and how well you are in-tune to these differences likely will determine how well it plays out when meeting people. Politeness can just as effectively be wielded to establish distance between individuals, as it can bring them together. Being addressed in polite formal language can be considered respectful and reassuring.
Although from someone you're trying to form a closer, more informal relationship with, that same language can seem cold and emotionally distant. A phrase can take on totally different connotations depending on the level of politeness used, the context in which it appeared, and the relationship established between you and the other person. On the flip side Japanese men need to take on the role of the leader more. Being indecisive and unsure of yourself are considered poor character traits which can effect the kinds of friendships and or relationships you are likely to encounter. The what if scenario likely plays a role here as well but to engage one must also do so in return. Fear of the unknown only creates more fear, misunderstanding and uncertainty. I don't know but it has worked for me.
Posted in: Growing number of men have no close friends