Wednesday February 15, 2012

ReikiZen's past comments

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    ReikiZen

    Well I respect Namie but this isn't just any show. It would have been crazy exposure for her. I have been waiting for years for a Japanese artist to finally break through and Namie was at the top of my very short list. Boyfriend or not it isn't worth risking his ego over her career. I respect her decision but I hope it doesn't come back to haunt her later down the road. Regardless though Namie has my support.

    Posted in: Namie Amuro turns down offer of special Grammy TV show

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    ReikiZen

    I am not a teacher nor an educator but here is my take. Back home teaching a language is not mandatory or really encouraged where I come from. The teachers were mostly unquantified who may have spent some time in another country. What was even more disappointing is they weren't even native speakers mostly. It's pretty sad when the students in many cases knew more then what the teachers did. Something tells me Japan may be similar in some respects. The requirements for teaching English in Japan is well below what would be considered acceptable by US standards. Teaching English in Japan or elsewhere kinda has a bad stigma as you admitting to your failure as one back home. Universities may be somewhat better but this has been my experience. In contrast what good teachers do manage to make there way over here have many obstacles. Like back home many schools which have a foreign language on the curriculum are not that interested in it being there. It is more looked at like an extracurricular activity and not of much importance. As in Japan's case, qualified teachers at least in the school environment are discouraged by lack of support from teachers staff etc.

    This even becomes more discouraging when all the regulations are put forth on how and in what way they can teach their class. Nothing like being reduced to teaching with your hands behind your back. Teaching English in Japan in the school environment at least is pointless until administrates start taking it seriously and as an important part of their curriculum. For those you which to learn meaningful English private classes and or organizations like EIKAIWA need to be more widespread, more easily available for those to wish to learn and more innovative in their approach to teaching. This eventually will improve I believe but getting enough on board to make any difference is going to be a major challenge, not to mention cost effective. It just seems at current that English in Japan has no substance and of little use to anyone. Although one area which shows promise is Cyber Classroom or something along those lines. This has been done on a somewhat smaller scale to great effect.

    I myself attend a weekly class with a native speaker and a class of about 6 students. It is tapped so if I miss it i can always review. I basically pay every 6 months to a year. You avoid running into all the red tape of a traditional classroom environment and the teachers are motivated and well qualified. This could be a considerable cost savings and allow to focus on fewer more qualified and accreted teachers. I don't know just some ideas to put forth. It would be my dream one day to be able to interact with other students throughout the world in a sort of online language university. Teaching and learning as we go. Highly ambitious I know but it cold happen. Teaching English should be fun and interesting while being productive. By in large that is just not the case at present in the current program. If the state of teaching English in Japan is going to survive. New and more creative ways or teaching are going to need to be brought forth. English will never likely be used widespread but for those you have the desire to learn we need to do our best in proving students the best educational experience possible. This is a battle well worth fighting for.

    Posted in: The state of the language school industry

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    ReikiZen

    I don't get it. Both our governments are as bad as the media. One minute we talk about the importance of bilateral relations. The next minute I read something like this and wonder. There are far more pressing issues then this. It is not worth hurting relations over something so trivial. This is of coarse an important issue I agree but why make such a major spectacle over the matter. I have had lot of time to consider both sides and neither has a simple answer. Although I do agree that some change needs to happen in some form. Abuse has very little to do with why these abductions take place. It has more to do with society, culture and saving face then anything. This goes for both Japanese and foreigners alike. Anyone who has been around Japanese in general knows the difficulty in reading between the lines. What one believes or really thinks vs what is being said can be very vague and misleading. Body language, your behaviour, blood type (believe it or not,) the "What If" scenario, not sending clear signals can all be factors.

    What are her true feelings? How should we raise our kids which likely will get the polite response. Her taking on the burden for you as to save face or embarrassment from you or others. Marriage in Japan is a strange animal to begin with and takes on a life all it's own. It's the sort of married roommate mentality that many Japanese men fall into after marriage. Japanese women on the other hand are not used to the more equal relationship mentality many in the west promote. Traditionally woman have always been the caretakers in Japanese society. What will people think how I am raising my kids? This shouldn't matter as is between parents but this might be going through her mind. These small signals many people likely miss for those you are not attuned to it. It is as the the eyes of the world are always watching you even behind closed doors. Therefore reassuring her she is doing the right thing is paramount!! The only way to resolve this is to understand the causes behind the effect before any real solution can be put forth. Be it Japanese men or otherwise. A change in a long outdated law though is a step in the right direction.

    Posted in: U.S. warns Japan child custody laws could harm bilateral ties

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    ReikiZen

    For people with a narrow mind then maybe it didn't make much since but personally I liked it. It might not be anything new but it sure was in how it was presented. The acting wasn't that great in Titanic either but that didn't seem to effect it any. Avatar is following suit and likely will pass up Titanic within the week. That in and of itself is impressive however you look at it. It personally hit home with my farther being a disabled Vietnam Vet. He actually had trouble getting through the film. Although this wasn't out of anger. It was a sort of de ja vu all over again. Not to mention the since of guilt he still has concerning the war as to what did it really accomplish. Was it really worth all of the lives that were lost on both sides.For those in the military just hope you stay uninjured or manage to keep your head on straight. Not to mention keep from loosing anything in the process consider yourself lucky.

    Once that happens you realise at just how disposable you are. Many who have ever dealt with the VA you know what I am talking about. The fact that the main character was a disabled vet was no coincidence. Avatar wasn't without it's flaws but what film isn't! The sooner we get our heads out of the sand. The sooner everyone will finally be in harmony with one another. Otherwise mankind has no future and it will pay the price. It was a great film and definitely is not to be missed. Don't wait until it comes out on DVD as that is not how it was meant to be seen. I personally have seen it three times but likely going to IMax next week. Whatever your views are on it's underlying message doesn't really matter. Just enjoy it for what it's worth. Going to the movies has once again become enjoyable which hasn't happened in a long time.

    Posted in: 'Avatar' wins best drama honor at Golden Globes

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    ReikiZen

    Well you can't please everyone. Some people still think Star Wars is state of the art lol. If you see this in 2D you are missing how it was meant to be seen. If this is any indication of things to come I'm on board. Avatar was much better then I was expecting and while it wasn't Lord Of The Rings. It is a huge step foward for the industry. It's also rare I have a connection with characters I actually care about. Although if you have an attention span of 30 sec or less then I guess it not for you. For the rest of us enjoy a masterpiece in the making. Something tells me that the Japanese are going to connect with this more so then even we are for reasons I won't bother going into lol.

    Posted in: James Cameron attends Japan premiere of 'Avatar'

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    ReikiZen

    One last thing as you are missing out if you seen this in 2D. It isn't meant to be seen this way so be sure you see in 3D. Well enough said and I believe it debuts in Japan Wednesday!!

    Posted in: 'Avatar' blasts off with $232.2 million worldwide

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    ReikiZen

    Well it is PG-13 but it isn't all the bad. There is some mild language but nothing worse then what you get watching normal TV these days. It takes itself pretty seriously for the most part. Whatever comedy there was was pretty tongue and cheek which worked well in this case. It was quite emotional but the subject material kinda strikes a nerve with me anyways. It did seem to have somewhat a harmonious tone set at least in certain aspects which gave it more credibility in my view at least.

    This I believe will resonate a bit more with the Japanese as well as environmental types like myself. Although it has enough to go around. We are talking James Cameron after all so enough said as I don't want to spoil anything. In regards to kids I would say maybe 8 or 9. In our theatre there were some parents with kids around 5 or so and didn't seem to be a problem. I personally wouldn't take my a 5 year old but that's just me. I don't take recommendations lightly as this is a game changer as Lord Of The Rings was before it. It's rare I get excited about seeing a film a second time but this being the exception.

    Posted in: 'Avatar' blasts off with $232.2 million worldwide

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    ReikiZen

    Well if any of you still have any doubts you won't be disappointed. I was unsure as well especially after the first trailer. Although that pretty much went out the window after about the first 5 minutes. I can see now what Cameron was up to for the past 12 years as has once again set a new benchmark for film. Up to this point 3D movies have seemed more of a gimmick then anything. This changes all that and is the best case I have seen yet for the technology. The characters are believable and is so fully realized that you forget you are watching a CGI film mostly. I couldn't tell the difference and was completely taken back at how realistic everything appeared to be. This has me even more excited now for future projects like Halo, Mass Effect and Battle Angel which Cameron has hinted on doing. When Avatar finally releases in Japan my guess it is going to definitely resonate with audiences. As while the story isn't new necessarily. Cameron's 12 year absence hasn't hurt his storytelling skills any. Not to mention if you are of the environment type this will most certainly hit a cord as it did me. I likely am going to take the whole family now as I can't recommend this highly enough.

    Posted in: 'Avatar' blasts off with $232.2 million worldwide

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    ReikiZen

    Just for the record! I so happen to be one of those supposedly no life gamers. This is somewhat of a ridiculous topic as you can say the same for YouTube, FaceBook, or MySpace junkies. Anything in excess can be bad but you have to put it into perspective. While I may not be a socialite. Gaming has allowed me to fill a void in my life. The same likely applies to others as well wherever that may lye. I personally don't see what all the fuss is about as it might actually be a good thing, in Japan's case at least. I know of many Japanese of which gaming has been a positive experience. It's better then the alternative at least which should never be an option.

    Posted in: Compulsive Internet gaming addiction on the rise

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    ReikiZen

    I don't understand the big deal. Wow, the republicans even go as far as saying bowing is a cardinal sin. Impeach the president, how shameful. Shows you just our arrogant some people can be. This is a normal respectful gesture even though it may have been done improperly. I don't think the Japanese will hold it against him. In fact I say it will do just the opposite. Granted his bow should have been 15 degrees but a more respectful bow is closer to 45 degrees. From what I have seen of many Japanese blogs it has been positive. Here are just a few of the statements made. 1.What a bow! 2. Such a deep bow from Obama, what a fine guy. 3. I'm surprised he bowed. He's really trying hard to meet the Japanese way! 4.President Obama is a top-class person, isn't he? Amazing! 5.The Emperor is giving a nice smile! 6.I laughed because it was a much better bow than I had imagined. Obama's huge! 7.Obama has more of a true Japanese heart than most Japanese do. How does this translate to being bad.

    I can care less what the media thinks as are bios anyways. They have had it out for Obama from the beginning. I also find it funny that they say people are outraged!! Who the Republican Party, Fox News!! Give me a break why not ask the American people what they think. Why does the government feel a need to speak for the people. It makes us all look bad. I think it was a very respectable gesture and more then I can say of our previous president aka dumping his lunch all over the prime minister. Yea that makes for a good impression lol. In regards to the emperor not bowing it wasn't out of disrespect. The emperor has traditionally not bowed to anyone due to Japan's religious beliefs concerning the emperor as a spiritual figure. This is no different then when the first lady gave Queen Elizabeth a hug. No one touches the queen but the first lady didn't do that out of disrespect. She was just not informed of proper protocol but the Queen took it quite well as no harm was done. Yet the media once again felt on making it a big deal.

    The media is the plague of the world along with most politicians. Their god is ratings at the expense of it's people. They would rather see our world go up in flames if it meant to please the ratings gods. They represent their constituents and big business of which supports them. It wouldn't hurt us to just once have some humility and shame. Instead of always going on the defensive. At least Obama is making the effort more then I can say from all the jackals surrounding him. It is sad such a fuss is being made over this as is giving US a black eye over an otherwise fruitful trip to Japan. Obama's speech was masterful and the best I have heard from him yet. Strange how it takes a Black American President to bring out the best in people or the worse. Washington pundits have finally crossed the line. I have no use for them whatsoever. When you can't even show a gesture of good will without being criticized for it then this world is truly doomed. Thank god we have a president that has some guts to stand up to all those who appose peace and harmony among all nations. He is truly a man of vision.

    Posted in: Obama's bow to emperor causes outrage in Washington

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    ReikiZen

    You know without all that extra weight people are carrying around might help ANA flights get better gas mileage lol. Not only that but people won't have to be annoyed by someone using the bathroom anymore. Next thing you know they will be asked to be weighed in before flying. Sorry sir you have reached our acceptable weight limit for carbon emissions for this flight. You will need to schedule another flight.

    Posted in: ANA asks passengers to go to toilet before boarding

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    ReikiZen

    Well I have my own opinions on this but if there is one lesson to be learned by all of this. If you plain on marrying someone outside your own race, specifically country. Be sure each couple has a clear understand of each others role. Talk it over at length and what each expects of each other as a parent. I personally would never even consider having kids until I knew for sure what my wife expected and what her feelings were on the matter. If more couples did this i feel would avoid major problems later on. Although that is easier said then done. No one expects they are going to get divorced. You just don't know how one or the other is going to react, which makes planning ahead a bit more difficult. First and foremost if you plan to have kids or even remotely thinking about it. This needs to be the absolute most important thing you discuss with each other. If neither one can agree then don't have kids. I hate to see this as a means for breaking up a relationship but it's better then the latter. If either couple truly respects each other then an option which both can agree upon is possible. Otherwise it's better just to part ways as neither one is really meant for each other. Just my two cents worth.

    Posted in: American man accused of grabbing own kids released

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    ReikiZen

    I can see where this is going. Since the man was wearing a mask people automatically assume it must have been a foreigner. When the hell is Japan going to quit always seeing itself as the victim!! If it was a foreigner then I likely will be hearing it on national news. Otherwise you won't hear it being anything more then a pin drop. I get so tired of this. I actually support Japan kicking U.S. out as then maybe they will take some responsibility for their own actions. Nah no chance of that happening. Making it illegal for foreigner to even be in the country will likely be what is needed. Although I suppose Japan will always find a way to make itself out the victim here. It just boggles my mind how a society can be so naive to believe that none of it's citizens are capable of committing such crimes. Until Japan addresses the issue or that it is even an issue things will only get worse.

    Posted in: Man slashed on Tokyo street

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    ReikiZen

    I come from a city of only 140,000 people and has 2 Nationally ranked hospitals and some 60 clinics. Not to mention is among the best in the country in nursing care. Japan is supposed to be among the best in the world. Yet for all the supposed benefits of National run Health Care. It sure doesn't seen to be helping much lol. Two doctors per 1,000 is terrible. You would think we were talking about a third world country here. While medical care may be low in Japan or so I hear. That is of little constellation when hospitals can barely keep afloat. Not to mention doctors which get payed next to nothing so I can see why there is a delcine. I only see this getting worse as the population ages which could become a full blown crisis if things don't change here pretty soon. Having good doctors isn't enough if you don't have an infrastructure and the money to support it.

    Posted in: Japan’s medical infrastructure crumbling

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    ReikiZen

    I didn't realize Bonnie was that old. No matter she still looks great for her age!!

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    ReikiZen

    Man I would have loved to have seen them perform lol. Boa I almost got to see in NYC but hope to later. Anyways they all look great.

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    ReikiZen

    It never ceases to amaze me how arrogant people here are. I guess they would rather have Mr. George W. Bush winning the Noble Peace Prize haha. At least Obama is making an effort more then I can say of the opposition. For the politicians that would rather see their country fail then it's president succeed should be fired from office. I have yet to hear anything they have good to say which is just shameful. This is just another reason why politics has no place in the world. I also find it almost laughable for those who ask why diplomacy is important. We are all talking on these forums aren't we? Some of you live in Japan who are foreigner right?

    If attitudes hadn't changed even a little after World War II and diplomatic efforts put into place we might still be at war with Japan. Not to mention none of you would be speaking with me right now lol. The Berlin Wall would have never come down and the Soviet Union would still be in place. The US would likely not even be a country or at least one we recognize if diplomacy wasn't important. For anyone who values human life and a hope of a better future this is important. Obama isn't a miracle worker as we all have to play our part. It takes time and patience which most people don't have. The economy isn't going to fix itself overnight after all. If anything the Nobel Peace Prize represents is hope above all else. It's the efforts one puts forth in achieving those goals that counts.

    Posted in: Obama says he'll accept Nobel Peace Prize as 'call to action'

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    ReikiZen

    You can work your entire life without complete success. What is success actually? It is the efforts put forth in achieving those goals which count. You can't expect Obama to do this all himself. People need to make efforts themselves to contribute to the cause. If Obama fixed the economy, created 7 Million new jobs, ended both wars, and oh yea world peace on top of it. People would still find something to complain about. Next thing you know if an agreement is made with Korea Obama will be accused of making deals with the enemy. You cannot expect changes to take place if no one is willing to see it through. To be in harmony with all is a goal but you have to plant the seeds which will get us there. I wish more world leaders were of this thinking. That would be a day to live for no doubt. I keep hoping this world wasn't just a bad experiment gone wrong with no real purpose. As long as we have people like Mr. Obama then I have at least some hope it wasn't all for not.

    Posted in: Obama says he'll accept Nobel Peace Prize as 'call to action'

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    ReikiZen

    OK, let's do the math. 44,000,000 yen is about 45,000 US approx. That is a lot even by US standards. I feel sorry for the J-guys! J-Women really need to quite being so shallow. Money is important but it won't guarantee you anything especially happiness. If these statistics are correct how do Japanese men make it? Japan is far more expensive to live then US by a long shot which maybe the exception of New York but overall J-men are screwed. It would take me likely 3 years to make the cutoff point for what J-Women consider average. Wow, and I thought women in US had high standards lol.

    Posted in: Low-income bachelors victims of widening 'sex gap'

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    ReikiZen

    I have yet to hear any good reason why English is still even taught in Japan. The Japanese people are never going to use it anyways so what's the point. It doesn't help matters when the school doesn't allow you to teach unless under their guidelines. Not to mention they always put special rules in place which further prevent you from doing your job. Why do you think so many Japanese English ability is still rotten at best. It's that they don't see any real reason to take it seriously enough.

    What decent courses are available is usually only in a couple places in Tokyo and I think Osaka. There is one which has gained some fame but can't think of the name at the moment. Anyways my theory is that don't teach it unless students really want to learn or private lessons. In most cases they just see it as a good time to screw off and get some much needed rest lol. I can live with that but really what is the point. Until Japan starts treating the English curriculum seriously. It is better to just not teach it at all. Hell I am sure that won't hurt the school's feelings any. They can always use the money elsewhere anyways.

    Posted in: What is your impression of the English-teaching industry in Japan? Have things improved since Nova's collapse or are there still bad apples in the barrel?

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