JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
-
1
Why do Japanese change their attitude when they communicate with foreigners?
-
2
Confrontation
-
3
U.S. Navy investigating how parts fell off aircraft near Atsugi
-
4
California court to decide if SeaWorld whales are illegal 'slaves'
-
5
Kuroki reported pregnant 2 weeks after denying relationship with Akanishi
-
- 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
-
- Assistant Language Teacher - TOKYO - late-March start
- Interac, Tokyo
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
-
- Assistant Language Teacher - Kanagawa Prefecture - late-March start
- Interac, Kanagawa
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
0
Shaolin7
There is legitimate concern about safety in South Africa, I can certainly understand why people wouldn't want to go (see Timorborder's post, as well as some of the crime statistics below:
http://www.nationmaster.com/country/sf-south-africa/cri-crime
Frankly I'm glad the sales are down so much; why reward a government rife with corruption and graft? Let them learn to take care of their own suffering populace properly, before awarding them things like the bloody World Cup.
Posted in: JFA concerned about World Cup ticket sales
0
Shaolin7
It's never easy to recognize the failings within ourselves, but self-examination and much introspection is greatly needed, on every level. I understand both perspectives -- you must face the truth, however hard or unpleasant it may be, but once you have done so, and made your peace with things (and whatever that will entail), there must come a time to move on in life as well.
Good for her, in continuing to do the right thing here.
Posted in: New film has Japan vets confessing to Nanjing rape, massacre
0
Shaolin7
What I don't understand is how some people complain about the Japanese, but then go on to say things like, 'I really can't stand how my husband treats others he views as beneath him....' but you married him?? He's Japanese, isn't he? So he must be a good guy other than treating people like crap? Sorry there Kira, I'm not trying to take a deliberate shot at just you but your example stood out the most. I'm rather surprised at the responses of other intelligent posters, as well.
How many people's friends are truly genuine and loyal, irrespective or ethnicity or country of origin? If you were back in your home countries, broke as a joke, unemployed, struggling with life...how many of them would act as benevolently as you all say they do? Lend you money, let you have a place to stay until you get back on your feet, take you out for dinner and commiseration, regularly call to see how you're doing, etc. How many of them would really have your back in a time of need? And when you wax nostalgically about the good old crowd back 'home', aren't most of your social activities also centred around alcohol, or at least that how alot of these 'great' friendships had their genesis? Some are critiquing the Japanese for this, but I'm fairly sure there's an entrenched drinking culture in other countries too. I have no problem with holding people up to a better standard, provided it's a fair application across the board (including oneself).
There are differences, for sure, but I don't think they're quite as diametrically opposed as alot of you are saying they are. The perspective is skewed, and there remains that air of imagined cultural superiority which detracts from the good discussion. But I guess since this is JT I had better get used to it.
Posted in: Growing number of men have no close friends
0
Shaolin7
Some good and astute observations are being posted here, with arguably greater merit than this article. Nonetheless, even the optimists admit the difficulties of creating Japanese / non-Japanese friendships with depth and meaning.
But that in itself is a crucial part of the problem. When will we simply learn to accept people, and value them for who they are and not what they are? Japanese, non-Japanese, educated, uneducated, white collar, blue collar, etc etc. ad nauseum. They are artificial, divisive barriers borne out of insecurity, jealousy, stupidity...and we overlook the shared humanity. I notice it alot on JT and it bothers me, that combative 'us vs. them' mentality. Those vulnerabilities, the preconceptions, the overriding prejudice and bias we're quick to accuse others of, well...those are ours, too. It is easier to judge and dismiss, than it is to understand.
So please keep putting in the effort, guys. I know it sounds corny, or cheesy, but there are good and decent people, whose friendship would be treasured. Engage the reticent in conversation, draw out that shy and quiet person (Japanese or not). Give someone the benefit of the doubt, even if you feel you've been treated poorly or rebuffed. You might just surprise yourself.
Posted in: Growing number of men have no close friends
0
Shaolin7
Could it be that the kids are fighting back in their own way...? Amazing. I have hope yet for the Japanese, they are beginning to show some backbone and pushback over the abusive work culture that some companies foster and encourage.
Posted in: Corporate 'blacklist' circulating among new graduates
0
Shaolin7
The Dr. Sketchy's event sounds cool, but you can find more conventional life drawing classes in Meguro and Mitaka for a more 'mundane' experience and regular schedules. Still, one day I'd like to check it out!
Posted in: Tokyo’s artists and restaurateurs team up to create an art revolution
0
Shaolin7
That's true, kimosabi! Finding ice time is becoming increasingly difficult, and reminiscent of beer league hockey times in Canada (late at night, after all the minor leagues have played their games).
Posted in: Ice skating rinks cash in on Vancouver Olympics
0
Shaolin7
You can see a microcosm of this mentality played out daily at the Shinjuku Krispy Kreme, I can't imagine it's too much of a surprise. Fast fashion has certainly taken a firm grip.
Article Unavailable
0
Shaolin7
Finally, JT has a photo depicting real beauty. That's a wonderful shot!
Posted in: Watch the birdie
0
Shaolin7
While I understand, to some extent, the arguments here for compassion and understanding regarding mental health and documented underlying psychological factors -- I haven't seen many pleas for clemency when it is a man who has murdered a child in a posted story. The tone, in such cases, is often far more vengeful and merciless. Whether people are willing to admit it or not, there is a double standard at work.
She may have been suffering from post-partum depression, along with other psychological problems, but that should not be an 'excuse' -- which is how it comes across in some posts here. If you are going to appeal for empathy, then let it be even handed and fairly applied across the board. I have no doubt there are other women who endured similar psychological states, yet did not raise a hand against their own child as this one did.
Posted in: Woman arrested after trying to strangle 1-year-old daughter
0
Shaolin7
While this is a story from a dubious source of information, there probably is some segment of society it reflects. I keep seeing some of the foreign guys here posting about their marriages, too, and if you read into the subtext there...they are not happy either.
It is sad to think that it's no longer enough to simply love someone. I used to look at happy couples with regret, but now I have to say the more I hear of married life and its bittersweet nature, I'm almost relieved I'm single.
Posted in: Some wives wish their husbands would hurry up and drop dead.
0
Shaolin7
She looked so disappointed afterwards, and even after receiving her medal. Poor girl. But you have to hand it to Yu-na, she had such an incredible skate. And it was nice to see Joannie show some steely resolve, after her grief ridden performance earlier in the week. Good for all of them, I say! It was a great event to watch.
Article Unavailable
0
Shaolin7
Social stigma is still a very powerful and intimidating tool used to bully workers. I doubt you'd get any overt and obvious denials to vacation requests, if you pushed it, but certainly there is unspoken punitive pressure invoked to make you feel guilty. Western raised ex-pats will clearly not have trouble requesting time should they need it, but that isn't the issue. Native Japanese will still be reluctant, as bentheredonthat and pawatan implied, to take their full, rightfully entitled allocation of holidays.
The work culture is in much greater need of deep systemic change than the superficial, window dressing, 'take an aspirin and call me in the morning' approach. tkoind2, I hope you're a boss or manager somewhere because your posts display a great deal of pragmatism and intelligence.
Posted in: Law may be changed to reduce number of long holiday weekends
0
Shaolin7
I also had this happen to me, when I went to make a purchase with my Visa. My account was flagged and I had to call the bank overseas to clear things first. There are some things that are convenient in Japan, but banking is definitely not one of them. Goddog, please be careful and try not to look nervous when you're in transit with your money!
Posted in: Banking with the dinosaurs
0
Shaolin7
I wish people had more options to turn to, in these very troubled times. Unfortunately there are far more of these than we hear about, given the perennial 30000+ suicide rate. And BurakuminDes -- that was rather snide and condescending. Your initial reaction is ironic, given your handle. I'm glad you were called on it.
Posted in: Father, son found dead in suspected murder-suicide
0
Shaolin7
If nothing else, I think the author should be commended for coming on here and responding to the criticisms. It's certainly an interesting article that offers up insight from several perspectives; not everyone will have such an 'obvious' grasp of the issues, as some here claim.
While I don't want cynicism to creep in, I've witnessed enough empty corporate platitudes proffered from above to know better. For the sake of every one of those customers and employees, genuine and earnest in their desire to learn and grow, I hope you're sincere in your efforts to improve their lot going forward. Good luck Mr. Rogers, I mean that.
Posted in: Managing gaijin teachers
0
Shaolin7
Good luck Team Japan!
Article Unavailable
0
Shaolin7
It is a definite need in the country, and with lots of people out of work it would make sense to stream willing potential employees into the field of caregiving. As far as medical professionals though, there remain serious endemic issues that need to be excised from the system. You feel for the elderly you see out and about, and I've tried to offer a helping hand down stairs or a smile and some small conversation, but I'm sure it's not meaningful or very helpful for those with a deep sense of loneliness. It is a sad situation.
Article Unavailable
0
Shaolin7
tkoind2: while I agree, you find this nonsense of glamourizing certain lifestyles and choices is just as endemic to 'Western' culture. There is an entire hype / publicity machine wholly dedicated to manufactured media wh****, individuals who offer absolutely nothing of worth or redeeming value.
Unfortunately, people prefer reading about all the salacious little details of some celebrity's life, instead of focusing, as you point out, on truly noteworthy or inspirational lives. That's a sad reflection on human society in general -- not just the Japanese.
Posted in: Bestseller by hearing-impaired Ginza hostess - truths and lies
0
Shaolin7
I will be entirely stunned if this 'shadow shogun' sees time on the inside -- I agree with others, there are too many strings tied to this guy that will get pulled, and he will avoid any serious repercussions.
Posted in: Is Ozawa heading for the slammer?