JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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1
Why do Japanese change their attitude when they communicate with foreigners?
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Confrontation
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U.S. Navy investigating how parts fell off aircraft near Atsugi
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4
California court to decide if SeaWorld whales are illegal 'slaves'
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5
Kuroki reported pregnant 2 weeks after denying relationship with Akanishi
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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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Shaolin7
An excellent point was made by kyoken in the very first post. The 'moral disgrace' is entirely relative, because the compass is set to different bearings. Nevertheless, it is still heartwarming to see people trying to make a difference, especially for those souls that society in general disregards or refuses to even acknowledge. I will make sure to send some their way.
Posted in: NPO seeks to teach Japan virtues of 'waste not, want not'
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Shaolin7
Personally I prefer the Japanese spots where you can sit and relax for much longer periods than a short 5 - 10 minute break. One of my favourite things to do is pop into one with sketchbooks in tow and draw all the interesting faces you see (politely and discreetly of course). Really very relaxing and enjoyable. Maybe I've drawn some of you!
Posted in: Bringing Italian cafe culture to Japan
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Shaolin7
I have to agree that this look isn't my cup of tea either. There are gorgeous women who don't look like this at all. That being said, to cast aspersions on how these girls dress and act is a bit much, considering that those things in particular do not affect you on a personal level. For all the criticism people level on here, based purely on physical looks, it does makes one wonder what people here look like as well. I'd almost be expecting you all to be models yourselves. Right ...? Live and let live, guys.
Posted in: Gals
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Shaolin7
Looks like a cool place to check out! Sarge, just so you know Picasso's earlier work during his teens was more representational i.e. more 'recognizable' figure studies, portraits, etc. He was actually quite good.
Posted in: A visit to Hakone Open Air Museum
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Shaolin7
Some pretty funny comments. I've seen Japanese guys with shaved heads, and no one seemed to avoid them so I don't really get that one (unless it's the cliche yakuza stereotype you were going for, but then you're missing the trench and sunglasses ; )). I actually did catch one Yak who got off at Shinjuku mid-day. Some uni student type was leaning lackadaisically against a partition, until he looked up and saw the guy standing in front of him. The look of fear on the poor kid's face was palpable.
For all of the hassle, I'd just rather stand to be honest but I guess some of you really do love your seats.
Posted in: 10 ways to get a seat on a packed commuter train in Japan
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Shaolin7
WilliB makes some good points, Hirota. There really isn't a 'best'. There are systems of fighting distilled down to their most brutally efficient levels for pragmatic reasons, ostentatious forms more for show than practicality, sports oriented art, etc. Not only are there many variations of style with different philosophical approaches to match, but there is the individual to consider. What is their own mindset, what background or experiences do they bring with them, what body type they have, etc?
Finding a grounded, mature sensei or sifu who understands the form and philosophy, as well as individual needs, is of paramount importance. And after some years studying I have to concur with your assessment; there are alot of bullies and mouth breathers who get into martial arts for all of the wrong reasons. In the end if you are secure enough in who you are, there is no proof needed. If you are interested, please go to a doujyo and speak with the teacher there; they may even allow you to sit in on a class and observe.
Posted in: Karate: The Complete Kata
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Shaolin7
Wow, this topic again. I'd have to agree that although there are things that can be unpleasant, it's a far sight better than mass transit elsewhere in the world. And I have taken the Chuo at peak times, which although gives one a new interpretation on the definition of personal space, wasn't overly unpleasant barring the occasional bad smelling individual returning from a company mandated nomikai.
Seeing you girls applying makeup doesn't really bother me either, though with something of a more personal and intimate nature such as that, perhaps it's best done at home. Having said this, there is just something so feminine, and soft about it -- as a guy, I have to say it puts a bit of a smile on my face. Some women have no idea how beautiful they really are.
Posted in: Do it at home: Train manners in Japan
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Shaolin7
You know, Fadamor, you're right to an extent. I shouldn't judge yet, but I still feel more than few places will be overlooked if they don't have the same shine as the glitzy, no substance spots. Kirakira25, thanks for sharing that. I also have had the chance to befriend a few cooks / restaurant owners (including one who makes some of the best okonomiyaki I've had, he's in Kabukicho -- Yamamoto-san, this is a shoutout to you!) and I admire their resilience and passion for their craft very much.
If you have the chance, guys, please do some exploring on your own, with or without a guide in hand. Overall the quality of food is very commendable.
Posted in: Tokyo crowned new gourmet capital by Michelin
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Shaolin7
Yes I agree Tahoochi, the translations are different, some parts get excised or "edited", re-pieced together, etc. Regardless, this murderer and this crime continue to exhibit the very desperate need for adequate counselling / proper resources available to those who need it (that applies to both the poor victim and now murderer, in this case).
Posted in: Kawasaki man arrested over murder of Sapporo woman
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Shaolin7
Has anyone been to these places? Honestly, alot of them seem pretentious beyond belief, and cater to a like minded crowd. I see the same rich, empty vessels patronizing art galleries; disturbing to actually listen to and see in action.
You can find truly great food in all sorts of out of the way corners, hidden away in quiet niches and nondescript places, with people working away for the love of their craft -- and I agree wholeheartedly with Badsey and 5SpeedRacer5, it doesn't have to mean spending excessive amounts. Go do some exploring on your own, guys!
Posted in: Tokyo crowned new gourmet capital by Michelin
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Shaolin7
Yes, because surely in the West, trials are completely devoid of emotion, purely sterile, chock full of cold hard logic and science. Give your head a shake.
It's not clear what language was used or deemed inappropriate, beyond the rise in intonation i.e. what might be interpreted by some as threatening demeanour, and certainly biased views that might taint sentencing. I'm unsure of their filtering / screening process, but if there was something pre-existing that might prejudice the outcome then of course it needs to be caught and that potential juror excused.
However, I can't disagree with his sentiment. Frankly it doesn't say much about your own humanity when admitted crimes of rape and murder do not faze you anymore, and you can only look through the prism of logic and reason without considering the human aspects.
Posted in: Jury member loses cool in Miyagi high school girl rape case
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Shaolin7
The sort of black heart it would take to harm a child, the pure evil intent, is beyond comprehension. There is no justice that will bring that innocent girl back, and there is no punishment exacting enough to mete out the justice needed. Utterly sickening.
Posted in: Searchers find body of missing 5-yr-old girl offered for sex by mother
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Shaolin7
No need to repeat the obvious flaws in intelligence or moral values, convoluted thinking, detached sense of events, etc. etc. But for those of you complaining that it is irresponsible of JT -- why do you think they post these sorts of sensationalized stories? 70+ comments. It generates hits for them, as a story like this would for any other media outlet. If you don't like it, and don't want to see this sort of thing on here, don't then go and click on said article and comment. It's hypocritical.
Posted in: Airhead female fans can't get enough of 'cool' accused killer Ichihashi
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Shaolin7
Some very good informative posts in here, thank you guys. Once again, you've all made some good suggestions but they will require fundamental shifts. The recent election seems to bear some positive signs, but once again it is ultimately up to the Japanese themselves to work for this change. Not that anyone here is doing it, but I do so mislike the false air of cultural and moral superiority that comes with some of the postings, whether is is from the Western or Eastern perspective.
Posted in: More Tokyo train stations start using lights to stem suicides
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Shaolin7
In retrospect, after some wise comments regarding no pre-existing relevance regarding the concept of "chivalry" in Japanese culture, I need to soften my stance. It isn't necessarily the degradation of manners, but I will say this is something small and positive that could be introduced from immigration. I don't know how willing or amenable to this the native Japanese would be, but it would be nice to see more often. Unlike others here, I never encountered seniors with that sense of entitlement. The elder Japanese I met were gracious and polite (to my face ; )).
Incidentally, have any of you ever been on the trains in Korea? If an older person boards and you haven't offered your seat, they either kick your shins and cuckold you or sit on your lap until you do. Clearly, they have no problem being direct there! Even my Korean (Canadian) friends were scared, it was rather funny.
I had to laugh a bit at Altria's response, too.
Posted in: Is chivalry dead on Tokyo trains?
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Shaolin7
So sickening and sad, and her poor family must deal with the devastation of not just her passing, but in such a violent and cruel way. She has such a bright smile in her picture too. May her family find strength in her memory, and may they find this individual responsible very soon.
Posted in: Funeral held for murdered Shimane University student
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Shaolin7
If I were to be facetious, islands, I'd say they are being prepared for the real world. Who cares what measurable skills people actually bring, so long as they carry that special piece of paper from _______ prestigious university and / or get in via cronyism / nepotism / family connections? There are plenty of university grads in North America who are just as useless, are there not? Fast talkers are still able to grease and weasel their way in, regardless of location. I do feel for the new grads facing bleak prospects, Japanese or otherwise -- perhaps this will spur people to pursue what is really in their hearts, career wise!
Posted in: New graduates face gloomy job prospects
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Shaolin7
One day when I caught a connecting line from Kichijouji to Shinjuku, I noticed an older lady dressed in a lovely kimono get on (not elderly, but certainly older than most in the train car). I stood up and offered my seat with the typical すみません。。。どうぞすわってください and was surprised to see her decline it! It was only after I added よろしかったら。。。that she gracefully accepted with a smile. Not one lazy salaryman / OL / school kid / rich, complacent housewife offered! I'm not particularly old, but I found it rather sad to see the degradation of manners as well. I'm with Dentshop on this, personally I'd just rather stand.
Posted in: Is chivalry dead on Tokyo trains?
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Shaolin7
Some brave words indeed by the PM. However, there are many millions of Japanese who are struggling with underemployment / unemployment that need who need to be looked after first. Opening up borders and creating even more competition for the scarce full time, proper paying jobs will only galvanize anger and build up (even more?) resentment towards the government and the foreign nationals already residing in Japan, I'd think?
I believe immigration, with proper implementation and supervision, is a wonderful thing and beneficial in many respects; but the timing isn't right for him to be addressing this, with so many native Japanese struggling to cope.
Posted in: Hatoyama says Japan should embrace more migrants
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Shaolin7
It's remarkable and amusing seeing how some of you pander to a pretty woman, and gloss over things, that you'd not for an instant let pass if she were plain or worse yet, out and out dowdy or ugly. Hypocrisy at its finest!
I'd agree with PepinGalarga that so far, all she's done in public has been to behave like a petulant, spoilt brat. These two winners deserve one another...
Posted in: Rumors of drug use by Sawajiri's husband may be behind her being fired