smartacus said...

smartacus at 08:25 AM JST - 16th May

I think in English-speaking countries, there is a tendency to view foreign movies as "arthouse." Even though some foreign movies have excellent stories, they can't compete with Hollywood blockbusters in terms of mass marketing and appeal. In Japan and other countries, on the other hand, people are conditioned to watching…

Posted in Why do moviegoers in English-speaking countries tend to avoid foreign movies with subtitles, while in Japan, for example, it's just the opposite? at 08:25 AM JST - 16th May
smartacus at 05:15 PM JST - 15th May

notimpressed, the point about witnesses is very indicative about Japanese society. Although there may not have been many passers-by at 2:25 a.m., it has been my observation after 20 years in Japan, that passersby will very rarely stop to help anybody in trouble. I've seen drunks passed out on train…

Posted in Man lying on Saitama street killed in hit-and-run at 05:15 PM JST - 15th May
smartacus at 04:22 PM JST - 15th May

I'm not defending the driver, but is it really so easy to see a man lying on the street at night. Suppose the man was in dark clothes. Would the headlights illuminate the body in time for the driver to react?

Posted in Man lying on Saitama street killed in hit-and-run at 04:22 PM JST - 15th May
smartacus at 04:20 PM JST - 15th May

I love the part about the company car waiting nearby. What did he tell the driver? "Hang on. I've got something to do. I'll be back in a jiffy."

Posted in TV Asahi journalist arrested for flashing woman in Tokyo at 04:20 PM JST - 15th May
smartacus at 04:58 PM JST - 14th May

Why do the police always arrest the driver immediately whenever an accident like this happens in Japan, before they have even had time to investigate? It's weird. Shouldn't the police conduct their investigation first to decide whether the driver really was negligent and then press charges?

Posted in Man dies after being hit by truck, several cars in Ibaraki at 04:58 PM JST - 14th May
smartacus at 04:44 PM JST - 14th May

Coffee shops are a good place to observe harried workers -- if, of course, you have the time observing.

Posted in Dealing with stress in the office at 04:44 PM JST - 14th May
smartacus at 08:08 AM JST - 14th May

It's not just Myanmar and China. Everytime I go to Roppongi, there are are always a few Japanese people collecting donations for the Niigata earthquake, whenever that was. They target foreigners. I always wonder who these people are and whether that money ever goes to the earthquake victims.

Currently, I…

Posted in Do you think reports of the Myanmar junta hoarding cyclone relief aid and China's stance on Tibet will make people think twice about making donations to disaster relief in those two countries? at 08:08 AM JST - 14th May
smartacus at 08:29 AM JST - 13th May

And hopefully the last. Is there no escaping Hello Kitty?

Posted in This is the first time the historic fashion house has had a cartoon character model in its entire collection. at 08:29 AM JST - 13th May
smartacus at 07:55 AM JST - 12th May

It's not just police calls. People misuse ambulances all the time, calling them for minor ailments.

Posted in With citizens paying taxes and having an increased awareness of their rights, more people are of the view that they're entitled to get service from public servants. at 07:55 AM JST - 12th May
smartacus at 03:17 PM JST - 11th May

Just when you think the Keystone Kops can't get any dumber, this happens. They let a kerosene-soaked guy get a lighter.

Posted in Cops under fire for giving cigarette, lighter to kerosene-soaked man at 03:17 PM JST - 11th May