TheXyco's past comments

  • 0

    TheXyco

    I find that when entrepreneurs talk about "Asia" as "being the place to be", they almost never mean Japan.

    Posted in: Facebook co-founder Saverin says Asia is the place to be

  • -1

    TheXyco

    If you think it's THAT bad just imagine how much WORSE it is for Japanese women.

    Posted in: Safety tips for foreign women in Japan

  • -1

    TheXyco

    International terrorism is a GLOBAL issue, and being a part of the world will subject you to its evils. If you don't want your citizens to become targets, bury your head in the sand and isolate yourself from the rest of the world.

    Posted in: Japan seeks answers after suffering highest terror death toll since 9/11

  • 8

    TheXyco

    And suddenly everyone in Japan starts to care about the ongoing conflicts in Mali & North Africa.

    Posted in: 5 Japanese among 41 hostages held by Islamic militants in Algeria

  • 0

    TheXyco

    Meanwhile, none of those students in Japan can speak a word of English -- and only seldom have any access to the non-Japanese world.

    Posted in: East Asian students top in math, science, reading: studies

  • -1

    TheXyco

    All this is well and good -- but useless when no one possess enough linguistic skill to interact with investors. Why would any company struggle to find or train Japanese-capable staff to build a regional hub when they could just as easily open a branch in Singapore where the staff have multilingual and geographic access to China, Southeast Asia, AND the English-speaking world?

    With only a few exceptions, the only foreseeable reason any multinational would establish a foothold in Japan would be to tap the domestic market -- which could be an exceptional profitable -yet- lengthy and costly venture given the hyper-sensitive and cautious nature of the Japanese market.

    Posted in: For better lifestyles and lower costs, firms locate outside Tokyo

  • 6

    TheXyco

    Innocent until proven guilty. Sure, we all want a fair trial and due process, but when it comes to the "OTHER GUY" it seems you'd rather watch him burn than afford him the same treatment? Even if one of the accused has admitted guilt, judicial processes are set up to handle these kinds of events and one should respect that. That's journalism. That's diplomacy.

    Also I'm curious to all the outrage that he was in Tokyo, not Okinawa. If you read, you'd see this was not a topic-specific press release or event, but "during the symposium titled the Changes in Leadership and the Future Course of Japan-US-China Trilateral Relations, in Tokyo". Maybe it is hard to believe, but there's more to the US-Japan alliance than just Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa.

    Posted in: U.S. assistant secretary of state apologizes to Japan over alleged rape

  • 2

    TheXyco

    As if Japanese people don't do things that are grossly inconsiderate to foreigners on an near-hourly basis. Standing on the street? "Please teach English." Meeting for the first time? "Are you married? Eeeeeh...! Why not!?" Sitting on the train? moves to different seat Buying bento for literally the 200th time from the same shop? "Chopsticks okay?"

    As foreigners we are instructed not to view these incidents negatively. "They are trying to be nice." or "It's their kindness." Fine okay, buy does the simple fact that this guy is a foreigner mean that this interaction only goes one way? If that's your thought, then it's no wonder Japan's worldview is stuck in the 1920's and it's global clout has plummeted. Welcome to the world, Japan. Not every abides by your arcane rules of politeness 100% of the time.

    Furthermore, I think some question is raised that this individual didn't know he could've been being rude. I would believe (but has yet to be proven) that he knew full well. It was an extraordinary circumstance, so he did something out of the typical convention. "It's his kindness!"

    Posted in: Inspiring or inconsiderate? Foreigner plays guitar for train passengers stranded by typhoon

  • 9

    TheXyco

    7) Why do foreigners get so happy when I take a picture with them?

    When you travel abroad, YOU are the foreigner. Imagine that.

    Posted in: Japanese tourists share impressions of traveling abroad with limited English ability

  • 2

    TheXyco

    I'm very familiar with Hong Kong. I can confidently say that nearly all HK people are more concerned about the mainland government curtailing their own freedoms than with the Senkaku is lands or Japan.

    I can corroborate this. Just came back from HK and the anti-Japanese sentiment was really subdued. Just a small sit-in near IFC. This is a rare one-off, I'm certain.

    Japan has VAST culture power in Hong Kong. Every corner has a Japanese restaurant, electronics store, or brand shop.

    Posted in: Japanese couple attacked in Hong Kong amid tensions

  • 4

    TheXyco

    Overnight everyone in Japan learned that Syria exists.

    Posted in: Slain reporter's partner urges Syria to investigate her death

  • 6

    TheXyco

    Let the activist nationalists from whatever nation go and duke it melee-style out on these rocks for sake of their 'pride'. Meanwhile, the rest of us living in the 21st century in Japan, China, and Korea can conduct commerce as usual -- making our fortunes through civility and cooperation. Enjoy your "honor" -- I'll stake my own honor in what I can accomplish rather than how many "others" I can intimidate and irritate.

    Posted in: Japanese nationalists set sail for disputed islands

  • -1

    TheXyco

    These island disputes are stupid. International disputes over uninhabited rocks are stupid. Nationalism is stupid. Not a single actor in this entire drama is anything but an opportunist.

    Posted in: Japan to deport 14 detained Chinese activists

  • -1

    TheXyco

    Made a right mess of the rail system as well.

    Posted in: 1 dead, 2 missing after heavy rain hits western Japan

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