Wednesday February 15, 2012

Vagante's past comments

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    Vagante

    When performers walk in the street dressed for their next appointment, the tourists are supposed to ignore them and not disrupt the harmony of Japanese life? Irony is everywhere and hope springs eternal.

    Posted in: Some tourists seem to have the impression that Gion is a theme park, and geisha and maiko are walking the streets as part of a performance.

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    Vagante

    I'm very sorry to hear of her death. I've always enjoyed seeing her on TV and I shall miss her. She was a beautiful lady who gave pleasure to many. It's unfortunate that those who cannot empathize have to exploit news of her death with brash or snide commentary.

    Posted in: Former porn star Ai Iijima found dead at Tokyo apartment

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    Vagante

    Apparently able-bodied people sitting (often pretending to be asleep) in the priority seats of trains, while other, more deserving citizens stand nearby. When one sees such poverty of manners in one of the richest countries on this planet, it's difficult not to notice this.

    And ... people walking in front of me without a word, when I am looking at something on a shelf in a store. When an aisle is narrow, I always manage to offer an "excuse me" when I need to pass in front of somebody.

    Lack of consideration of others as fellow humans is quite prevalent in Japan. Basically, Japanese culture allows the citizens to completely ignore (and not give consideration to) people they have not been introduced to. See the change in behavior when people know (or have at least been introduced to) each other ... a different set of social rules kicks in.

    Posted in: What bad manners annoy you the most in public places?

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    Vagante

    It was his life, his death and his wish. I don't think the guy was wrong. Life and death are inseparable and if more of us took responsibility for our own lives and deaths, the world would be a better place. The taboo surrounding death prevents reasonable discussion and his action helps to bring that discussion into the open

    Nobody HAD to watch the program.

    Posted in: Suicide on TV condemned in Britain

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    Vagante

    The company could employ enough workers to cover a reasonable workload and schedule, but while they have willing wage-slaves like Yuri, they probably will not.

    I'm sure Yuri knows the answer in her heart. Which is more important for her and her family - her relationship with her family or the success of her company? She should consider changing her job or try refusing to do overtime.

    If we are not part of the solution, we are usually part of the problem.

    Posted in: Due to long working hours, I can't pay much attention to my children. I'm worried whether continuing this lifestyle is wise. However, I can't just quit, as I have to earn a living.

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    Vagante

    This is progress? I can see how it can help those with disabilities but for able-bodied people I see dependency on robots as a kind of slavery, not freedom. More human interaction, not less - that's what I'd like to see.

    Posted in: How would you feel about having robots as domestic servants?

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    Vagante

    Clearly it's difficult to prevent people from stealing books but isn't the root cause of the difficulty the motivation of the thieves, not the shortage of money or staff?

    Posted in: It's difficult to prevent people from stealing books due to financial and personnel shortages.

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    Vagante

    "I can't remember the last time I saw a child reading a book."

    We should not be blaming TV or video games, etc. Look to the parents, who should be considering the balance in their kids' lives. Good parenting is the answer.

    Posted in: Today's society is full of virtual reality: television, video games, email, mobile phones and manga that saps children of their strength.

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    Vagante

    At times like this, I claim some other nationality ...

    Unless there is a sign there that says people should not go swimming, I reckon he could get away with it on a legal technicality.

    Posted in: Naked Briton detained after swimming in Imperial Palace moat

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    Vagante

    " ...with censor detecting moves of head to control it."

    Censorship ... it's everywhere! We need to be careful what we allow those 20- to 30-year-old males to see.

    ;-)

    Posted in: Nikon unveils wireless headset for digital content

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    Vagante

    Copy-cat behavior? Japanese culture does not embrace originality or empathy within interpersonal relationships. Thus, anyone with a mental problem that inclines them to violence is likely to copy the last crime that they saw on TV. Then it becomes a kind of sick fashion. I'm surprised there aren't more.

    "Society" does not address problems; this is a task for those who make the laws and govern. The main perpetrators of this problem are the parents of these who express their frustration through violence. Poor parenting produces messed up kids who grow up (or don't grow up) to perpetuate the same. I see it every day.

    If the education process in Japan were to teach more about individual worth and freedom with responsibility, the situation might improve. As it stands, most interpersonal relations in Japan are functional roles where people are expected to behave in a prescribed manner and there is little sense of individual value. Frankly, It's a social sickness on a massive scale. The cure is to teach our children empathy and respect for each other. I would put that on the primary-school curriculum ahead of the three "R's". Then I would introduce parenting classes at Junior-High level - and I don't mean teaching kids how to change diapers.

    Posted in: What do you think is causing the recent spate of random stabbings in Japan and how can society address the problem?

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    Vagante

    Starbucks should raise their prices to whatever they feel they can justify for their bottom line. If the customers don't like it they can vote with their feet and drink elsewhere ... which is exactly what I did when I asked the difference between a short latte and a tall one. The barister told me that they just add more milk. So what about the coffee? No, just more milk, I was told. If you want the same flavor as a short latte, "you have to buy another shot."

    It's all about the customers' perception of value. Starbucks is not selling just coffee but all the other elements that they have attached to it. For my taste, I prefer a Doutor latte at 230 yen - with no cheating on the coffee.

    Posted in: Starbucks Japan to raise coffee prices

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    Vagante

    "the first aloft to open" ...

    "Aloft" is now a noun? Do these rooms come with a loft?

    Posted in: World's 1st aloft hotel opens in Montreal

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    Vagante

    This "news" looks like a JAL PR press release. Do JT journalists not question corporate motives in Japan? The "Eco" jet ... excuse me while I exercise my cynical side.

    Posted in: JAL Eco Jet to raise awareness of global environment

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    Vagante

    Mean Ringo,

    "Perhaps a good ass kicking (or the real threat of one) is what kids need these days."

    I would substitute "some parents" for kids.

    Posted in: I'm afraid I'll abuse the child. I'm giving up my freedom for the kid, and if he doesn't do what I say I'll kick his ass.

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    Vagante

    Does he believe that the Chinese send the yellow sand dust here intentionally, or that they could do something about it?

    Posted in: When I suggested the possibility that Japan was being hurt by cross-border pollution from China, the whole audience booed my speech.

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