JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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- Corporate Business English Trainers
- ACT Systems, Inc.（株式会社アクト・システムズ）, Tokyo
- Salary: ¥269,500 ~ ¥280,000 / Month
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- English Instructor (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)
- Berlitz Japan, Inc. (ベルリッツ・ジャパン株式会社), Kansai
- Salary: ¥125,000 ~ ¥250,000 / Month
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- FT English Teachers for Kids - Osaka
- Kohgakusha Co., Ltd. （株式会社興学社）, Osaka
- Salary: ¥255,000 ~ ¥275,000 / Month Travel Expenses, Encouragement of Japanese learning*
1
andrewfx51
@GW
That may be the case, but higher registration costs act as de facto tariffs. Surely US badged Chinese imports would be much cheaper to sell. That being said, Buffett noted the importance of competative advantage that act as barriers to entry into a particular market - Japanese companies have worked hard builing their brands for an extended period of time in a way that US car manufacturers have not - following a Gillette model where you pay a lower initial investment for a product, only to pay for replacements, and other higher on road costs.
@j4p4nFTW
Yes, patriotism...so why are the factories full of Brazilians?
Posted in: What do you think are the main reasons why U.S. car sales are so low in Japan?
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andrewfx51
If you watch the video and understand Chinese, it's not as bad as the article makes out. Still wouldn't do it to my kid though.
Posted in: Video of Chinese boy crying in snow sparks uproar
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andrewfx51
@Blair Herron
I think that you stand by your latter statement. The way history is taught in Japan varies greatly with many other countries in the world.
Makoto
I hope you read the comments on your posts (apart from the blatantly rude ones), and understand why people are sometimes (often) offended by what you write. Loyalty is not a trait that is unique to Japan - as Blair Herron, Tyler Vandenberg et al have pointed out. In fact, the recent corporate scandals (Tepco, Olympus) indicate that loyalty is a trait that is lacking in Japan.
You may aruge that these action are out of loyalty to employers - not so. It is about face, mentsu, "面子". Olympus was obliged to be loyal to its shareholders - yes, the delaying the release of bad news in the short term may maintain share prices, but often delays the inevitable: eventually there is too much to cover up. Tepco had obligations to power users and citizens living near power plants - obligations that they didn't live up to.
"I am from a country which values (or used to) loyalty a lot. Japanese kamikaze pilots were very loyal and died for their country. They flew with a gas tank which had enough fuel to fly only one way, knowing that they wouldn’t come back to their country and they crashed into American ships during WWII. Many Japanese businessmen used to work for one company all their lives, pledging their loyalty to it."
Many workers at manufacturers in the Western world were equally loyal - hard to believe I know! Many are now wards of the state, requiring government support, or taking minimum wage work to survive.
"Before I moved to the U.S., I didn’t expect loyalty to exist here. It’s not an insult, but I simply thought it was a Japanese thing."
It is insulting, and shows a lack of education on your part. That isn't meant to be an insult to you personally, more an indictment of the Japanese education system Read: "The Red Badge of Courage" "All Quiet on the Western Front" "A Farewell to Arms" - See "Saving Private Ryan" "Bridge over the River Kwai". Better yer, watch the new Christian Bale movie "The Flowers of War". Watch all of it. Then come back and talk about loyalty.
"One difference between Japan and the U.S. is that in the U.S., you choose how you want to live your life. There is no pressure on you to be loyal from society, your country, or anyone"
I disagree.
"...the “What’s in it for me?” attitude..."
Can you be more specific? Maybe people come across with this attitude have families/dependants to support?
Posted in: Honor and loyalty
0
andrewfx51
@smithinjapan
The kid was the victim. The perp was 47, drunk and didn't have a license.
Reseach was done in Australia recently regarding senctencing, with the public generally feeling that sentences were too light, while people who had served on juries felt that sentences were apt.
It is very easy to judge based on the evidence presented by Japan Today, or newspaper articles; much harder once you are sitting in the courtroom. If the Japanese prosecution doesn't wish to elevate this crime to Vehicular Homicide, there is a reason for them doing so - Japan doesn't have a 99% conviction rate for nothing - they make charges they think will stick.
Posted in: Parents of hit-and-run victim present petition demanding stiffer penalty for defendant
0
andrewfx51
@BurakuminDes
UFC incorporates standing and grappling fighting styles, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Practicioners predominantly use Karate and Kickboxing (Muay Thai) as the basis for their standing attacks, while most use Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as the basis for grappling, although some have a freestyle wrestling background. I think it's too easy to dismiss events like this as 'freak show violence', even though a great deal of dedication goes into the physical and also mental preparation involved; in particular, the almost chess like way in which move is responded to by counter-move. I would encourage you to take up either Karate or Judo, and learn the various techniques that are employed by MMA fighters in the blink of an eye - perhaps you may not simply dismiss it as an abomination on sport.
Krav Maga is the hand to hand combat system developed by the Israeli military to reflect real combat - anything goes. I wouldn't call it a sport, but self defence is not just for 'plods with IQ60 and under'.
Cheers
Posted in: UFC 144: World's most violent sport hits Tokyo
1
andrewfx51
@KingBasil
Perfect explanation. Both sides can claim it's their 'candy bar', but one side's already eating it.
@sfjp330
Why have neither side brought it to a neutral arbitrator? More importantly, why hasn't Japan started exploration, or if it lacks the technology, used a multinational to start exploration for them?
Posted in: Japan protests to China over undersea gas drilling
-1
andrewfx51
China just licked it and put it back
Posted in: Japan protests to China over undersea gas drilling
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andrewfx51
Yes - but the rest of the world would decry your actions. Japan would lose a lot of the soft power it had built up post WWII. War should not be bandied about as a possible means to reclaiming the islands.
This is really off topic. I was agreeing with @smithinjapan - No, Japan doesn't have a legitimate claim to the islands; any claim by politicians to the contrary is merely for votes, and economic concerns trump national pride, which is what happened. I don't think China will ally itself with Japan under any circumstances this millenium.
Posted in: Japan, Russia to boost economic, security ties
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andrewfx51
Actions of an individual madman (I'm not aware of this incident, but assume the perpetrator is not mentally sound) do not reflect government policy. Japan lost the war; Russia took advantage of this situation to enter the war and claim spoils. That is their reward - and Japan's punishment.
Posted in: Japan, Russia to boost economic, security ties
1
andrewfx51
@Serrano @YuriOtani
And the Kanto-gun was honorable and just as it swept through Manchuria and China? The Korean Peninsula, Taiwan, Karafuto and the Kurils were all unquestionably Japanese BEFORE the Pacific war. Blame the Taisei Tokusankai NOT Russia for what happened before, during and after WWII.
Posted in: Japan, Russia to boost economic, security ties
0
andrewfx51
A pentathalon involving a champion from the US and Iran competing in events such as throwing grenades from a Lexus in the desert, camel racing, scimitar dueling. Winner gets either nuclear capability or oil. Seriously though, both sides need to chill out.
Posted in: What can be done to ease tensions between Iran and Western nations?
2
andrewfx51
The true reason for war, however it is rationalised by the government of the time, is to protect national interests - intrests which change with time. Australia and the United States have similar values, which is why there is a closer natural affinity and closer ties that have existed since Australia became a federated nation in its own right. That isn't to say close ties cannot be made with China - Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minster, diplomat in China and now current Foreign Minister has advocated them in public (while privately expressing his disdain with dealing with Chinese bureaucracy).
Konsta said @ Sep. 16, 2011 - 08:12PM JST
All valid points. I counter the first point by highlighting the strong economic ties between not only AUS/US and China but also Japan. However I acknowledge that any action perceived as aggresion (and a perception, not a reality is all that is required) will be countered with sanctions and trade restrictions, such as those that occured after the incident in near the Senkaku/Diaoyu border, where China cut off the supply of rare metals until Japan backed down. Rather than direct conflict, see this strengthening of the alliance as a chess move; a political move - China may complain, not for rational reasons, but because they have to maintain face, even though they know they would do the same in the same situation. Rebutting the other points, they don't refer directly to the situation in Japan, so I don't see the relevance, other than that this article is on a Japan oriented forum. Feel free to elaborate so I can agree or disagree.
jackieng @Sep. 16, 2011 - 11:26PM JST
One of the tenets of democracy, in both US and Australia is respect for human rights - something that has been liberally interpreted in the past, where suited I agree. This has enabled the deals with dictators that you have mentioned in the other posts. It also enabled the allied powers to counter the expansion of autocratic empires in the World Wars. So physically no interests are being infringed upon by China's military and economic growth. But many citizens of both the US and Australia oppose the crackdown on minorities in Xinjiang/Uighur provences, occupation in Tibet, and perhaps most alarming, the detaining of Australian citizens for extended periods of time without notifying embassies/consulates after pressing charges. These fall under the banner of national interests, and will be defended, albeit sometimes in a very superficial manner. If you disagree, I wish to know why.
Posted in: U.S. to expand military presence in Australia to counter China
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andrewfx51
Did they include mixi in their 'research'? Just because J-companies have avoided Facebook, etc. Doesn't mean that they are ignoring the power of the internet. Granted, they do tend to be last on the boat though
Posted in: Japan trails international peers in social media-based marketing
2
andrewfx51
I'll miss you - hope to see you after your marriage falls apart
Posted in: Mona Yamamoto announces retirement from showbiz
0
andrewfx51
@knowitall There seems to be an amazing lack of real time online radiation monitoring sites around Tokyo
Valid point here. Many people lament the lack of information despite the fact that in many (note: but not all) cases there is information available in Japanese.
@takosrus
There should really be quotas in place; actions like these could mean that people miss out on essentials - it counters all the good will stories that are being reported regarding the patience and vigilance being shown by the Japanese - though I did read a mixi post about a 'suspicious' tokyo gas employee, so those at risk please look out for con artists/opportunists.
Posted in: Geiger counters sell out in Akihabara over radiation fears
0
andrewfx51
"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel" As a neutral third party, it's easy to see that Maehara and his Chinese counterpart are simply appealing to nationalistic ideals in their constituencies, despite those in business wanting to return to the status quo: don't mention the war.
Posted in: Anti-China protest
0
andrewfx51
I know that when I was in Japan, I wanted to be treated like everyone else, not an outsider or alien. Asking staff to use different language with foreigners undermines the efforts of foreigners who learn the language, and is just another reason for the 'us' and 'them' mentality. I expect no less of persons seeking residence in my country (Australia).
Posted in: In Japan, the customer is not king
0
andrewfx51
There are always ways to escalate your problem where staff are not complying, provided your request is a reasonable one. Ask for the shift manager, outline your problem; if the manager will not comply go over his head - to the complaints department if it is a major company. As many people have pointed out, the old couple running the small stand will often be more willing to help you than the arbeit-er unused to dispute resolution.
Beer will massive head is prevalent here - this is due to the tap construction: pull for beer, push for foam, as opposed to the western world where beer pulling is a skill. But if you're only getting half a beer when you ask for without foam, or half a drink when you purchase a drink (other than from a vending machine) feel free to kick up a stink - you pay for a product, and if the product is not what you pay for, don't pay, or get a replacement.
Examples where cheese is being left on food despite customer requests, or customers being unable to change the drinks on their meal are asking for trouble, particularly in cases where the customer has an allergy.
Be friendly, use a smile, and point out the logic in satisfying individual requests.
To those who can't understand keigo, learn it. It's a skill worth learning. I haven't seen a reason justifying not knowing keigo in any of the comments, and I believe it is a reasonable expectation of someone living in Japan to understand language used in the wider world. Not knowing the language leaves you without a leg to stand on in disputes - if you can't communicate your ideas, you can't win any arguments
Posted in: In Japan, the customer is not king
0
andrewfx51
Maybe he's growing it for a role?
Oda Nobunaga
Posted in: Pitt and Tarantino to be guests on 'Bistro SMAP'
0
andrewfx51
If parental abduction is not a crime in Japan, why is he in custody?
Posted in: American arrested in Fukuoka for kidnapping own kids from ex-wife