hokkaidoguy said...

hokkaidoguy at 02:35 PM JST - 22nd April

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are violently opposed to this shrine, despite their obvious ignorance of what the shrine actually is - let alone what it represents or any of the deeper philosophical, cultural and legal issues at play.

I've got an idea, how about Japan…

Posted in 87 parliamentarians visit Yasukuni Shrine in biannual event at 02:35 PM JST - 22nd April
hokkaidoguy at 09:49 AM JST - 17th April

Cleo -

Instead of waiting for the cops to sort everything else, perhaps you could go out and buy a lock. A good one, that can't be compromised by a pair of tin snips and a screwdriver. If you've had several bikes stolen, I think this might be something to…

Posted in Outing litter louts at 09:49 AM JST - 17th April
hokkaidoguy at 09:02 AM JST - 17th April

"Politicians and bureaucrats doubtless fear a backlash that will hurt tax revenues, lose them votes and lead to shouts of human rights violations but smokers and cyclists need to be restrained. "

I got a laugh out of that. Three cheers for Fascism!

The police here go far above any…

Posted in Outing litter louts at 09:02 AM JST - 17th April
hokkaidoguy at 12:57 PM JST - 13th April

"It seems bizarre that one curious neighbor could land us in jail, possibly for years. We’re criminals, every one of us — relaxed, giggling, happy criminals."

So, how long until the author of this story gets arrested? Any bets?

Posted in Japan going to pot: Celebrity busts and student smokers have authorities in a tizz at 12:57 PM JST - 13th April
hokkaidoguy at 09:36 AM JST - 7th April

Disillusioned: Good to see all the old rockers coming to Japan to milk the cash-cow for their retirement.

hang on. Rockers? Simon and Garfunkel? Rockers? What?

Posted in Simon & Garfunkel to make final Japan tour in July at 09:36 AM JST - 7th April
hokkaidoguy at 06:39 PM JST - 2nd April

nisegaijin -

You really need to get to your local auto parts store. Police and emergency vehicles in Japan send a sat signal that most med-high range radar detectors can pick up on. Mine gives me a heads up if there's a police vehicle or any emergency vehicle in the…

Posted in Speed limits on roads to be revised for 1st time in 20 years at 06:39 PM JST - 2nd April
hokkaidoguy at 03:32 PM JST - 2nd April

I won't hold my breath for them raising the limits in Hokkaido - in summer, 60kph seems absurd, but the winter driving warrants it. People will always aim for the speed limit, regardless of conditions.

In any case, go out and get a really good radar detector. Don't skimp on…

Posted in Speed limits on roads to be revised for 1st time in 20 years at 03:32 PM JST - 2nd April
hokkaidoguy at 11:12 AM JST - 20th March

Greenpeace Japan held a press conference, during which they proudly admitted trespassing and stealing the package in question.

Seems to me they were charged quite fairly, and given that the accused have made quite a show of detailing how and when they did it, the trial seems pretty open and…

Posted in Greenpeace protests outside Japanese Embassy in Australia at 11:12 AM JST - 20th March
hokkaidoguy at 12:57 PM JST - 27th February

Proceed with caution, these office romance things are more trouble than they're worth, especially when jealous co-workers get involved....

Posted in Romance at the workplace: What's your view? at 12:57 PM JST - 27th February
hokkaidoguy at 09:52 AM JST - 27th February

GJDailleult: No mention of the legal grounds the ruling was based on. Wonder if there were any.

There is no law on the books in Japan - or anywhere else I'm aware of - protecting people from having their name recorded at a shrine.

If you know of one, I'd…

Posted in Court rules soldiers' names to stay on war shrine at 09:52 AM JST - 27th February