koizumi said...

koizumi at 02:35 PM JST - 10th October

Sorry, that's 1 Billion Yen, not $.

Posted in Mid-sized insurer Yamato Life goes bust, affecting 1,000 employees at 02:35 PM JST - 10th October
koizumi at 02:30 PM JST - 10th October

As I stated on these pages on 17 September - in response to some rosy comments by Japanese officials and foreign investors - my friend at New City Residence would be out of a job by year's end.

Well, sorry to say, Christmas comes early this year as New City,…

Posted in Mid-sized insurer Yamato Life goes bust, affecting 1,000 employees at 02:30 PM JST - 10th October
koizumi at 11:10 AM JST - 23rd September

Yes,

Something about this whole project leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Every society has its own internal social problems. And Japan is no different. In fact, 21st century Japan is getting kind of scary ... especially for innocent little children. I hardly need to go into any detail…

Posted in Japanese film on child prostitution pulled from Thai film festival at 11:10 AM JST - 23rd September
koizumi at 10:38 AM JST - 19th September

Goldman Sachs ? Is this some kind of joke? This firm may not even be in business next year.

Posted in Japan's housing market weathers subprime crisis at 10:38 AM JST - 19th September
koizumi at 12:11 AM JST - 17th September

This fellow is whistling in the wind. Abosolutely nothing is 'over' here in Japan - especially when it comes to real estate. My goodness, have you looked at the Japan REITs lately?! They are TANKING! A friend of mine works for New City ... he will be out of a…

Posted in Japan's housing market weathers subprime crisis at 12:11 AM JST - 17th September
koizumi at 05:55 PM JST - 9th September

IchyaParadise,

You are so very welcome.

Do you think Obama will pull it out?!

Posted in Why are Japanese people so apathetic toward politics? at 05:55 PM JST - 9th September
koizumi at 08:38 PM JST - 8th September

BETTING,

You're right on the money. My Japanese in-laws never discuss politics, nor do they discuss anything of ANY serious import. I think this 'communication method' is to ensure that no topic ever gets anybody upset. Sorry, but I'm bored silly whenever I'm with these folks - and very appreciative…

Posted in Why are Japanese people so apathetic toward politics? at 08:38 PM JST - 8th September
koizumi at 12:10 PM JST - 5th September

Dear Chris,

You are an excellent journalist but why ... why are you writing such a puff piece on this Mr. Williams from New Zealand.? He's no great shakes as a businessman.

His company, ValueCommerce, is currently in absolute meltdown mode, its share price having gone in two years from…

Posted in The Kiwi connection at 12:10 PM JST - 5th September