rurika said...

rurika at 03:55 PM JST - 3rd December

Because the Japanese entertainment industry is tightly controlled by a small number of agencies who have a huge amount of power over the media. They can threaten to withdraw popular acts from TV shows and magazines if you refuse to promote their latest vacuous "talent".

I doubt anyone cares who…

Posted in Why do you think "best" awards are so popular in Japan's show business world? at 03:55 PM JST - 3rd December
rurika at 06:20 AM JST - 3rd December

saying all their beds were full or citing other reasons

I can understand that you need special neonatal unit beds to care for premature babies, but what are the 'other reasons'?

Posted in Premature baby rejected by 7 hospitals in Sapporo, eventually died last year at 06:20 AM JST - 3rd December
rurika at 03:28 AM JST - 1st December
1. Start with a country with a population of different religious persuasions (including atheists).
2. The extremist element of the muslim population grows rapidly and tries to impose their views on everyone else. So-called 'moderate muslims' do nothing to stop them.
3. Civil war, violence and bloodshed ensue.
4. The…
Posted in Hundreds reported dead in clashes in Nigerian city at 03:28 AM JST - 1st December
rurika at 09:52 PM JST - 29th November

The more sober designs are actually quite nice.

The rest are just like Notginger described. Too many layers, flowers, ruffles and ribbons (like this monstrosity http://sachi-b.ftw.jp/picm/000000369.jpg).

I'm sure some of them they appeal to j-ladies who aspire to have a fairytale princess wedding.

Posted in Karina introduces her line of wedding dresses at 09:52 PM JST - 29th November
rurika at 09:05 PM JST - 29th November

Being a foreigner in Japan can act as a trigger. “Members of the foreign community are typically larger than the Japanese,” says Pike. When they come here, “they sometimes find they can’t buy clothes — going to a store only to find they are ‘too big.’”

I can understand that.…

Posted in OA offers help for people with eating disorders at 09:05 PM JST - 29th November
rurika at 05:16 AM JST - 28th November

I believe this is the first LVAD approved for long-term use? The old girl may not live another 20 years but I'm sure if I was confined in bed the prospect of even just a year or two of 'normal' life would be wonderful news.

Posted in Woman, 74, to become Japan's first recipient of artificial heart at 05:16 AM JST - 28th November
rurika at 08:46 AM JST - 27th November

Suzanne stands out and not in a good way. Aoi Miyazaki looks very smart.

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rurika at 06:02 AM JST - 26th November

Yu Darvish and Saeko's baby :-)

Posted in What has been the biggest Japan entertainment news so far this year? at 06:02 AM JST - 26th November
rurika at 08:44 AM JST - 24th November

They tried to impose a similar ban (on soccer) in Saudi Arabia. Let's hope common sense will prevail over extremism.

Posted in Malaysian Islamic body bans yoga for Muslims at 08:44 AM JST - 24th November
rurika at 07:57 AM JST - 24th November

I thought plastic surgeons had some code of conduct that prevented them from doing work on children unless it was to correct a deformity that seriously affected their quality of life.

Posted in Cosmetic surgery for children becoming commonplace at 07:57 AM JST - 24th November