JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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- 加治金属工業株式会社, Tokyo
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- NPO法人グローバル教育推進機構（GLAD), Mie
- Salary: ¥230,000 / Month For a full working month. Some months differ.
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saruzenki
Huh ?
"Ruriko"...
-She has been married and divorced twice.
-She sought refuge with her mother, but relations grew strained.
-Ruriko fled with the child.
-She registered with several temp employment agencies, but keeping a job has always been a problem...
-Two years ago, she placed the child in a facility.
-Unemployed for the past year, she has survived on unemployment insurance benefits supplemented by 30,000 yen-a-month allowances from her father and her first ex-husband (not the child’s father).
-Honestly, I’m better off dead,” says Ruriko. “That’s what I think whenever the child comes home and I serve bread crusts I get at a pet store and gruel from dumplings I buy at the 100-yen shop.”
Ummm, Jean, the problem obviously is Ruriko ! Two husbands, a strained relationship with mom, and the inability to hold down a job because of "menstrual cramps" has "I'm a spoiled lazy no good who can't control my mouth and won't change" written all over it ! I've seen these girls before, dozens as a matter of cat. I've had to live in the same apartment building for 3 years once as the building manager was a softy when it came to these types of women. The single mother directly in front of my back door had 3 kids of various ages. Men came and went at all hours of the day, and the constant screaming of children was unbearable. I have no sympathy for the vast majority of these women who clam their "husbands were abusive"... more like tired of being shouted at and bullied at all hours of the day !
Posted in: Single mothers, squeezed by recession, turning to prostitution as last resort
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saruzenki
"Popular American talk-radio host, Michael Savage, who broadcasts from San Francisco and has called the Muslim holy book, the Quran, a “book of hate,” is on the list."
The term "popular" to describe Savage and his program is questionable. His comments on the Quran though seem tame compared with someone who might fire off blatantly racist terminology like "Paki" or "r@ghead" ! Those words of course most famously quoted in a 2006 video of the royal family's Prince Harry ! Hmmm, is he still allowed in the UK ?
Posted in: UK 'unwelcome' list bars 22 alleged extremists
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saruzenki
There are so many things wrong with this article I don't know where to begin, so how about from the top.
"Last Sunday, I went down to Harajuku to see what all the hullabaloo is about concerning H&M and Forever21.Firstly, considering we’re supposed to be in the middle of a recession, the entire area was jampacked. It looked like the good old days of 2005-2007, with people overflowing into the streets. Stores were full of people making purchases"
Hmmm, pretty far reaching conclusion here considering it's only one day out of the week and the writer readily admits it's in an area where a new store, an American chain at that, has opened. Unfortunately sales figures over the past 12 years, and most recently, show a completely different picture. I can only assume that the "people making purchases" are of the minor or insignifigant level. Fact is Japan's retail sector has been in crisis mode for more than 12 years now. Sales figures continue to plummet and local businessmen seem befuddled as to what to do, and believe you me they've tried a variety of "stunts".
Take GAP for instance. I have to chuckle at the authors attempts to throw "The Gap" into the same category as Uniqlo,H&M, or even Forever21 for that matter. Over the past few years Gap stores have raised their prices considerably. What used to sell for 2,000 yen suddenly skyrocketed to more than 4,000 yen ! Seasonal, year end, and quartery sales also reflected this new marketing ploy. Instead of dirt cheap deals, clothing prices settled down to original 2,000 yen level... hardly a bargain and a real insult to the consumers out there. I mean do you really think we are stupid enough not to realize that you have doubled your prices ? I think not, and more accurately explains this observation from the story above
"Gap had thinner crowds"
Now moving on to the biased rant against China. I must say I am extremely disappointed with the lack of supporting information... I mean,
"Japan’s apparel market is the second largest in the world... Overall annual sales are around $28 billion, and most (93%) of what is sold is made in China."
And the problem is ...? Seems to me the real issue is, if so many clothing products are being manufactured in China a mere 2000 kilometers... why do clothing prices remain almost double of that in the US, which is, to NY, over 11 thousand kilometers away ! Go figure. Seems to me the problem is not with the chinese but the price gouging Japanese that run the retail sectors ! I somehow doubt that changing manufacturing bases to Vietnam or Malaysia will make any difference... the problem is a domestic one.
In short, this story seems to be pointing the finger at foreign exporters rather than laying blame where it belongs... with Japanese purchasing agents and domestic retail outlets. Explains why "on-line" shopping in Japan is booming. Japanese can get international brands like Abercrombie and Fitch or Carters childrens clothes by surfing the net from home. No unpleasant experience like long lines, pushy and bothersome sales clerks, noisy environments etc. And they don't have to pay for the ridiculously high prices due to overhead. Japan's retail sector needs a complete overhaul. Unfortunately its national politicians, market protectors, and articles like this that fail to grasp the real problems. As a consumer forced to spend in Japan I believe there is much more Japan can do to make shopping here a helluva lot better... but then again.
Article Unavailable
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saruzenki
"If Chrysler were in such good shape they would be looking to make their own low cost aquisitions."
Sorry, you are missing the point. Chrysler wants to shift over to the future of automobiles... electric ! The kicker is they want to do it in the next few years and as cheaply as possible... hello Uncle Sam ! Chrysler is not looking to acquire anything or anybody. Fiat offers access to the European markets, much to the Germans chagrins. Again, just check out todays Yahoo or Drudgereport for more evidence at what is really happening. Fiat is about to score big time ! As for this...
"Make no mistake, automakers, especially GM and Chrysler, are fighting for their very existence"
I agree, to a point ! GM, Chrysler, and Ford are pushing the envelope. They are about to accelerate the technology and push the US into unchartered waters. The pay will be huge. First though you must understand that the gasoline powered auto industry is "dead" !!! The real question is not for the big three, who are manuevering to have the US gov help pay for their factory changeovers, no, the real questions are for Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Bmw, Volvo, VW etc. Are these companies ready for what is about to take place in the next two years. I mean they can forget about the Chinese market. China has been very clear, domestic auto makers will have full reign of the country. Once they pilfer the technology from the US, Germans, and Japanese... well theres the door, don't let it hit you on the way out. I for one can't wait to return to this forum 3 years from now with another " I told ya so" to hang on this forum.
Posted in: Japan wary of Chrysler fallout on parts makers
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saruzenki
"In two starts this season, Matsuzaka is 0-1 with a 12.79 ERA."
What a disaster ! Thank you World baseball classic !
Posted in: Matsuzaka to pitch in minors Tuesday
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saruzenki
When the bubble first burst around 1989 Japan's response was to restructure the hell out of it's businesses, early retirement packages, firings, lay offs, bankruptcy, and companies going out of business was the norm till about 2000. Then many of these companies hired on part timers, with low salaries and without any benefits to mention, as Japan really turned up the "export machine". Now what we are living through is the total collapse of that strategy. Japan's exports came at the expense of an expanding domestic market. And by doing so they hurt American industries to the point where many are on the verge of collapse. Japan has but one simple soltion... import and focus on the domestic market. Plain and simple folks. If you can pry just a fraction of the 4 million yen the average Japanese has in the bank out of their grubby paws... well, its "happy days are here again" !
Posted in: Recovery? What recovery?
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saruzenki
Sarge;
"you know the current exchange rates have no influence whatsoever on the prices of imported goods!"
Now you are getting to the crux of the matter, exchange rates... live by em-die by em. And unfortunately Japan's "export till the cows come home" mentality is what is sinking their ship. Way back in the 1970's the exchange rate hovered around 280 yen to the dollar. When Japanese auto makers were "invited" into the US (open arms, tax breaks, new deals and laws, etc) they took full advantage of this. By the 1980's the US asked Japan to tone down it's over dependancy on the US market as they were damaging it with once again too much emphasis on the American consumer, now the problem was in the exchange rate. Japan had a clear advantage as the US maintained a policy of supply and demand to set consumer prices, this has not changed to this day. Japan however has never abided by this philosophy, instead jacking up unreasonable prices on foreign imports especially cars. I mean lets be honest, a Ford Fiesta was a deal at $6,000 back in the early 80's. Japan wanted to tag you for $10,000... and then make no guarantees about maintenance. Hey, American auto dealers were offering same day service for defective Toyotas, but Japan wouldn't do that here ? Now I've heard people talk about how Japanese auto manufacturers made more attempts to move into the US to address such issues. That is nonsense ! Toyota didn't open their California headquarters till a good 15 years after they started selling in the US. And they were given huge tax breaks and incentives to move in, similar offers have never been recipricated by the Japanese.
Now Sarge the story has come full circle. The Americans now have a slight advantage in terms of exchange rates, yet the Japanese have refused to lower their prices on American cars... Foul ! This is what the Japanese offer you, limited access at unreasonable prices... much like so many other imported consumer goods in Japan. This in itself is a way to block access to the market, the consumers. It's all about price ! Nothing to do with quality. Uniqlo, McDonalds, Daiso, have all proven that Japanese consumers are looking for a financial break. And why oh why would anyone out there be purchasing automobiles from a nation, Japan, that has been notorious for millions of defective cars, death from overwork, hidden defects, documented cases of gender bias and sexual harrasment, polluting of national waterways, unpaid overtime... I mean the list is endless. Sarge you rattled off a short list of companies you would buy a car from. By doing so you throw your support behind everything I have listed here. Thats embarrasing ! In short I don't think Chrysler filing for bankruptcy protection has anything to do with Japan, the exchange rates and Japans over selling of the US market is more pertinant. I mean if Japanese automakers were so good, why worry about a mere 3-5 yen disadvantage in exchange rates. The Americans kicked Japan's tail for better than 50 years and were at a 200-150 yen plus disadvantage for most of the time. Japan needs to quit whining and start producing.
Posted in: Is Chrysler's bankruptcy good news for Japan?
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saruzenki
BTW Sarge... any ideas where I could get a Kia or Hyundai here in Japan ? You see kids, its not only the Americans Japan is blocking out ! Time for the US to do the same, protect American companies and American workers.
Posted in: Is Chrysler's bankruptcy good news for Japan?
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saruzenki
"Of course VW sells way more cars in the U.S."
Cmon Sarge, 10X's more ? Har !
"Heck, if I could afford to have a car ( and a parking space for it ) I'd probably buy a Toyota..."
But Sarge, at the current exchange rates you should be able to afford a decked out brand new right side steering column American made auto like the Ford Fiesta... ranked as the worlds second best car, behind the VW Golf, by 59 auto critics from around the world !
Posted in: Is Chrysler's bankruptcy good news for Japan?
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saruzenki
Sarge, for all intents and purposes, mostly through unfair media and political shenanigans, Japans markets are closed to "all" foreign auto makers. Want an example ? Volkswagen is the leading foreign auto seller in Japan. This company sells 250,000 plus vehicles in the US in a year.. in Japan ? Try less than 30,000 ! Now if Japan is soooo welcoming to foreign auto dealers, how do you explain these miserable numbers ? Sorry, simply saying the markets are open doesn't make it true.
Posted in: Is Chrysler's bankruptcy good news for Japan?
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saruzenki
Worried Sarge ?
"It's not good news for the Japanese parts makers who were selling parts to them, and GM and Ford."
Whats it matter ? In due time Japanese and Korean auto companies will simply pick up the slack. Don't you folks see how it works ? When one company folds, another moves into take its place... ah, but there in lies the real concern... the Japanese have flooded the US market, along most recently with the Korean. Now, if those markets were just as open to US manufacturers we would be looking at the survival of all, but the closed markets in both Japan and Korea shut out US manufacturers... unfair to the hilt, and one of the leading causes for the demise of the auto industry... thank you Japan, oh yeh, and Korea.
Posted in: Is Chrysler's bankruptcy good news for Japan?
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saruzenki
donkusai, in sheer terms of logic, yours is hard to grasp.
"Fiat will use Chrysler to make/market/sell Fiat cars in the US. That's why they want it, not so much for what Chrysler is now."
Har ! Who ever heard of a company hitching onto the coattails of another that is about to file for bankruptcy protection ? Sorry mate, but Fiat has the inside scoop, and some technology that Chrysler wants. This isn't about marketing, its about technology... electric !
And tokyohustla,
"Honda already asked for bailout money. You might want to get up to speed on this."
I know they went "panhandling" to the Americans for free money, but have they done this in Japan also ? Wow.
Posted in: Japan wary of Chrysler fallout on parts makers
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saruzenki
What a strange question, even by Japantoday standards. Of course the Japanese and the media here are extatic about the perceived demise of both Chrysler and GM. They have been working towards this goal as far back as the early 1990's. Why should they worry now that their objectives have been met ? I mean just a few years ago American auto executives asked Toyota to back off, their obsessive focus on the US market and becoming #1 was essentially destroying the market at a heightened pace. At that time Toyota was extremely uncooperative. They had already destroyed their domestic market here in Japan so after the US they went, and to hear how they are targetting the Europeans now... well, wtf ! Again, a very strange question indeed, Japan has simply gotten what it asked for, at least so they think ! I for one have gone on and on about the strategy behind all this. What Japan should be more concerned about is how they're auto makers will make the dramatic jump to electrics like GM and Chrysler are about to. Brilliant strategy by the Americans. The objective was to "out-tech" the chinese as they are closing their markets to both Japan and US auto makers. The chinese will be stuck with gas guzzlers for the next 20 years while the US moves on, creating a whole new industry in the wake. Again, brilliant !
Posted in: Is Chrysler's bankruptcy good news for Japan?
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saruzenki
"Chrysler hasnt the time, money, or enough engineering savvy left to develop fuel efficient cars that people want to buy."
So why would Fiat, or any other entity buy into such a doomed scenerio ? I for one am gonna laugh when in the next year or so we all see Toyota merging with Nissan, and Honda asking for "bailout" money. None of these companies are prepared for what is about to take place, a quick and efficient transfer over to electric autos ! The US has been preparing for this for years. There are already hubs and stations for electric cars to re-charge, for free, in some of Americas major cities... like Seattle Washington ! Seems some of you have been relying on Japanese news to keep you informed of the worlds events... now theres a "har-har" moment. Well done America, you are about to kick the J's in the nads and jump to the next stage of technology leaving the chinese to figure out what to do with all their gasoline powered engines... brilliant !
Posted in: Japan wary of Chrysler fallout on parts makers
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saruzenki
WillB, You are going to need more facts or data to back your opinions. As for me, just a couple of questions for you to ponder. If GM is in such bad shape why has "Segway" agreed to team up with them to produce a two seated vehicle for the chinese market ? Ummm, have you read the latest "Newsweek" ? And second, if things are so bad at Chrysler... why would Fiat want to jump on their band wagon ? As usual many of you are simply not in the loop and show up here to publicly vent your ignorance. I on the other hand have been doling out free economic advice such as
Get in the market when it hit 6,500
Pharmaceuticals like Chugai look great for the long term, of course that stock jumped 227 just a few days ago but I talked about them months ago !
Mcdonalds before they opened the McCafe.
And I'm telling you now, GM and Chrysler are poised to dominate the auto industry for the next 15-20 years. All this "bankruptcy" talk is only for the media and various simpletons looking to finger point at the USA. Make no mistake, this has been in the works since 9-11 !
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Posted in: Japan wary of Chrysler fallout on parts makers
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saruzenki
I can't believe the Japanese haven't figured out what is about to transpire. The latest Newsweek magaizine adds fuel to the fire that the US government, for better or worse, is doing nothing more than assisting the big three as they shift from gasoline powered engines to electric.
A combination of Americas strategic move away from foreign oil and China's unwillingness to open its markets to US auto manufacturers has accelerated Americas willingness to adopt cleaner more efficient autos while also creating a totally new market. The leap to electric cars will be fast and should put the US in a dominant position for the next 15-20 years. GM, Chrysler, Ford etc have as many as 30 vehicles ready for mass production. What they don't have... is the desire to use their own funds for the factory switch overs. Ahhh, enter the US government, and make no mistake, this has been in the works for at least the past 3-4 years. As for Japan ? Sorry to say, unprepared ! I don't see the US government wiling to help Toyota, Nissan, or Honda make the switch. And the Japanese government remains paralyzed with no vision whatsoever. They still believe that GM and Chryslers current situation is about the economy, failing to admit that this is also about national security and advanced technology. I for one can't wait to jump into a new GM Volt once mass production starts and prices drop.
Posted in: Japan wary of Chrysler fallout on parts makers
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saruzenki
Flu worries ? Hah ! Chugai stock just rocketed 227 points yesterday ! When will the local media stop blaming the US for every downturn in the Japanese economy ? This really is getting old !
Posted in: Japan stocks tumble on strong yen, flu worries
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saruzenki
Japanese polis seem obsessed with anything American these last few days. First they're off bemoaning US immigration policies now this. Don't these clowns have anything better to do ? Like take care of their imploding economy ?
Posted in: Foreign minister says Indiana Jones movie trivializes nuke threat
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saruzenki
"The U.N. is irrelevant and impotent."
Yes, and for all we know Kim Jong Ill has taken a page from the Hussein files and is paying the UN off !
Posted in: Japan wants U.N. emergency talks if N Korea launches rocket
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saruzenki
Such is life in Japan. First, I feel for the smoker here. I have met dozens of surly and rude JR staff employees. They sit on their duffs most of the day doing absolutely nothing to make the morning and evening commutes better. I can think of so many things they could be doing to secure the platforms and offer better services, but alas, they figure slapping up dozens of posters in and around the stations is sufficient. As for said smoker, I see these clowns all over the lpace also. They light up where and whenever they want. They have few considerations for others and just blindly go about their days with that dazed look on their face. So what to do ? Put the gloves on them and let them have at each other for 3 rounds, by then the smoker will have exhausted himself enough that that piss-poor excuse of a JR employ should be able to get in a few licks.
Posted in: Saitama train conductor assaulted after asking man to smoke in designated area