shugotokumaru said...

shugotokumaru at 11:23 AM JST - 9th October

This is indeed an issue largely pushed by the Zainichi community, from whose point of view having no right to vote is particularly absurd. While the Zainichi groups have a lot of clout and are the only reason this is even on the table, they also inspire opposition in many…

Posted in Haraguchi positive on granting foreigners local voting rights at 11:23 AM JST - 9th October
shugotokumaru at 09:44 AM JST - 9th October

Yeah, I think you're all right that suffrage is just the right to vote；my mistake.

What interests me here, though, is that the term being used in Japanese is "参政権," which, according to my dictionaries and the meaning of the characters, simply means "participation in politics."

If they simply meant…

Posted in Haraguchi positive on granting foreigners local voting rights at 09:44 AM JST - 9th October
shugotokumaru at 08:05 AM JST - 9th October

Is the translation "voting rights" correct, or is it actually "suffrage," in which foreign permanent residents will also be allowed to seek office? I think it's the latter, but I haven't heard it clearly articulated in Japanese or English yet.

Posted in Haraguchi positive on granting foreigners local voting rights at 08:05 AM JST - 9th October
shugotokumaru at 10:56 PM JST - 22nd September

Eddisofbextar, I don't even know where to start.

First, I echo the sentiments of realist in saying that despite my foreign origins, I am quite capable of understanding Japanese politics. It's not really a matter of passing level one as much as following what is going on.

Second, your assertion…

Posted in Should foreign residents have local voting rights? at 10:56 PM JST - 22nd September
shugotokumaru at 03:05 PM JST - 10th September

TokyoRoughGuy, I hope you're being sarcastic, since the Prime Minister remains Aso and the DPJ is still not in power.

Posted in LDP could re-emerge after losses at 03:05 PM JST - 10th September
shugotokumaru at 07:53 AM JST - 18th May
"Billy, welcome to Japan. We know you'll enjoy continued success."
- Mr. Big, Toto and Velvet Revolver
Posted in Billy Blanks speaks of June wedding at 07:53 AM JST - 18th May
shugotokumaru at 03:18 AM JST - 28th April

I agree that talent has even less to do with selling well in Japan than it does in the States. The agencies have everything lined up, and the public eat it up. I think there is at least a larger chance for truly talented artists to get big in America.…

Posted in Why do Asian pop stars have a hard time succeeding in the U.S. market? at 03:18 AM JST - 28th April
shugotokumaru at 01:44 PM JST - 6th April

"Dude, mellow out," as it were.

I looooooove how big a deal cannabis is made out to be by the hima na Japanese media.

Posted in Masatoshi Nakamura sheds tears over son's drug arrest at 01:44 PM JST - 6th April
shugotokumaru at 06:59 AM JST - 29th March

I think she put that album cover together on a trial version of Photoshop.

As for the story, I have heard about Utada Hikaru taking America by storm before, and let's just say none of my non-Japanophile friends have her stuff.

Posted in Hikaru Utada’s new album doing well in the U.S. at 06:59 AM JST - 29th March
shugotokumaru at 10:13 AM JST - 25th March

Plums smell better too. Okay bye.

Posted in Plum blossoms at 10:13 AM JST - 25th March