JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
-
- Core Developer - コアディベロッパー
- Midokura Japan K.K. - ミドクラジャパン株式会社, Tokyo
- Salary: ¥4.0M ~ ¥10.0M / Year Negotiable
-
- Translator
- ZAIHON, Inc. (日本財務翻訳株式会社), Tokyo
- Salary: ¥6.0M / Year Negotiable
-
- Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Kanto region
- RCS (RCSコーポレーション), Kanto
- Salary: ¥180,000 ~ ¥250,000 / Month includes performance bonus
-1
smithinjapan
YuriOtani: "Really all talks should stop until the northern territories are returned."
Why would Russia give away Russian territory to appease the whiners in this nation? Japan lost these islands quite some time ago, and have zero right to them. They know it, and hence Gemba tried to downplay the issue and focus on talks that are actually useful and could further relations instead of straining them over a non-issue.
You're right that the issue won't go away, though... as soon as Gemba and/or Azuma do something stupid again like promising the US they will cut dependence on Iranian oil and then backtrack within 24 hours we'll hear about how Gemba plans to look at the islands through binoculars from a helicopter far away (to take the focus off his own stupidity).
Posted in: Japan, Russia to boost economic, security ties
-1
smithinjapan
Good on this guy.
Posted in: Man uncovers bike thief by bidding on own bike in online auction
5
smithinjapan
"Otani said the movie industry faces many challenges from other forms of digital and multimedia entertainment and that many moviegoers have less disposable income than before. Nevertheless, he said the industry has to make better movies if it hopes to lure audiences back."
Don't shift the blame for the drop to the people who make the movies! The movies are just fine. There are three main reasons why the movie theatre industry is suffering: 1) (the biggest) the prices are too damn high in Japan. Drop the cost to 1000 yen per person for a regular ticket, and 800 yen for discount, and I guarantee that the theatres will be packed. While it seems a substantial drop in revenue on paper per ticket, the fact that people would go MUCH more would more than compensate, and even generate further profit. Look at pizza companies -- many of them these days are offering half-price pizzas for certain pizzas every month, and business is booming where before it was being threatened (and their obviously still making a profit on the half-priced pizzas or they wouldn't lower the costs as much). 2) Focus is shifting back from the big screen to the flat screen, or television. Many big name actors in the West are going back to television, so instead of watching a two hour episode for 1800 yen, people can watch exciting video in the comfort of their homes, for free (well, the cost of cable). That's more in the West than Japan at the moment, but you can watch a lot of such programs on channels that show Western programs, and even star a few Japanese from time to time. 3) Downloading. Don't blame the people for wanting free and easy access to shows/movies that cost 1800 a pop here, and come out up to two years late. The industry has become so protectionist that you can no longer order and of course BUY DVDs or movies on any iTunes outside the nation of your computer's address, nor can you order from Amazon companies overseas.
Drop the prices and drop the threats. Respect the customer instead of biting the hand that feeds you and then demanding more from them.
Posted in: Film box-office revenue down 17.9% in 2011
-1
smithinjapan
Good luck to him. I hope he makes a splash over there, instead of sinking like Matsuzuka; the public here made even more of a big deal with him going to the majors than they are of Darvish. Maybe they learned something.
tmarie: "He came out and said that players in the American league are better. I am surprised there hasn't been a backlash against him for his comments."
Agreed, but the people I've talked to haven't even acknowledged this -- I don't know if it was printed in the Japanese media or not. Instead they are talking about how he was offered an MLB job awhile back but refused it because he wanted to prove to Japan he was 'Japanese' and hone his skills here. Seems he has changed his tune a little, but if people dissed his 'half' nationality before, they are not dissing it now but embracing him as completely Japanese here.
As for the child issue, I agree and disagree with you guys. It's not a simple, one-sided issue. Yes, of course, he could have stayed in Japan to be with his partner and children, but it doesn't sound like that was the root of the problem, it just sounds like the excuse they needed to divorce. And if that's the case I'm not sure he would be a better father for staying. I DO hope he demands visitation rights, and agree that if he does not he is scum for that, but the issue's not so simple. His spouse could have easily been more supportive as well, so again it's not so one-sided. What 'safety' issues would the children risk by being in the US? It's not like they were moving to Iraq.
Anyway, as I said, I hope he does more to justify all this fanfare than a few of his predecessors have.
Posted in: Darvish holds farewell news conference for 10,000 fans at Sapporo Dome
0
smithinjapan
johnnydesu: "And for those of you thinking that the exploitation of young girls is dominate in Japan, please take a look around the world, all countries do this. America has a ton a history with this. Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Lindsy Lohan (probably spelled their names wrong)."
And how old are these 'young girls' you mention? Are they 12? 13? 14? Are they with other underage girls in lingerie pillow fighting and singing 'I need you. I want you' to old men?
"And didn't we just see an article about Paris fashion pushing lingerie on the pre-teen market?"
Sadly, yes. But you know why it was an article at all? because many people are troubled by it. Most of the posters admitted it would not be considered abnormal in Japan, whereas in other nations it is going to meet with a lot of resistance.
Posted in: Singapore singalong
-2
smithinjapan
Serrano: "That's like saying "I don't know anybody who likes beautiful, talented young women.""
No, it's more like saying these young women are talentless hacks and I don't know anyone who likes them. Surely you're not suggesting someone must like a band of musicians simply because they might or might not be attractive? And no, they cannot sing. What's more, they cannot play any instruments or write their own music. I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of the audience weren't middle-aged, Japanese businessmen in Singapore.
Posted in: Singapore singalong
-1
smithinjapan
I meant to add, one of the big problems with so many people reporting to hospital for medicine/treatment for the flu is that they're going to spread it there to people who are already there or come after for other reasons.
Posted in: Number of flu patients surpasses 1.11 million as epidemic spreads
-1
smithinjapan
karmaproof: "Both adults and kids need to learn to stop picking their nose in flu season, learn to cover their mouth when they cough, and wear a mask."
Agree with the nose-picking thing, and agree people need to cover their mouths when they sneeze and/or cough. The problem is if they cover with their hands on a train or somewhere where they'll touch something before they have a chance to wash, they're going to spread a high concentration of the virus wherever they touch. There was talk about this when swine flu was spreading around rapidly, and I recall it being recommended you kind of cough into your shoulder, although I'm not sure who'd be comfortable blowing a sneeze all over their jacker or suit. Preferably if they use their hands they are carrying tissue or a handkerchief (which they later burn!). Also, masks can be the opposite of effective in preventing spread if the masks are not good quality (preferably not the soft cotton types in which the cloth is pressed directly against your nostrils and mouth), as you will be touching it, having directly transmitted the virus to it via mouth and nose.
One of the main reasons besides the above and the close contact between people here is that viruses are becoming so strong and spreading so rapidly are because of abuse of medicine. Not that it's proof, but it's interesting that many of the people I know who have contracted the virus and been quite sick get yearly flu shots and often take massive satchels full of medicine for the common cold.
Posted in: Number of flu patients surpasses 1.11 million as epidemic spreads
1
smithinjapan
"Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada has instructed ministers to create summaries of the meetings by the end of February, an official at the Cabinet Office said."
And seriously, what on earth is this going to prove, and how is it a solution? I could just make anything up that I wanted to if asked almost a YEAR after the fact to 'summarize' what was said and done in the meetings. Criminals!
Posted in: At least 10 groups dealing with disaster kept no detailed records of meetings
0
smithinjapan
“I doubt it was intentional on the part of the government. But I suspect government officials lacked a clear chain of command to order the creation of the records."
I don't, nor do many others doubt it was intentional.
“This failure has deprived us of the possibility of studying what exactly happened” immediately after the disaster, he said."
And that's one reason precisely why!
Posted in: At least 10 groups dealing with disaster kept no detailed records of meetings
-1
smithinjapan
"Ball organizers insisted the fact that their event coincided this year with the 67th anniversary of the death camp’s liberation was coincidental and denied suggestions that those attending were extremists."
Anyone who actually believes this is dumber than a post. Anyone who actually espouses or supports Neo-Nazism is even dumber.
magistratus: "What sense does that make to have it on that day on purpose?"
To bring in people with like-interests -- Neo-nazi extremists -- and fan the flames that bring out their hate. Also for provocation and advertisement. You think we'd be hearing about this if they had not INTENTIONALLY chosen this date? Nope!
Posted in: Some slam Nazis; others gather for right-wing ball in Vienna
-1
smithinjapan
This hasn't been released yet and already it's a classic! Can't wait!
Posted in: Monty Python members to re-unite for new film
1
smithinjapan
When all the old codgers with the same, tired old ideas and ideals (or lack thereof) break off from one group when they don't get their way and form a 'new' group without actually changing their beliefs, practices, and/or attitudes, you just get a bunch of different parties that are identical to each other. This is probably the biggest problem with Japanese politics at present -- and all these lame little parties wait until an election then scramble to for 'coalitions' with the party that wins (or looks guaranteed to win) so they can have a stake in the power. Then they quit and go to the other side when that party looks to lose power or they quit and join the opposition.
Hashimoto, of course, IS a relatively new face and is quite decisive, but he's starting to prove to follow the same old 'my way or I leave' style that plagues this place.
Posted in: Ishihara, Kamei, Hiranuma consider setting up new political party
1
smithinjapan
hoserfella: That's obvious! MONEY.
Posted in: Chugoku Electric shuts Shimane No. 2 reactor, leaving Japan with only 3 reactors online
0
smithinjapan
Keep safe everyone. Try not to let this further stoke any fears about the reports that 'the big one' is coming to Tokyo soon -- this is sadly an 'everyday' occurence somewhere in Japan. Still, no harm using this as a wake-up call if you feel the need to prep for a big quake.
Posted in: M5.5 quake hits Koshin, Kanto areas
4
smithinjapan
gaijinTechie: "Do Japanese really hate their children that much?"
Aside from the shocking stories of parents killing their kids that make so many headlines these days, like any other nation I'm quite sure the Japanese love and cherish their children. The problem here is the ineptitude of the government itself, and the indifference and complete lack of motivation for the people to do anything about it. Time and time again the government has PROVED said ineptitude and screwed everyone over, and we are headed for a pretty bleak future, but all you hear is "shouga nai, ne".
Posted in: At least 10 groups dealing with disaster kept no detailed records of meetings
5
smithinjapan
Isn't this against the law? I can see somewhat panicked minutes and hectically put together summaries, but to have nothing sounds downright like they wanted nothing of what was going on to be recorded, and sounds downright illegal. Get ready for Okada's next round of apologies, and for nothing to change. So much for 'transparency' and any and all claims that the government did 'nothing wrong' in their responses to the disasters.
Posted in: At least 10 groups dealing with disaster kept no detailed records of meetings
0
smithinjapan
The "Eyes Wide Shut Party"?
Posted in: Ishihara, Kamei, Hiranuma consider setting up new political party
-1
smithinjapan
What a brave man and shining example of humanity! What's with all these loonies lately? I mean I know there are 'toorima' incidents at least a couple of times a week here, but it's starting to turn into two or three incidents a day, it seems.
I hope the woman is all right, and of course her baby, and I hope this guy is found, resists arrest and gets a bit of a lesson taught to him, and then does some time (during which he's taught MANY lessons).
Nicky -- you are SPOT on with this one.
Posted in: Woman, daughter attacked by man with scissors on Aichi street
-1
smithinjapan
I wish they'd add a 'during debate fact-check' function to these debates, wherein a monitor on the stage over and between the 'contestants' points out the truth to their lies, or the moderator stops and corrects them (or does so between rebuttals). It's about the only thing that would make it funnier... that, or playing the Benny Hill music when fading out to commercials and fading back in.
Posted in: Romney, Gingrich square off in key Florida debate