taiko666 said...

taiko666 at 03:04 PM JST - 2nd June

Pawatan: Smoking where nobody else is affected is fine (eg your own home- kids notwithstanding, in the open air etc.) I've nothing against people killing themselves for pleasure if that's what they really want to do. Each to their own. But slowly killing those around you, or effectively forcing them…

Posted in Total smoking ban starts on JR limited, express trains on Honshu at 03:04 PM JST - 2nd June
taiko666 at 10:45 AM JST - 31st May

tokyo34: if that were the only comment I was able to make; a comment that has been trotted out ad nauseum by people incapable of repsonding to criticism or making valid points, I'd be very embarrassed.

On the whole I've enjoyed driving, and especially motorcycling, in Japan. Getting a license…

Posted in Why I hate driving in Japan at 10:45 AM JST - 31st May
taiko666 at 12:17 PM JST - 29th May

elbudamexicano: In my office there are many skilled Indian software engineers. Some have Japanese wives. However, none of them chooses to make Japan their long-term home because Japan doesn't offer incentives to stay. Skilled workers are able to pick and choose where in the world they work. For these people,…

Posted in Foreign residents rally against bills to revise immigration law at 12:17 PM JST - 29th May
taiko666 at 02:12 PM JST - 26th May

While I think people should always pay the taxes, pension / health contributions that they're obliged to, I think the very fact that they're contributing gives them a right to complain about the unfairness of the system. And from 2010, that means everyone's entitled to complain because everyone will be…

Posted in Foreign residents rally against bills to revise immigration law at 02:12 PM JST - 26th May
taiko666 at 01:51 PM JST - 26th May

cleo: I also pay into the system. I believe in social welfare (but naturally I prefer it be fair...) Of course, I'm not criticising people who pay in, just people who crow 'I'm all right Jack, so don't complain if you're not'

Posted in Foreign residents rally against bills to revise immigration law at 01:51 PM JST - 26th May
taiko666 at 12:42 PM JST - 26th May

Knowbetter: ... can you vote in the U.S. with a green card or Canada with a maple leaf card, or another 1st world country if NOT a citzen of that country? ...

The UK allows permanent residents to vote in local elections. Seems fair, since those residents pay taxes and…

Posted in Foreign residents rally against bills to revise immigration law at 12:42 PM JST - 26th May
taiko666 at 06:36 PM JST - 25th May

I've lugged one of those around too, joining the locals in our annual matsuri. Fun, sweaty, noisy and painful! In the weeks preceding your local matsuri, check out the notices explaining where to go if you want to sign up. I wouldn't recommend doing it in Kichijouji though. Most of…

Posted in Yushima festival at 06:36 PM JST - 25th May
taiko666 at 11:46 AM JST - 25th May

whitepocky: many foreigners in Japan do have private pension schemes. Many will be unable to afford to also line the J-Gov's pockets by paying into the state pension scheme.

Posted in Foreign residents rally against bills to revise immigration law at 11:46 AM JST - 25th May
taiko666 at 01:56 PM JST - 22nd May

This system is truly part of another, darker age.

... an age from which Japan refuses to emerge.

Posted in Japan urged to sign accord against parental abductions at 01:56 PM JST - 22nd May
taiko666 at 01:47 PM JST - 22nd May

ThonTaddeo: I completely agree. The criminal who lifted by wallet from my pocket a couple of years ago now knows my name, address, birthday, employer, passport number, place of birth and profession. And of course under the letter of the law, the moment that I was no longer in posession…

Posted in Koreans in Japan not required to carry special permit under amendment at 01:47 PM JST - 22nd May