taiko666 said...

taiko666 at 12:39 PM JST - 26th August

Fingerprints at airport not that offensive, lots of countries do it now.

"Lots" meaning "two". Unless you're referring to visa applications of course, and even then fingerprints are taken at the relevant embassy.

Posted in Number of foreign tourists to Japan falls 23% in July at 12:39 PM JST - 26th August
taiko666 at 09:30 AM JST - 24th August

The Visa / foreign banking card situation in Japan is still ludicrous. The sign at the Narita Express and Skyliner ticket desk sums it up beautifully for visitors: "Cash Only!"

Most ATMs in Japan still don't accept foreign cards. I was in a tiny Thailand village last month, and I…

Posted in Visa launches benefits programs for overseas cardholders visiting Japan at 09:30 AM JST - 24th August
taiko666 at 04:44 PM JST - 20th August

In recent years the British film censors have become extremely broad-minded. Almost nothing is banned completely, and even mainstream cinemas show real, graphic sex (ever seen "9 Songs" ?) But I'm glad to see that this sort of violence is still beyond the pale. I've always found it weird that…

Posted in British film board bans sale of Japanese horror movie at 04:44 PM JST - 20th August
taiko666 at 11:24 AM JST - 10th August

Harleys- the campest, most effete bikes on the road (with the exception of those appallingly snaff scooter-like contraptions.) Which probably explains why they're so popular in Japan. Nothing wrong with high camp of course :-) however I wouldn't be seen dead on one unless I was on my way to…

Posted in Harley-Davidson gains popularity in Japan at 11:24 AM JST - 10th August
taiko666 at 05:17 PM JST - 27th July

This is a country with little resources. Are you honestly going to expect them to welcome everyone who needs a home like the US, with it's massive amount of space?

Yeah, yeah, poor little Japan. Interesting that even though Japan is 50% bigger than the UK, and is much richer,…

Posted in Asylum seekers find little refuge in Japan at 05:17 PM JST - 27th July
taiko666 at 02:18 PM JST - 18th July

I've been stopped 3 times on my bicycle for minor offences (though none as reckless as crossing a major junction on a red. Hell, it's dangerous enough crossing on a green, given many J-drivers' attitude to red lights.) Being polite and co-operative ensured that my only penalty was having to…

Posted in My first run-in with the police at 02:18 PM JST - 18th July
taiko666 at 09:52 AM JST - 13th July

Some posters here are saying the Japanese are losing their train manners and are thus becoming more 'western.' I don't agree. In most western countries there seems to be a level of politeness which precludes pushing, rushing, entering the train before its occupants have alighted, hogging seats when needy people…

Posted in Subway manner posters attract popular attention at 09:52 AM JST - 13th July
taiko666 at 02:02 PM JST - 9th July

ultradodgy: the rules of the road here are clear, but completely ignored, even by the police. Namely, ride on the left, and ride only on the road except for specially designated sidewalks/pavements.

Posted in Tokyo residents pedaling to work in increasing numbers at 02:02 PM JST - 9th July
taiko666 at 09:43 PM JST - 8th July

I've been to the Immigration office once in the past 20 years

If you've got PR and never travel abroad there's no reason to visit immigration. Sadly, even that's going to change. Next time you renew your alien card Cleo, you'll be lining up at immigration just as you did…

Posted in Diet revises immigration laws amid protests from foreign residents at 09:43 PM JST - 8th July
taiko666 at 12:16 PM JST - 7th July

yokohamabacon: :-) I have to agree with your comment about seat height. I read somewhere (so it must be true...) that Japanese are told by their teachers/parents that they must be able to put their feet flat on the ground while seated on their bicycles. So of course, they automatically…

Posted in Tokyo residents pedaling to work in increasing numbers at 12:16 PM JST - 7th July