JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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- English Instructor (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)
- Berlitz Japan, Inc. (ベルリッツ・ジャパン株式会社), Kansai
- Salary: ¥125,000 ~ ¥250,000 / Month
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- FT English Teachers for Kids - Osaka
- Kohgakusha Co., Ltd. （株式会社興学社）, Osaka
- Salary: ¥255,000 ~ ¥275,000 / Month Travel Expenses, Encouragement of Japanese learning*
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- Translator
- ZAIHON, Inc. (日本財務翻訳株式会社), Tokyo
- Salary: ¥6.0M / Year Negotiable
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Anybody want to define'high-risk breeds' for me?
My larger dog (as I pointed out above) could kill somebody without raising a sweat. Does this make him a high risk breed under the terms to the legislation?
At the same time, however, he has won just about every obedience and work-related qualification that is available in this country for dogs (and I am not talking about poncing around a show ring). He also has 3 appreciation certificates from the local police, and certificates both from the guide-dogs (being a canine blood donor) and the local board of education (for being a visible deterrent parked in front of schools).
Anyway, I think the issue here is one of making sure that people are fit to be able to own such dogs. Any yob with money can get their hands on a Rottweiler or a Doberman (popular breeds for all the wrong reasons), however, it takes time and effort to make these dogs good canine citizens.
Furthermore, with regard to the pensioners issue and any compulsory insurance, I think that before the government in this country (Japan) starts pushing people on such a matter, I would like them to start taking names vis-a-vis those people who do not vaccinate their dogs in accordance with the laws that are already in place. To put this in another way, rabies vaccinations are mandatory in Japan, however, the current rate of vaccination is probably around 40% (if you are lucky).
Posted in: Mandatory insurance proposed for dogs in UK
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This article is rather balanced in giving the arguments of both camps. Even if new legislation is introduced, it is highly likely that the less desirable elements of society will simple ignore it. At the same time, however, I must say that I am fully in favor of the idea of dogs being chipped. This is because it makes them a lot easier to keep track of. Back in the day (when I was small), service-dogs used to get a tattoo in the ear for registration purposes, a process that was both stressful for the dogs and dangerous for the people doing it. On the other hand, a chip inserted into the fat tissue between the shoulders is almost pain free.
Furthermore, I am also in favor of future dog owners undergoing some form of training in the basics of dog handling. In this country (Japan) I cannot could the number of times that my dogs (one of whom is a guide dog stud animal) have been threatened by poorly-trained dogs (invariably smaller breeds). Indeed, I would like Japan to pursue similar legislation. Make those people who want to buy a dog pass a standardized test.
Finally, I want to pick up on the following quote:
She said the problem wasn’t with certain breeds of “dangerous” dog, but with the way the animals were raised.
You got that right. At over 120kg of muscle and a bite-pressure in excess of 800kg psi, our larger dog (a mastiff) would be a stone-cold killer if he wasn't trained.
Posted in: Mandatory insurance proposed for dogs in UK
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This just proves how the economic downturn is impacting the average Japanese loony. Back in the days of the bubble economy, to even get into the newspapers somebody like this would have to steal at least 500 items, all with designer labels attached. I pity for the future of this country.
At the same time, it was good of the police to go through and determine as to whether each item used or not. It would also be interesting to know as to whether this count of items was taken before or after the police had conducted their investigations.
Posted in: Saga man arrested after police find 265 items of women's underwear in truck
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Disastrous - mired in scandals (the PM getting milk money from his mommy and Mr. Osawa), pxssing of the parents (US-Japan Alliance Issues), failing to get out of election mode (trying to push through unrealistic promises), etc. Indeed, at the current rate Mr. Hatoyama is in danger of leading the DPJ to the political wilderness at the next election.
Posted in: How would you evaluate Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's first six months in office?
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I don't think this should be any big deal. Every time a 14 year old commits a crime you people scream that he should be treated as an adult, then when he is beaten by an adult he is magically a child again. Make up your minds.
Irrelevant argument. Whether the child is treated as a adult or as a child is not the issue. The issue is that two individuals (the teachers) engaged in these behaviors. One teacher by his act of violence, and both by their attempted conspiracy in trying to cover up the act of violence. Think about the wider world, people who commit acts of violence should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Those who are accessories after the fact should also face the court. Furthermore, in this instance it would be interesting to know the extent to which pressure was applied to the parents in attempting to cover up this crime. Undue pressure could get both of these teachers an additional charge of making a threat with malice.
Either way, the parents should apply pressure to make sure that both of these men are prosecuted to the full extent of the law as common criminals. Their occupation as teachers should shield them in no way from punishment, nor should their employer. Furthermore, the parents should launch civil proceedings against both men, and against the school/board of education that employed them, the argument being that their behavior (from a legal stand point) is unconscionable vis-a-vis the duty of care that is owed to children under their care. Then again, this is Japan....
Posted in: Principal fails in cover-up after student's rib fractured by teacher
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Until such time as whaling is banned internationally (specifically coastal whaling undertaken as a cultural behavior), the arguments put forward by the Cove are little more than one cultural group (Americans) trying to project their cultural values on another cultural group (fisherman in the boonies of Japan). Moreover, should coastal whaling be banned? Although it could be argued that Japan is manipulating the spirit of the law in slaughtering dolphins, any move to ban such practices might have repercussions such as preventing native peoples in the Arctic Circle from whaling.
Posted in: Anger and defiance in Taiji after 'Cove' wins Oscar
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The parents should seek compensation only after seeing both of these "teachers" in the dock. The maths teacher is looking at least at common assault, however, the prosecutors should try for grievous bodily harm. Meanwhile the principal is looking at being an accessory after the fact. In addition to this, it would not be that hard for prosecutors to really pile on the charges for both of them. Conspiracy in knowingly covering up a crime would be a give-me. They might also try for threat with menace, depending on how much pressure was applied to the parents.
Anyway after the dust has settled, the parents should then pursue both teachers via a civil action. Sue them into bankruptcy. Go on every media channel possible and drag their reputations through the mud.
Then again, this is Japan.....
Posted in: Principal fails in cover-up after student's rib fractured by teacher
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Taiji should take this in its stride. Hollywood is much too political in terms of who it chooses to praise. During the Bush Administration, Micheal Moore skewering GW was acceptable and politically correct when viewed through the rose-colored glasses of Hollywood (and I am definitely not a fan of Bush). However, now Obama is in power, war fiction (The Hurt Locker) is cool. Indeed, if people want to praise the fiction that is "The Hurt Locker" as a realistic portrayal of war, I suggest they catch the next flight to Baghdad for a bit of reality check. However, I digress....
Who really cares what a group of tree-hugging hippies think about the local traditions of Japan. Moreover, there is no linkage between these traditions (and you have to remember this is probably a form of coastal whaling under international treaty) and the acts of barbarism that Japan is carrying out in Antartica under the guise of research.
Indeed, as somebody pointed out above, tarring all Japanese with the same brush regarding this issue and highlighting any linkage between this and whaling just shows the ignorance of those people who are pointing the finger at Japan.
Then again, Taiji might seek to profit from all the free publicity. Other regions of the world have whale watching tours. What about attracting people to Japan for the opportunity to shank Flipper? Such practices might be morally unpalatable, however, who gave a cabal of American documentary film makers the right to pass judgment on other cultures?
Posted in: Anger and defiance in Taiji after 'Cove' wins Oscar
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Saw this one on the morning news and laughed heartily. If the guy had the penguin in a suitcase, how did he smuggle out the Capybara? Did he shove it down his pants?
Seriously, this story again highlights the sordid underbelly of the "pet" trade in this country. Specifically, this dealing in exotic species is a national disgrace. Hardly a month goes by where a Japanese national is not caught at some overseas airport trying to smuggle out wildlife for resale in Japan. Recent examples that come to mind are Australian reptiles (including species covered by the Washington Treaty) and South-East Asian birds (again, including species covered by international laws to which Japan is a signatory. Moreover, the people who buy these "pets" are no better. This country is infested with exotic animals that have been dumped by owners who got bored with their purchases. Such actions impact what little is left of the local environment (that not destroyed by developers in this country) and it also poses grave risks for the human population as well. For example, North American raccoons are not native to Japan, however, there is a sizable wild population of these creatures. Unfortunately, however, raccoons are also a host for rabies.
Posted in: Pet shop manager caught stealing zoo animals, including a penguin
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"Hurt Locker" is a great movie. Very true to life !!!!
Don't know about that, the opinion of people who have been at the pointy end is rather mixed.
Posted in: 'Hurt Locker' wins Best Picture, 5 other prizes; Bridges, Bullock, Mo'Nique, Waltz get Oscars
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Whatever. I have my doubts they're celebrating her for her talent, as I've seen her on TV a few times. She's rather clever, but methinks she's treated more like something on display, hence she is never introduced by her name but by, "Transexual TV personality..." and THEN her name. In fact, I've no doubt at all that IS her claim to fame.
This might have something to do with Japanese perception, the idea that everyone has a place and to a place everyone. Think about it, everyone on Japanese TV has a title, whether it be "talent," "actress" or "company present." They even put "announcer" on the name of TV station employees so no body misunderstands their position in the greater scheme of things.
Looking at the photo, however, I cannot understand why the supporting cast are not wearing gloves.
Posted in: Tokyo Girls Collection
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Let's hope there are no double standards here based on citizenship like happened with the American chappy who was training with the Taliban.
In other words, there are one of two choices available in handling Adam Gadahn. Either he gets his day in court (which means that others currently in Gitmo get the same opportunity), or he gets a room for the duration down at Club Gitmo (along with his buddies). To put it simply, don't cut this MF any slack.
Then again, there is another option open to the US Government. They could take a leaf out of GWs book and just rendition this chap to a fun-loving country such as Egypt of Saudi Arabia, whose security agencies are somewhat more direct in resolving such issues. Furthermore, these same security agencies would probably be willing to slot this guy as a favor to the US.
Posted in: Pakistan arrests American-born al-Qaida spokesman
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It's not about cuteness. They are the second most intelligent creatures on earth after humans
Sure you got the order right?
Posted in: 'The Cove' wins Oscar for Best Documentary
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What Award? This will get buried by the local press who don't like the idea of some ignorant heathens criticizing the nirvana-on-earth that is Japan.
I think they already found a distributor willing to handle the film but they want to obscure the faces of all Japanese who appear in the film because they've complained that permission to film wasn't obtained in advance and some claim they didn't know they were being filmed.
The edited result might be rather interesting. Perhaps the editors might tie up with Sanrio or somebody similar and superimpose Hello Kitty's head (in different shades) to both protect the privacy of the dolphin-slaughtering locals and add a bit of mass appeal to the movie. Everybody in the twilight zone would want to see this movie if it had cute characters. Then again, some small children might end up traumatized if they saw Anpan Man shanking a poor dolphin with a gaff.
Posted in: 'The Cove' wins Oscar for Best Documentary
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Two toy poodles and a chihuahua, doesn't that just sum up the state of canine population in this country. For those who don't know, dachshunds are so last year, get with the fashions dudes.
Seriously, I cannot understand why somebody would invest so much money and time into such breeds that are of little or no social value. Don't get me wrong, I like standard poodles because they can be employed as service-dogs for people with hair allergies, however, these ankle-biters just really give me the xxxxx. Moreover, they are so badly breed by unscrupulous "breeders" (I use the term loosely) in this country that huge numbers carry serious genetic problems. All in all, you are probably better off with a mixed-breed rather than one of these purebreds.
And another point, instead of outlaying huge amounts of money on canine fashion, wouldn't it be better for such dog owners to actually undergo some form of training - both them and their pets. As somebody who works with social service dogs in a voluntary capacity, I cannot count the number of times that dogs in my care have almost been attacked by mutts whose owners closely resemble the sort of people shown in this photo.
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Strange isn't it, if this nutter had spent a little time in the military he might have actually hit a target from 5 feet. How could you miss. Let's face it, the US military has produced some of the best-shooting nutjobs in history. Indeed, the USMC used to tell its recruits that "we taught Lee Harvey Oswald" to shoot. There was also the beltway chap, who apparently learned his skills serving in the army.
Posted in: Gunman shot dead after shooting 2 Pentagon police officers
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Real English with no grating accents
But what can one do, there are just so many Scots around.
Posted in: Which airlines are your favorites and why; and which airlines do you think are among the worst and why?
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Singapore airlines is a carrier that I like. The worst flight I ever experienced was as youngster flying with the old Aeroflot (circa 1980) out of Moscow (after visiting a friend whose parents were posted to the Australian embassy in Moscow). It was really scary. We traipsed out to an old Ilyushin jetliner in the middle of a snow storm that sounded like it was going to have kittens while still at the ramp. Half of the cabin crew was swaying before we took off (been into the beverage cabinet) and they all seemed to be named Sergei or Irina. They also all seemed to have mustaches (that is not a joke). Looking out the window, the refueling crew were all puffing away on their cancer sticks, while pumping aviation fuel into the tanks. Real scary stuff. The best thing about the whole experience was that the in-flight movie was unavailable. I don't know if it is true, but in the program it was listed as "Airport" (the movie with Burt Lancaster).
Then again, we were better off than the locals, whom between the sheets of snow I saw being herded onto some form of transport aircraft. I also swear that I saw one old woman getting onto that aircraft with her goat as carry-on luggage.
Posted in: Which airlines are your favorites and why; and which airlines do you think are among the worst and why?
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The man who fell suffered broken ribs but is reportedly in good condition.
What is the old saying about god protecting drunks? Don't know if these gold old boys should be praised, one took a dive and the other stumbled around probably looking for the keys in his pocket. Sound rather comic really.
Posted in: Man saved by fellow passengers after falling onto Ginza subway line
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Funny, it is usually the losers who try to rewrite history. Anyway, reading up on this author chap, it seems that he has been playing pretty loose with the truth for quite a while. Obviously Cameron got hooked on this novel and wants to make a movie, the facts be damned. Then again, showing open support for a work of such a questionable nature would seem to undercut Cameron's own reputation.
Posted in: Veterans criticize Cameron for A-bomb book defense