JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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- Assistant Language Teacher - TOKYO - late-March start
- Interac, Tokyo
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
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- Assistant Language Teacher - Kanagawa Prefecture - late-March start
- Interac, Kanagawa
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
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- Part Time Assistant Language Teacher - Kanagawa Prefecture - late-March start
- Interac, Kanagawa
- Salary: ¥9,000 / Day per 4 class shift
6
tkoind2
Lunchbox, let's be fair and add Japanese Commercial Whalers to that list of criminals in the south seas.
Posted in: Confrontation
1
tkoind2
And we should trust your statements why?
Posted in: Fukushima's No. 2 reactor may be reheating
10
tkoind2
It is incomprehensible that an educated person with knowledge of the English language could rationalize the use of the word "terrorist" when talking about anyone on either side of this conflict. Words like "protester", "activist" or even "criminal" could be easily applied, and yet the word "terrorist" is trotted out with foolish zeal.
Every time we apply the word "terrorist" to something other than actual perpetrators of "terror", we undermine the value of that word to describe a very real and deadly reality in our world. Those who do turn to this word in such cases are illustrating the effectiveness of American propaganda to apply the world "terrorist" to anyone we disagree with. Which is, once again, proof that Orwell was right in expecting the undermining of language to serve the purposes of repression.
So give the word terrorist a rest in this case, it just does not apply beyond the state exaggerating the actions of a few activists.
Posted in: Confrontation
5
tkoind2
The author of this article consistently misunderstands her own country's history. It is sadly another demonstration that the eduction system here fails entirely to deal with the very realities of Japanese history. Which is sad, because there is so much for Japan to be truly proud of if people bothered to take an honest look at their past.
Second, the author consistently misunderstands western culture making the same kind of assumptions that I would expect to hear from someone who has never been abroad or who is quite nationalistic. I am not sure how that is possible for someone who have lived abroad to maintain. But clearly it is possible given these articles.
The simple realities are, the values that some people try to claim as unique to Japan are as prominent in other cultures around the world, no matter where you are. Loyalty, courage, devotion and yes even the capacity to Gammon are universal human traits and not remotely unique to Japan.
Equally the capacity for insanity, like those who devised the Kamikaze as a method of fighting a war, is also universally human illustrating a global pan cultural capacity for war, violence, murder and destruction.
If the author really wants to discover the pearls of Japanese culture, she should forget nationalistic nonsense like some of her claims and focus instead upon something truly positive. Such as the capacity of people to overcome the mainstream and to do good in the name of loyalty and devotion as so many Japanese individuals did in resistance to the militarist government during the war period.
Posted in: Honor and loyalty
8
tkoind2
Loyalty is only as admirable as the cause it serves. Too much of our world is driven by loyalty to misguided ideas and evil purposes.
The Kamikaze are a perfect example. Young men, forced by society and pressured by a concept of loyalty and duty to kill themselves for a war already lost and the egos of generals too insensitive and too proud to spare the nation further suffering.
Loyalty must serve a positive purpose or it risks becoming vanity and pride, two deadly human weaknesses. Loyalty must be that which protects goodness, and shows compassion and love for others. Otherwise national loyalty, religious loyalty, ideology or other "Loyalties" can become tools of destruction and evil.
This author too often confuses the romantic view of the past with the reality of the past. You forget that many of the Kamikaze went to their deaths because they knew that to refuse would be dangerous, if not deadly, for those they love. At least here we agree that such devotion to family to die rather than put them at risk, is a high and pure thing. But the men who required this loyalty were monsters and those boys who died purely for the vanity and pride of those leaders are simply tragic stories where loyalty became something wrong and tragic.
Posted in: Honor and loyalty
5
tkoind2
Speed. I for one have been to Tohoku to help and have run a fund raising effort since March. So careful with your assumptions. Many people on this forum have pitched in and do care deeply about the people of Tohoku.
As for this article.
There are strong elements in the author's thinking that are a big part of the problem with Tohoku. Her thoughts clearly illustrate the need for people to channel their despair into action that may well lead to positive changes. Considering suicide as an option or going back to die in a deserted irradiated place, while dramatic and sad, is not rational thinking. Rational thinking is doing what many people in Tohoku are doing today, and that is surviving and working for the future. So I stand by less pointless Gamman and no more nonsense about death being a preference to change or hardship.
It is time for people to discover true Gamman which is to stand up, fight for what you know you need and what is right and make change happen. Japan has an equally long and recorded history of doing exactly this in time of need. Otherwise Japan would never have risen to the levels it has in such powerful and effective bursts of true endurance, activism and creativity.
If you
Posted in: What is important in your life?
6
tkoind2
I find it frustrating how confused Japanese sometimes seem over their own cultural legacies.
Example 1: Taro will go to work with raging Influenza Type B to show he is "Gamman-shite" and thus a good Japanese person facing adversity. Despite the obvious imposition of adversity via contagion on his co-workers and the obvious risks to his own health.
Example 2: This author suggests that living in a shelter is not living and cites the traditions of suicide as a past solution for such feelings. While not suggesting that people in shelters do away with themselves, she ignores the strident Japanese tradition in Example 1 of facing and working to overcome adversity. Which in example 1 is not only a way of living but an honorable and proud one by existing present day standards.
So which is it Japan? Loose face or pride or hope and do away with yourself? Or face any adversity with Gamman and demonstrate Japanese superiority in the face of trouble?
My answers are these. People should be up in arms over the government's pathetic handling of Tohoku and use Gamman to overcome this kind of adversity rather than working while infectious. It would be better for everyone concerned and may actually contribute something meaningful to the nation.
Second, this notion of suicide as an alternative to challenges should be dismissed if we are ever to hope that the 30K plus people a year who do away with themselves may be diminished.
Finally, get your story straight Japan. So I offer a proposal. How about real Gamman and work hard to do something positive, non-selfdestructive and make Japan great again? Much better than silly nonsense about how romantic it is to kill yourself off. And perhaps the only change Japan really needs to sort her problems is adopting this simple motto.
Posted in: What is important in your life?
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tkoind2
SimondB. Exactly. Nice post.
Posted in: IMF says Japan should raise consumption tax to 15%
3
tkoind2
I don't approve of this type of personality or the admiration and attention such people get in the media.
Posted in: Aya Sugimoto on managing husband: '30% carrot, 70% stick'
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tkoind2
LoveNot, based on what? The opinion of some overdolled up monster wife? She is just trying to sound like a dragon lady. Rather effectively I must say. But sickening at the same time. See Greek Mythology, Harpie as a reference.
Posted in: Aya Sugimoto on managing husband: '30% carrot, 70% stick'
3
tkoind2
Weasel. Sadly that would require a government that actually represents people and not the political elite. Afterall a lot of that waste spirals into the pockets of the politicals and their buddies. This is true everywhere, not just Japan.
Posted in: IMF says Japan should raise consumption tax to 15%
4
tkoind2
We have surrendered the world to the IMF, WTO and big business. Our governments do not represent us, they represent big business interests. And we, the working people of the world, are just numbers for these people and not human beings with real life realities to face. At least not beyond their need for us to work and consume.
There are some inescapable contradictions here. Yes debit is high in Japan. But that debt is largely held in Japan. So Japan is not Italy or even the US in this regard. Yes more money is needed to sustain the future of benefits. But first we should be looking at efficiencies in current spending and in better cost management by the government before putting more taxes on already burdened people.
Then there is growing poverty and low consumer spending/confidence. With higher taxes these both grow in severity and we see downstream heavy impact to spending and thus further decline in jobs and the cycle spirals from there.
So clearly the answer today is not a tax raise. The answer is to create jobs and to create a Japanese New Deal to put people to work. Many economists are saying that domestic investment in broad scale infrastructure work could generate jobs and thus help. Added to a more open immigration scheme and radically changed policies to encourage foreign business to come to Japan and we start to have a working plan.
Or you can ignore these facts, raise taxes to 15% as the IMF suggests and watch Japan circle down the drain even faster.
Posted in: IMF says Japan should raise consumption tax to 15%
2
tkoind2
One more thing. The media perpetuates this kind of behavior. Why does the media admire this kind of monster? Can't you find someone smart, nice, charitable or loving to report about. Society is sad for putting this kind of harpy (thanks oginome for nailing down a name for this syndrome) on a pedistal. We would be better giving her a link for emotional intelligence training.
Posted in: Aya Sugimoto on managing husband: '30% carrot, 70% stick'
2
tkoind2
I am very sad to say that I have experienced this kind of woman in my life. The self agrandizing, over-confident, materialistic, greedy, high maintenance, moody, dragon lady. Thankfully her charms wore off after a short time and I could escape. Beauty and charm were not enough to entrap me. But too many guys out there fall into this kind of trap and can't get out.
It is so sad for her partner, whipped or not, that she could publicly say something like that. The best way to manage this kind of woman is to break her stick, shred the carrot and exorcise her from your heart and mind forever.
Here's to women out there with real charm and glamour. The lady who loves honestly, knows how to be a partner and best friend, doesn't need her looks or LV bag to charm anyone and can hold her own in this world as a respectable and sincere individual. Now that is something to admire.
Maybe this Aya dragon lady will learn that one day when her beauty fades and her manipulation no longer works. She just better hope her hubby loves her enough to stick it out until then.
Posted in: Aya Sugimoto on managing husband: '30% carrot, 70% stick'
1
tkoind2
Elbuda. I think you can easily make the argument the other way. The west is also eager for a war with Iran. It would give them more control over the global oil supply and rid them of a potentially powerful rival state in the region.
It will be justified as providing the region with freedom and for ridding the world of leaders heading towards WMD production. Sound familiar?
Sadly it will kill a lot of people, compare to Iraq and Afghanistan for a death toll and multiply it given the greater capacity of Iran to wage war.
On the western home front it will provide a distraction from the ongoing economic hardships. It will rally people to the flag, to the Christian goodness to overcome Islamic terror and it will call upon our nationalism.
See this sword of war cuts universally. Yes Iran's government is nuts, but then so are our's for looking for a new war after Iraq and Afghanistan.
What is needed on all sides is the capacity to think about the lives of people on all sides first and do everything possible to avoid another pointless and horrific war, regardless of who wants it.
Posted in: West displays Gulf military power to defiant Iran
0
tkoind2
Aliasis. They are not all over 18. Some are quite young. A few are older. But the message is still pretty clear. They are marketed as young pre-adult girls with strong lolita/sexy appeal. And that is where the problem is.
The sexualization of young women in Japan is a big problem. The fact that this then goes on to infect how older women are expected to behave is just one more level of disfuncational culture that Japan needs to deal with.
Posted in: Do you think all-girl groups like AKB48 are being marketed as sexualized little Lolitas or is it just harmless fun?
6
tkoind2
Franchesca, I also agree. My wife and I are misfits for our respective cultures to start with, but we also have our collection of American and Japaense habits. And those are a part of who we are.
Funny enough people often ask here if she is American now. I guess she has picked up some of my mannerisms over the years so people notice that she is a little different. And in the US my friends can see my Japanese habits. So I guess we share a bit of an exchange there.
At the end of the day we are a couple of ordinary, quirky, culturally complex (we also have strong interests in other cultures) people who fit in our own little reality. Neither really Japanese or American anymore.
Posted in: How foreigners’ daily lives change when they live in Japan
0
tkoind2
Yagura. It is true that some nationalized institutions don't work well. Certainly there are examples. But that does not rule out the concept. There are plenty nationalized institutions world wide that work very well. Far more than examples that do not.
Capitalism has propagandized the concept that everything profit driven will be better than anything private. Especially since it could point to state capitalism in the Soviet system as a bad example. But it is important to remember that much of the world runs programs that are nationalized in nearly every conceiveable field. Much of that successfuly.
Now I sincerely doubt that TEPCO can survive as a private company going forward. Nationalizing it is only the first required step. It must also be heavily reinvented by the government.
With regards to cost, the nationalized system will still charge for services and will be able to carry on as the company had. But it will be far more subject to national oversight and management which will make decisions more about concern for society and less so for concern for the bottom line. This is a win.
Posted in: Do you think Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) should be nationalized?
1
tkoind2
The last thing anyone needs is a new war. I hope for a peaceful solution. After all Iran's government is crazy, but the people of Iran have been trying for some time now to change. I don't want to see people die on either side over something that may be resolved in a peaceful manner. Iraq and Afghanistan should teach us how well wars work out. They don't.
Posted in: West displays Gulf military power to defiant Iran
-1
tkoind2
Why risk a child's well being? I am with Miki, leave if you can. The government and TEPCO have both proven that they cannot be fully trusted. So again, why risk it.
If the husband was unable or unwilling to address her fears and worries, then he must accept her decision to relocate. That simple.
We don't have kids, but if we did, we would be gone to the US to avoid issues with the food chain in Japan.
Posted in: 'Radiation divorce' enters Japanese vernacular