JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
-
1
Why do Japanese change their attitude when they communicate with foreigners?
-
2
Confrontation
-
3
U.S. Navy investigating how parts fell off aircraft near Atsugi
-
4
California court to decide if SeaWorld whales are illegal 'slaves'
-
5
Kuroki reported pregnant 2 weeks after denying relationship with Akanishi
-
- 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
-
- Assistant Language Teacher - TOKYO - late-March start
- Interac, Tokyo
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
-
- Assistant Language Teacher - Kanagawa Prefecture - late-March start
- Interac, Kanagawa
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
0
tkoind2
Good to hear that they will be released. But in a way it would have been better had Japan done her typical reaction and made long term headlines over the issue. They are learning.
Good luck with the rest of the season working to make whaling as inconvenient as possible.
Posted in: Aussie PM criticizes antiwhaling activists after Japan decides to free them
1
tkoind2
The US is seriously looking for war. I guess it would be easier to manage the growing economic anger and worries of the public if they can be distracted by another war. Not to mention the improved profits of the industrial military complex.
I find is ironic that Dwight D. Issenhower, the famed mastermind general behind the Normandy invasions, took the time to warn the nation as President that we should be concerned about the industrial military complex and their capacity to profit from conflict. We should have listened to his advice and kept this segment of our society under far greater control.
And then there is the strategic control over oil that is an equally vivid objective for this.
I sincerely believe that Iran, left alone, would eventually sort itself out. Iranians are not Iraqis. They are a sophisticated and complex society that are no more happy with their government than we are. But our going in would just create another epic mess. As we watch Iraq fall back into disarray, haven't we learned anything at all?
NO WAR IN IRAN!
Posted in: Iran displaying 'irrational behavior,' U.S. says
-4
tkoind2
Well, China again steps up to the human rights abuse plate with the same vigor as in past years. Thank you China for reminding us that barbarism is alive and well in the world. State murder is no less murder than when and individual kills. It places blood on the hands of society and sends a strong message that violence is a solution to problems.
Sadly China is not alone in this inhumane madness.
Posted in: China executes 12 people in single day
2
tkoind2
Marriage is just one element of the problem. The future of the economy and the nation are at stake. The current economic model marginalizes everyone and does not bode well for the future of the country economically or otherwise.
Posted in: This so-called 'mancession' is going to cause continuing problems for the marriage rate and birth rate. Many young Japanese men say they want to have a stable job before they consider marrying.
4
tkoind2
Still dreaming about the bubble years when people can barely afford to do the basics and others are fearful for their jobs. The person who does step forward should be ashamed of wasting so much money when others are having such a hard time. One thing I really dislike about Japan is the materialism here.
Posted in: Kofu department store offers Y20.12 mil lucky bag
0
tkoind2
"This is only good for young people."
The new deal jobs would largely benefit young people. But the resulting increased tax base would benefit the elderly and poor.
Posted in: Noda to press ahead with tax rise despite 9 DPJ lawmakers leaving
0
tkoind2
What is really needed to sort out Japan.
Many economists have been saying the same thing. We need more middle class people spending money. So how does this happen in a nation with growing unemployment and poverty? Again the answer is obvious. The nation must begin a Japanese variant of the "New Deal" which would, in the near term, raise government spending as it kicks off job creation projects centered around the renewal of infrastructure nation wide. Everything from train stations to schools, hospitals and roads to be improved as job creation opportunities.
Economists theorize that this would lead to greater employment thus growing the tax paying sector while reducing the state dependent segment.
If done properly it would invite labor into the country who would also become part of the tax paying foundation. Younger skilled and labor level workers could contribute to supporting the aging population while driving forward spending as they work and establish themselves in Japan.
The last thing Japan's economy needs today is a tax rise that will harm spending. It is a death sentence for jobs.
Posted in: Noda to press ahead with tax rise despite 9 DPJ lawmakers leaving
3
tkoind2
Those in favor of raising it consider the following.
17% of people in Japan live in poverty. As much as half live within bare means. Raising taxes means essentially raising prices on everything for these people. The result of which will be compressed spending for many and significantly reduced spending for others. A tax raise will burden these people and will certainly have results on overall consumer spending.
Reduced consumer spending will cost jobs. Already companies are cutting jobs due to diminished consumer confidence and spending. More pressure in this area will result in greater loss of jobs. That results in greater tax burden, thus neutralizing any net benefit of raising taxes.
Essentials must be exempt in order not to further burden the growing aged and impoverished segments of society. A complext tax system in this case is unavoidable if we are to spare already poor people and those on pensions from even greater poverty.
Foreign business is already fleeing Japan's high tax and cost base. This will, without doubt, encourage more to look to other regions in Asia to establish their home offices and to place jobs.
Posted in: Noda to press ahead with tax rise despite 9 DPJ lawmakers leaving
2
tkoind2
So much for representation by our "peers." Simple solutions abound.
But the most obvious answer is a complete revision of how we are represented so that the voice of the people can take priority over the demands of the corrupt politicians, of corporations and of the already wealthy.
Posted in: U.S. lawmakers get richer as voters struggle
-1
tkoind2
"With omnipresent J-Pop sensation AKB48 making an appearance this year, how can you possibly go wrong?"
If only we could leave them behind in 2011 with everything else we would love to say goodbye to.
We usually have a party with just a few friends. We talk about the triumphs and issues of the waning year and our dreams for the coming new year. Listen to anything but J-pop. Usually some classic titans of music like Nat King Cole. Share some nice California red wine and usually sit around a wonderful Tonyu Nabe.
2011 was a rough year. A year of challenges, of giving, of worries and of hope. I wish 2012 will bring new hope and recovery for those in need. I wish the year to be a safer place than last year. And above all we all continue to wish for peace, prosperity and happiness for everyone.
Posted in: What to do on New Year's Eve in Tokyo
-2
tkoind2
Noda is finished. This will kill off his popularity, as it should. The revolving door is gearing up for another change. Noda is just to foolish and self absorbed to realize it yet, but the writing is on the wall.
Posted in: Noda to press ahead with tax rise despite 9 DPJ lawmakers leaving
0
tkoind2
It seems quite obvious that if the courts in the US ruled in favor of one parent over the other, that the evidence suggested that the selected parent was in a better position to care for the child. When the Japanese parent then flees with the child, it is also an indicator that the child's best interests are not being considered.
I think nearly all rational people would agree that the best case scenario is for both parents to have access to the child and for them to have the benefit of love and care by both.
The bottom line here is that these women are kidnapping children and robbing them of the other parent. A person who does that should be seen negatively. If there is a legitimate problem with a husband or wife, the courts are there to resolve this issue in most countries. So why do these women elect to run to Japan instead? The answer is simple, because the government here will back their side of the story regardless of whether it is justified and true or not.
Posted in: Girl reunited with father in U.S. 4 years after being taken to Japan by mother
5
tkoind2
Who cares, voice over acting here is almost as bad as Chinese-B movies.
I hate watching any movie from any country in dub. I want to hear the original actor's voice and lines. And I am 100% ok with subtitles.
But if we believe the media in Japan, young people here are no longer able to read subtitles, so now we have to focus upon dubbed over voice acting that is often melodramatic and wraught with overacting. So who cares who she is?
Posted in: Who is the mystery person on poster for American movie 'In Time?'
0
tkoind2
Dear Japanese Government,
You really have two choices here. 1. You can be an international nation economically, politically, socially and otherwise. Which means you must adhere to international laws and standards and you must compromise some of your isolationistic views in order to accommodate participation in the global community.
or.
If Japan wants equal treatment and protection internationally for her people and interests, she must return the same. Protection of foreigner's human rights in Japan must improve. Or Japan will continue to drop as a destination for international business.
Posted in: Girl reunited with father in U.S. 4 years after being taken to Japan by mother
-5
tkoind2
some14some. "No wonder China is leading the world in any kind of business."
Yes indeed, when there is a cheap product to hock or a buck to be made you can be sure that China will be first across the line. Even when common sense and good thinking would dictate otherwise.
I wonder if the ink contains lead? Or the fabric some kind of industrial waste. Don't forget China is usually first to do these things too.
What country or company with good sense would make tribute t-shirts to a murderous cult leader like KJL? Really?!?
Posted in: Chinese site hawking Kim Jong-Il T-shirts
-4
tkoind2
Have fun now Noda, the expiration date on your PM role is coming up soon. The peanut gallery of Japanese politics will send you packing next. Only to be replaced with another short expiry date leader.
Posted in: A cap for the PM
0
tkoind2
some14some. Nonsense. Try the propaganda speeches somewhere else. Your posts read as clear propaganda and party lines. Give it a rest.
China fails to deal with the problems in NK because it likes having that buffer state. Period. Engagement has not worked even for China and you know it.
Many people around the world are concerned about the people of NK. But when NK threatens to devastate the South if anyone interferes with them, then what can we do? And when the nation most able to influence NK fails to do so, China, then what options are on the table?
We cannot sacrifice the people of South Korea to save the north. The North must want to be saved, and then the world will help. And you know it.
As for tribute to KJI. Get bent. He can rot in hell. No monster who abuses people in the way he does should be rewarded with any consideration at all. If it were up to me he would be buried in an unmarked grave in a waste dump along with all the other murderous tyrants from around the world.
And do give the anti-US propaganda a rest mate. I don't speak for the US or their policies. I speak for others like me who put the interests of human beings before the interests of states or ideologies.
Posted in: Should allies like Japan, South Korea and the U.S. send condolences to North Korea over the death of Kim Jong-Il whose funeral will be held Wednesday?
2
tkoind2
edojin, " Guess it was the type of work I was in, but none of them were "poor."
let me guess. Banker? Or something else international?
You should spend some time talking to 30-something hard working Japanese women who are not connected to the foreign world. Many are smart, creative, talented and skilled. But companies want some fluffy cute thing in her 20's so they tell these women in their 30's that they are too old for the position.
The number one issue here is that no one in Japan stands up for what is needed. Often people say this is the "Japanese way" which is utter nonsense. Japan has a long history of revolutionary change to adapt to and overcome problems. This is a product of the boom era when people in Japan became silent and passive victims. It is not Japanese tradition or the Japanese way to fail to do what is required for change. It is modern disaffection and social disempowerment.
Posted in: Single women at bottom rung of the economy
2
tkoind2
A couple years ago three women I know, all single, all between 32-36 were suddently unemployed. All went straight out to seek new work. All received declines based upon age discrimination siting either their potential to marry, have kids or the fact that they were "too old" for the position.
The sad fact is that this poverty is inflicted upon women by a system that does not protect human rights for either sex, but particularly for women. Age discrimination along side gender discrimination makes it nearly impossible for even skilled women to obtain rational work. And if women with good jobs lose them in the declining economy, they are unlikey to recover with new equal employment.
Japan must take action to assure the rights of all workers. Of women, of older workers and of people with special needs. Until the nation does this, it will continue to build an empoverished segment of society that will further burden the state. The obvious answer is to address the problem and incintivise companies to reverse these trends.
It should be illegal for people to remain temps forever. Jobs lasting more than six months should be full time. And companies trying to rotate temps through jobs or make minor changes to mask the long term nature of jobs should be subject to severe fines and penalties. We have to end this culture of temp work and force back a culture of proper employment.
Posted in: Single women at bottom rung of the economy
0
tkoind2
Ivan, well stated!
Sadly the concept of suffering is not limited to Japan. It is increasingly the state of ordinary people world wide. Disempowered, repressed and under economic siege, they sit in front of the TV or tune out to media rather than doing anything to better their condition.
Japan has this down to an art form. But it is spreading world wide as hopelessness and despair render much of the masses into effective zombies and robots.
Posted in: Japan is built, at some deep, invisible level, around the Buddhist law of the reality of suffering; my Japanese family and neighbors are not inclined to complain about circumstances so much as to deal, silently and efficiently, with the hands they’re dealt.