Recent Comments on All Posts

Unchingu at 04:27 PM JST - 21st March

If you seriously think the new government funded healthcare reform would cause a downfall for the citizens of America then it is time to learn from the Japanese who have a National Healthcare system. Take a look at Japan. Do you see them making a fuss about National Healthcare? Don't…

Posted in Struggle over health care reform tilts Obama's way at 04:27 PM JST - 21st March
Mark_McCracken at 04:25 PM JST - 21st March

This problem is easy to solve. Two words: Best Bowlist.

Posted in Young people sending bowling into the gutter at 04:25 PM JST - 21st March
noborito at 04:24 PM JST - 21st March

Last night the wind was terrible. It was pushing cars around the highway. Felt like what a typhoon should feel like. It's been years!

Posted in Strong winds buffet Japan, causing injuries, affecting transport system at 04:24 PM JST - 21st March
XXXXX at 04:21 PM JST - 21st March

heck, most of them!

Posted in S Korean actress Han wants to act in Japan at 04:21 PM JST - 21st March
XXXXX at 04:18 PM JST - 21st March

I was talking about skin, hair and teeth, not features. Although they do seem more appealing, surgery or not. In fact some Japanese could use a little dental surgery.

Posted in S Korean actress Han wants to act in Japan at 04:18 PM JST - 21st March
sirgamble at 04:12 PM JST - 21st March

Anybody know if smoking contributes significantly to carbon emissions?

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 04:12 PM JST - 21st March
limboinjapan at 04:08 PM JST - 21st March

OK I see we still don't get it with the exception of Bon all the rest are basically national holidays, so if we are talking about national holidays and not vacation then the answer is simple "because they are national holidays".

If we are talking about vacations (which most companies…

Posted in Why do most Japanese take their holidays at the same time, such as Golden Week, Bon and New Year? at 04:08 PM JST - 21st March
SushiSake3 at 04:07 PM JST - 21st March

This bill is ¥94 billion a year. When are conservatives going to stop claiming it's too expensive, be honest and admit it's good value?

Posted in Obama calls on Democrats to pass health care bill at 04:07 PM JST - 21st March
tclh at 04:05 PM JST - 21st March

The glass should have "UNICEF water, 100 yen donation please" label on it so people will be happy to help and avoid misunderstanding.

Posted in Restaurants to raise funds to help kids facing water crisis at 04:05 PM JST - 21st March
kyoken at 04:03 PM JST - 21st March

The local police collected his DNA data when he was arrested in October 2007 for violating a traffic law, and are believed to have mixed it up with another person when registering it in the NPA database.

It is just plain wrong to collect DNA for a traffic offense.

Posted in DNA data mix-up leads to warrants issued on innocent man at 04:03 PM JST - 21st March
kyoken at 04:01 PM JST - 21st March

Hiroshima Gov Hidehiko Yuzaki responding it would be difficult to introduce penalties as people are guaranteed the freedom to smoke.

There is no "freedom to smoke" clause in the constitution.

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 04:01 PM JST - 21st March
SushiSake3 at 04:01 PM JST - 21st March

I'm wondering how many of those who oppose this bill on the grounds that it's an affront to their freedoms also say the same thing about their house and vehicle insurance? I'm guessing right about none.

Posted in Obama calls on Democrats to pass health care bill at 04:01 PM JST - 21st March
presto345 at 04:00 PM JST - 21st March

Steel Partners are digging their own grave by bringing bad publicity for Sapporo. Or is that part of their strategy?

Posted in Adviser backs Steel Partners' call for Sapporo management change at 04:00 PM JST - 21st March
hokkaidoguy at 03:59 PM JST - 21st March

Ranger Miffy -

How am I missing the point?

Let's face it - you're probably never going to wander in to my local and throw down your heard earned cash on anything. Why should the owner change his entire business to suit YOU?

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 03:59 PM JST - 21st March
kyoken at 03:56 PM JST - 21st March

The camera inside is used as a hand mirror, convenient for female consumers.

That is the killer-application!

Posted in Disney mobile phones at 03:56 PM JST - 21st March
NuckinFutz at 03:47 PM JST - 21st March

Yup! Pretty strong up in Aomori! I almost lost a storage shed again this year. I got to it just in time. Haven't seen any yellow sand yet, there's too much dirt blowing off the roads!

Posted in Strong winds buffet Japan, causing injuries, affecting transport system at 03:47 PM JST - 21st March
marcelloz at 03:47 PM JST - 21st March

The right to clean air (and a clean environment in general) far outweighs the right to smoke cigarettes IMO.

Clean, breathable air, and drinkable water for 100% of the community should be top Human Rights priorities for every government in the world.

Smoking cigarettes is not a traditional Japanese pastime,…

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 03:47 PM JST - 21st March
kyoken at 03:46 PM JST - 21st March

About 10 years ago I first encountered the issue with uncovered murders in Japan as the BBC reported on the low standards of Japanese police murder investigators.

It is shameful to see how tax money is wasted on security theater when it could be put to good use to improve…

Posted in Nobody in Japan is held accountable for failing to uncover the cause on unnatural deaths. Not even the police. at 03:46 PM JST - 21st March
SushiSake3 at 03:42 PM JST - 21st March

The bottom line is, if Americans are allowed to keep their long-cherished 'freedoms,' current trends will simply continue and Americans will get fatter, sicker and even more reliant on a vast galaxy of pharma drugs. That's the reality. Maintain the health insurance status quo, and America will be sitting on…

Posted in Obama calls on Democrats to pass health care bill at 03:42 PM JST - 21st March
benhur at 03:39 PM JST - 21st March

so when do you expect them to take their holidays then?

Posted in Why do most Japanese take their holidays at the same time, such as Golden Week, Bon and New Year? at 03:39 PM JST - 21st March
Ranger_Miffy at 03:38 PM JST - 21st March

Asaka Ryo: GREAT POST. Hokkaidoguy: missing the point. Most of the posts: good to read.

C'mon Japan, join the modern world and get rid of smoking so I can go out and happily throw down my hard earned cash for some great food and a pint. Unsmoked.

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 03:38 PM JST - 21st March
beagle at 03:36 PM JST - 21st March

It's too bad that you felt being discrimanted. Did you have an aisle, window or middle seat? Perhaps the flight attendant could have asked all passengers seated together, if anyone wants to take another seat. At the same time, one row back isn't really a big deal. I have been…

Posted in ANA sees bigger loss in FY 2009 at 03:36 PM JST - 21st March
jonnydesu at 03:36 PM JST - 21st March

bakabakabaka

Seems to me that if you have the type of friends that don't mind going to bars with smoke and you are the type of person who doesn't like it, well, then maybe you need to get a new set of friends. I am not saying this to be…

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 03:36 PM JST - 21st March
Ranger_Miffy at 03:34 PM JST - 21st March

Personally, I love the Kyoto station. Can't really remember the old one. Yes, there are many fascinating buildings in Tokyo, but they stand out from the incredible amount of ungodly drek. Apartment buildings that look like prisons...and my own apt isn't too shabby but there is no way to hang…

Posted in Architecture in Japan at 03:34 PM JST - 21st March
presto345 at 03:33 PM JST - 21st March

US angus beef is best in the world!

One must have eaten a lot of different kinds of beef in a lot of places all over the world to be able to assert this. To me it sounds like 'Momma's stew is the best in the world!'

30 grams? Maybe…

Posted in Mari Yaguchi offers Japanese beef at low prices in Roppongi at 03:33 PM JST - 21st March
Hehehohohaha at 03:30 PM JST - 21st March

As an ex-smoker I have no desire to revisit my former habit in public places.

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 03:30 PM JST - 21st March
Kapuna at 03:29 PM JST - 21st March

yokohamarider, your post is well thought out and written especially, the last sentence.

Posted in Obama calls on Democrats to pass health care bill at 03:29 PM JST - 21st March
Carcharodon at 03:27 PM JST - 21st March

Yellow sand was observed.....as the worst I have ever seen it. It was diabolical.

Posted in Strong winds buffet Japan, causing injuries, affecting transport system at 03:27 PM JST - 21st March
SushiSake3 at 03:25 PM JST - 21st March

yokohamarider, I agree with parts of your post in principle, but reality shows a growing majority of Americans simply cannot take responsibility for their health. The U.S. is - no malice intended - probably the sickest, most drug addicted nation on Earth. Expecting people to take responsibility for their health…

Posted in Obama calls on Democrats to pass health care bill at 03:25 PM JST - 21st March
presto345 at 03:24 PM JST - 21st March

And again, even if China is #1 auto market, the million dollar question is for what kind of autos? Certainly not for the kind that Toyota makes.

Standing ovation from ignorant students attending the lecture.

This is not another stupid TV quiz, there is no million dollar question, there is…

Posted in U.S. needs Toyota more than Toyota needs U.S. at 03:24 PM JST - 21st March
Hehehohohaha at 03:23 PM JST - 21st March

How about if people start taking responsibility for their health by eating the right foods in the right portions and doing a little exercise once in a while.

Huh? And healthy people do not ever ever get sick or have accidents or get old?

Posted in Obama calls on Democrats to pass health care bill at 03:23 PM JST - 21st March
motogaijin at 03:21 PM JST - 21st March

NOTHING is a right.

There's a guy you may have heard of named Thomas Jefferson who would disagree with you.

How about if people start taking responsibility for their health by eating the right foods in the right portions and doing a little exercise once in a while.

Fair enough.…

Posted in Obama calls on Democrats to pass health care bill at 03:21 PM JST - 21st March
shinhiyata at 03:16 PM JST - 21st March

One of the worst music genres spawned by the collapse of the record company giants in the 90's. And one of the worst musical outfits to be part of that pitiful scene. While legitimate 90's groups like Prong, KMFDM, and (of course) Napalm Death are still hard at work, these…

Posted in Alt-rock slackers Pavement prove disciplined enough for worldwide comeback at 03:16 PM JST - 21st March
xpompey8 at 03:11 PM JST - 21st March

In my opinion “the way of the man,” is to be with lots and lots of women.

Posted in Gackt to hold concert just for men at 03:11 PM JST - 21st March
netrek at 03:04 PM JST - 21st March

30 grams? Maybe that will fill up someone her size, but most men need 2 or 3 times that much!

Posted in Mari Yaguchi offers Japanese beef at low prices in Roppongi at 03:04 PM JST - 21st March
netrek at 03:04 PM JST - 21st March

US angus beef is best in the world!

Posted in Mari Yaguchi offers Japanese beef at low prices in Roppongi at 03:04 PM JST - 21st March
shinjukuboy at 02:59 PM JST - 21st March

Bump bump bump Where is the fan event?

Posted in Johnny Depp to spend 15 hours in Japan for 'Alice in Wonderland' premiere at 02:59 PM JST - 21st March
presto345 at 02:59 PM JST - 21st March

I say let Japan make their own railways and trains. Then when it goes wrong they'll know exactly who to blame.

Totally agree. Clausecker is talking out of the wrong orifice.

Posted in EU railway firms call on Japan to play fair at 02:59 PM JST - 21st March
Sarge at 02:56 PM JST - 21st March

I agree with yokohamarider.

Posted in Obama calls on Democrats to pass health care bill at 02:56 PM JST - 21st March
hokkaidoguy at 02:54 PM JST - 21st March

are you supposed to stop them and say "well, I can't go unless you follow me across town to this one nonsmoking place"?

YES.

See, I have tinnitus pretty bad. No joke. I can't go to bars that play live music anymore and enjoy myself. Can't stand wandering around with…

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 02:54 PM JST - 21st March
presto345 at 02:53 PM JST - 21st March

love the rules. 1 plate of 30grams of meat... I feel filled already.

Sure you do. And you pay for the raw meat + the cooking + the serving + the ambiance + @ Enjoy the 30 grams here or 100 grams max of Aussie beef at home!

Posted in Mari Yaguchi offers Japanese beef at low prices in Roppongi at 02:53 PM JST - 21st March
JayJayE at 02:40 PM JST - 21st March

I'm a smoker, but I welcome these kind of laws. As a rule, I always smoke in smoking areas and try to avoid smoking around other people.

My logic is simple, it's my habit, not others.

Freedom? Well I think people should be free to smoke, but people should also…

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 02:40 PM JST - 21st March
dammit at 02:35 PM JST - 21st March

Clausecker says Japan generally opts for foreign firms when it cannot find domestic suppliers to do the job.

I'm sorry Mr Clausecker, but in my opinion that's the way it should be. I don't believe in letting a foreign company do work when a local company is capable of it,…

Posted in EU railway firms call on Japan to play fair at 02:35 PM JST - 21st March
yokohamarider at 02:35 PM JST - 21st March

"Health care" is no more a right than car care, lawn care or home care. What on earth makes it a right? NOTHING is a right. How about if people start taking responsibility for their health by eating the right foods in the right portions and doing a little exercise…

Posted in Obama calls on Democrats to pass health care bill at 02:35 PM JST - 21st March
SEPTIMUS at 02:28 PM JST - 21st March

thats funny

Posted in DNA data mix-up leads to warrants issued on innocent man at 02:28 PM JST - 21st March
ASUKA_RYO at 02:26 PM JST - 21st March

"I don't go into vegetarian restaurants and expect to order steak"

But you may seat there and order something else without the fear that a HUGE carrot finds a way through your (self-censured). Or at least you may drink a glass of water without any fear.

In a smoking place…

Posted in 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking at 02:26 PM JST - 21st March
limboinjapan at 02:24 PM JST - 21st March

I just don't get it, China has been taking and taking with very little give for years now and is responsible for over 2 billion cyber attacks monthly in the US alone (not to mention EU and the rest) but then denies any knowledge despite the evidence and the tight…

Posted in Chinese official media slams Google withdrawal threat as 'arrogant' at 02:24 PM JST - 21st March
boboh at 02:23 PM JST - 21st March

HeyLars

I haven`t forgotten about the kids by saying "name and shame this monster". In fact, quite the opposite, cos if he was named and shamed that would prevent other innocent kids from falling into the web of this lecherous rock spider. Of course people are going to join the…

Posted in English school manager in Fukuoka indicted for filming child porn at 02:23 PM JST - 21st March
Elephunk at 02:23 PM JST - 21st March

@sharky1 US cannot afford to keep solving everyone's problems, nor is all of our effort appreciated (sometimes, for a good reason). At times, we act as corruptly as our enemies, so we dont exactly have a moral right to be World's police. Despite my criticisms of Japan, when push comes…

Posted in Gov't to work out site for Futenma relocation on Tuesday at 02:23 PM JST - 21st March
IvanCoughalot at 02:21 PM JST - 21st March

Deepair65...I think they called it "The Hump" (obviously after a whale) was because it is more marketable than other whale names like "The Sperm"...I mean, who would eat at that place???

San Francisco's in California, innit?

Posted in California sushi restaurant closes doors after serving whale meat illegally at 02:21 PM JST - 21st March