Kuchikomi
Tales from telework hell
“Teleworking is hell,” say some – not all. Positive thinkers value it for its freedom from office commuting and office routine. There are those who see it as the wave of the future, outliving the deadly pandemic that is forcing it on us now. Its survival would mean an unprecedented… Read
Japan's corona-named businesses (and ladies) struggle to survive
How's this for a business slogan? "The family in which you take pride has the shine of a proud corona." Right now, people who are employed in Japanese companies that evoke the name corona are feeling pain more than pride. One such firm, reports Asahi Geino (Nov 12), is Korona… Read
Increasingly desperate Vietnamese blamed for surging crime wave
"When I hear news reports about thefts of cattle or pigs, those guys are the first thing that comes to mind," Mr T, a Tokyo realtor who specializes in housing for foreign students and technical interns, tells Asahi Geino (Nov 19). Many of whom, in the last several years, have… Read
People who badmouth others undermine their own physical, mental health
“The way that woman dresses! The makeup she wears! Doesn’t she see herself? Doesn’t she know that that look went out of fashion 100 years ago?” “Imagine my mother-in-law, going to a gym at her age! How long does she plan to live anyway?” And so on and so on.… Read
Pandemic-hit sex workers flock to NPO for sympathy and advice
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been kind to Japan's commercial sex workers. Medical writer Mika Kumamoto takes up this topic in Yukan Fuji (Nov 11). As has been reported in the media, restrictions on the activities by CSWs (commercial sex workers) in Tokyo has led to some leaving the capital… Read
Second wave of coronavirus infections picking up with a vengeance
If you felt hopefully optimistic that Japan would be largely spared from the second wave of coronavirus infections that's been setting new records in Europe and North America, then look again. Shukan Bunshun (Nov 12) reports that in Hokkaido, for instance, over the month of October new highs for the… Read
Split couples getting back together again as virus makes it hard to meet new people
COVID-19 has shattered a lot of lives, livelihoods and relationships. It’s also mended a few. When pursuit of the new becomes impossible, why not return to the old? That’s what a lot of broken couples are doing these days, says Spa! (Nov 3) – getting back together again. Why should… Read
It's the law: Smokers in Neyagawa told they can't puff near their kids, even at home
Local statutes and ordinances in Japan can be things of wonder. There's even a website dedicated to some of the more unique examples: http://www.v-localgov.com/category/topics/ユニークな条例/ Here's an excerpt: a revised ordinance on water safety in Ibaraki Prefecture, which went into effect from July 1, 2019, stipulates that operators of small water… Read
Yakuza have their fingers in Go To Eat campaign
With the hospitality industry reeling under the impact of COVID-19, the government hastily cobbled together a rescue plan. It’s called Go To Eat, and went into effect Oct 1. Diners making restaurant reservations through designated websites win points equivalent to cash towards future meals at any participating establishment. Everybody wins.… Read
Use of smartphones wasting more kids' time, wrecking their brains, says doctor
"Of course information technology (IT) is important. But at the same time there are negative aspects and it's important to strike a balance." Writing in Shukan Shincho (Oct 29) Dr Susumu Higuchi notes that the education ministry last summer issued an advisory that junior high school students would be permitted… Read
