Kuchikomi
Smartphones make porn addiction a growing problem
The trouble with the smartphone is that there’s no trouble with it – it gives you everything you want. The trouble with pornography is not its moral murk but its physiological impact on the brain. The trouble with pornography delivered via smartphone is that it’s ubiquitous, effortless, mostly free, and… Read
'Kuchikomi' ratings put the squeeze on the medical profession
Not far behind media coverage of the coronavirus pandemic per se have been reports on how medical facilities and the workers therein have been suffering as a consequence. Shukan Jitsuwa (Sept 23) turns its attention to sites known as byoin kuchikomi, which invite patients or their families to rate their… Read
Get healthy by heeding the wisdom of the ancients, by embarking on a fast
It may be stating the obvious, but prolonged stays at home during the pandemic have played havoc with our bodies. One way we can address the radical changes imposed on our lifestyles over the past 18 months is through sensible modification in our diets. To wit, by going on a… Read
COVID spurs dramatic surge of 'konkatsu' among middle-aged people
When it comes to konkatsu (spouse-hunting), author Kensuke Ishigami knows whereof he writes. Divorced in his 40s, now 59, he has spent the better part of 15 years pursuing remarriage. He’s downloaded matching apps, trolled marriage sites, consulted marriage consultants, attended miai matching parties. His books tell his stories. They are rich in personal experience.… Read
Yakuza leader's threat to judge shouldn't be taken lightly
On August 24, the Fukuoka District Court handed down a sentence of death on Satoru Nomura, 74. Nomura, head of the Kudo-kai crime syndicate based in Kitakyushu City, was found guilty of one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder. None of the targets were members of rival… Read
As demand for deluxe duds decline, off-price stores offer deep discounts
One of the sectors of the economy that has been hit hard since the flareup of the coronavirus pandemic is the garment industry. Obviously people working from their homes have little or no need for dressing up. Shukan Jitsuwa (Sept 2) turns its attention to the growing retailing sector of… Read
Extreme teleworking ... from Mount Fuji
Teleworking, forced on many by COVID-19, adopted by some as a preference, is revolutionizing work. Why stop at mere teleworking? asks Spa! (Aug. 10-17). Why not “extreme teleworking”? A beguiling notion. What can it mean? Something as remote as possible from a traditional workplace, one supposes. The photo accompanying the text… Read
U.S. a destination of choice for hard-up Japanese sex workers
In Japan, there exists an occupation known as "Broker for Overseas Sex Workers." How do we know this? Because one such individual, identified only as "Mr A," is talking to Spa (Aug 24) about the current rise in demand by his clients. "More girls who were making a living by… Read
Corporate sponsorships for future Olympics expected to undergo major changes
"One of the changes likely to occur after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be the relationship between sports and corporate sponsors," sportswriter Nobuya Kobayashi tells Nikkan Gendai (Aug 12). At the Games that just ended, Japanese athletes took an all-time high total of 58 medals, including 27 gold. While… Read
Apps spring up to fight corona loneliness, rather than find romance
There’s an app and website called Jimoty that together vaguely suggest an ancient marketplace. Got something to buy or sell? A service to offer, a void to fill? A search could well begin here, and lead to almost anything almost anywhere. Post your blurb, state your case, take your chances.… Read
