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Yomiuri Giants file Y100 mil libel suit against former executive

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Shouldn't it be the other way around? It's time for this old fart Watanabe to retire.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

I hope this whole thing will bring down Watanabe. He is 85 years old ! and I'm sure he has plenty of money, just enjoy your remaining days.

Damn, this is one of the problems with Japanese companies, not just Yomiuri. Older generation of Japanese people don't know how to have fun. They are the ones who made Japan what it is today and we should be thankful but the times have changed, What's the point of working, working and working until they die ? And they often hold management positions so it's difficult for younger people to take long vacations etc because they don't take any !!! I'm sure many people in Yomiru will also appreciate young blood to take the leading position (that would be 70 something :) )

4 ( +4 / -0 )

They finished third this season in the Central League, one of Japan’s two baseball leagues.

Ergo, none of this would be happening if the Giants had won the pennant, which is what they are supposed to do every year, without fail, or suffer the wrath of Khan (Watanabe). I like the word the media frequently uses to describe Watanabe, 老醜 (roshu) which means "ugly old man."

3 ( +3 / -0 )

This is going to get interesting. It seems that many "younger" men here are finally getting fed up with the bullying ossans. I hope he fights this, sues for wrongful dismissal and win!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I hope Kiyotake hits back with a MAJOR lawsuit that brings Watanabe down -- the man should be gone anyhow as he's a prime example of the corruption that is plaguing Japanese corporations at the moment. So long as Kiyotake has proof of what he said it is not technically libel. If not, well, pay the fine then sue them back (for something you can prove).

Hide Suzuki: "And they often hold management positions so it's difficult for younger people to take long vacations etc because they don't take any !!!"

Agreed, but then, how much work do you think these guys actually do? They sit in meetings and probably snooze, waking up to bark orders and collect money. They don't 'retire' because it's a cash cow and they do next to nothing, as with most amakudari jobs.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

老醜 (roshu) which means "ugly old man."

Very cool word. Thanks

2 ( +2 / -0 )

What gives? If the man is against another man for whatever reason, he does not have to get his permission to hold a press conference.

The days of old need to pass. 77 years of tradition or not, a whistleblower has a right to speak and contest improper decisions in management. They will no doubt attempt to make an example of him so that others never contest what the boss says.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

It seems that Yomiuri do not deny that Mr Watanabe influenced the appointment of Giants' coach so I wonder where the libel is that they allege Mr Kiyotake to have committed?

I suppose old Watanabe is furious that someone had the nerve to stand up to him and now he is wasting company funds pursuing a hopeless libel action that he will surely lose, making himself look even more stupid as a result.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The YG are arguably the most corrupt and poisonous organizations in Japan. NPB suffers from its corruption.

To be clear, the HT are the most popular team in Japan. The Tokyo Dome only sells out when the HT come there to play, its half filled with Tiger fans. Of course Koshien sells out regardless of which team comes to play.

Really, the YG should be banned from NPB for three years for corruption. Then NPB would really prosper.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

老醜 ろうしゅう ugliness of old age

<jisho.org>

Very rare for the Giants to finish third. Nice to see some competition out there.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Who did Kiyotake want to be coach? I want Ochiai.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Is it libel if you tell the truth?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Who did Kiyotake want to be coach? I want Ochiai.

Coach, not manager. I don't think Ochiai is taking any coaching position that's not kantoku.

As much as I hate to defend Yomiuri, both men are totally in the wrong here. Watanabe for his litany of sins as an old tyrant, Kiyotake for being a petulant little boy and airing his grievances in the media rather than handling them internally. They should both be gone for acting like "me! me!" children. Of course Watanabe should have been gone years and years and years ago.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Probably the money from the increase in newspaper sales/other news services/etc. by Yomiuri from this story will be many times more than the damages he is seeking. It is a win-win for Yomiuri.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

this blurb just gave me a 100million more reasons why I HATE the giants haha

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@smith, I know some of those old executive people actually believe that they are essential part of their business, although many people around them may not agree with them :) I believe many of them stick to their job, because it gives them meaning or purpose in their life, as many people who grew up before or during the WWII don't have hobbies, their job is their life, however sad/insane it sounds to non-Japanese people.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I believe many of them stick to their job, because it gives them meaning or purpose in their life, as many people who grew up before or during the WWII don't have hobbies, their job is their life, however sad/insane it sounds to non-Japanese people.

I agree, and thats why there are a lot of sad sad people & families out there, me I wud rather be homeless than one of these zombies you describe, being homeless you wud have more freedom & fulfilment as well, time for the old geezer to get outta dodge!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I just can't approve Kiyotake's actions. It was unlucky that he rebelled. I'm very anxious about the order.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The Tokyo Dome only sells out when the HT come there to play, its half filled with Tiger fans. Of course Koshien sells out regardless of which team comes to play.

Um, no it doesn't. Average attendance was pretty poor this year. Koshien used to sell out all the time but it doesn't anymore - about 4000 below capacity on average this year.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

AMEN Zurcronium. If I ever meet you, your first beer is on me. You told the truth. HT has more away fans than any other team in Japanese Baseball.

Great post Z!!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Zurc and NetNinja, I totally agree. It wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say that the Yomiuri organization has been the biggest thing holding back Japanese baseball from the world stage. I can't wait for this old fossil of a team to sink into a long-lasting slump so that some other teams can shine.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Y100mil only? Kiyotake will be able to pay it with a broad smile. probably out of court settlemenet.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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