Asakura Cowboy comments

Posted in: Man City ousts PSG to reach Champions League semis for 1st time See in context

By win it, I'm assuming you mean the League. I think it's a bit late for that now, looks like a 2 horse race between Leicester and Spurs, but you never know.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Man City ousts PSG to reach Champions League semis for 1st time See in context

I don't really like moneybags Citeh much, but I'll take them over Manure any day. So what if they can't fill the stadium, what's that got to do with anything? Just sounds like sour grapes to me due to the fact that Utd don't look like even playing in the Champions League anytime soon. Hopefully West Ham wil knock them out of the Cup tonight as well and leave them without any silverware. Manure 'fans' should be more worried about the state of ther own club rather than going on about City-silly.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Schoolgirl says education pointless; gets schooled in debate on Twitter See in context

More subjects at high school in Japan should be made optional so that students can choose what they want to study depending on their interests/ goals.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Posted in: Pricey gold samurai helmets on sale for Japanese boys See in context

Kinda cool, but ridiculously pricey just for an ornament. Luckily my sons have never said anything about this particular custom so I haven't had to fork out unnecessary cash. More crazy consumerism.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Arsenal loses in FA Cup; Man United held by West Ham See in context

As a Watford fan, I was naturally amazed that we beat Arsenal at the Emirates, especially as they are the Cup holders. I have always liked Wenger, but surely if they don't win anything this season which is looking increasingly likely, he can no longer placate the majority of fans, so will probably have to go. Who will replace him though? That is the question.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Japan's silver-haired seniors still punching the time clock See in context

That will be me if I stay in Japan after 'official' retirement age. Already my mother-in-law is telling her husband that he has to keep working after 65, but he's not happy as he's a barber and suffering from backache poor bloke!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: 3 English sides and 4 Spanish reach last 16 of Europa League See in context

Thursday night games are no good either. If the smaller Premier League clubs like mine have a good season and qualify for the Europa League, they have to field weaker teams in Europe in order to protect/ rest players for the all important weekend league fixtures. It's almost impossible to field full strength teams for both, so one competition will suffer. It makes qualifying in the first place a lot less desirable than it used to be with the old UEFA and Cup Winners' Cup ties held on Tuesday or Wednesday nights, so time for players to recover for the Saturday league fixtures. A big squad is essential to do well in both which isn't possible for most of the smaller clubs. Europe should be the priority, but Premier League survival always takes precedence.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Chelsea thrashes Man City 5-1 to reach FA Cup quarterfinals See in context

At least Arsenal are still in the competition (FA Cup). They will probably win the replay i.e. Wenger won't make the same 'mistake' twice. Hull may be top of the Championship but Arsenal should beat them easily if they field a full strength or close to full strength team. They probably won't beat Barcelona, but Wenger has to field a full strength team for that one else the fans will get on his back. The problem is that the CL is the be all and end all for the top teams because of the money it generates, so teams sacrifice the cup competitions for a top 4 spot and CL qualification without usually being able to win the whole thing. You could argue that the cups have suffered as a result (quality-wise), but then again it gives 'lesser' teams a chance to have a good run or even win like Wigan did in the FA Cup a few years ago.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Chelsea thrashes Man City 5-1 to reach FA Cup quarterfinals See in context

Citeh's policy of not putting out a full strength team will end up biting them in the bum. They won't win the CL and probably not the league either, so all they'll end up with is a League Cup at best (considered to be the least important trophy in England for the likes of them). I suppose Pellegrini isn't that bothered anyway now he's leaving at the end of the season. Meanwhile here's hoping Hull beat Arsenal in the replay! (my team has got the winners of that tie next).

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Premier League fans consider mass walkout: report See in context

Walking out after you've already paid for your ticket seems a bit silly to me. Don't renew your season ticket or don't go to any games if you're not happy with ticket prices. That would make a real statement (if enough people did it) and directly affect the clubs financially. The owners are probably just laughing at those Liverpool fans who only missed 13 minutes (plus stoppage time) of the game during their feeble attempt at a protest.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: 14-year-old boy found dead in apparent suicide at home See in context

So sad. I've got two boys myself. Bullying is a part of school life anywhere I'm afraid and it's easy to say stand up to it, be stronger etc. but there are often so many factors involved that it's impossible to say really how best to deal with it. Each case is different. Parents and teachers can only do so much.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Gomes denies Chelsea; Everton end slump See in context

Nice one Tigers. I've always had a soft spot for the Arsenal, probably my favourite London team in the top flight. Hope they don't choke and can beat the other top teams to the title if Leicester don't manage it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Gomes denies Chelsea; Everton end slump See in context

Funny that a draw against Watford is a good result for Chelsea these days. I'm not complaining though being a Hornets fan-we have drawn both games against them this season. Another point towards survival which has to be the goal in our first season back in the Prem. Hope Leicester can keep it going as well.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Are you worried about losing your job to a robot or some other form of automation? See in context

I think we native English speaking teachers are pretty safe as long as we are giving the students what they want. Japanese people seem to prefer face-to-face type lessons on the whole, the speed-learning thing hasn't really taken off here, for example. Even university students don't seem that keen on using technology to study. When I did a survey in my class a few years ago, the majority of students said that they prefered the 'old fashioned' approach i.e. teacher, handouts, board etc, rather than having computer-based classes. Also the extent of most students technological ability as regards learning English at the moment is just about managing to use the smart phone dictionary. Robot teachers? Nah.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Pop star Mariah Carey engaged to Australian mogul James Packer See in context

Well, neither of them need the other's money, so it must be true love! She is still hot considering her age, but he must have a great personality or something....

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: NFL team owners approve St Louis Rams' return to Los Angeles See in context

Crazy how NFL franchises relocate. It so rarely happens in football (soccer) in the UK, and when it does (as with AFC Wimbledon a few years ago), there is public outcry and the 'new' team is vilified. I guess money talks and the fans just have to deal with it. Tough for them.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Posted in: 5 life-altering mistakes foreigners make when living in Japan See in context

Somewhat stereotypical article, but I'm sure many of us long-termers can relate to a lot of what is pointed out. I have certainly met some of the types mentioned, like the gaijin who ignores other gaijin (for whatever reason), the Japan-bashing gaijin and the 'been here for years but can hardly speak a word of Japanese gaijin'.Anyway, it was an interesting read but shouldn't be taken too seriously.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: Traffic deaths See in context

I live in Kochi city in Shikoku which is supposedly 'rural' but still a city nonetheless. The main crazy things I see concerning cars and drivers around here are kids not using proper childseats or seatbelts and just moving around freely in the vehicle, drivers either talking on the phone while driving (not handsfree) or texting when stopped at a traffic light or even when still driving. Also lots of dogs in cars. Not sure about the laws on this, but the other day I saw someone driving with a dog on their lap! It was a small dog admittedly but come on! Cyclists on the wrong side drives me nuts as well, plus drivers who don't stop at those pedestrian crossings with no automated traffic control.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Posted in: 8 things you should never say to a Japanese person See in context

You would think that by now, it being almost 2016, that the majority of Japanese kids (depending on age, granted) would know that western looking 'gaijin' could be from any number of countries except the U.S. but I still get my fair share of "Amerika jin da (s)" I'm so used to it now that I just laught it off, but it is annoying. After all it's not like it's just after the American occupation or anything. This hasn't really changed much in the 15 odd years since I've been in Japan either. As far as Japanese tourists abroad go, I can usually spot them a mile off due to what they are wearing. If though, you put a Japanese, Korean and Chinese person in the same clothes and were asked to guess their nationality it would be a lot harder, maybe even impossible. I think it's natural to wonder which of those three countries someone is from if you can't guess from their attire or language, but just assuming all westerners in Japan must be American is plain silly.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Radwimps offer alternative to Japan's sugary music scene See in context

The best Japanese band I've heard since I've been here is Dragon Ash. Their mixture of rock, hip-hop, drum and bass, reggae etc is pretty original. Their lyrics leave a little to be desired (especially when they attempt to sing in English) but a lot of the music is excellent. The early stuff was a bit hit and miss mind you....Other bands sound too similar and too 'lightweight' especially vocally as someone else pointed out. A lot of great electronic artists though; DJ Krush, Ken Ishii etc.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: United crash out as Wolfsburg reach Champions League last 16 See in context

Pretty funny.They were much better off sticking with Fergie's policy of bringing homegrown youth through, and splashing out on the odd top foreign player or two. Now they are just like Chelski and Citeh except the chequebook approach is blatantly not working under Van Gaal. Should've stuck with Moyes for a bit longer or Fergie should've stayed a couple more seasons then handed the reigns straight to Giggs.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Posted in: Unhappy Japanese international Honda set for early Milan exit See in context

He was never an AC Milan no.10 in the first place. I mean he went there on a free transfer for a start. Overrated player-doesn't even perform consistently for his country against poor opposition. Like others have said, he'd be better off at a mid-table top division team somewhere in Europe, where he can get regular football. Money aside, what's the point being a pro-footballer if you don't play? Or, come back to Japan like Shunsuke Nakamura and be the star of a J-League team.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Posted in: How to help students of English find their voice See in context

I agree that English should be optional and an elective, certainly at high school and university. Why force Japanese students to learn it if they have no chance/ plans to use it in the future? The same could be said for other subjects as well mind you. As PTownsend says, that way you would get far more motivated students in class and English teachers wouldn't have to deal with total indifference to English so much. I don't blame them for their attitude, because that's how I felt about some subjects at school too - difference was I could drop those subjects eventually, even math(s). Who cares if English is the Lingua Franca? They certainly don't. I have to teach compulsory English conversation to first year students at a national university, and feel sorry for the ones who dislike English, because they don't have a choice in the matter, even if they are shit at English and hate it with a passion. Most of them just see it purely as another class to gain credits, that's all.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: University lecturer calls out his lazy Japanese students, praises his hard-working Chinese ones See in context

I teach at a national university part-time and have classroom style lessons rather than lectures, but do not allow students to use their phones in class (unless it's the dictionary or similar) and certainly to not let them eat during lessons. I can't believe teachers who say or do nothing when this occurs and think it shows weakness on the part of the teacher. If you want the students to make an effort you have to lay down some rules at the start and make it clear that they have to come to class, not be late etc. in order to pass. Any bad behaviour has to be nipped in the bud early on otherwise you don't have a leg to stand on as a teacher. Also it's up to the teacher to make the class as beneficial/ interesting as possible for the students to encourage them to turn up. Make the classes meaningful and they'll come. If not, no great loss because those students are probably the troublemakers anyway and are best off out of the class.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Nobel Literature prize again eludes Japan's hope, Haruki Murakami See in context

Maybe it's just the fact that he hasn't written anyhing decent since the Wind-up Bird Chronicle. I haven't read his latest, but Kafka on the Shore showed promise then was ultimately disappointing and 1Q84 was a pile of old pants-pages and pages of meaningless drivel. The only character I liked was Ushikawa. I like all of his pre-Sputnik Sweetheart work, but after that the quality started sliding.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Posted in: Would you like to see Japan take in asylum-seekers from the Middle East to help alleviate the crisis in Europe? See in context

Crazy idea. It's difficult enough to integrate into Japanese society as a non-religious, well-travelled English speaker with a good job, Japanese wife and 2 kids even after 15 years plus and having plenty of understanding of the language and culture. I can't imagine Syrian or Afghan families assimilating smoothly and harmoniously into Japanese society as some on here have suggested, certainly not in large numbers. Gaijin will always be gaijin in Japan no matter what your job is, or how well you speak Japanese etc. If you add an alien religion/ language to the mix, well that makes it even more problematic. It won't be long before they are demanding mosques to be built, Arabic to be taught in schools, and so on and so forth, and that would never happen in Japan. They would end up living in Muslim ghettos that the Japanese would want to avoid. I can see some of them taking advantage of the 'safe' and 'trusting' Japan thing as well, guaranteed the crime rate would go up. Also, how do you sort out the 'real' asylum seekers from the ones who are 'just' seeking a better life? This is the problem for all the countries that are foolishly allowing thousands of them in without proper checks. I feel sorry for the genuine ones who are peaceful and law abiding but they can't expect to just be handed everything on a plate just because they are from a war-torn country. Many of them say they want to go to the UK, for example because they can get a place to live, money from the government etc. And what do they give back to that society in return? That is the question, At the very least they have to work to pay taxes....

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Posted in: Japanese frostbite victim sets off to conquer Everest See in context

Climbers are mad, but as a runner I understand what drives them. If he wants to do it, let him, he knows the risks and I'm sure his family does too.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: 7 customs that Japanese people wish would just disappear See in context

The biggest rip-off for me as regards 'customs' is the buddhist style funeral related stuff. All those pointless ceremonies after the funeral itself (which granted also costs an arm and a leg) when the family of the deceased has to fork out for food, drink etc. not to mention paying the monk to come and chant a lot iof meaningless nonsense. My wife's family monk can't even chant properly because he smokes so much; he has to keep stopping to clear his throat. Then, he's the one that drinks the most at the party afterwards and still everyone thanks him when he leaves like he's some kind of god. He can barely stand up he's so drunk! It goes on and on for years with these ceremonies. I've basically stopped going now, much to my wife's distaste. Being the token gaijin at such family gatherings can also be tiresome.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Posted in: Eurotunnel: 37,000 migrant crossing attempts blocked See in context

JapanGal: England is only one of the countries in the UK last I looked and people from the UK are British not English.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: 6,165 treated for heat exhaustion in week to July 19 See in context

I'm not entirely sure about other parts of Japan, but here in Kochi we've hardly had any sunshine at all what with the rainy season and now these typhoons hanging around. I dread to think what's gonna happen when the sun finally returns and the 'real' summer begins - if it ever does.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

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