Awatemono comments

Having been in several chugakku schools, the message I get from JETs, ALTs etc is that much of Japanese education is "colouring in maps". The national honour does not allow non-Japanese teachers to run the English program so much of it is done by teachers who struggle in it themselves. The fact that most adults can't offer a basic conversation in English after 6 years of study is witness to that.

The ongoing deceit that this is "for science" reflects very poorly - and unfairly - on the Japanese people who have little say on its cessation. Just who is making the money to support these expeditions of death?

The de Lorean was an 'interesting' design but slower than most modern family cars. A bit of show but little go and certainly NOT a 'vintage car'. How about the Honda S600 or the Toyota GT?

The level of anti-whaling feeling in Australia is considerable. It is the single most intense basis that anti-Japanese feeling exists in Australia. Without that, there is widespread respect for the Japanese since few know about the Taiji cove clubbing of dolphins.

"Mere teething problems" I'm sure. But you don't need them at 50 000 feet above ground.

Don't confuse the artists with the thug. Bushido is a more noble body of skills and the accountability to match. The mind is the last 'weapon' to be mastered.

Young women of independent spirit have no need of complicating relationships. Those who have the income would prefer to go to 'host clubs' where pretty boys will massage their ego needs while sipping expensive drinks bought for them by the girls.

In some places, there is the option of paying a little more for sexual attention later.

If push came to shove, it would be no contest with Nth Korea or China. It's a question of scale in most battles. I have no doubt that most would maintain the bushido spirit, even if some lack the soul. It's a question of training. Grt that right, get the battle right.

I have seen kyudo conducted in large groups in Himeji without a teacher - would never happen in Australia. Japanese students tend to be more dependable. But in a university?! "Oops" just doesn't cover it.

Good thing they don't live in Australia where a string of days over 40 happens a few times each summer. And that includes on the south coast, not the tropical north. "Toughen up, people." And don't do dumb stuff when it's that hot.

If only the activists were so protective of under-aged girls in men's 'clubs'.

Anyone ever see cats wandering during the hours of darkness? Yes. Why is an 8p.m. curfew in their interest? Seems like they are ready to party by then.

In a society - anywhere - where you 'mind your own business' and disregard others, everyone loses. What happens when your car breaks down and no one will stop? A multitude of minor acts of civility and care for others costs so little and humanises a community. I was told that Nihonjin were aloof and didn't talk to strangers. Because I had a smattering of Nihongo, I have chatted to dozens of strangers and often left them behind, chatting to one another, something they wouldn't have done had I not 'broken the ice' for them.

Sorry: .38 REVOLVER. Yes, there are .38 semi-autos.

I have no idea about this case but I have worked with young soldiers who were happy to 'play with guns' even if outside of regulations. Strong probability it was a .38 and, as such, has no safety. Hard to construe this as an accidental discharge, though.

Someone once said, "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." I had a uni mate suicide in second year. I saw what it did to his loving parents. I could never do that to anyone. Tragic then - and now.

With an increasing proportion of educated Japanese having some skill in spoken English, maybe they could find some middle ground. Could they not employ these applicants in hospitals serving tourists and expats?

I think not. But the important question is "Where does He live now?" I can't be sure but, as the judges say, "I am satisfied"- enough to believe.

Surely Australia could do the same if someone had the vision to do so. Coke/Amatil (tobacco) certainly makes enough profit here.

We'll be back - next year. That'll be visit no. 5 for me, an Australian. Our dollar is strong and that helps tourists if not traders. Yes, there is incompetence and corruption but our interactions with the common people have been wonderful. Radiation issues have been grossly overstated for other than a limited district. People in Hokkaido, Kansai or Shikoku are vastly out of the danger zone. Expensive? Yes, if you choose to follow that path. We can find double accommodation for 8000 yen a day and cafe food that is barely different from home prices, with good serves and high quality

While no staff supervision in the yard in breaks, this will only continue. In western schools, a teacher (or two) always wanders the yard to monitor behavioural breaches. And, with modern technology, covert harassment - even outside of the school - is becoming more widespread.

Such is the barrenness that has come with abandoning much of the old culture. Where there was so much beauty in many forms, this mindless trivia fills a spiritual void for many who see the machines as a possible route to a better life.