BORIS_CHANG_LUIGI comments

Ban all Muscovites. If you see a Russian citizen or supporter of Moscow’s aggression, do not do anything on your own. Contact law enforcement and make sure that the individual concerned is arrested, tried and prosecuted for supporting war crimes.

“No trace of anything or anybody, that is just totally weird. It almost looks like they all vanished into a different dimension. Maybe there is a time warp/portal there?”

You watch too much science fiction or believe too much in conspiracies. Please get real.

I feel bad for the victims. Unfortunately, they are all lost. Cold water. The rescue teams are too late.

Agreed! Brilliant analysis by a certified genius!

Japanese advertisers paid the IOC 3 billion dollars to promote the games. The pseudo-aristocrats and scheming con-artists who run the IOC then paid off the LDP to make sure the games were held.

Japanese taxpayers are on the hook for all the construction that took place.

The Olympics need to be held in designated cities on a rotating basis, or in just one place. How about Olympia? Do you people even know where that is?

Gambling is just so bad!

I believe that a dozen cult members were executed for their crimes. Allow me to praise the Japanese justice system.

Bring back vinyl records and jukeboxes.

Agreed. Send her to the U.S.

What does “dob in your mates” mean? Some sort of quaint regionalism?

Hikomain: if there are easier ways to make money, then go for it. A well maintained property that earns 6,000 bucks a year can be profitable. I own two such properties. You don’t.

Bad migraine: this article is about Japan, not fly-over country. If your money goes further in Nebraska, then buy in Nebraska.

What is the “Kanri?”

Sarge wrote: "Nope, they be plum blossoms. Gotta wait a few more weeks for the cherry blossoms..."

Could the editors and /or moderators give a definitive answer as to what sort of bird and blossom we're talking about here.

One guy even said "That's not a blossom tree"!

Too bad. The government should FORCE all FOREIGN residents to pay into the national health insurance system. Buying insurance from a foreign company deprives the gov. of money that it needs to build and maintain hospitals and pay medical professionals.

Centuries ago plum blossoms were the BIG DEAL in blossom viewing in Japan until some Shogun decided that he liked cherry blossoms better. The entire country folowed his lead and now no one bothers to look at the poor, neglected plum tree. So sad!

tokyocris wrote: "Was this pic taken last year? Seems a bit early for this??"

No. It could have been taken this year, SOUTH of Tokyo. Or do you assume that where you live is the DEFACTO standard for cherry blossom season?

Wake up people - it's a big world out there!

Sttebn wrote: "It is early for cherry to blossom: maybe this is not a recent pic."

Not everyone lives near Steen and cherry blossoms do not blossom at the same time all over Japan or the World. I saw them earlier this year in OKINAWA - in February.

No. Iran is the agressor, Mr. Sabiwabi.

"She was not unresponsive." Yeah, right.

Wow. I get paid 600,000 yen a month for teaching English. I can't believe anyone would settle for less.

You people sensationalize violence. Wrong. In real life it's a bitch.

If he is brought to Japan, he will be liberated by Commando Raiders sworn to uphold justice and respect for all life on Earth!

He is a hero!

Praise him!

Down with miscreants!

I like RAJMUKAR's sober, detached assessment, too.

Prices HAVE dropped, WIBBLE. Look at property. Stuff is cheaper, too. Look at 100-yen shops and UNIQLO. Seriously, have you been here for 10 years?

The upside: 20,000 Eikaiwa teachers heading back to where they came from. Good-bye and good riddance!

Nice photograph.

Nomo was initially reviled for "jumping" to the majors. His grandmother was shown on TV tut-tutting his 'betrayal'. THEN, when he began to win, all Japan praised him. Get your facts straight. And he ain't broke. He probably got a cool million bucks for that ad.