colenalperu comments

Posted in: Ex-doctor gets prison term for consensual killing of woman with ALS See in context

The judge is implementing current law. The law needs to change. As others have said, in a society aging as rapidly as Japan, people should be allowed to die with dignity, and prioritize quality over length of life.

However, there are very few countries that have implemented assisted death even with stringent controls in place. Morally and legally it's complicated to implement in a way that eliminates risk of abuse. In Japan, I think there are deep-seating cultural aspects that would make it even less likely - e.g. a general belief in persevering in the face of suffering until the bitter end, not taking an 'easy' way out, etc.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Posted in: Does capital punishment make Japan a 'barbaric' country? See in context

March 14, 2023 - longest death row inmate retrial confirmed. Barbaric or not, guilty verdicts are not always correct so the risk is there. Putting to death innocent citizens is something death penalty supporters rarely address. Presumably it's 'collateral damage'?

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Posted in: Japan had weak basis for ordering 882 mil COVID vaccine doses: audit See in context

Disgraceful. Greed of the richest countries. Not only could these have gone to poor countries who couldn't even put in orders, but the cost is from taxpayers money. The ministry response is a shrug, a 'sorry' and a 'we'll take on board this feedback in future'. Contemptible.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Posted in: Court orders retrial of 1966 quadruple murder case See in context

Whenever there's a report about a heinous crime, this forum is swarming with 'string them up' comments. Where are those commenters now? This kind of case is exactly the reason that most economically and socialy advanced countries (except the US and Japan) have ended corporal punishment. The risk of error is high and in a system like Japan, where it's all about ensuring conviction rates are high with minimum process transparency, the risk is even higher.

Today, my thoughts are with all innocent people in prison or on death row.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Posted in: Fight terrorism See in context

'We need your will to eradicate terrorism'

'your will'?

For the love of god, ask a native copy writer to help with English translation, before printing.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Posted in: Video of Sri Lankan who died in detention to be shown in court See in context

@Kazuaki Shimazaki

Whether those details you add are correct or not, they don't have any bearing on the legal and ethical responsibility of care a detention center has for its inmates. Responses like yours reek of victim-blaming.

You'd have to be blind and stupid not to be aware of the many systemic failings of this particular detention center, and the institution as a whole in Japan. It's desperately in need of reform from top to bottom.

12 ( +18 / -6 )

Posted in: Japan remains global laggard in fight against live animal testing See in context

Mainstream media is key to increasing awareness of these kind of issues in Japan, especially among the 40+ demographic. Unfortunately, social analysis and critique is lacking in the culture and media. Added to that, Japan loathes critique from outside.

Foreigners here don’t have a vote and go round in circles condemning aspects of society here, but it’s futile. The only option is gentle influence in their own offline Japanese circles.

Meanwhile, the mainstream continues to profile foreigners saying how much they love Japan, or talking about their niche cultural interest area.

Adjust to glacial pace of social change, influence your own circle, and realize that posting here is talking in an echo chamber.

Animal rights is in the top ten issues in my view, but higher in that list is judicial reform, gender equality, reducing political apathy through education and curriculum modernization, and an openness to critical debate in the media, especially TV.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Posted in: Why vending machines are so popular in Japan See in context

Far too many left on 24 hours, using electricity, with convenience stores in sight. Destroy the ambience of natural areas including urban parks, with light pollution. Encourage the constant use of plastic only a tiny proportion of which gets recycled, and discourages the carrying of a re-useable bottle which has become normalized in many countries. Ubiquitous commercialization of all public spaces.

They were fun when I arrived in Japan for a while and are convenient from time to time. Keep a few around where needed (countryside bus stops etc) and to get the tourist 'oohs and ahs' but reduce in cities and conserve energy.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Posted in: Qatar opens World Cup with a message of inclusion See in context

Japanese neutered TV media typically celebratory and ignore all controversy. BBC didn’t even broadcast the opening ceremony and TV anchors all broached the key issues, in addition to the football. Well done BBC

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/20/bbc-ignores-world-cup-opening-ceremony-in-favour-of-qatar-criticism?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Posted in: Japan to roll out Omicron booster shots free of charge from Tuesday See in context

Would it be better to wait for the BA.5 variant vaccine, rather than taking the BA.1 vaccine in the next 2-3 months? I thought BA.5 was dominant in Japan?

For those at risk, it seems the original vaccines may be almost as effective as this new vaccine version against serious illness and hospitalization. If you need a 4th booster, the advice is to get it now rather than 'vaccine shopping'.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Posted in: Japan reports record high 250,403 coronavirus cases; 34,243 in Tokyo See in context

Japan has a very reasonable health insurance system IMO.

I pay about 120,000 yen a month for national health insurance and then 30% of all costs for my family. That doesn't seem very reasonable to me.

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

Posted in: Japan to convene 3-day extra parliamentary session from Aug. 3 See in context

In 2022, a photo like this is a disgrace. Abe's womenomics policies obviously didn't work.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Posted in: Japan's heatwave continues; Kishida calls for ramp-up of nuclear power use See in context

If they switched off just 50% of the drinks machines (burning electricity 24/7), there’d be a significant saving and we’d still have a machine every 30 m or so in cities here. Regulate the use of advertising TVs in stores, the amount of lit signage in stores, reduce pachinko hours through regulation or put a premium on their use of electricity. Start there, then ask the plebs to turn lights out.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Posted in: Vending machines one of the winners of the coronavirus pandemic See in context

It's a disgrace the amount of 24hr vending machines given the need to conserve resources, reduce electricity use, and plastic consumption. Clusters of machines glowing 27/7 every 100 or so meters. It's not something to be proud of and is an obvious area to focus on for the environment, and to help avoid rolling blackouts feared this summer. For me, vending machines in parks is the worst where even the small amount of green, natural spaces in cities is blighted by commercial priorities.

I use them and appreciate the convenience but the sheer volume is indicative of a need for hyper convenience, laziness, and the unchecked expansion of places to consume and spend.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Gov't asks companies, households across Japan to save power See in context

Time to reconsider and reign in the number of vending machines on 24 hours a day. Small-ish park near me I walked around at midnight last night. I counted 11 vending machines in clusters of 2-3. Convenience gone crazy in this country.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Posted in: Tokyo reports 7,899 new coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 47,345 See in context

@master

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60708123

It’s been long understood it isn’t psychosomatic and many countries are seriously exploring therapies and how to handle long covid as a major future burden on society.

13 ( +17 / -4 )

Posted in: Immigration agency admits to mistreatment of Sri Lankan before her death See in context

What action can we (non-Japanese) take to lobby for systemic change? What action in this specific case to address blatant injustice?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: Family of dead Sri Lankan woman launch petition for video disclosure See in context

Please add your voice:

https://www.change.org/p/菅義偉-内閣総理大臣-名古屋入管死亡事件の真相究明のためのビデオ開示-再発防止徹底を求めます-54c2248a-e98a-4949-b69e-7016156a699f

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Posted in: Teacher in Japan literally picks up truant kid, carries him out of house to make him go to class See in context

An issue here is why the parents didn't communicate to the school the reasons for the child's absenteeism, then arranged effective measures including counselling. Perhaps the parents felt shame or embarrassment about their child's difficulties. Perhaps there are other reasons. But the key to solving this kind of issue is effective home-school partnership.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: Memorial service marks 20 years since fatal stabbing rampage at Ikeda school See in context

The main entrance to my child’s elementary school in Shinagawa-ku is not locked. There is an office as you enter which is supposed to be staffed at all times but often isn’t. When I enter the school, the old guy who sits there often doesn’t even glance up.

As we saw a couple if weeks ago when a man with a knife wondered around an elementary school (he was angry about the children’s noise!), security is still lacking in Japanese schools and another incident is sadly very likely.

RIP to the children who died 20 years ago. You deserved to be safe at school.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Posted in: Suga dodges questions on whether Olympics can be held under state of emergency See in context

I'd like for a wealthy influencer (Rakuten founder for example) to fund and coordinate the production and shipment of 'No Olympics' posters and signs for distribution to all main sites of the Olympics and ParaOlympics, as well as hospitals, clinics, and other organization who are concerned about hosting the events.

These could be posted in private residences and business along the main transport routes and near main venues to show the public anger at the event. This kind of grassroots definance of the public party line, spouted by Suga and the IOC and JOC cronies could help push countries towards not sending teams. It would create a lot of international media traction and embarrassment for the JAC and government.

I think in many countries, this kind of action would have already happened. I wonder how supportive Japanese business and individuals would be though for this kind of thing. At the end of the day, most Japanese really care about global perception and may think twice about such a direct public statement, rather than an online petition or comment on a web discussion.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: Japan may let pharmacists administer COVID-19 vaccines See in context

60,000 yen a month in health insurance and unable to get a vaccine and no sign of that coming anytime soon. Also, a high risk of not getting hospital care if I get very sick with COVID. I'm definitely being ripped off.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Posted in: Japan to vaccinate Olympic athletes: reports See in context

Most democratic countries have a system of independent public enquiries. Many countries need to commission thorough enquiries into the handling of the pandemic (the UK, the US at the top of the list), but Japan needs an enquiry that tackles covide (mis) management AND the Olympics as a connected and key factor.

I fear it would take a New York level public health disaster during the Olympics itself to compel an enquiry. And then we'll discover that the enquiry was headed by a former Dentsu executive. And the LDP will remain in power. Just as with 2011, there'll be minimal systemic change and no accountability.

17 ( +17 / -0 )

Posted in: Anti-Olympic petition tops 200,000 signatures in just 2 days See in context

Signed. Vote and make your voice heard. All pressure to make a change is useful.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Posted in: Kyoto police investigating cream puff attack on Bentley See in context

These large, classic cars just look so out of place in Japan. Nouveaux riche, gauche, tasteless.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Posted in: Japan urged to outlaw LGBT+ discrimination before Olympics See in context

Let’s add the need to make racism illegal. That should be high on the agenda, bit isn’t.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Posted in: Japan plans to cap daily arrivals at 2,000 ahead of Olympics: Nikkei See in context

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-56237778

Look at where Japan ranks. Rapid vaccination was the best Olympic preparation it could have prioritized.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Posted in: Tokyo high schools ask students to certify hair color not altered: NHK See in context

@richard sanchez and others.

Agree with you entirely. But note you won't be able to make a lawsuit against the school as there is no law in Japan making racial discrimination illegal. It's a systemic social flaw, not just an issue with schools themselves.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Posted in: Japan requests airlines stop using Boeing 777s with P&W4000 engines See in context

DT: 'So hang on a second here. Did the gub'ment force you to live proximate to the approach or departure path of an airport? Did you do due diligence before moving into your current abode? Everything is not someone else's fault. Take some responsibility for your decisions.'

@DT

Many of us bought property before the new route was announced in around 2012-13. The value of that property has now gone down (beyond usual depreciation) as a result of the new route. Many of us protested the new route at every available opportunity, but to no avail. When the government makes a plan, it doesn't listen to unhappy citizens as we can see with the Olympics.

Advice: Soften your tone and ask more questions before casting forum bard judgement with minimal context.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: Japan requests airlines stop using Boeing 777s with P&W4000 engines See in context

So hang on a second here. Did the gub'ment force you to live proximate to the approach or departure path of an airport? Did you do due diligence before moving into your current abode? Everything is not someone else's fault. Take some responsibility for your decisions.

> Many of us bought property before the new route was announced in around 2012-13. The value of that property has now gone down (beyond usual depreciation) as a result of the new route. Many of us protested the new route at every available opportunity, but to no avail. When the government makes a plan, it doesn't listen to unhappy citizens as we can see with the Olympics.

Advice: Soften your tone and ask more questions before casting forum bard judgement with minimal context.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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