Japan Today

collegepark30349 comments

Posted in: Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast and Phish get Rock Hall nominations See in context

This is a pretty "blah" group of nominees. While some of them were certainly popular and sold a lot of records, I don't think any of them really moved the needle or had a major impact or long lasting influence. Joy Division / New Order is the only one I can think of that had major and lasting impact and basically along with Kraftwerk laid the foundations for an entire genre (note: there seems to be a general argument out there as to whether Rock & Roll is a sound or a spirit / attitude - I go for the latter).

Nice to see Georgia get some shout outs. My sister went to high school with Rich Robinson and OutKast went to the same high school as my mother (Tri Cities High, originally Richard B, Russell High in East Point).

FWIW, folks I'd like to see recognized (and not just my favorite artits): Carol Kaye (I mean, come on already), Paul Weller (as a artist and inflence - The Jam, Style Council, solo work), Al Jourgensen (work with Ministry, Wax Trax records and as a producer, also Rob Zombie and Jack Sparrow both stole his look), Brendan O'Brien (producer and another Atlanta boy), Los Lobos (years and years of high-quality and diverse output), Tommy James & The Shondells (of all the early acts, why they are not in is a mystery: Mony Mony, Hanky Panky, I Think We're Alone Now, Crimson and Clover, Say I Am, Crystal Blue Persuaison....)

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: Coughing and sneezing without consideration for others topped the list of annoying behavior on trains in a survey by the Japan Private Railway Association in 2024. What tops your list? See in context

Keeping their backpacks on. Take them off and put them on the ground between your feet or in the baskets.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Posted in: Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner elected to Baseball Hall of Fame See in context

Congrats to him. Funny story. In 1999 or 2000 my mom came to visit me here. At that time, Orix and Chiba Lotte (I think) happened to be playing a "road series" game in Kurashiki at Muscat Stadium. Took my mom to the game and told her she had to see Ichiro, how great he was, would soon take of the majors...blah, blah, blah. What does he do? He goes 0-5 with a walk. Mom looks at me after his last at bat and says, "I don't think he could even make the high school team." Guess he showed her.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: Ichiro is about to get his Hall of Fame moment. For Japan, he's more than just a baseball star See in context

One of only 5 players in the history of MLB (since 1876) to have a .300+ average, 3,000+ hits and 500+ steals (not to mention his defense). Not only an outstanding player, but also one of the biggest what-ifs. What if he had come to MLB sooner? What if he had some decent protection in the lineup? What if he hadn't started in the steroid era when pitchers were juicing? We won't see another like him for a long, long time.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Posted in: Is there any item with 'older' technology you still use because you are not interested in the modern version? See in context

Still use my mp3 player for running and exercise, complete with earphones that have wires. Hate wireless earbuds. If they pop out, I have to break stride to put them back in. Also, I'm not going to pay to stream music I already own and do not want my phone with me while I am exercising. The whole point of running is to get away from people.

Still have a DVD / Blu Ray player. Streaming is fine, but lacks the extra features, deleted scenes, commentary track, etc that used to come with DVDs.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Posted in: How Christian nationalism played a role in incorporating the phrase ‘so help me God’ in the presidential oath of office See in context

I recommend reading One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America. It give some pretty good insight as to how the Christian Right came into being and whre the idea of "one nation under God" came from. Hint, it wasn't originally on the Pledge of Alliegence nor on the money. Brief synopsis:

The assumption that America was, is, and always will be a Christian nation dates back no further than the 1930s, when a coalition of businessmen and religious leaders united in opposition to FDR’s New Deal. With the full support of Dwight Eisenhower in the 1950s, these activists―the forerunners of the Religious Right―propelled religion into the public sphere.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Posted in: David Lynch, visionary filmmaker behind 'Twin Peaks' and 'Mulholland Drive,' dies at 78 See in context

There are so very few originals in the word, but he was definitely one of them. I discoverd his comic strip The Angriest Dog in the World while I was in college. Just a unique as any of his movies - the panels are always the same, only the writing changes.

I always found it funny that he was an Eagle Scout. Those campfire ghost storeis must have been something else.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Posted in: Some U.S. lawmakers want more Christianity in the classroom. Trump could embolden their plans See in context

Way I see it, if one religion is allowed to proselytise in schools, they all should be allowed to. All or none, those are the only fair options.

I concur. Comparative religious instruction would be the way to go. While I have no problem with my children being taught about Christianity, or any religion, I do not want them taught Christianity, especially at the exclusion of other religions and philosophies.

Which flavor of Christianity would it be, by the way? Catholic? Greek Orthodox? Methodist? Unitarian? Baptist? Southern Baptist? Seventh Day Adventist? Mormon? Jehovah's Witness? The Jim Jones variety? How about the David Koresh variety? (We all know the answer - mass market Evangelical -the worst of them all. Ain't no hate like Christian "love.").

Also, who would do the teaching? If I'm going to be taught religion, I want it to be from somebody ordained or sanctioned by their religion, not just somebody who is "a believer and goes to church." I mean, I'm pretty handy with a set of tools - just made a picnic table - but you don't want me teaching carpentry.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Posted in: Raspy-voiced hit machine Rod Stewart turns 80 See in context

While he might have the best voice in a conventional sense, there are very few people that are better at singing than he is. His phrasing, stress, pauses...are nearly unparalleled. I Don't Want to Talk About It is a master class.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Posted in: 3 children fatally beaten at home; mother tries to hang herself See in context

Horrible news.

Mental illness or not, there is never, ever any justification to harm your children.

Unfortunately, for her there was. She wanted to kill herself, but then thought, "Who will take care of my children? No one will ever love them and take care of them like I do." The only logical action, for her, was to kill them as well so they wouldn't suffer without her. I'm not trying to justify it, just explain it. It's twisted and tragic, but unfortnately all too common.

-5 ( +10 / -15 )

Posted in: Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, dies at 100 See in context

Very rarely do I use the term "a good man," but Jimmy Carter is the very definition of "a good man." Maybe even too good to be president. Rest in Peace fellow Georgian.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Posted in: Record high 320 public school teachers in Japan disciplined for sexual offenses in fiscal 2023 See in context

The ministry said that among the offending teachers, 195 were fired, 69 were suspended and 17 teachers had their pay cut.

Outrageous. This should read "320 were fired, had their license revoked, were charged, and had to register as sex offenders so they can never work with children again." Don't give me the crap about "the Japanese constitution states everyone has a right to earn a living in the profession of their choosing," which is what the politicians always bring up. Society needs to protect its children and predators deserve punishment.

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Posted in: Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools See in context

While I agree with the spirit of the decision, it's an unfortunate example of the "all or nothing" attitude that seems to rule schools. "Either we do clubs the way we always have, or we don't do them at all." There is no middle ground.

What's wrong with just setting some regulations on club activities. For example:

-no clubs past 5:30 p.m.

-no morning practices

-one week off for every four weeks of practice

-no practices longer than two hours (for those half-days of school)

-no, or very limited, weekend practice - once Saturday a month or something

-no year-round clubs (have official "seasons" for baseball, basketball) so students can switch if the want to...

I guess it was just easier to cancel them than to write new rules.

18 ( +21 / -3 )

Posted in: What are some Christmas-themed movies and TV shows that you try to watch every year? See in context

Bad Santa in recent years. It is just so funny. I love how the cast commits 100% and runs with the idea of, "We're not going to worry about offending any one group. We're just going to offend everybody." Keep an eye on the elf ear tips Tony Cox has.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Posted in: What do nondrinkers really feel about year-end parties? See in context

As a non-drinker, one thing I have noticed is this: I have no problem being around drinkers, doesn't bother me at all. However, it seems to me that a lot of drinkers don't feel comfortable being around non-drinkers. They just seem nervous or even agitated. Don't know why that is.

While being around drinkers is fine, I will not put up with drunks.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: The average daily vegetable intake of adults in Japan stood at 256 grams in 2023, the lowest level since 2001, according to a health ministry survey. Why do you think this is? See in context

After rice, salad is the most expensive thing on my table. Like wallace noted, we rotate around whatever veggies are cheapest, but that's getting harder to do.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Posted in: Mother, 2 children found dead in suspected murder-suicide See in context

It is always heartbreaking to hear of such tragedies.

 But, I think we can also agree most people do not kill their children despite needed help, right? 

I agree with you. Unfortunately, the psychological pathology for such actions, and this has been studied, usually boils down to the mother thinking, "Nobody will ever love my children as much as I do. Nobody will ever care for them the way I will." (Yes, I do recognize the irony of such thinking, and then ending your and their lives) This is the same thinking as stalkers when they kill their victims, "If I can't have you, nobody can. Nobody will ever love you the way I do." (Again, the irony). Until there is a way to recognize and treat this kind of thinking, it will most assuredly end in tragedy every time.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Posted in: Parents of chronically absent kids turn to support spaces to vent See in context

At the risk of over-generalizing, I've recently noticed that some of the absenteeism is related to avoiding certain people and places, or escaping the exam system.

Over the past couple of years I've had about two dozen or so students come to my university from non-traditional high schools. Mostly, correspondence high schools or "schools" that are nothing more than three floors of an office building with 50 or so students. At the moment there are five such "high schools" near Okayama Station. All of the students are academically competent (good enough to get in to a uni) and socially active. Some have even excelled and gone on to study abroad and grad school. Speaking with them, most said they didn't go to a regular high school because of 人間関係 - which I took as a euphemism for bullying. Once in college and away from their tormentors, they were able to be sociable without fear. Others said they couldn't pass the exam to their preferred public school and that the non-traditional school was cheaper than a full-on private school. Not sure what options exist for elementary and JHS other than homeschooling, but there are options for HS kids.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: Which Christmas customs from your youth are no longer around, or on the way out? For example, sending and receiving Christmas cards? See in context

Christmas assemblies and decorating the classroom in elementary school. We actually had Christmas trees in the classroom when I was in elementary school in the early 80's. On one hand, with the sensitivity to multi-culturalism and various religions that we have today, I can understand why that has been done away with. On the other hand, Christmas in its current form is a secular cultural holiday and so far removed from its religious roots (in most cases), that I see no problem if some school decides to do these things.

A note on the Christmas trees in classroom. My sister still teaches in Atlanta and says the reason the school board gave for taking the trees and decorations out was that they are "fire hazards." I get it, you don't want to offend certain people with your real reason, but come on...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: Do you think participation in extracurricular school activities in Japan is beneficial for students? See in context

I think it can be, but as others have said, it depends on the adults in charge and to some extent the other students in the club. My kids have enjoyed and grown in some of their clubs and made some good friends. They couldn't stand others (clubs and people), which is fine. It is just as important to discover what, and who, you will and will not tolerate as it is to discover what you enjoy doing and who you like being around.

The one think I don't think is beneficial is the custom of each club being a year-round commitment. Being able to experience a variety of things is important to one's development. I played sports in H.S, but I also did debate and mock trial. As much as I enjoyed American football, I was often glad when the season was over.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Posted in: If you live in Japan but were not born here, which food or drink items do you miss most from your home country? See in context

Honest to goodness barbeque. Pulled pork, slow-smoked brisket, Brunswick stew, and ribs so tender the meat falls of the bone when you pick it up. Also, cornbread, black-eyed peas, collards and grits. Oh, and peach cobbler.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Posted in: While individual attitudes and social norms are gradually changing, and systems supporting child care have improved, many companies still hold the belief that men should earn recognition through long working hours. See in context

Interesting article on Yahoo Japan the other day. There was a survey that showed, in lieu of a lengthy paternity leave, a vast majority new parents would rather have husbands take just a short, 1 to 2-week leave after the birth and then go back to work on the condition that they work a set M-F, 9-to-5 schedule with days off when necessary. Makes sense to me. Why companies and the governments aren't pushing this, I have no idea. I remember when my kids were born, the first couple of months are mainly sleeping and eating. No reason for me to be there all day, every day.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: Japan fans ecstatic as Ohtani becomes World Series winner See in context

While I'm glad for the Dodgers and think Ohtani is a great ball player, let's get a few things straight. One, the Dodgers were not some last place team last year. The are a solid team and a constant playoff contender that just won the World Series a few seasons ago. They were expected to contend before he even signed with them. Two, he did nothing in the World Series. Three, this is not some underdog story. They were the betting favorites since the preseason. Four, his teammates include 3 former MVPs (Kershaw, Betts, Freeman) and to Hall of Fame locks (Kershaw and Freeman) and Betts is a probably Hall of Famer. Chances are they would have won the series without him on the team. Five, the basically did win the series without him. See two.

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Posted in: Japan average pay hike tops ¥10,000 for 1st time See in context

I got a raise this year, but it wasn't really a raise. My monthly salary went up. My transportation allowance - cut. My dependant family stipend - cut in half this year, gone completely next year. I'm actually taking home a little less despite the raise in salary. Bonus wasn't cut, though. So, yay?

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Posted in: Ohtani to play for Dodgers in Game 3 of World Series despite shoulder injury, per report See in context

Glad he is OK. I just wonder why in the world he was trying to steal with a 3-run lead that late in the game, and with two outs. There was no need for it - he is fast enough to get to third on a single and home on a double. Either he or the manager goofed that one. If I were Roberts, I'd sit him on Game 3, let him heal, and then play him in game four. The series is in hand and the rest of the line up is lighting it up. No need to risk next season.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Posted in: Japanese man convicted of creating malware using generative AI See in context

Generative AI is usually restricted from answering prompts that could facilitate criminal activity. However, by repeatedly rephrasing his prompts, Hayashi managed to create the code over a span of six hours..

And this is what scares me about AI. Even with guardrails in place, people that are up to no good can still find a work around. What is there to stop someone, if they phrase the questions correctly and hide their intent, from using AI to find a way to cook meth? make poison or bombs? commit crime and cover it up? plan a terrorist attack? I wouldn't be against restricting access to AI until it is figured out how to prevent it being used in this way.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: Immigrants help power America's economy. Will the election value or imperil them? See in context

This is where the US wants to have its cake and eat it too. They want the low prices and low wages immigrants bring, but don't want the immigrants - legal or otherwise. The US economy is not only dependent on immigrant labor, it thrives on it. You want to see inflation? Get rid of the immigrant, low-wage workers. Yes, they don't pay income taxes. But as far as I know, they do pay every other tax - sales tax, gas tax, rental tax, sin taxes.... What will happen to state and local governments if they lose that revenue? Why isn't anyone going after the employers? The solution is not mass deportation nor is it mass amnesty.

Gary Johnson ran on the Libertarian ticket in 2016, and while he is a bit of a loon, he did have a very good strategy / policy for the immigration problem. A mix between the Dream Act, E-verify, huge fines for employers, and amnesty if your record is clean and you pay a fine ($5K, I think), and then renewable guest / work visas only if you keep your record clean. Sounded reasonable. No wonder nobody voted for him.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Posted in: How would you define 'otaku' and does the word convey a negative impression to you? See in context

I guess the closest I would say in English is "geek." An otaku / geek is a person excessive enthusiasm for and possibly some expertise about a particular subject / activity: anime, manga, idols, trains, computers....(board games for myself). It does have a connotation of being socially awkward, but I think that is unfair.

I do find it funny that depending on what your particular subject or activity is and how it is viewed by society, different labels are attached, If you like anime, you are a geek / otaku. Bird watching and board games? - a hobbyist. Motorcycles and skiing? - an enthusiast. Wine and art? - congratulations, you are a connoisseur. A wine otaku and an anime otaku exhibit the same basic behaviors, but one is looked down on, and nobody would dare call an outlaw MC a bunch of geeks. Funny.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Posted in: Athletes, by their very nature, have expert knowledge gained through experiences that got them to such a stage. I think they can exert a positive influence on students and other teachers. See in context

While I think it would be inspiring, I don't think it would be too beneficial. I was a decent enough athlete - able to play NCAA Division II ball back in the day. But pros and Olympians? A totally different level. Yes, they work extremely hard and have knowledge. But, they also have intangibles, "gifts" if you will - physical and mental. They can do what they do naturally, don't really know why and can't explain it. No matter how hard or much Michael Jordan coached me in basketball, all I would ever be is a Division II athlete.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Do you think that a man giving up his seat on a bus or train to a woman, holding a door open for her or holding her chair as she sits down is outmoded? See in context

Having been born and raised in the US south, no, it will never be outdated. Manners are timeless. I'm bringing my son up the same way here: open doors, offer seats, carry bags, walk on the streetside of the sidewalk with a lady, hold doors for others, Sir, Ma'am, Mr. / Ms. + first name for close adults (Mr. David, Ms. Kate), no on hats inside and never, ever wear a hat to the table. He does these because he saw me do them. His sister has been brought up to do them as well (for older ladies and little kids).

12 ( +13 / -1 )

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