Posted in: Japanese firm seeks halal approval for non-alcohol udon soup stock See in context
My wife's company briefly flirted with the idea of producing halal and/or kosher products but made no real effort to understand the rigours of application and production. Also, once they realised the cost, they abandoned it. Short sighted to say the least.
0 ( +7 / -7 )
Posted in: Japanese junior high school girl removed from class for three days for grooming her eyebrows See in context
Ah, this takes me back to the days when I worked at both Buddhist and later Catholic girls' high schools. The religions were nothing other than cosmetic mind you. (Excuse the attempt at humour.) I remember one young lady at the former school being hauled into the office for coming to school with coloured hair and watching in amazement as a male staffer forced her to bend over a sink while he sprained on black hair colouring. In latter the school, a compromise was met in that it was agreed that the young lady would leave the school permanently, hair intact. More recently, both my bicultural kids had to file paperwork that proved their hair colour was naturally not jet black. I offered to show up and show them why but my wife just gave me the look.
12 ( +17 / -5 )
Posted in: KDDI says 70% of services restored after wide network troubles See in context
Just another manic Monday and my phone still doesn't work. Have they forgotten those of us living outside of Tokyo and other more populous locals? Voters here don't matter?
-1 ( +1 / -2 )
Posted in: If you live in Japan, when you visited family or friends overseas (in pre-corona days), did you take your shoes off before entering their home, as you would in Japan? See in context
Yes, of course. My family doesn't live in a barn. Houses are typically carpeted. I can't imagine the mess if outdoor shoes were worn inside. Not to mention all the pain and suffering that would be inflicted on anyone foolish enough to try. Mom would kick their butts faster than greased lightning.
3 ( +3 / -0 )
Posted in: If you are an employee of a company, educational institution or organization, do you like your job? See in context
When I first arrived back in '94 to work for a now defunct Eikaiwa, the talk was that anywhere was better than there. More through connections than anything at first, I moved on to work at several private high schools before landing at a university. I managed to get tenure this year by getting a MSc and working my ass off. Sure the money is much better but there is the constant demand to publish and connect with the community and that can get tiring. As for months off, not sure where those people work but we have events during most breaks to attract new students. Despite all that, I can't complain. My colleagues are very supportive. My students are for the most part interested and focused provided I do my job. You can be happy or unhappy anywhere. I guess it is all about your attitude. Make the best of it or move on.
3 ( +3 / -0 )
Posted in: Afghan entrance See in context
She should be offered asylum somewhere. I can't imagine the fundamentalist terrorists who are now in charge in Afghanistan will praise her competing in the Olympics.
2 ( +4 / -2 )
Posted in: If the Tokyo Olympics are held, will you watch any of it on TV? See in context
I have never had any interest in sports of any kind all my life. I go out of my way to avoid them on television. The Olympics have always been a great time to catch up on reading or movies.
1 ( +3 / -2 )
Posted in: Japan says no truth to Times report on canceling Tokyo Olympics See in context
Good news. Sensible, if true.
28 ( +36 / -8 )
Posted in: Do you support the government's call for companies to take an extended holiday over the New Year period until Jan 12? See in context
That's all well and good for companies. Those of us working in the education field won't be taking longer holidays. We've got regularly scheduled classes and a yearly schedule to adhere to. Enjoy your extra holidays if you get them.
7 ( +9 / -2 )
Posted in: Are you an anti-vaxxer? See in context
I cannot fathom why someone would reject something so clearly beneficial to humanity. The bestowing of Darwin awards to these unfortunate individuals seems sadly appropriate. I only wish their children could be protected.
7 ( +9 / -2 )
Posted in: 107 victims of 2005 fatal train derailment in Hyogo remembered See in context
A very sad tragedy, one I remember to this day when I commute to work. Our local train line has enough of a monopoly to not be in competition. I hope that holds.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Salvation is at hand See in context
They are a fundamentalist cultish organization/church that holds very regressive attitudes towards abortion, drugs, alcohol, gambling, and LGBTQ rights. Don't give them your hard earned cash if you are in anyway a modern, open minded type.
3 ( +3 / -0 )
Posted in: Do you still send Christmas or season's greetings cards by post or do you send everything by email these days? See in context
We've given up on Xmas cards altogether. Now we just slap a ¥7 stamp our Japanese New Years cards and send them overseas. Most people I know back home are giving up on sending cards. It is only my elderly family who have kept up that tradition.
3 ( +3 / -0 )
Posted in: Alligator in Nagoya zoo pond swallowed hundreds of tossed coins See in context
The really stupid animals are humans because they should know better.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Tokyo to test snow machines for 2020 Olympics See in context
Given the obvious effects of global warming, the Olympic committee needs to rethink the best season/months for the games. Why even use the terms Summer of Winter games?
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: For our readers who live in Japan, what are some items you always make a point to bring back to Japan after you return from a trip abroad? See in context
Candy bars that aren't Kit Kats or Snickers
Bulk licorice
Stick deodorant
Clothes in my size
and headache medicine that works
5 ( +6 / -1 )
Posted in: 40% back Abe-proposed approach to revise pacifist Constitution: poll See in context
As much as I hate to say it, it seems rather foolish to live in a dangerous neighbourhood, like Japan does, without the capabilities to properly defend itself.
0 ( +2 / -2 )
Posted in: Female imperial family members to be barred from key succession rite See in context
No surprise. The message to women being you aren’t important and are considered minor members of the royal family. I have a middle digit for you Imperial Household Agency.
2 ( +14 / -12 )
Posted in: Japan officially announces IWC withdrawal; will resume commercial whaling See in context
Time to start donating money to Greenpeace or any organization that will interfere with their operations. Strictly non-violently, of course.
-2 ( +12 / -14 )
Posted in: Do you enjoy spending Christmas in Japan? See in context
Xmas in Japan is what you make of it. I have built a life and family here. We do our best to balance the traditions of both Japan and Canada. We have double the fun. We enjoy a secular Xmas and Japanese style New Years. If you want to be miserable, go ahead.
7 ( +17 / -10 )
Posted in: Gun control in Japan, combined with the prevailing respect for authority, has led to a more harmonious relationship between civilians and the police than in the U.S. The Japanese police, in choosing to use sub-lethal force on people, generate less widespread fear among the public that they'll be shot. In turn, people feel less of a need to arm themselves. The U.S., meanwhile, has a more militarized police force that uses automatic weapons. There is also less widespread trust between people (and between people and institutions). The factors combine to produce a much fearful culture that can seem to be always on edge. See in context
come to light
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Gun control in Japan, combined with the prevailing respect for authority, has led to a more harmonious relationship between civilians and the police than in the U.S. The Japanese police, in choosing to use sub-lethal force on people, generate less widespread fear among the public that they'll be shot. In turn, people feel less of a need to arm themselves. The U.S., meanwhile, has a more militarized police force that uses automatic weapons. There is also less widespread trust between people (and between people and institutions). The factors combine to produce a much fearful culture that can seem to be always on edge. See in context
How many wrongful convictions have come to late recently? Fewer than they'd care to admit. Their gestapo style guilty until proven innocent schtick needs an update.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: 7 services that don’t make sense to foreigners in Japan See in context
These jobs do serve a purpose. They keep Japan's unemployment rate at enviable rates. I agree with the previous complainer's shot at over priced religious ceremonies but I don't have any choice in the matter with both great granny and the regular granny calling all those shots. At least they defer some of the costs.
0 ( +2 / -2 )
Posted in: Guys, who is the most desirable woman in the world for you, and ladies, who is the most desirable man in the world (excluding spouses, boyfriends/girlfriends)? See in context
Girls' Generation's SooYoung Choi. She is an all natural beauty. Doesn't need make up or fancy clothes to shine. That and she has loads of talent and charm. Those eyes, cheekbones and smile are killer!
-1 ( +2 / -3 )
Posted in: Christmas minus Christianity See in context
Given that the Christian part was a later add on it really doesn't matter.
2 ( +2 / -0 )
Posted in: Rush hour See in context
All that nonsense about the stereotypically polite people here sends me into fits of laughter everytime I try to board or exit a train during rush hour. Everyone charges on and off completely indifferent to anyone else. And the special reserved seats for pregnant women, the elderly, those with small children and those with physical disabilities are always filled with people who don't fit into any of those categories pretending to be asleep. Commuters here are rude and selfish. That is the norm here.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Which of your favorite TV shows would you like to see a movie version of? See in context
Attention, please with Aya Ueto. Just to see how the characters are dealing with their company's reduced status. That and her character has an affair with an older foreign pilot - a carnivorous male.
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: 1,000 peaches stolen from Fukushima orchard
Posted in: Ohtani matches Babe Ruth with his 1st 10-win, 10 homer MLB season
ever head of barbed wire? Guard dogs are very effective too.
Posted in: 1,000 peaches stolen from Fukushima orchard
Madoka peaches are available for about ¥300 each. 1000 of them would be less than 300,000.
Posted in: 1,000 peaches stolen from Fukushima orchard