Hap Smith comments

Posted in: Shinsei Bank to oppose SBI takeover bid See in context

Misleading headline there.

It is not that Shinsei opposes the offer. Shinsei, or at least its owners, the shareholders have not yet been given a chance to voice their opinion on whether to sell their shares.

It is the management and directors that are set to oppose. Given that they have a fairly material interest in the transaction not happening, ie keeping their jobs, they should not be in a position to block the bid. This should be purely a matter for shareholders to consider.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Posted in: More than 1,000 Japanese firms, people named in 'Pandora Papers' See in context

Hap Smith,that money is not physically in the Cayman,it no more than a vehicle to launder money

I am fairly sure that the money I have at my bank is not physically there.

Trust me - if one wanted to launder money, there are much better locations. Your average casino to start, or any country that is not part of the OECD's forum on tax monitoring (https://www.oecd.org/tax/transparency/country-monitoring/).

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: More than 1,000 Japanese firms, people named in 'Pandora Papers' See in context

Oh dear, here we go again, Cayman, BVI, Jersey etc., are evil tax havens....

People really need to understand what these countries are, why they are used and why they have an important role. Essentially, in the Cayman Islands (and other similar "tax havens") it is possible to set up a company that, so long as it does not do business in Cayman, does not have to pay tax in the Cayman Islands. The "tax haven" point is that local Cayman taxes do not need to be paid. They are a very useful tool for holding and managing multiple investments, in various countries as they do not add an additional layer of tax.

Japanese long-term residents need to pay tax on their world-wide income. If they take any earnings from a Cayman vehicle, they would be required to pay tax on that in Japan. If they hide that, that is tax avoidance and illegal - part of the reason for the My Number system was to clamp down on that.

There is nothing wrong per-say with Cayman vehicles and I suspect that a lot of "ordinary people" actually have funds in them without knowing - many pension funds and other investments (e.g. ETF funds etc.) are set up in Cayman.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Posted in: Personal 'hishaku' ladles keep traditions alive See in context

Seems like a gimmick.

Maybe, and as Wobot flags, probably not going to make a dent in the fight against Covid.

That being said, they look absolutely beautiful and a great example of fine craftmanship. I am tempted to buy one for that reason alone.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: Russia at Tokyo Olympics with new name, more doping disputes See in context

Can someone let the athlete in the photo know that it is summer in Tokyo and she does not need to wear a chin warmer.

I would also suggest she wears a mask, but that may upset the anti-maskers.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Posted in: Boycotts up to athletes not politicians, say Vonn See in context

So Allianz is giving support to athletes who willingly come to Tokyo in the middle of a pandemic, putting the residents at risk. How about the people in Tokyo? Or are we expendable so long as we keep buying your policies?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: AstraZeneca, Pfizer vaccines effective against Delta COVID-19 variants: study See in context

Japan Today - please report on the vaccines available in Japan. That is what your readers are interested in. The article will lead people to want Pfizer over Modena.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Posted in: Tokyo reports 619 new coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 1,779 See in context

Here we go, here we go, here we go. Who would have predicted this (other than someone of middling or above intelligence over the age of 5).

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Posted in: It's unfortunate that athletes don't feel comfortable saying that they want the Games to go ahead. See in context

It's unfortunate that the vast majority of the athletes put themselves over the lives of the residents of Japan and cannot stand up and say no to a major health risk. Reminds me of Pearl Harbour when almost everyone knew it was a really bad idea, but no one had the guts to say so and call it off.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Posted in: Japan considers vaccinating all 70,000 Tokyo Games volunteers See in context

I really, really wish that there could be a little more action instead of consideration. It is almost mathematically impossible, even if they started today.

44 days to the Olympics

Recommended 3 weeks (ie 21 days) between jabs

Advise is not fully protected until 3 weeks (ie 21 days) after jab 2

So if they are going to do it properly, they need to start now. But instead, it will be another half-hearted fantasy. Just like every other aspect of the Pandalympics.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: Some people, opposed to the Tokyo Olympics, are directing their frustration at athletes for not speaking out against the Games, one example being swimming star Rikako Ikee. What do you expect the athletes to do? See in context

Suga is the boss.

Suga is clearly not, he is a puppet of Bach and the IOC. So sad to see a G7 country surrender its sovereignty, even more sad to see it do so without a fight.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Some people, opposed to the Tokyo Olympics, are directing their frustration at athletes for not speaking out against the Games, one example being swimming star Rikako Ikee. What do you expect the athletes to do? See in context

Boycott! The world has suffered so many horrors because bystanders chose not to do the right thing and stay silent. People will die because of the Olympics. Japan already has the highest death toll in north east Asia. If the athletes all did the right thing and chose life over their own personal gain, then these deaths could be avoided. I know its hard, I know that they have been aiming for this one shot at glory for a long time, but we have all sacrificed a lot over the past year - some, much, much more than others. Do the right thing and stay home and stay safe.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Posted in: Former emperor, empress get COVID vaccinations See in context

I am a staunch republican, but really great to see senior members of the Royal Family wait their turn and not jump the queue. A great example of leading by conduct.

Very different to Suga and his buddies who all helped themselves to the vaccine back in mid April and the young and fit athletes getting it now ahead of those that need it.

Perhaps Japan should go back to being a proper monarchy....

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Posted in: Olympic rugby test event See in context

I love rugby - it is a fantastic game in so many ways. The culture that comes with rugby is also, in my view, the greatest of any sport. Play hard and strong on the pitch then all go down the pub after. So, I really hate having to say this, but if the Olympics are to be held this year (which I think almost everyone agrees they should not), then surely high contact sports such as this (and judo, karate, wresting etc.) need to be cancelled. There is no way to play rugby without a high degree of physical contact. Stay Home - Stay Safe.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Posted in: Will Japanese Olympians be vaccinated ahead of the public? See in context

I am strongly, strongly against the Olympics happening - bringing together people from around the world in the middle of a pandemic makes absolutely no sense in terms of human safety. That being said, putting aside all the debates around whether it is fair or appropriate to vaccinate young and healthy athletes ahead of people at greater risk from dying of the virus (which it is not), I am for vaccinating the Japanese athletes. One of the largest risks of these games is that an athlete picks up a new strain of the virus from another athlete (and let's be honest, a lot of sports are fairly high contact), takes it home to their families and it spread like wildfire.

Having the Olympics - dumb

Using all the tools available to prevent further transmission as a result of the Olympics - sensible

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Japanese same-sex couple overjoyed by marriage ruling See in context

Fantastic news - let's hope that it leads to legislation change. Hopefully Japan will put a quick end to what is a discriminatory and illogical provision in the Constitution.

I am also shocked that in this day and age there are still people who think that the ability to procreate and have children the old-fashioned way is a pre-requisite to marriage. I would love to know if the same people would say deny the rights of say a 60 year heterosexual couple (who are probably not capable of having a biological child) to get married? I suspect the answer is no

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Posted in: Mori to resign over sexist comments; Kawabuchi, 84, tipped to replace him See in context

Wake up people.

After 8 years of running this thing, just before his moment of glory, does anyone think Mori would really agree to step down.

The only reason he has stepped down is because the Olympics are not happening and he does not want to be the one to break the news.

He can now sit back, relax and when the inevitable happens, say it was nothing to do with him.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Heavy snow causes 130-vehicle pile-up on Tohoku Expressway; one dead, 17 injured See in context

And, by the way, chains will not save anyone from ice.

Having lived in the snow country for a long time, not sure I agree with this. Chains are about the only things that do. I see a huge number of accidents in our area, usually young males in cars with Tokyo numbers with snow tires who think that will be enough. If you are on a slope with ice, chains are the only things that will get you up or down safely. Not the fancy ones, but the cheaper, standard metal ones. For anyone driving in winter where there can be snow, having a set in the back (and knowing how to put them on) can be a lifesaver.

Drive safe (and slow) everyone.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: Suga, Bill Gates agree vaccines key for Tokyo Olympics See in context

I think it is wonderful that Gasu is committing not just to roll out the vaccine to everyone in Japan, but also all people of the Olympic world in the next six months. Fantastic news. I have full confidence in your ability. Go Gasu!!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Posted in: Heavy snow strands 1,000 cars on highway, causes blackouts in Niigata, Gunma See in context

This storm has been predicted for a few days now. I really don't get why people either don't stay at home if they can't handle the conditions (and we all know there are plenty of reasons to be staying at home) or chuck in a set of chains. The basic metal chains are usually only around 10k for most tyre sizes. Get a set and make sure you are familiar with putting them on by having a few practice runs on a warm sunny day, so that you can do it without problems in a snow storm at night. I live up in the snow country and see so many people (inevitably from Tokyo) who turn up in a normal car and get in a world of trouble, and they always have the excuse they they had snow tyres on....

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Posted in: Suga says Go To Travel will continue despite virus resurgence See in context

Suga - time for you to Go To

24 ( +24 / -0 )

Posted in: Beaujolais Nouveau released See in context

Great to see the annual bashing of BNV in full swing.

Yes, I get the argument that it is expensive for what it is. The reason is that it is all air-freighted in, as opposed to reefer shippers.

Yes, I get that there are probably better bangs for your buck in the sub-1,000 yen selection at your local 7/11.

But, for many true wine lovers it is the first chance to taste (and get a feel) for the 2020 vintage. I will try it for that reason alone.

More importantly, it is a bit of frivolous fun, and with all the stuff we have had this year, shouldn't we celebrate a bit of frivolous fun?

Stay home - stay safe

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Japanese service helps victims get consolation money for adultery and sexual harassment See in context

"Y rightsは、停止中です。"

So the service isn't even operating? Why does JapanToday bother with pointless advertising for services that don't even exit?

Kind of crazy though that a person could think about suing someone that had an affair with her/his partner. Surely such person should be questioning why their partner felt the need to go elsewhere.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

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