Ian Robertson comments

When are the police and social services going to be given the right to enter homes so they can investigate these incidents?

You ask who cares Dongo bong. Several hundred million do.

Very true.

Might be very acceptable; it's the thought that counts.

Now that I've retired and left Japan, the thing I miss the most is the Japanese toilet and all its functions, both in my home and in public places.

Very relieved to read this; no need whatsoever for any tourist to be in possession of a firearm. I support keeping guns out of the hands of the average Canadian as well; we have enough violent crime as it is - no need to make it easier to have more.

It was unexpected and comical and showed the lighter side of Japanese politicians, which is much needed. It reminded me, too, of James Bond and the queen at London's games.

Congratulations gentlemen.

Almost every Japanese I've met who speaks English fluently spent some time in an English-speaking country perfecting his or her ability in the language. And I've spoken to many other Japanese who have been extremely critical of how English in taught in local schools. It's a sad situation that the Ministry can't get it right. They're also trying to introduce the IB Diploma in English in a large number of Japanese schools and going all the wrong way about that as well. I speak from considerable experience of seeing that fail in other countries.

Met Ambassador Clugson twice in my role as head of the Canadian International School, Tokyo. Both times he was very personable and spoke to our students in a friendly manner.

So far, she is saying all the right things; let's see how much she is able to accomplish. She certainly has my support.

So many people sitting in judgement on a situation that happens world-wide. To suggest punishment, such as a 'long stint in the big house' is ridiculous; I'm sure the father is already distraught over his carelessness, and will have to live with the criticism of his entire family and community.

How awful; sympathy to their parents and friends.

This so depressing to read. The outside world generally holds the Japanese in very high regard. Yet, the more I live here, the more I learn of rampant corruption, dishonesty, lying to the public, lack of care for its own citizens and stealing taxpayers' money, and realize that this impression is a total sham. All countries have their problems, but Japan seems to try harder than others to hide its problems.

Yabura, you have the typical Japanese way of looking at things. Your schoo system is a total mess and yet youdon't seem to take kindly to outsiders who criticize it.

10 minutes? Hardly seems worth it. One would have to be totally exhausted to fall asleep that quickly, especially with one's head on a hard woooden desk.

Agree wholeheartedly with the comments about Japan's justice sytem - what a joke!

Every time I see these clones at rush hour, I feel sorry for any business environment that actually wants people to look and think the same. If change is happening, it's certainly not evident around recruitment time.

Would be an interesting psychiatric survey to learn why people have to dress their pooches up in human clothes and wheel them around in carriers. Seems odd to me.

Many, many politicians world-wide engage in lavish spending unrelated to their office. What makes it seem worse in Japan is the fake bow and the "I'm so sorry" while the perpetrator remains in office. He should be dismissed and made to repay what he has stolen from public money, or face a stiff jail term. Japanese law in this regard lacks backbone.

Once again we are told : "child welfare authorities have been notified three times about violent family behavior at the suspect’s residence." What is wrong with this country's child welfare system that it receives that many reports and still leaves the child in an abusive environment?

Parenting skills in Japan sure are abyssmal. Certainly the boy should not be throwing stones at passing cars, but to abandon a seven year-old in bear country is idiotic.

Trash is an inevitable part of daily life, and I for one would never think of disposing mine in a public place. I find it so inconvenient in Japan to not be able to find a trash can in a public park, a cinema or a train station. I find Tokyo Metro's latest plan totally without warrant, as it's hardly likely to deter a serious terrorist.

I agree with Bertie Wooster. Why on earth the rest of the world holds the Japanese education up as an example to be emulated beats me. Some individual schools might offer a proper learning environment, but the system itself is outmoded and does not serve the needs of its students at all well.

One idea that doesn't see to have taken much hold in Japanese society is that of 'difference', so it's no surprise to read that LGBT youth have a difficult time in school. However, it is encouraging to note that society is becoming more accepting, to the point of some municipalities and corporations recognizing same-sex relationships.

Poor child - what a traumatic introduction to school life and learning. The teacher's punishment is simply unbelievable, especially considering this wasn't the first time she abused a small child. Shows how little the authorities care for children's well-being.

Only in Japan; what a truly unique society,

Sounds like a memorable experience; wish Canada had such an opportunity to travel coast to coast by train.

This is why I always emphasize to my teachers "Never leave your students unattended".

Its just processed rubbish anyway! Heavy in calories & sat fats and low in nutritional value.." I agree 100%, so who really cares?