idicemic comments

Posted in: Man thrown into pond by 5 youths in Tokyo park See in context

Isn't ¥500 abou the going rate for a bath?

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Posted in: Olympus top management was 'rotten': 3rd-party panel See in context

@Namabiru4me - losing value or gaining value at this point is part of another process not entirely connected to the news. You're right that it should be a red flag, but even hedge fund managers would (myself for that matter) grab stock in it's short form for a quick gain.

@gogogo - the two top guys are out, but like you said, there are others still in the wings, including board members that looked the other way.

@Ben_Jackinoff - I wouldn't count out Kikukawa recanting a bit of his fire. He blasted Woodford to get him out the door before any damage could be done. Now that the stink points directly at Kikukawa, and the world knows that Woodford was acting in accordance with his previous responsibilities, it would behoove Kikukawa to admit his role and save face. Passing the buck is not one of his choices, IMO.

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Posted in: Kan says freeing Chinese Nobel winner 'desirable' See in context

'desirable'???

Ok, I suppose one shouldn't be too direct about such matters.

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Posted in: Dealing with child abuse: What would you do if you regularly heard your neighbor's child screaming in distress or if you noticed a child with bruises on him/her? See in context

I'm interested in knowing the Japanese legal definition on what "abuse" actually constitutes. Sounds like a crazy request, but I feel the "grey-zone" on physical contact in Japan is still too broad.

I agree with most rational points here, however I'm skeptical about how responsive the authorities would actually be, especially if one of us actually called or spoke to someone.

That aside, I wouldn't hesitate to contact someone.

Good points made here.

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Posted in: Sonny Rollins at 80 still wows loyal jazz fans in Japan See in context

Would have loved to see that! Amazing how music doesn't age in hands like his.

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Posted in: Japan hikes taxes on cigarettes by 40% to curb smoking See in context

Finally, taxing something that adds to 1.) national health issues and 2.) pollutes our environment.

Hey, smokers, choke on that! :-P

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Posted in: Students told to write ransom notes as part of moral education See in context

You'd think this joke-of-a-teacher would have learned a lesson or two from his distant cousin in Okazaki (the "murder by multiplication" sicko).

I am beginning to truly feel the closed nature of Japanese society is seriously affecting the minds of her educators. How can someone conjure up such an activity?!?

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Posted in: Japan, China test each other's diplomatic resolve See in context

“At this point, the ball is now in China’s court,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku.

Uh, no, not really. China's economic clout maintains pressure on Japan and others with regional interests. The proverbial ball remains in Japan's court as long as China doesn't value its own diplomatic reputation.

@shinjukuboy is correct. China is not engaging in real diplomacy as long as it can keep Japan on her heels. Kan's own call for compensation is mere posturing.

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Posted in: Paris Hilton leaves for U.S. after being denied entry into Japan See in context

Nice to see Japan's stiff policies remaining in force in the faces of drug-using celebraties.

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Posted in: O'Donnell makes light of witchcraft comment See in context

LOL, yabits, good points! I agree!

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Posted in: O'Donnell makes light of witchcraft comment See in context

"The Palin is strong in this one" - John Stewart

O'Donnell is yet another one of "those" that needs to go away. She makes light of witchcraft, but somehow goes heavy on lust, liking it to infidelity. Nothing more disgusting than someone religious wagging their finger around, eh?

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Posted in: High school girl slashed in neck by man in Chofu See in context

"Knife-like object"???

need more details...was it another pair of scissors?

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Posted in: Zazen: There’s never been a better time to try a spot of meditation See in context

Zen, and therefore Zazen, is the ultimate practice in futility.

Got troubles at work? Other matters weighing on your mind?

A spot of whiskey will calm you down faster than a spot of meditation (a'la Zazen)...

I'm all for meditation, but remember this: someone can teach you to sit "Zazen" style, but nobody can "teach" you how to meditate in it's truest form.

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Posted in: Germany, Argentina advance in games marred by refereeing errors See in context

...and no errors. Perhaps it's fair to say that better teams simply advance...referee error or not.

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Posted in: Germany, Argentina advance in games marred by refereeing errors See in context

For the sake of fairness, let's all hope more FIFA Folly befalls the Germany-Argentina game. Whoever survives that match truly deserves the finals.

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Posted in: Germany, Argentina advance in games marred by refereeing errors See in context

"Klose was offfside for the first goal by a mile" is a bit reaching... No ref error here.

I was however surprised that the goalie stepped back, hesitating actually, when he gave up three steps to Klose. It was an easily stoppable goal (offside or not, which it wasn't), but by the time Klose got around the defender (one reason why there was no call for offside), the goalie realised his mistake only to change his mind. You can see it plainly. Then he attempted to close the angles and get to the ball. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePnPJc3rGV4

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Posted in: Germany, Argentina advance in games marred by refereeing errors See in context

Klose (the first German player to score in the match) said that before the game they discussed England. Player for player, he said, England has more talent. He even went on to state that they possess more talent than a Premier League squad.

Six minutes into the game, he added, they realized (ok...realised) they could vanquish England. It would've been nice to have technology to allow the overlooked goal. The refereeing errors have been a little debilitating, or even deflating.

Refereeing errors aside, it'd be nice to see England focus squarely on it's deficiencies, and not spend another 40 years lamenting over a completely non-decisive goal.

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Posted in: From TV to politics, Renho blazes a trail See in context

One thing Renho brings to the national debate (as if that really existed in Japan) is the need to confront undercurrents of old-school xenophobia, or the idea that outsiders involved in Japan's politics will be the ultimate demise of the country. Renho has been accused by conservatives for not having "yamato damashii", that inexplicably Japanese spirit. Renho's presence causes alarm among those right-wing types.

But any other argument here stating that Japan's future is in jeopardy because of NJ's coming to Japan and "deciding elections" is absurd. That argument is but a softened version of what some right-wingers are accusing Renho of: naturalizing and then stepping into Japanese politics with non-Japanese inclinations. This of course is not true. I just hope her position on suffrage changes. Renho could be key in this area of national growth and maturity.

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Posted in: From TV to politics, Renho blazes a trail See in context

@mikihouse "Why should the fate of a nation be decided by people who don't want to be Japanese?"

Good question, so here's a good answer: law-abiding tax-payers within a democratic state deserve representation. Suffrage has been extended to non-nationals in other democratic states. Why not Japan? And as long as Renho doesn't support that notion (she doesn't even support local level level voting for permanent residents) her political "trailblazing" hits a dead-end.

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Posted in: Sports world moves to muzzle the vuvuzela See in context

Can they ban a vuvuzela party outside of the All-England club? I see that happening...but only if the English can muster the wind to make one of those things sound off!

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Posted in: 'Heroes' actress Hayden Panettiere gets chilly reception in Taiji See in context

I'm not sure about how the actual numbers are arrived at, or how any country (much less Japan) determines fishing law or limit, but questions of health (mercury levels) and sustainability are valid.

Beef is cultivated. It is more than sustainable (too much, in fact). Quality and safety, on the other hand, are indeed subject to major scrutiny, especially US beef.

So while mercury levels have been deemed dangerous, I'm wondering how dolphins have been cultivated? (The answer is probably, "They aren't cultivated in a controlled manner, specifically set aside for world consumption.") And reflecting on fishing limits, how is it sustainable, or humanely carried out?

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Posted in: Train shame See in context

ThonTaddeo, "Are you for real? Language can be learned abroad, form textbooks and classwork; cultural literacy is only obtained from living in that culture for a long time, preferably in one's formative years."

Yes, I agree with you. So the author claims to be fluent in Japanese (having also lived in Japan for a long), yet in this situation she was bereft of cultural sense. Or, if I'm incorrect, she is culturally tuned-in, but chose to flex her individuality despite what's expected here in Japan. Either way it's too bad.

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Posted in: Train shame See in context

I'd like to know one thing: how can one be fluent in Japanese and yet lack cultural literacy? I'm not one to claim fluency (yet), but in a foreign land certain conformity is expected. Generally, people in Japan don't listen to music or chit-chat on their phones while on the train. Yes, you do see it everyday, but it is commonly frowned upon. Some train lines occasionally do "manner up" campaigns or outright make it a rule not to do so. My point is, the author's plight is lost on me. We're in Japan, not Nashville.

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Posted in: Okada under pressure to improve soccer team's form See in context

The guy makes bank, so of course he's going to stay (despite his obvious ineptitude).

toddyz1 is spot on: a non-japanese coach would've been better all around.

Oh, and one more thing: if immigration and naturalization weren't so difficult, a little outside talent that's not afraid to shine (a little carry and shoot, please) would be the cherry on top of this lack-luster crew.

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Posted in: U.S. warns Japan child custody laws could harm bilateral ties See in context

User Limboinjapan made a good point about the diversity of all nations. I'd encourage readers to research the signatories of the Hague Convention. The list is long and diverse. Each nation with their own laws. But at one common point exists: the innocence of children. The Hague is a bridge for legal diversity while providing the widest door for child welfare.

I fail to see where Japan loses Her uniqueness by embracing a convention that serves children better.

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Posted in: U.S. warns Japan child custody laws could harm bilateral ties See in context

I'm not Japanese, but my my wife is. Our child bears my family name and is a recognized Japanese citizen (住民) with a proper juminho (citizen registry). I can attest that it was not difficult at all. User Japanisch is wrong: "It is extremely hard for the child to be given the father's surname (if the father is gaijin) and be recognized."

...back on topic, Japan should heed the warning. The Hague Convention is major part of addressing the needs of children internationally. Succinctly, it aims to protect children more as unavoidable globalization blurs international lines (literally and judicially).

For Japan to hem and haw about it (under repeated international pressure from Her peers within the G8 and UN) is tantamount to putting Japan's laws ahead of the needs of children. The Hague is not an attempt to usurp any nation's judicial sovereignty, but Japan obviously (and historically) resists such outside pressures.

Further, Japan's right has tended to emphasize (and exaggerate) spousal abuse (physical and verbal) by non-Japanese husbands as leverage to argue against the Hague Convention. Some claims of abuse are legit, no doubt, but due process to measure truth and fiction, where the best interests of the child should be top priority, are wholly absent. Hence the 70 (known) cases from the US alone.

Finally, since Japan recognizes duel-citizenry for minors, it stands for greater reason to get on board with the Hague. It shows further cooperation with member-nations that can also lay protective service for children carrying two passports...such the Savoie's, or my child.

I would add that my wife is equally disgusted at the lack of justice afforded to the outstanding cases of child-abduction. Before Japan can ever hope to put further leverage on N.Korea for Her own claims, joining the international community at large would be smart.

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Posted in: Is chivalry dead on Tokyo trains? See in context

Ride around in Nagoya, then go back to Tokyo. You'll find that chivalry is comparatively robust in Tokyo. As far as Tokyo's sheer commuter mass, "no ginger", but I've been pushed aside in Nagoya even with a baby.

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Posted in: Divorced, separated Japanese fathers also fight to see children See in context

My thoughts with you, MichaelQTodd. Can't imagine it. Don't want to. But if only lawmakers and courts in Japan could connect with that more... Perhaps this article's case can tip the scales (if it's not buried by some other issue.

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Posted in: Divorced, separated Japanese fathers also fight to see children See in context

To not see my child would be a living form of death. But western fathers are comparatively more involved than Japanese fathers (I stress comparatively so please don't get worked up over that). Many other Japanese fathers I know of course adore their children in their own way, albeit much less communicative and a bit distant. I'm only guessing this rather complacent behavior lessens the national attention to this issue. Coupled with older family registry laws and there you have it: a matter-of-fact acceptance that divorced fathers will not see their kids until adulthood, if at all.

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Posted in: Divorced, separated Japanese fathers also fight to see children See in context

(sorry)...his admittance to hitting his wife...(I meant to say)

Spousal abuse is deplorable, but not untreatable. Besides that, if his past abuse is seen by courts as a reason for HIM not to ever see his children, then that's that. But there may plenty of other cases that do not involve abuse, yet fall under the same sentencing (not ever seeing the kids again).

Two separate issues = two separate measures.

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