jackfish comments

Japanese keitai suffer from the same development blunders as many Japanese tech products: They simply continue to push a spec race, while ignoring what consumers really want/need/lust. Various keitai are marketed as "high spec", without considering usability. For example, the user interface of Japanese keitai are archaic when compared to the iPhone, blackberry, or Palm Pre. Or they are marketed based on their case design, again ignoring actual device usability. If Japanese keitai's are so wonderful, why is it that they are not sold outside of Japan? Docomo tried, and it failed miserably. Keitai's only succeed in this local captive market. I suspect that if the Palm Pre is brought to Japan (it'd need some extra network capabilities first), it would really put the local keitai's to shame, especially considering it's got a "real" keyboard which the thumb-wizards of Japan could utilize.

Nice. And the competition is getting better too, which is good for the consumer.

Its for research. A limited controlled study to use existing technical capabilities to try to better understand the propagation of highly contagious illnesses. Its nice to see an existing pervasive technology being used for something beneficial. Turn your big-brother fear mongering down a notch.

inakaRob: be careful...around 1/4 of the training supplements sold in the US have steroids in them. And many have some nasty fillers added. And that point you made about needing 1g of protein per 1lb of body weight, is also wrong. Weight lifting magazines and websites are not the places to look for accurate information. (watch a film called "bigger stronger faster") It'd be funny if we find out that the IV drips in Japan are slipping in a little EXTRA boost. :) A little THC maybe...

For many people, working in a foreign country for a while is a resume builder, not a big risk. It seems strange that this wouldn't also be the case for Japanese. I've never heard of this problem for Japanese who have worked in Germany, France, UK, or US for a few years.

Wow, the author needs to open his eyes and ears.

With Russia, China, South Korea, and Japan all within striking range of NK, why would the US need to get involved on the ground?

Foot patrol cops please! Its a very small section of the city where this is a problem, and getting the cops out of the koban would do the trick. A sign isn't going to do it.

good point LostinNagoya. And more bicycle parking please!

actually, I think its a great article. It points out a different approach to what "gogogo" is mentioning. Some companies are actively encouraging the bicycle commuting, and articles like these will raise awareness amoung other people which will help put pressure on companies who are not being reasonable. Why would we want reporting that just falls in line with norms?

I think its great that people who shouldn't have kids, dress up dogs instead. What a wonderful outlet! If only the rest of the world could encourage the same...think of the improvement in children's lives.

Reminds me of the other day when I saw a guy walking around near the local station, with his pants undone and his equipment in hand, and a big smile on his face. No one bothered to arrest him. What would the point have been? He was just doing his bit to add some color to an otherwise bleak landscape. :)

So what's her talent? Aside from making old men grin.

There is no law stopping me from walking around on the street and taking photos. So what's the problem? Maybe some people don't like having their photo taken, but it still isn't illegal. Maybe this is simply a PR move by Google.

Seems to me that the koseki documentation system, for Japanese nationals, is even more painful to participate in than this gaigin card proposal.

I vigorously protect my personal information and privacy. However, I just don't see this ID card as being an invasion, as it has been proposed so far.

Anyone ever notice that the re-entry visa line at the immigration check in Narita is the fastest line? :) Its an advantage! :)

hmmm...can't beat westerner's curves? you mean, she doesn't weight over 100kg? ha!

to "seesaw": Perhaps you prefer your models airbrushed an plastic?

She's a beautiful girl. But I have to agree with Wakarimasen...it does look like a lapdance is about to start. :)

"My laptop is 2 yrs old, but it's way more powerful than the specs described (dual core 2.0GHz ~= 4.0GHz?, 2GB RAM, etc.)"

Was your laptop under 80,000 yen, and under 1kg? This little laptop is intended to be light, cheap, and functional. Quoting XX GHz doesn't mean much anymore.

I'm not promoting buying the thing...just pointing out that its got a different marketing strategy.

I find it very odd that Aso is ruling the country without any mandate what-so-ever. He wasn't elected to the post by the people. He wasn't even elected by his own party...he was simply the last man standing.

I'd like to see the Japanese public wake up and pay attention to their political system, and stop the oligarchy. Don't just replace Aso with another LDP elder. Replace the LDP entirely.

After reading a 2 paragraph article on a young boy's suicide, there's alot of quick judgment spilling out in the comment section here.