jam_sandwich comments

Versatility is a great asset to instructing martial arts. Not tooting my own horn, but with 14 years of martial arts experience under my sash (more common in Kung Fu), I thought I'd give teaching a shot... Oh boy, was it HARD!! I have a lot of respect for my teacher. Teaching meant alot of time reading up on different styles, and teaching methods, and different approaches to the same techniques. As well, I enjoy working out HARD... that tends to scare off alot of students. Students would always challenge me with new ideas and questions. I learnt more from my students then they from me! Unfortunately, due to the recession, I to move, and give back the school to my senior. Best Martial Arts Experience. Ever.

my fav (in fact the only one I like) J-singer,

entendre anyone? Yes, make mine a double, thank you!

Girl on the right, she looks like my ex... although obviously NOT her,

I'm in the "West" right now, North America actually. Girls here aren't bad... what's with the attitude that's everyone is talking about? Every girl here has not given me attitude, the ones that do are the exception to the rule. You know, if you treat them with respect, they tend to treat you the same. Who says you can only be Charisma man in Japan (or Asia(?

Am I the only one who prefers "western" women to Japanese? Everyguy gets "yellow fever', but it's usually just a phase right? They find help eventually... don't they?

Sounds like someone is rocking the boat, and is about to get hammered down. (don't you love mixed metapohors). Seriously though, I commend his ambition, since many Japanese have gaikokugo-phobia, this is a pretty tall order. I do hope it succeeds, if not at least somewhat, to prove as a model to other Japanese companies. This country needs all the internationalization it can get. if it fails, I agree that many will blame it on some sort of "unique Japanese mind" that cannot comprehend foriegn languages, and the status quo will prevail.

I guess the imperial flag is the equivalent of the Confederate flag in the States. Meaning it's probably only waved around by losers in pick-ups (or Japan's case black) trucks. Funny how every culture has it's own flavor of redneck.

I wouldn't necessary say so, most people can't be bothered unless it's a substantial amount

no way! my basketball coach did the same. What a useful mnemonic! Don`t eat the stuff myself, after I moved from our farm, store-bought beef tasted like someone deficated on it. Never went back to beef after that. Not even "wagyu" could coax me from my withdraw.

The thing with Japanese gift-giving traditions is that its completely obligatory. You have to follow protocol! Where Im from (the "west"), theres not even a protocol, and most people shun receiving gifts for deeds done. Do a good deed for your neighbour, dont expect some money for it; sometime later the favor eventually gets returned. Return a wallet, dont ask for money. Where Im from youll be the one that seen as greedy; like the only reson you returned it was to make a profit, and not to help someone in need. Thats the reason why Japanese are seem so honest,because theres a incentive to do it. To me, this seems less genuine. Like someone begrudgingly does it for you because society forces you. Superficially though, it looks like everyone is altruitistic.

Well, on the opposite side of things, in my home country it would be rude to request something if your wallet is found. It does cheapen the "good samaritan" aspect if reciprocation is automatically assumed in the process. I think maybe that's why Westerner's just don't bother with this huge elaborate gift giving. A gift is always better when it's never expected.

Samurai Blue

Can you not read your own article? Can you read? Do you have higher brain functions? Do you know what I am saying? Article IV of the Antartic treaty, clearly states that Australia's previous claim to Antartic is not, in fact, invalid. The claim to its territory is still existent! As in "has not been nullfied. Australia cannot act unilaterally, however, Should Australia challenge Japan's claims to scientific whaling in international court, (which I think, it has), Australia has a lot going for it. Prior claims to antartic waters, (possession is 9/10 of the law), exposed bribes by Japan to other (non-whaling) members of IWC. Australia won't act by unilaterally because it can't, however, multilaterally, Australia can in effect shut Japan down on the issue of international whaling. Please don't reply anymore, you're wasting value internet space. Japan needs to stick to its own waters.

SamuraiBlue, I read the document, it states, as I have posted previously:

**1 Nothing contained in the present treaty shall be interpreted as:

(a) a renunciation by any contracting party of previously asserted rights or of claims to territorial sovereignty in Antartica.

Here's a brief definition of the word renunciation: to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration.

The Australian claim to Antartic territory was made well before the Antartic Treaty. Since your aforementioned treaty DID NOT, in fact, nullify Australia's territory. Rather it just means no new claims can be made on Antartic territory. Australia's claim to this territory is not nullified by it's action. The Treaty puts aside disputes over territorial claims by providing that no activities taking place while the Treaty is in force can be used to assert, support or deny a claim.

Unfortunately, this isn't black and white, (one point for you sir) since Australia has previously existing claims to Antartic territory, and while arresting Japanese vessels outright would be violating that treating, (asserting territorial sovereignty). What is to be noted is that Australia looks to be in a stronger position in its legal action against Japan. In international court, Australia's claim to Antartic waters isn't denied, since the Antartic treaty did not nullify previously existing treaties. In which the court would probably grant an immediate injunction ordering Japan to stop whaling. Either way, it's better for Japan to stay coastal. My original point. Geez I really can't understand why some people just don't know when to quit.

@SamuraiBlue,

I'm not sure where you're getting you facts, but I dug this up about the antartic treaty:

Article 4 – the treaty does not recognize, dispute, nor establish territorial sovereignty claims; no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force.

Since Australia had territory before this treaty (1961), it's territory was not surrendered, nor revoked. The Australian antartic territory still stands, like it did.

However, ironically enough I found this:

Australia's claim to sovereignty over the Australian Antarctic Territory is recognised by the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France and Norway.[5] Japan does not recognise this claim.[6] Japan also does not recognise the Australian claim to Australian Antarctic territorial waters in which Japanese ships conduct whaling.

Seems like Japan is being a bit of a jerk on the territorial water claim anyways, and, self-righteously, are doing whatever they want.

So long as they keep it in their own waters, I'm sure the heat they are facing will die down. If Japan keeps stubbornly claiming their "right" to whale in international waters, (a whale sanctuary, the irony of ironies) then expect the international community to hammer the nail that is sticking out.

@ukguyjp

Wonderfully stated. I would of liked to comment but you pretty much summed it up neatly. This style of education,(my personal favorite) "culture as ideology", leads Japan into alot conflict in engaging with the West, in which they play the victim, and the East, in which they play the aggressor. It also lead to nonsense like "Nihonjinron" and the general conception that Japanese are seperate, and (still) shut out from the rest of the world.

@SamuraiBlue,

Well, here's the thing about Southern Ocean Sanctuary (SOS), the northern boundary of the sanctuary follows the 40°S parallel of latitude except in the Indian Ocean sector where it joins the southern boundary of the Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary at 55°S, and around South America and into the South Pacific where the boundary is at 60°S. Much of this is in Australian territory, given that it's coastal waters extend 200 nautical miles from it's territories. So much of the waters in Southern Ocean Sanctuary lay in Australian coastal waters. You could say they do have vested interests in these waters, and the Sancturary in general. Japan unfortunately doesn't have any such territory. Japan, being from the northern hemisphere and all. Nationalism, I highly don't this is an issue of pride for the Australians. Japan on the other case, just doesn't like to be told what to do.

Nationalism, can't let those foriegners win, even if it doesn't involve Japanese territory. This mindset it prevalent in alot (not all) of Japanese. Was the shame of losing the war too much? Too much pride leads to these sort of problems. Really, this issue is pretty childish. The main reason Japanese bureaucrats want to fish in the Antartic waters is because the international community is against it? I can just picture the J-gov bureaucrats screaming and throwing a tantrum because they can't get their way. To these losers, a one-finger salute I extend to you. Whale around your own damn waters!

Wow, racism against Japan? Bunch of cry babies... other countries stick to coastal whaling, and Japan? Nope! Gotta go to antartica to get their whales... What a bunch of crybabies, and now they are using every trick in the book to support it's shady whaling industry. Japan, stick to your own waters, and I swear, you will not receive nearly as much flak as you are now. What a bunchof crybabies!

Yeah, I remember an article about a racist landlord. Wouldn't rent rooms to people of African descent. The persons involved sued, and there was a large public outcry of support for the foriegners rights. The suing party won, and damages were paid. Oh, this was in Canada. No one country's system is perfect. However, I just couldn't foresee this happening in Japan... yet. And for all those people that say, "that it's their property, and they can do whatever they want" obviously are the benefactors of oppurtunism, since "doing whatever they want" usually means exploitation. If your fine with exploitation (and therefore, being exploited), then kudos to you all.

So almost everyone on here says "what's new about that!" "it's common practice in business!" However common it is, these things are supposed to happen back door, you don't see the Japanese whaling commissioner sporting a pink cadillac, bling, fur jacket and a pimp hat, surronded by call girls? (that should be a rhetorical question) Once something this gets exposed, the parties (but more guilt falls on the briber, than the bribee) lose almost all credibility. Whether or not this is a common business practice, having it exposed, I think ill do irreparable damage to Japan's claim for whales. What next, some yakuza, or, err, whale industry official is gonna put a whale's head in the IWC head commissioner's bed?

Upstanding christians? isn't that an oxymoron? Why couldn't Japan do what it's best at doing... be the victim? With this greasy set of affairs, Japan can't really be though of the victim of international bullying. Now they will be though of some ravenous whale eaters who would sell their own daughters for a fix... In Japan, first you get the whale, then you get the power, then you get the we-men!

My first point was that you contradicted yourself, something can't be both "not acceptable" and "common practice and accepted" at the same time. sigh but I'll put semantics aside. My second point, being made as you read this, is that this "acceptable business" practice is probably not going to bode well for Japan, or the parties involved. As I recall, from a certain documentary, Dominica, one of Japan's bribees had withdrawn from the IWC. After they received a shiny new fishing building, promptly used for the local poultry. Why does Japan need to go to such lengths for some Whales? From a utilitarian perspective, it benefits the least amount of people in Japan. Why not invest all this misguided effort into another more beneficial industry? Maybe it's one of those things where the parent (international community), says that Japan can't have something, so immediately Japan must have it! My daughter behaves much in the same way. Forbidden whale is so much tastier I guess.

So doesn't "common practice and accepted" mean the same as "acceptable"? aren't you just contradicting yourself? They tend to have the same connotations you know. Which one is it? Please make up your mind, and let us know... Maybe not news in Japan, but this takes away whatever shred of credibility Japan has at the IWC... which means Japan will have little recourse but to withdraw.

Zenny11, from your viewpoint this is acceptable practice? I guess if it's becoming normalized, they should have classes for up-and-coming business and political science majors. Bribery 101 Sex Scandals 242

Anyways, using call girls? Man that's some greasy politiking going on there. Just goes to show you how close the Yakuza and J.Government really are, if not indivisible. All this for WHALES? WHALES? seriously? Why not grease up some Arab countries and get some free oil for your country... or maybe grease up some Chinese officials, so they don't invade you in the future. J-government, not only did you perform some several acts of indecency, you did it for some sea mammals... That shows Japan really has no where to go but down... I hope them whales are worth it...

whatever team japan sucks... now, when is south korea playing again?

@tanuki01 and chotto, I have to agree with skipbeat's original statement, America, while buddy buddy with big oil and GM, do have an independent monitoring body designed to keep automakers in line. Which is alot more than what Japan currently has... oh yeah, nothing. The corporations here are seen as faultless. Worshipped by the people and protected by the government. Its no wonder that in an environment such as this, that these companies can continue unhindered in making faulty cars. Japanese people see American action as an attack on Japanese corporate culture, not as a warning that there products are faulty. This naive hubris will be the downfall of Japan's auto industry, since much of their sales relied on reputation. Too many people here are in "Nippon-ichi" mode, to realize that maybe, just maybe, there's no real difference between that piece of turd GM car built in America, and their piece of turd car built in good ol' Nippon. Toyota cars are no longer seen as a cut above the rest, rather, just another car with potential risks, like all others.

Am I to understand that the mainstay of Japanese diet is NOT found at a conbini then? Wow, could of fooled me... Seriously, the fatty kids being churned out now in schools will rival those of America. Traditional Japanese food nutritious? Miso soup (salty but full of nutrients), pickled vegetables, (not fresh, but still vegetables), and rice, lots and lots of rice. Highly calcium and protein deficient there. Given fish wasn't consumed daily,and meat even less so, I am to assume the reason why Japanese live so long now is because of the introduction of Western food. Another reason for longevity is behavioural (particularly Western machoism). Many people, especially men, have a distrust of the medical profession, and therefore avoid medical attention, this is true in both America due to its price, and even other countries with good health care, Canada. Japanese people on the otherhand trust doctors wholly, and therefore, tend to vist more often when sick, and follow their advice closely. The real reason I think Japanese food is "healthy", is misconception, combined with a penchant for Japanese to embellish things about their culture. (Nipponichism). I think the health claims of Japanese gets embellished for this reason. Food may be a factor, but a variety of other things factor into the longevity of Japanese, one of the most important one is universal health care, and a good focus on preventative measures for sicknesses, rather than relying on pills. The J-gov has gone so far as to decree how many times people need to chew their food for chrissake! Living on a "Western" or in my case North American diet is no less healthier than a Japanese one. I have access to the same amount of fresh vegetables (in fact a larger variety), leaner meats, low fat yogurts, cereals, whole grain bread etc. So is Japanese cuisine? In my opinion, yes definitely, is it healthier than that of Western cultures, not likely.

This is more a comparison between western fast food, and Japanese food. Western diets minus the fast food are very healthy. Organic vegetables, and organic breads, cereals, rice. The problem is, fast food has become an acceptable form of nourishment in, well, English speaking countries. The truth is, Japan is plagued with the same problems. the greasification of its food. I think American's get a worst-case scenario everytime this comparison is brought up. Truth is, American food goes beyond just hamburgers and fries. Meat has only recently become the large portions you see now. As well, America offers more variety in food available, than Japan. I'd much rather buy my produce shopping in an American grocery store, than a Japanese one.

Really good Indian usually has a pool of oil on top and a salt content that could burst your arteries. Mexican is considered the ultimate for the sodium, fat and cholesterol lover.

Seriously? really good? It sounds like your only experience of these foods is Indian all you can eat buffet, and Taco Bell. Mexican food and Indian (mediterranean) food shares something in common with healthier Japanese food. The use of delicious and nutrient rich beans. Japanese food is really high in sodium, and to make things worse, they put fried meat in EVERYTHING. It's ironic, since my Japanese friends tell me how unhealthy "western" food is, while they fill up on kara-age curry, and other such fried foods. Another question, why is it that you can only find white bread here? white rice too. And why is it that Japanese versions of Western food use less healthy ingredients? Lard? seriously? MSG? no thanks. Preservatives? I'll pass. I don't really think Japanese people truly understand healthy living, at least not anymore anyways.