maxjapank comments

Posted in: Trial of English-speaking test for Tokyo high schools face opposition from some parents See in context

I am not a fan of Bennese. They are a business, more interested in making money than in education. But having a speaking test of some kind is much better than having nothing at all.

As for comments about ALTs and JTEs, it really is a shame to continue seeing disparaging comments towards both. Nearly all of the JTEs I know are actually quite skilled in speaking English, even the few who have never studied abroad. Similarly, though ALTs could be used more effectively, if they are serious about their job, they do play an important role in helping both JTEs and students in practicing English. I have often been the main person that keeps my JTEs conversational level to standard, namely as they are unable to use English outside of the school. In fact, I have often observed that the more I use English with my JTEs, the more they will use English with their students.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

Posted in: Japan's economy shrinks as consumers hold back on spending See in context

If everything is costing more and employers aren't going to raise salaries, all you can do is cut back on expenditures.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Posted in: 50.1% of Japanese companies suffering from labor shortage: survey See in context

Schools, from elementary to University, are having a harder time finding part-time teachers. Pay is low compared to the amount of work involved, and since many schools don't want to offer tenure, there is no job security. I've seen many talented young teachers move on after a few years because there is no perceivable future. Many schools also force a retirement at age 60-62 respectively with only those in upper administration able to continue to 65. Even retired teachers who continue to teach as part-time are often limited to the age of 65. It's ridiculous to waste years of knowledge and experience because of age.

10 ( +14 / -4 )

Posted in: Australia blames Russian hackers for medical data theft See in context

Very troubling. As someone who is over 22 years sober, I could care less if anyone knows that I am an alcoholic. But it was hard and shameful seeking help in the beginning. And being anonymous was extremely helpful. I have also helped a few others over my lifetime and keeping their identity secret was a big reason they trusted me. These hackers represent a real low in being human.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Posted in: Over 80% of Japanese adults find tobacco smoke unpleasant: survey See in context

runner3

For sure, I don't have to drink someone else's drink. But I do have to smell alcohol which can reek just as bad as smoking. And I do have to share the roads with potential DUIs. Thankfully, as I don't go out drinking anymore, I don't have to deal with belligerent drunks anymore. But supposedly my wife's grandfather was a nightmare in the home when he was alive. I mean I was no saint either. I've made many amends for my past.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Posted in: Over 80% of Japanese adults find tobacco smoke unpleasant: survey See in context

At last Japan is looking at this area, the tax on cigarettes should be heavily increased, smoking areas should be kept away from busy public areas, smokers are the minority, but get special treatment. It’s time Japan declared war on smokers.

As much as I agree with you, one could debate that the consumption of alcohol causes more societal problems, from accidents to arguments to health incidents. I am both an alcoholic and ex-smoker. And I am so glad I gave up both. But I do find it a bit hypocritical of people declaring war on smokers because they are in the minority, while completely ignoring alcohol consumption.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Posted in: Nearly half of LGBTQ teens in Japan have considered suicide: survey See in context

What made them LGBTQ in the first place? Nature? Lack of education? Society?

A boy born as a boy. A girl as a girl. Why complicated yourself, life and the world?

What a naive statement! What does someone's preference about who they are bother you? Let people be who they are and accept them as is.

4 ( +24 / -20 )

Posted in: Record 245,000 students absent from schools in Japan in FY2021 See in context

It's been a very difficult time for everyone since the pandemic hit, but more so for the young ones. This makes it much more important to make sure each and every student feels safe and welcome when at school. It also helps to add a bit more fun stuff over strict studying to help add some enjoyment.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Posted in: Japan to cut household electricity bills by 20% to fight inflation See in context

I guess I am completely unknowledgeable about this. But how exactly is this going to help me? Is the money going to the electric company so they can give me a discount? So does that means the electric company is getting richer? What about if I choose to reduce the amount of electricity I use? Sure a reduction in price will still benefit me, but to be honest, I'd prefer to get money and let me use as I see fit.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Posted in: German named CEO of medical company Olympus See in context

It's sad. But I'd advise against any non-Japanese becoming the face of a Japanese company. Too many people have been burned in the past.

-3 ( +14 / -17 )

Posted in: Kishida aims to cut utility bills with new economic package See in context

I take you don't live in Japan, and probably never even visited Japan if you think these are usable suggestions.

I do live here. For over 25 years now. And I think they are viable suggestions. I wouldn't write it otherwise.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Posted in: Kishida aims to cut utility bills with new economic package See in context

While it is not entirely possible to live without gas and electricity, Japan could encourage consumers to use less of both. A campaign encouraging people to walk more, bike more, use public transportation more, carpool to work would go a long way in saving money and making Japan less dependable on foreign energy. I've just started commuting to work again by bicycle. And it's been great for my health and helpful in not having to by gas.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Posted in: Two top Japanese universities drop in British magazine's world ranking See in context

I guess I'm a bit skeptical here. But I often wonder about publications needed to secure a tenured position for foreigners in Japan. I've seen some really good textbooks, but I've also seen some really terrible textbooks with some foreigner's name on it, by a teacher who is supposedly tenured at a university. Makes me wonder how many teachers have secured positions based on the number of publications rather than the quality of publications.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Posted in: Court upholds constitutionality of gaming addiction ordinance See in context

Are we also going to limit the amount of hours that we can watch TV, read books, play sports? Gaming is no longer just a waste of time endeavor. It is big business and another social outlet for people. A recent study has even found that playing video games boosted children's intelligence by 2.5 IQ points.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Posted in: Over 100,000 foreign visitors came to Japan in July for 4th month in row See in context

Japan needs tourist money. The country cannot sustain without it.

3 ( +14 / -11 )

Posted in: Japan reports 195,161 coronavirus cases See in context

Yeah well, that's the reality - Japan leads the world in mask wearing and it doesn't seem to make a slightest difference

Nonsense. The reality is masks do work, and work well. But many Japanese have become lax when eating out and drinking. But do what you wish. Go out without a mask and risk it.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Posted in: Japan ranks 116th in 2022 gender gap report, worst among G7 See in context

I'm ashamed to say that my wife is a harder worker than me and knows both English and Japanese so much better, and yet she makes 1/3 of what I make. I wish I could see what comparable employees make at her company, especially in regards to male vs. female pay. I've got a strong suspicion that all is not equal there.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Posted in: Japan reports 94,493 coronavirus cases See in context

in Japan almost everyone wears a mask and today’s new cases are 94,493 (0.075% of the population). In the USA almost nobody wears a mask. And yesterdays new cases were 95,342 (0.029% of the population. I’m becoming increasingly convinced that mask are not working for various reasons

Nonsense. Masks have been very effective in containing the Flu, regular colds, and even Corona. Now, the number of Corona cases has been rising. But from my understanding, these largely occur when someone is in close contact with another, with neither wearing masks. So has been the situation with every one of my students.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Posted in: Japan honors Abe with highest decoration; wake held in Tokyo See in context

The question is - Would Japan have honored Abe with the highest decoration if he had died of natural causes? If so, then this is appropriate. If not, then this is a farce.

18 ( +28 / -10 )

Posted in: Relaxed mask usage guidelines barely spread among Japanese public See in context

I do not wear one when walking the dog in the park. I’m the only one....

I go jogging every weekend with my wife to a park. We have never worn masks when jogging. In fact, most of the people we encounter are not wearing masks either. Not sure what park you are going to, but I'd say it's an exception to the norm.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

Posted in: U.S. Senate OKs landmark gun violence bill; House passage is next See in context

particularly with the US Supreme Court's latest ruling regarding carrying guns

Isn't it silly that I should have to worry about not just criminals, but idiots around me carrying guns? The ones who shout and yell that they need guns are often the ones that are the scariest to me. If anyone shouldn't have a right to carry a gun, it should include them.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Posted in: U.S. Supreme Court expands gun rights, with nation divided See in context

When a country is ruled by the minority, it is no longer a Democracy. Sad day for America.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Posted in: Japan judo hits crisis point as bullied, burnt-out children quit See in context

Parents and coaches have been known to berate referees during matches and corporal punishment still exists, despite reforms in a sport that has been plagued by abuse and bullying scandals over the years.

I was just telling my wife the other day about all of the problems the U.S is having with out-of-control parents at youth sports, about how games and tournaments are being cancelled because they cannot find referees. I told her it was just a matter of time before Japan begins to have similar problems. I guess there are already some incidents.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Posted in: Tokyo ward rejects couple's marriage registry under separate surnames See in context

It's sorta funny. When I married my Japanese wife in Japan, we couldn't decide what last name we wanted to use. The city hall clerk said to not worry that we could decide later. So we kept separate last names. Later when we went back to choose one, we were told that we had to amend it within a certain time period and that the time period had passed. So rather than going to court, we just kept separate last names for the last 25 years.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

Posted in: 'Top Gun' stays aloft with $86 mil in its 2nd weekend See in context

We're almost there. Top Gun is a step in the right direction.

Based on your comments, we're not.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: 'Top Gun' stays aloft with $86 mil in its 2nd weekend See in context

Loved this movie as I commented. But sad to read comments about "woke" culture. Can anything be commented on and enjoyed without bringing politics or intolerances into it? Geez, people.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Posted in: 'Top Gun' stays aloft with $86 mil in its 2nd weekend See in context

These days, it is sometimes hard to justify going to the Movie theater as we have our own big-screen TVs and sound systems. But I thoroughly enjoyed watching this at the theater. For those who intend to see it, I'd suggest watching the original 1986 movie first.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Posted in: 19 children, 2 adults killed in Texas school shooting; Biden says 'we have to act' See in context

Even if the country wasn't named, we would all know where this was.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Posted in: Yoshinoya refused to let 'foreign' student attend recruitment event See in context

So your family register here is in your wifes maiden name?

That it is. It happened as sort of a mistake at the time. But we just continued having separate last names. But when deciding a first name, we specifically chose kanji. Of course, kanji is cool. And we did think about the sound and meaning of the name. But one of the reasons was to make her invisible / blend in when others were just looking at paperwork.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Posted in: Yoshinoya refused to let 'foreign' student attend recruitment event See in context

It sounds a bit discouraging. But one of the reasons my wife and I gave our child a name in kanji was so they would always appear Japanese on any paperwork. Of course, she is Japanese. But we didn't want any school or business to discriminate in advance by knowing she was "half."

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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