Nobusaki comments

Becoming a teacher is something I look forward to in the future. I often dream about that moment when I am outside a classroom with my Japanese teacher, notes/books in my arm and a huge smile in my face knowing that this is what I am meant to do.

I view a teacher as a mentor to their students. Someone who can inspire the students to achieve their greatest potential. I understand clearly the growing concern about teachers who take advantage of students because of their high position in society. As an aspiring teacher to be; this also concerns me because it will effect the way my future students reflect on my teaching method, the interview process and my social life outside of school.

All I want to get out of teaching is to be that spark that initiates the students to believe in themselves. That's it. I am willing to work in the best of my abilities to ensure that all of my future students will be successful. That is what a teacher is suppose to do. It is the right thing.

Noooooo. Don't make Japan into another Greece. Please don't. Please please please don't.

I have been working so hard in my native country (Canada) so I can travel and live in Japan. However, if the economy is too crippled by this absurd construction of the 2020 Olympics I might have second guesses.

Museums are suppose to represent cultural diversity. There is nothing racist about wearing a Kimono while learning about the history of Japanese culture. I believe by wearing the clothes of other cultures it will enhance the experience of the learner.

I just don't understand the concept of calling an opportunity to wear such clothing racist. I visited a Japanese war museum and they had on display a chance to wear samurai armor and gear (complete with helmet). I was the ONLY foreigner in the museum. Most of the Japanese people encouraged me to try on the gear because of how fascinated I was. I tried it on. No racism here. Just made me appreciate Japanese culture even more (boy that armour gear was heavy)

I wonder what is the secret for their longevity. Diet? Lifestyle? Good Medical care? Other factors?

I believe it's a little bit of everything. Japan's diet consists mostly of fish and vegetables. Moreover, Japanese people like to walk, get exercise and do things that contribute not to themselves but also other people (ex-volunteer cleaning the beach of debris).

The main reason I believe Japan boasts the longevity of their citizens is their diet and exercise.

I excluded the lifestyle part because I read in an article in Japantoday that Japanese people are working themselves to death.

I am always against war but this is an exception.

ISIS is a group that terrorizes, tortures, and brutalizes the lives of others who do not follow in their claim.

If freedom and human rights are threatened than how is this different from WW2 when the Nazis tried to take over Europe and essentially the whole free world?

Japanese supporters should be proud of what their Nadeshiko has accomplished and how far they have come.

Look at the past history of Japan being in the Women's World Cup:

1991: 0-3 Failed to Advanced to Quarter-Finals. 1995: 0-4 loss against USA in Quarter-Finals. 1999: 0-1-2 Failed to Advanced to Quarter-Finals. 2003: 1-0-2. Failed to Advanced to Quarter-Finals. 2007: 1-1-1. Failed to Advanced to Quarter-Finals. 2011: Champions. 2015: Second-place.

Please stop hating on the Nadeshiko, they played their hearts out there for us; atleast we could show our appreciation for their accomplishments and undivided determination to win for the nation.

Nadeshiko supporter here and this is my insight on JPN vs USA match.

I watched all but one of Japan's FIFA games and noticed something was a bit off with their play. It wasn't stellar fancy football but very tactical. Patient, methodical football. The Nadeshiko's strong points are in their midfield and weakest on defense; average in offense.

Japan struggled with teams like Australia and England (rightfully so because they have met the Aussies so many times and England being ranked 6th.) On the other hand, USA had to play against Columbia, China, Germany to reach the finals.

If the Germans couldn't beat USA that's when I knew Japan was going to be in trouble.

Great game by the Americans, truly deserving of the win with the beautiful display of football they showed today.

I agree that Fifa women's football should be treated equally to men. I talked to my co-workers and most of the people I talked to don't support Women's Fifa because of the following reasons:

1) They don't play the style of football that is meant to be played (whatever that means) 2) Boring to watch. 3) Not enough teams.

I agree on one of the reasons which is the lack of teams involved in the tournament but the other two are pure rubbish.

I paid more attention to Women's FIFA than Men's because these women PLAY HARD. I have watched two men's FIFA games and if there is a slight physical contact the players would flop and try and get a foul called. On the other hand, women push, shove, fight for position and be physical to gain the advantage.

I attended the matches for Switzerland/Ecquador and Japan/Cameroon. Both matches were exciting to watch!

Please change the system so that it benefits ALL players regardless of gender.

Been to Tokyo and it is not my ideal city to live in. Overcrowded and expensive. However, there are a lot of upsides to living in Tokyo such as the convenience to shop for all your needs in one city.

If you want peaceful I suggest going to Kyoto.

Awesome! I will be visiting Vancouver for their next match against Cameroon!

It's really hard to compete as a Fast Food restaurant in a country that promotes healthy eating and an emphasize on not going over board on grease.

Sounds like the perfect summer event! Wish I could attend :)

I read an article a few weeks ago stating that the Japanese population is working themselves to death which could be one of the main factors as to why there is a decrease in population growth. Furthermore, as many people have stated before; it is expensive to raise a child in Japan.

None of us are the leader of a country. It's his job to not snap at people, and if he can't control his emotions enough to not do so, it doesn't bode well for the country under his leadership.

Believe or not, Prime Ministers are prone to making mistakes and showing a bit of emotion is good in knowing that Abe is passionate at what he does. I agree that the way he conducted his emotions is inappropriate but that is due to poor misjudgement of the situation. However, I would rather have a leader who shows emotion as well as repentance for his wrong doing. Abe is a human being too and I think we are taking this issue way too far and focus on matters that are more important.

It's good to see him acknowledge his mistakes but people need to be more understanding of the heavy burden and responsibilities of a Prime Minister. It is a stressful job and sometimes it can get the best of you...especially when you're being heckled while addressing the issues.

Some responsibilities of PM Abe includes:

-Economy -Tension between South Korea/China -Aging population -Trades -Education -Job Security

Don't tell me none of you all have been stressed out at work and have snapped at somebody because we all have done it.

Another tragic death of a defenseless child.

Rest in Peace little one, I will be praying for you tonight.

Good choice of an instrument!

Cellos produce eccentric sound quality that is amplified based on the cellist. This is my opinion but I think it's kinda cool to see a princess play such a heavy, strong sounding instrument that also dishes out melodies to provide the listener a soothing yet composed music.

OR...she could have been influenced by Yo Yo Ma

@Farmboy

Abe's posture appears more inviting, initiating and welcoming. However, Xi's illustrates a defensive stance with little effort of negotiation (look at how far his arm is reaching out to greet Abe). Also, Xi's upright posture gives the illusion of defiance and an intimidating look.

This is just my perspective on how I view their actions.

Man, something needs to be done to prevent such tragedies. Rest in Peace my friend :'(

I like this picture a lot would love to do it with my companion in the future! (Though I am scared of drowning haha)

Awesome job!

Communication is an essential tool for human interaction. I have my sights on pursuing a English Teacher career in Japan once I retire as a registered nurse. Why the transition from medical to educational? Because I can relate to my future students about going to a foreign country without knowing how to communicate.

Also, I firmly believe the skills I have learned in nursing is applicable to teaching English abroad. How you may ask?

1) Nurses are natural teachers for their patients. There have been numerous instances of where I had to explain to my patients what their conditions were and what treatments they will be receiving. I had to simplify medical terminology but also have my patients understand at the same time. This can be applied to teaching English in Japan because it enables the teacher to communicate properly with accurate information as well as confirmation from the student.

2) Comprehending doctor's order is almost as tough as trying to learn Kanjii for the first time. I understand that some students excel at grammar while others fall short in speaking and vice versa. What nursing has taught me is to be absolutely thorough with each order and to understand fully of what treatment is given to the patient. Moreover, this is applied in teaching English because presents the teacher what solutions are needed to create the opportunities for the students to excel. For example, if that student is struggling with 'Transition Words' like such as, for example, for instance. The teacher will provide those transition words but allow the students to make topics and subjects to match.

3) Nursing is a life-long understanding, learning and growing profession for the individual. I fully understand that having a 'Learning Plan' is critical in staying organized, thorough and precise in terms of presenting the information. However, that should not be the only means of solution for the teacher to communicate with their students. For example, I have ideas that will make learning English fun and applicable to everyday situations such as having groups perform a skit or drama using simple dialogue at first will encourage student participation as well as facilitating useful information.

4) Nurses are excellent observers when it comes to patient's mental and physical health. This skill can be applied to teaching English because we could sense if there is a decline or a change in a student's attitude or performance in class. With this, I focus on finding a solution first rather then focusing on the cause later on. I do not know the relations between teacher and student in Japan but I do care for student excellence as well as their health.

Overall, I strive to make the world as best as it can be and if teaching a group of Japanese students essential life skills would make their day a bit better; well I am extremely satisfied and honoured to do my part.

I have no experience in teaching English in Japan but do offer my services for free to anyone wanting to learn, communicate, understand the English language.

"Knowledge is a gift that should be given for free to those who seek it". -Me.

Bill Clinton visit to Japan may be indicative of a move made by the US government to strengthen Japan's economy reason being is that both nations are strong trading partners and President Clinton is a man who knows how to get surpluses of income on a nation based on his simple logic; arithmetic.

Someday those cats will rule the island with their own government, laws and regulation. They will wage war with humanity only to be overcome by a giant yarnball :).

Gotta catch 'em all!

This is act of moral deprivation has got to stop.

I believe there is common good among people on this Earth. However, that good is overshadowed by the evil that is within us. Our urge to torment, abuse and humiliate each other is sickening.

One of my life's dream is to visit a country that is rich in culture and people such a country that includes India. However, how am I suppose to feel that way where there is rape in a regular basis with no action on inhibiting such actions from occuring?

I am glad to be one of the 13 000 000 people who visited Japan on 2014! It truly was an amazing cultural experience!

<3

Expensive but soooo worth it!

1.It's too expensive to stay in Japan!

A lot of people! (Shopping was a bit of a nightmare in Shibuya, Tokyo, Harajuku, hehehe)

Overall, Japan is a beautiful country rich in culture and vast in courteous, kind and considerate people! BUT! the price to stay in Japan compared to other countries such as Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam is the difference maker.

I love Japan <3 and hope to live there someday!

I believe 'Burappi' is how they say Brad Pitt :/. I m not sure though.