PeregrineSmythe comments

I'd like to wish the one person that succeeds every congratulation.

Once people experienced "temporary" housing that was substantially better, warmer (insulation, double glazing etc), and probably more durable than their shanty type shacks that the Japanese construction industry throws up, then they'd be no going back.

Why aren't Japanese people protesting in the streets?

Have you ever been to Japan, or seen Japanese people going about their business?

Wonder if they'll ever get round to having ATMs that serve after 9pm on a weekend?

For sure they are the lousiest bank in Japan. That's really saying something.

There are known knowns, and known unknowns.

For sure the greatest known is that Tanigaki will oppose anything, seek to stall anything, or generally do anything to block the introduction of any kind of change.

He only knows the literal interpretation of "opposition". Meanwhile his constituency of inefficient and unproductive agricultural alliances will gradually die off through old age.

I hope everyone pointed and laughed at her.

Probably stood gawping vacantly until she fell over.

I love Japan: manners are totally unnecessary for everyday life.

I often think that manners are an antiquated relic of past societal norms. In that respect, I think that Japan is a thoroughly modern, progressive society.