ronaldk comments

Fyi, for your own peace of mind, I saw instant antigen tests for active coronavirus sold in my local drug store about 1500 yen.

Out of 8,797 tests, so almost 50% positive amongst tested.

The job is fine but I am getting cabin fever even in Tokyo. All the public gyms are closed and my family is avoiding crowded places so just hanging out at home and near the local park.

I do not recall anything of this sort in my lifetime. I wonder if this could be the end. Naturally Japan will consider such measures and I will be stuck in Tokyo.

Follow the money. The elderly and corporations hold the vast majority of private wealth in this country, and the elderly are probably the largest shareholders. Japan is shooting itself in the foot by overtaxing young and productive workers.

@Fox Sora Winters, I am very sorry for what happened to you. It sounds like you are a strong person and are pulling through. Regarding the article, elevated cortisol is mentioned, which I believe is also elevated when there is lack of sleep and stress. I find in my particular situation that lack of sleep makes me much more depressed than any other trigger. In fact, that is why I sometimes don't enjoy holidays abroad with jet lag, hotel bad bed, heavy foods, etc. that affect sleep.

I realized this when I first moved here and everyone offered me a beer, even for lunch, etc. Then, when I met my girlfriend's family, the mother in law never let my glass empty. I would agree that over drinking is bad in a general sense, but the locals here have the longest life expectancy in the world and by and large aren't angry drunks like you find in most of Europe, so what can I say, but Kanpai!

Don't tell my wife but my favorite is pilaf, then Thai style rice with curry or just butter/salt/pepper, and a distant third would be Japanese style rice cooked in the traditional way on a gas flame or open fire.

Unfortunately I work in a large traditional Japanese company and know the reality. The non-managers stay late to get extra money from overtime. They have basically told me so. The managers stay late because if they leave before their boss then they will not get promoted. I am the token gaijin, so when I leave on the bell they all feel smug and self-satisfied about the hard-working Japanese, lazy gaijin stereotype that I happily fulfill.

In West Philly they just pop a cap in you. That is probably a lot less painful than the beating described above.

They wanted it they got it. Earthquakes and other natural disasters have happened since the beginning of time so nothing to be surprised about.

I wonder how long Hitachi's nuke reactor division can hang on. Will a random deal here and a random deal there be enough? I really wish the J government would spend big on solar and there is good technology here for that.

Wow! I am glad he can speak for all Japanese-Americans.

I am no historian, so one of our brainiac ph.d.s feel free to chime in. My understanding of history is that after the plague was one of the few times where the population fell, and I further understand that due to the relative shortage of labor thereafter there was a prolonged period of higher wages and better living conditions for laborers. Thus, perhaps for those of working age, the working condition will improve.

This guy better get the launch right or he is gonna be on the street waving an orange baton soon. I feel really sorry for Nintendo employees and shareholders. This company has a lot of potential, but they need to embrace the new technologies and license their games for internet or iPad access.

The article says: "According to a U.S. study published by the journal Pediatrics in 2010, 15% of American girls now have breasts by age seven, with similar trends observed in Europe and Australia."

This suggests that previously a lesser percentage had breasts (less than 15%) but no figure is given. Poor journalism.

My last office had the office fink, who would watch everyone when the boss was out. When the boss got back, the fink would discretely call the boss from his desk, and the boss, in full view, would answer phone, and we would see the report taking place. The only thing worse than a brown-noser is a fink.

I wonder what the date said when he found out? "Shall we cross swords?"

Honestly, I have to commend this kid. He left the baby in a place sure to be found and called the police to alert them. Many cases I read they leave the baby in a place it won't be found and will ultimately die.

I agree with himehentai. There are some highly educated English "speakers" in Japan who look like they are dropping a terd for every word.

why she single?

Necrophilia?

Hey Nintendo, I am a middle age customer. First of all, the games are too complicated. I don't have 45 hours to master a level. Second, I don't need 2 screens, that just complicates things and hurts my eyes. Third, nobody wants 3D. Even my junior high kid doesn't like it.

Yeah, give to a charity for their cut. I applaud this effort.

Hell yes.

I work in Tokyo and found that the vast majority of long-timers with permanent jobs did not leave Tokyo. Seems this phenomenon is more short-timers. Also, in my office, many many Japanese returned to hometowns out of harms way--not me. I don't blame anyone for leaving. Right after the tsunami it was unclear how bad things would get and with the group mentality, if everyone finally decided to evacuate because the situation got too bad, then those who "valiantly" stayed behind in Tokyo would have been toast.

In addition, after the tsunami, there was a sense of unease in Tokyo that something bad would happen. Perhaps N.Korea would take the opportunity to lob a missile, or some right wingers would go after foreigners. These are not far-fetched ideas considering they could not even deliver gas, milk, bread or water!

One lucky guy.

I wonder if Japanese realize how shocking and reckless their government appears. At a time of a national disaster I would expect politicians to come together (even briefly) to forge a plan to help the tsunami victims. I saw LDP bigwigs last night on TV criticizing Kan, it is unbelievable that they would do so at this time.

That is why I don't get drunk and ride the train home. All inhibitions gone, and the damage you are doing not apparent til the next day! Take a taxi if too drunk to remember.

Bad idea to drink late and take train home...