Thomas Robert Mountcastle comments

Don't go.

Excellent idea. There is no better friend than a dog.

There is no reason for anyone, from any country, to go to China. (I lived there for three years.)

Reckless: At 40, one is virtually unemployable, almost zero chance of full-time permanent position. Leaving a major company is considered weakness, not a logical decision. It is sad, but that is reality in Japan.

Cricky - Spot on. I was always told, "This is Japan! You do not understand our culture." The more abusive teachers were used as examples of "How it should be done."

What is the cost of this "dream" house?

The perfect solution!

Years of asking "Why does everyone use ugly blue plastic?" fell on deaf ears, or the usual, "This is Japan" reply.

Thank you.

Why is a 19 year old considered a "minor"?

Here's a crazy idea: How about voluntary participation?

@savethegaijin is 100% on the mark. "Reality" is not a popular word in Japanese.

"Drako" is 100% correct. Something is missing from this story.

Error: Experience in...

Nippori Nick: I am 75. I manage my farm, drive everyday, and maintain a small payroll. Age is not the factor: Experience is the real world is. I lived in Japan many years. There were constant warnings about 'ore ore' scams, yet years later, they are still successful. Acceptance of "Reality" is not popular in a tatemae culture.

Mr. Goodman is correct: Billing does not equal payment.

Liability: Your liability is extensive. Japan is not, yet, as litigious as The USA, but any injury or damage caused by any part of your property, or property you have control of, is your responsibility.

Bicycles are vehicles.

Ride with traffic, not against it.

Disillusioned is correct on all points.

It is fascinating how quickly a sports star can become "Japanese" When was dual nationality accepted in Japan? I have been to that beach. Surfing waves in August? It must be a joke!

mmwkdw: Thank you! What a perfect explanation. It will be passed on.

Natsukashi: It looks like my geshiku room while a student at kyudai...mukashi mukashi.

Miss Tiana Young: "Wow, thanks. It will do nothing. Enough with these bs laws that suggest or recommend people follow some guidelines. If a law isn't going to lay out what you can't do, then what the hell is the point of it being a law?"

Perfect response. This IS Japan!

Why all the blurry faces? How difficult is it to adjust the lens?

I enjoyed this in Kameyama, (Hiroshima) many many years ago.

This is 2019 in the rest of the world. The Japan where respect for authority was paramount no longer exists. Remembering times gone by does little in the face of modern reality. Good people have guns, and bad people have guns. For Police in Japan, and all folks who are comfortable living in another age, it is time to wake up.

I am missing the much revered 'family loyalty' aspect of Japanese society.

Here we have a 91 year old man with no family at all? No children? No grandchildren? No friends?

zen zen wakarimasen.

How about a national program for bone marrow registry? Certainly someone in Japan has compatible lymphocytes.

tmarie:

Correct. I know Tosa ken well. As with any animal, or human for that matter, how they are treated is how they behave. Even without all the facts, this appears to be human mistreatment.

Linclonman: We all share the embarrassment. I continue to apologize to friends in Japan and other countries for this travesty of a president.

Maria: My sentiments exactly. It is modern slavery. Masako was a bright shining star. Intelligent, beautiful and popular. What a waste.

Yes. It is time to start a petition: "Welcome Trump in the Dohyo!" Imagine the TV coverage.

The President of The USA in mawashi! No empty seats for sure.

This is not about being old. This is about taking responsibility for a crime. Anyone with a basic knowledge of "Law" in Japan knows full well how this works. The 'vitriol" in comments is not about elderly, it is about injustice. Amakudari is real. Mado giwa zoku is real.

...an 18 year old "Boy"? How is a 18 year old male considered a 'boy"?