timorborder comments

Cops and stress - - Its a big problem in EVERY police force.

Yep, if they aren't out stealing woman's underwear, there back at the police box emptying the contents of their service pistol into their heads. Where will it all end.

Somebody should consider implementing a total embargo on Israel. Put the shoe on the other foot and see how these folks like it.

Sounds like the League of Nations all over again, and we all know how that one ended...

I am very surprised to hear of this discrimination, especially in this economy where landlords are suffering from decreased rents and vacancy.

This is a good point. When I turned up in Japan about 20 years ago, despite a very high salary and a very stable lifestyle, it was still a real hassle to rent an apartment, get a credit card, etc.

Fast forward to 10 years ago and I am a senior manager at my old company, having done my time in domestic sales (like a rank and file Japanese employee), before running the company's overseas business. Although renting a property was no longer a problem, the main bank of my employer still narked at giving me a credit card (despite a very good salary).

Fast forward to the present and I am working for myself, still making a very good living. These days, however, I have major Japanese financial institutions scrxwing each other over to offer me housing loans, banking services, credit cards, stockbroking services, etc.

Indeed, the economy (finally) is changing attitudes in this country.

Boy, isn't everybody jumping to conclusions? The article specifically states that these people are of "a particular religion" and everybody assumes that they are Muslims. Why can't they be over zealous Presbyterians or some other extremist religious sect?

Whatever, anyway to bring back the "wa" to the workplace, it is obvious that the Japanese should throw off their inhibitions and convert.

What religion could they be talking about here? I think everybody knows.

Anyway, the real issue in this story is the inability of the Japanese employers to admit what is obvious, they to should caste off their pagan belief and convert. This would eliminate these conflicts within the company.

Just read through the article in the Times. It does makes rather interesting reading. I was particularly impressed with the comments of the representative of Mali, who believes that whales (or too many of them) are endangering his country's fish resources. It was very nice of the times to point out that Mali is in fact land-locked.

Anyway, if the times really has an axe to grind on this issue, it should have waited to publish this story when the IWC next meets. Published at the current time, this article, at best, creates a stir. Published to coincide with the next meeting of the IWC, this article would send the international press corps into a feeding frenzy.

Unfortunately, this is not news. It has been an open secret for many years. Indeed, such activities are just an extension of the manner in which Japan has conducted its ODA program for a very long time.

Power napping?

You mean goffing off?

What a classic photo, a suitable caption would be "Your Taxes Working For You."

I wonder how many heart attacks this caused on the opposition benches, you know those members of the LDP who have been pork-barreling Japan to the poor house for the last 40 years. Hearing the new Prime Minister say such things would almost make it worth watching parliamentary proceedings on the national mouthpiece (NHK).

Anyway, I agree with the comments of my esteemed colleague disillusioned. The lack of accountability regarding government spending in this country goes well beyond criminal. Moreover, with fewer children being born the future, the tax base of this country is very bleak indeed. Let's hope that the new Prime Minister is going to pay more than just lip service to these very important issues.

Good one alpha!!!

Anyway, as somebody has pointed out, if this chap was down the bank watching this woman, then he might have been filmed. Also, although I don't think it is suspicious that the old woman was carrying so much money (given the feudal nature of Japan's monetary system and business customs), carrying so much money is obviously asking for trouble.

Not bad. Married in July, Kid comes four months later, and now he's "best father."

Immaculate conception?

Thanks for the link Cleo and clearing up some of the issues. Indeed, I found myself in agreement with the following reference: "Bethune is facing up to 15 years jail."

They are all a bunch of nuggets except for No. 7, who appears to be snapping a nugget.

Are the life of a talentless nobody who used to be almost famous (well just in J land anyway)! Isn't it both funny and pathetic just how far some talentless Z listers will go to remain in the public spotlight.

SERIOUSLY WHO CARES?

Just another thought, I wonder how this decision will play in Australia and New Zealand. Back when I was growing up, about the worst thing you could do was not stand by your friends when they were under the hammer. A friend of mine at school actually got an even heavier punishment for dobbing in one of his classmates (I cannot remember what for). We used to use the expression "Don't jack on your mates." Anyway, Sea Shepherd dropping this chap like a hot txrd might come back to haunt them down south.

What great leadership, one of your men takes one for the team (and has probably taken a number for the team while in lock up in Tokyo), and the group he represents then turns around and kicks him out.

Anyway, it might just boil down to a cult of personality. While our Kiwi friend is willing to take it on the chin (and possibly in other areas of his body) like a man, old gray beard does not have the guts.

Anyone know the age requirements for this event? If this is a true indication of what "bodybuilders" look like in Japan, I would be tempted to enter my elder son, a junior high student, whose physique would put these chaps to shame.

So the police are faced with a difficult decision. Do they go and arrest the vehicle's owner before or after they have morning tea?

A venue for even more hard-hitting journalism, methinks.

LOL

Grow up in rural Australia and was taught to shoot (rabbits, pigs, etc) before the age of 10. I was also taught a lot about gun discipline. Later joined the army where I was taught a lot more about gun (and weapons) discipline. That being said, however, it never ceases to amaze me how lax recreational hunters can be in the handling of weapons. This is not just the case in Japan. Having half a dozen clowns out shooting pigs is a recipe for disaster. The duck shooting season also usually ends with a fair body count of humans. Indeed, I would be all in favor of a ban on hunting for people who were not directly tied to the land.

The Netherlands and Denmark will go through to the next round. Cameroon will finish in 3rd spot, and Japan will pick up the wooden spoon, failing to score any goals in the tournament.

The result of this will be that Japan's unrealistic bubble of expectation will immediately burst, with Okada-san being made to carry the can (resigning in disgrace). Meanwhile, nothing will change in terms of the fundamental way in which sport is mismanaged in Japan, with the same old chaps down at the JFA still gripping the reins of power. The net result of this will be that Japan will again build up its hopes for the next World Cup, and again be let down by lackluster results. This trend will continue ad nauseum.

No tongue, no tongue!!!!

Is his suit shining?

Who?

I am pretty upset at the paltry amount raised by this stunt. Furthermore, I hope the lucky winner has a bit of decorum and taste.

Gosh...turn it into a reality tv show

Isn't it already?

I would be inclined to say anybody but Kan, Okada or Maehara, all of whom (along with Hatoyama) did nothing when they were leaders of the DPJ in opposition. Now if these three are excluded, then the only real alternative would be everybody's favorite bogeyman, Ichiro Ozawa, who despite some serious ethical issues, no doubt has all the skills required for leadership.

Firstly, he was once described as the most zealous acolyte of Kakuei Tanaka, the quintessential Japanese politician, a mixture of strong-armed bully-boy and adroit power-monger. Secondly, as a veteran head-kicker, Ozawa has the ability to put some spine into people and scare the crud out of political adversaries. This is something that the DPJ needs at the current time. Instead of allowing certain minor parties to dictate policy agenda, the DPJ needs to take the initiative both in terms of policy and in terms of slapping down its political opponents. I for one would love to see the SDP eviscerated as a political force.

Packed with journalists, it seems that Israel has opened fire on these boats. Talk about a PR disaster.