Urqinchina comments

Posted in: Sea of fans See in context

If you look to the bottom left of the photo , you will see some kiwis sitting there!!!

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Posted in: USB wall outlet See in context

I went wow, I am off to Super Viva Home to buy one ! But then reasoning kicked in, 4300 yen ?????? And only one location?

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Posted in: Sing-along by 'Frozen' audiences gets mixed results in Japan See in context

Last week , I was eating lunch with a sho gakko 4 th grade class and the school radio played some songs from Frozen. It was quite amazing , most of the kids were singing and knew the lyrics.

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Posted in: Buying property in Japan can be daunting yet profitable See in context

This is a repeat of the same article last year , and I will repeat the same reply I gave last year. Both my wife and I are foreigners. We wanted to purchase a house and had 50 % deposit. I have been Steadily employed at the same government agency for seven years and my wife is employed. NO banks would offer us a loan as we do not have permanent residence . This was the only reason we were turned down. In the end we had to finance using our bank in the UK, so answering the other question , if you have the finances sorted , anybody can purchase property in Japan.

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Posted in: What do you think of those 100-yen shops in Japan? See in context

One should be careful, as we have found that some of the goods can be found elsewhere for about 60 yen.

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Posted in: Widow of dementia patient killed by train ordered to pay damages to JR See in context

@frungy If you turn this subject around and it was reported that a 2 year old had wandered off, I feel that the comments would be of a different nature . But the simple truth is somebody with Alzheimer's is a two year child. Somebody has to take responsibility for the wellbeing of this family. I truly feel so sorry for the wife, she is caught between a rock and a very hellish place. One of Mrs Urqinchina friends have both parents with Alzheimer's , the family simply cannot afford a nursing home or nursing care. They have to share the daily care between 3 siblings . Maybe the tax rates need to raise up to level of the UK , NZ or Australia so that universal health care Can be implemented , but already the howls of anguish from the public will prevent that from happening.

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Posted in: Widow of dementia patient killed by train ordered to pay damages to JR See in context

@crimson&clover Unfortunately the railway companies can't obstruct the lines . If there was a malfunction, the resulting derailment has serious consequences with up to 1200 passengers aboard

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Posted in: Widow of dementia patient killed by train ordered to pay damages to JR See in context

To some of the commenters above , how do you fence off railroad crossings? Yes, the family does bear some responsibility for this tragic accident. I had an uncle diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Until a family has to deal with this, it is is hard to understand the care required. My uncle was found wandering on the train track once, very simply put , it was our fault, and afterwards he was put into a nursng home. And the other question is , how the hell can an elderly woman look after a person non stop 24 hours a day , 7 days a week. Where is the family ??? Where are the social services ??? The train company should have let this one pass.......

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Posted in: In the world of geopolitics, do you think of Japan as part of the West? See in context

Neither

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Posted in: Apple offering free recycling of all used products See in context

I have already recycled my old iPhone 4S , I sold it to Hard off .

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Posted in: EU clears Suntory's $16 bil takeover of Jim Beam See in context

Could someone explain why a takeover of Jim Beam( an American company) needs approval by the E.U. I understand that exports etc are to the E.U but isn't this dependent on the United States Govt approval?

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Posted in: Lonely? Rent a cat See in context

How about renting a kiwi? Fully house trained and can help with English studies ! I think this is a great idea particularly for Japanese households which have never had contact with a pet. If it doesn't work out then no problem , but if it does , one less pet that needs putting down

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Posted in: Teacher criticized for attending son’s entrance ceremony instead of her own school’s See in context

Why do you insist that I am comparing myself to Japanese teachers ? I am merely pointing out what my job entails, and the rather simple fact that this is what is required of me , it is my job description. In final reply to your above statements , neither are you ! I wish you well in your endeavours and hope that you accord /respect your dispatch ALTs the same rights as the Japanese teacher In question .

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Posted in: Teacher criticized for attending son’s entrance ceremony instead of her own school’s See in context

@lFR Applying your own assumptions, I shall return the favour. You are a relief teacher for an ALT dispatch Company . I base this on the comments in your recent postings. As I wrote before, don't comment with limited experience or in your case , narrow experience. As you stated "Tokyo " hardly local , it's Saitama Ken this discussion is about. As a directly hired Teacher , my boss is the Principal. He decides what days , what duties who , when and why. Whereas dispatch ALT's are responsible to their dispatch coordinator. Very different system which leads to conflicts between the Principal and the Dispatch company. The ALT is usually caught in the middle.Within my BOE you must attend the three days. Unlike your comment , I am expected to do as the other teachers do, and I understand that. So it is not testosterone as you imply but outlining what my comments are based on. Why not come out of the shadows and show your background. I am sure then the readers will have a better understanding of your arguments. I too, have missed family events when a conflict of scheduling occurs , but I have the respect of the teachers, the Principal and most importantly the students. I run ( with another teacher) a sports club every week night and on Saturdays. The law states that I do not have to accept but like most teachers here in Japan and overseas , I feel it is part of the job. This shows in my role as a Teacher and notice I am not using the word instructor. This whole discussion has done a disservice to the teachers who do attend ceremonies and put in extra time.Yes, most Japanese Teachers would like to take time off when they need it but then who will run these events and clubs ?

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Posted in: Teacher criticized for attending son’s entrance ceremony instead of her own school’s See in context

@tinwatanabe The junior high school teacher sitting to my right , wants to correct your statement. In February this year, the City office stuck their hands into his pension and grabbed a significant amount. As a result , he now has to work for a further 2 years and at 50 % of the original salary . He is expected to run his club every night and on Saturdays with only a small recompense . But , he says, he understood the role of teacher before starting and understands what he gave up over the past 32 years. What the vice principal and principal of the high school in question has accomplished Is to open a door for other teachers to take their paid leave when whatever situation arises. Very similar situation to the UK and the USA where continuity of lessons Is dismal. Secondly , he asks, please come to our school and point out where the assistant teachers are ! He has never seen one.

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Posted in: Teacher criticized for attending son’s entrance ceremony instead of her own school’s See in context

@LFR. Where did I make the comparison between my job and that of a home room teacher, I for one fully understand the horrendous hours and responsibities these teachers usually put in. I have been sitting in the staff room for seven years and certainly don't have a romanticised view of Japan or of other countries. I showed my position as it gives an unique insight into the education system here, actually we are discussing this incident amongst the Japanese teachers right now.

Most of us agree that if the deputy principal gave his okay, he has kneecapped his career. Lastly, how do you know what my job entails, a common mistake in japan is to base your comments on your own limited experience . Each BOE operates differently so to assume what I know or don't know is rather disingenuous .

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Posted in: Teacher criticized for attending son’s entrance ceremony instead of her own school’s See in context

No where in this article does it state she received permission from the vice principal to take paid leave. It is very unlikely that the Vice Principal would have have granted it. I believe that she rang on the morning of the ceremony and took a sickie prompting Mr Gono to comment. I agree with Strangeland completely. This teacher has signed a contract with her Board of education which implicitly states her job description . It is not her right to cherry pick which aspects of employment she wishes to follow. I wonder what repercussions followed for the vice principal . Also my sympathies for the teacher who took her place. The home room teacher is required to prepare the students that morning And to lead them into the ceremony. I am a directly hired teacher for one of the BOE's in Saitama and I know , 3 days in the year, I must attend. Entrance ceremony, sports day and Graduation ceremony. Don't even bother asking for time off! That is the job. If I don't like it, find new employment. On a final note, same situation in three years time , when her child graduates high school, the two ceremonies will be on the same day. To me , that is far more important.

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Posted in: Don’t own a TV? NHK doesn’t care, but still wants your money See in context

It's interesting to read all the comments about refusing to pay because NHK programming is crap. If you bothered to read to read the article correctly or do some research on the subject , the system is very close to the British one . Everybody who is capable of receiving the NHK broadcast is liable to pay. This tax covers the operation of NHK and various other services. Back when this law was enacted, NHK was the only broadcaster .

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Posted in: Japanese gamers debate Red Cross’s call for virtual crimes to be punished See in context

I need urgent clarification from the Red Cross organisation. I have a ZOmbie chasing me , is it a crime to run it over with my car and then jump out and decapitate its head off . I need clarification on this legality.!

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Posted in: Unusual punishment lands Hiroshima elementary school teacher in hot water See in context

@maria Actually a lot of parents go directly to the BOE first. Did you know that in most cases it is then bounced back to the Principal of the school to sort out. That is his/ her job . Most parents who go to the BOE are attempting to create more trouble than the situation warrants.Also if you reread what I wrote, I wasn't referring to this case but clarifying normal school procedure in which some of the commentators may not be aware of.

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Posted in: Unusual punishment lands Hiroshima elementary school teacher in hot water See in context

Teachers aren't allowed mobile phones in the class room, and most classes have a classroom digital camera which is the property of the school. This camera is used for classroom projects and taking pictures of classroom activities. This is most likely where the images were stored. Board of Educations are very strict when it comes to students photos and details. Basically if the parent was annoyed by this , protocol means contacting the Principal first . By going to the BOE directly is just stirring the pot. There are other issues involved here that aren't apparent.

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Posted in: SoftBank forms green energy tie-up with U.S. firm See in context

I would be reluctant to sign any contract with SoftBank as it will have intermittent outages, low voltage and not fit for purpose. Just like my mobile phone !

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Posted in: Taiwan, New Zealand sign free trade deal See in context

China and New Zealand had signed a free trade agreement two years ago.

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Posted in: Teacher tapes up mouth of girl, 7, to stop her spreading germs See in context

I have a problem with the facts here. According to my colleagues , no where in the original Japanese article, did it say duct tape. If the teacher had used duct tape- dismissal! But if it was tissue with Sellotape , a innovative way to deal with the problem, and probably the kid went along with it. But there are too many variables to accurately comment on it.

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Posted in: New train carriages introduced on Tokyo’s Saikyo Line See in context

How did the boy ride on the train from Kasukabe? The writer needs an urgent lesson in Geography.

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Posted in: Teacher tapes up mouth of girl, 7, to stop her spreading germs See in context

My daughter is always forgetting to take items to school and it is frustrating. What the teacher did was wrong but nothing that great to cause such a commotion. Even the parents weren't that concerned. On a further note to the commentators, this is Japan and the students are taught to take responsibility for many things within the school that other students in foreign countries take for granted. Serving of food, cleaning , helping each other. I have taught in schools in NZ , the UK , China and Japan and I have to admire the participation of students in school life here. There are some things that Japan can teach us.

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Posted in: Suspect in stabbing of children seen at school one month ago See in context

It's interesting all of the commentators that were making snide comments about the perp being from Saitama Ken, And how that reflects on Saitama as a whole, don't have the decency to retract or apologise for their stupid and ignorant comments. I suggest waiting for the facts to be released before vocalising your thoughts.

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Posted in: Historic win See in context

Being a Kiwi, it's always the All Blacks, but one big congratulations to the Japanese Team. Can't wait until the All Blacks come in November.

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Posted in: Have you ever hit your child, no matter how lightly, as a means of discipline? See in context

Yes, I have. But only when they have completely ignored the rules set down, and they knew they were misbehaving. But this is very rare, as just a simple warning of what may happen, is enough to snap them back onto the correct path. My kids knew exactly how to behave. Even on public transport and in restaurants ,they were ok, and knew how to respect other people.

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Posted in: Man attacks elderly woman in wheelchair See in context

So it's not just Saitama ken that has these problems. As I said , if you trawl the statistics .......

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