vanityofvanities comments

To bring peace in the world, let the world divide into three groups each under strong leaders. Leader of the western democratic world will be Trump, Islamic world and Russia under Putin and China and Africa under Xi. Strong power is necessary to hold down endless strifes. If problems happen, three powerful kingpins gather and discuss solutions. In Arab world, they do not have a fixer and fighting each other. U.S. do not get involved in their troubles.

Why so many Canadians are on board?

About "Omotenashi." Yes, it is very comfortable when we visit shops and sales ladies welcome us in all smiles. But it is business smiles trained to do so. They are not always so nice and polite. I know how ladies behave to men to whom they do not feel "affection" or not profiting them. They are callous!

I do not understand why people come to Japan from other Asian countires. I wish I could understand their languages and talk with them. Nihon Keizai Shinbun reported the other day that Japan became poor and prices are low. They can buy things cheaper in Japan than they buy in their countries. "Sad."

I have my website introducing festivals of Tokyo which I began after my retirement. It was more than 10 years ago and it is written in English. But, the time changed and visitors are a lot more from other Asian countries and they do not understand English very much. It is not very helpful for them. They became rich and many come to travel Japan. It is good. They became rich as a result of globalized economy. They are well dressed and have new expensive mirrorless cameras while I take around my old camera I purchased 15 years ago.

Upright people! You do not have any worry about Japan's Judicial System. They do not come to you. Ghosn is not an American yet the criticisms expressed here may include many Americans opinions too. I am getting a shock that Americans have ill feelings to us. They are insulting us Japan outdated, unfair, inhumane corrupt etc. etc. Japanese government and people have good feelings to U.S. and we have thought we are good friends but they may not be thinking so. Prejudices to asians and their superior feelings prevalent among them.

Problems of Japan's Justice System is one thing and wrongdoings of Ghosn is another thing.

One thing I feel strange is that so many people here are on the side of Ghosn while you must be living on small salaries, I presume with your permision. Ghosn earned hundred times more than a Japanese company president could earn. So long as there are people who think Ghosn a hero, capitalism is safe.

Ghosn received his high education in France - a country that produced Rousseau and Montesquieu. Japan's Justice System has a lot more to learn from the west in regard to human rights. However, I wish crimes in Japan will not increase by that. It was the Japanese government which opposed Nissan taken over by Renault. I am glad it did not happen. Ghosn is a victim in that sense.

It was oil involved in the trouble before. But the problem at the bottom is Israel's location in the middle east. Cannot the United States accept Israel at shomewhere in their country?

How would this affect the presidential race? So far, the democrats that were so aggressive in accusing Trump are strangely quiet.

I do not hear Japanese people complain about their Justice Systems while a lot of critical opinions by foreigners here. Why?

All of you are blind and attacking a wrong target unnoticing the true target. It is Abe who did not want Nissan absorbed by Renault.

He lost his 1.5 billion yen bail money.

Japanese sources say Ghosn used a private jet. I guess Japanese side knew and overlooked his exodus. Trials take a lot of time in Japan. It is a big waste for Ghosn for his life. I am glad for Ghosn he returned to Lebanon.

Please explain why the Jewish people are descriminated in America and in the west. For Japanese, they look more or less the same with other caucasians. They contributed a lot in science and classical music. Many jewish people are working in banks and journalism in America.

Americans are not fans of mochi saying it is like a rubber. Is not chewing gum the same?

I do not think other convenient chains will contract with him. They think he is a trouble maker and they fear he will move to set up unions.

7-11 stores are useful for truck drivers who are driving day and night. They can take a break and can use a toilet. However, the business model is a kind of a scheme. It is made the parent company never lose money. For example, konbiki bento that they could not sell within the day must be paid by the store owners.

7-11 in America is now owned by 7-11 Japan, I think. Do they operate the shops 24 hours a day?

It is OK they do protest. It is a proof that Japan is a democratic country. However, I want they also show alternative plans Japan to survive. Otherwise, Japan will be criticized we are on a free lunch and riding free leaving the dangerous jobs to others.

What do Americans or the westerners do? Do they visit their parents in Christmas days? Or is this an oriental tradition?

I wonder who is the tipper. It appears the police has been investigating the case time before.

Bad people throng around the bad businesses.

Koreans are strange people they damages the present rewinding the time. Let the bygone be bygone.

Privatization of Japan Post was a mistake. Particularly with insurance and post office savings. Before, people had a strong confidence in the governmental organization and deposited their money in the organization and Japan Post rewarded people fairly and conscientiously while the government could use the long term deposit as sources of their revenues and could finance the public works such as buildings bridges etc.

Octopus is one of the must item of new year dishes in Japan. For the fishermen, it should have been the best season of the year and ignored the regulations, I guess. By the way I heard before, Americans do not eat octopus. They think they are "monsters" of the sea.

English proficiency is most needed for Japanese politicians. I wish they could read English newspapers and understand English broadcastings.

We are behind China and Korea and may be a little above Muslim world. So, it is not necessarily the influences of feudal Confucianism. We may have some other reasons. Yet, it is changing a lot. Many Japanese ladies are working today since they cannot afford without the income of wives.

I recommend tourists take left side seats of the train. You can enjoy fine view of ocean.