Vinke comments

Posted in: Finland's leaders call for NATO membership 'without delay' See in context

Hi Rodney.

Are you Finnish or Swedish? Are you in Finland or Sweden? Are you actively reading Finnish or Swedish newspapers and following their media, in Finnish or Swedish? Are you yourself taking part in the polls? Or are you perhaps a fortune teller or a psychic?

If the answer is ‘no’ to any of these questions, then please stop talking like you’d represent us Finns or the Swedes.

The majority of us want to join NATO, asap - so get over it. The main complaint amongst the citizens is that the process is actually taking too long.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Posted in: Finnish PM says joining NATO will strengthen security See in context

Rodney

A democratic country that won’t allow a referendum from its citizens.

Unnecessary at this time - it would just delay the process. The quicker we join, the better. The polls clearly show the decision to join Nato is supported by the citizens. The most recent poll showed 73% support.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: Finnish PM says joining NATO will strengthen security See in context

Yeh, hi, a Finn here.

The neutral relationship between Finland and Russia before was a balancing act, and largely based on at least some kind of mutual trust. After some extremely brash comments from Russia during the last couple of years - clearly sending the message that Russia somehow thinks it has any say in what other sovereign countries do - and then this completely uncalled for, brutal, vicious attack against Ukraine - that trust, even the small bits of it, has completely, totally gone.

At this moment, joining Nato is the right thing to do for us. We have a very strong, extremely functional army of our own, but Nato will provide some extra security for us and for the rest of Europe. 

Overall, Russia has no business whatsoever telling other countries what they should or shouldn't do, and even if some countries do "unpleasant acts" in their opinion, it does not justify Russia's brutal, violent actions. There is no justification for the attack on Ukraine. None. Finland joining Nato is also a clear message and a firm stance against behaviour and thought-patterns like this.

Personally, I had dreams and plans of visiting Russia in the future and get to know the country’s culture, people and history better. After February 24th, I don’t even want to look their way - at least not until the slaughterer and his puppets are long gone. 

@Mr Kipling

Finland get all of it's gas from Russia. 100% ...

It may need to look for an alternative supply. I hear it gets cold in winter.”

@Seth M

“It seems people of Finland will have to stock up firewood for the next winter. I heard the winter is pretty harsh over there.”

Gas forms only around 5% of the total energy consumption in Finland. So I don’t think this is such a big issue. You’re also welcome to Finland to learn about “snowhow” and how to build proper houses that stand against the cold winters: e.g. triple-glazed windows and proper insulation in between the walls. In every single house. There are also approximately 3 million saunas (not heated with gas, btw) - in Finland (with a population of 5.5 million), so don’t worry. We can keep ourselves warm. We've done it before modern times, and we'll do that now.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Posted in: What do you do in your day-to-day life to conserve energy and protect the environment? See in context

@JeffLee

I'd love to do more, but the cup dispensers in my combini's coffee machines only accept disposable cups with plastic lids and won't accept my reusable metal thermos. The stir sticks are plastic and are each individually wrapped in plastic. There is no water station: instead, I am forced to acquire a new and unwanted pet bottle every time I want a drink of water outside of home.

My combini is just one of a hundred examples. It's not up to us regular folks -- it's up to corporations. But they are refusing to cooperate. In the meantime, I cycle, cycle, cycle.

Why don't you make your own coffee at home, and fill the thermos to bring with you? Drink whenever you feel like it. Same goes for the water. You could just fill your own bottle? The mymizu app tells you locations where you can fill your water bottle for free. Also, have you brought up these issues with the konbini in question?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: What do you do in your day-to-day life to conserve energy and protect the environment? See in context

Cycle/ walk to as many places as I can. When I can't, I don't drive, but use public transport instead.

Always use my own bags, so never buy/accept plastic bags from stores.

Refuse chopsticks/spoons from konbinis.

I don't eat red meat. I am mostly vegetarian/pescaterian. Could do better with this, but Japan is still a very challenging place for vegans/vegetarians.

My clothes are 90% second hand or quality items that last for years. Even if I buy some high street stuff (like Uniqlo), I consider what I buy, and wear those for years as well. ( pay attention to the materials people, when buying new things! E.g., never buy acrylic sweaters, always check the seams etc.)

Wear layers and wool socks when it starts to get cold, in order to avoid using the heater until it's an absolute must.

Wash only full loads of clothes.

Recycle and donate. Never just throw away stuff that could be mended or used by someone else.

(Also, no kids or pets here.)

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Posted in: 6 injured as typhoon traverses central and eastern Japan See in context

Hiro

Why anyone would ride a bicycle during a typhoon is beyond me. But i hope they recovered and everyone stay safe.

fish10

I was thinking exactly the same thing. But some people think those mamacharis make them invencible.

purple_depressed_bacon

Why would someone go out during a typhoon let alone go out on a bicycle?!! Surely, concessions can be made for work or whatnot. It's not worth risking your life for.

A small eternity ago, when I was in Japan for the first time ever, I actually went out to cycle whenever there was a typhoon. Since there are no typhoons/hurricanes where I'm from, I didn't understand how dangerous they can be. I just really enjoyed the wind and the buckets of warm water pouring over me - it was exhilarating. I'd cycle on the empty streets and just feel the wind and the rain. I've come to understand the different perils that come with typhoons since then (and grown up to be a relatively different person anyways), and wouldn't do the same anymore. I still get a kick out of the (more milder) winds, rain and the scent though, and enjoy it up to a certain point on my balcony.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Posted in: Revlon CEO discusses pandemic beauty habits, staying nimble See in context

As Revlon is far from cruelty free I won't touch this brand with a stick. Recommend the same for everyone.

https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/brands/revlon/

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Posted in: What did you think of the Tokyo Paralympic opening ceremony? See in context

Liked it. The overall mood of it was positive, lovely.

I just wish they'd have the drones show up again, and also, that the little airplane-girl would've really been lifted to the air.

If you watched the whole thing and listened to the commentary, you'd know the idea/reason (including several, not just one, torches lighting up the fire) for all the parts of the show. Everything was well thought-of, I think.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Posted in: Despite its reputation as a superfood, natto has failed to gain popularity outside of Japan. It has, however, attracted enough attention to end up in the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö, Sweden. Have you tried natto? Do you like it? See in context

It's the smell and the texture that make it completely inedible for me. It's not that pretty to look at, either.

I reckon food should be enjoyable by all of the senses.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Posted in: Many people are not getting married because they are worried about their economic future. See in context

I'm not sure how getting married would affect anyones economy in a drastic way, except maybe positively: splitting the rent and other bills, for example. I DO understand though how it can hinder you from having wedding parties and ceremonies, as well as making babies. I'm in the same boat. Married, but haven't had the funds to pay for a wedding party. I also feel it would be irresponsible to make babies without complete economic security - thus, I don't have any kids. Although - personally a bigger reason for no babies is the uncertain future of this globe / climate change.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: If you have or had a Japanese spouse, how would you describe your relationship with your Japanese in-laws? How has it changed over the years since you got married? See in context

They are extremely sweet and have been very loving and caring towards me from the very first moment I met them years ago. There was a time though, when we lived closer to them, when my MIL would suddenly just drop by for a visit. That was a bit troublesome (I detest surprise visitors and it's not a habit where I come from - I reckon you should always call & check in advance if it's a good time to visit). My spouse spoke with her though and she understood our point of view without any issues. Haven't had any problems since. I have even been able to confide to my MIL about some issues, and she's been very supportive.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: Japanese media reports have estimated up to 40% of bars and restaurants in some parts of Tokyo are flouting anti-virus measures that restrict them from selling alcohol and require them to close by 8 p.m. What do you think of this? See in context

Well, I think in reality the number is closer to 80% rather than 40%. The number of restaurants they observed was just a few hundred, after all. And this has been the case for over a year now, at least in Tokyo.

Monty

I agree with these bars and restaurants.

Closing them at 8pm and no serving alcohol is the biggest nonsens I ever heard, especially when coffee shop are open, companies force their employees to come to the offices, Olympics and other sport events are held, Disney is still open and so on...

What is the different between a bar and a coffee shop, if groups of young women packed the coffee shops from morning to evening, laughing and giggling during telling their Love Stories to each other?

For once, Monty, I can agree with you.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: Concerns mount over possible collapse of Japan's medical system See in context

Marcelito, it’s not about the salarymen, it’s about the partying&shopping youths. Majority of the current covid cases are in their 20’s and 30’s, and I see flocks of carefree young ones literally everywhere here in Tokyo (on my solo walks/during commute). It’s almost always groups of people, and way too often there either are no masks or the masks are on the chin, especially while they slurp their SB frappucinos and take selfies. Unis and schools are currently on holidays: and without any real restrictions it shows also in the covid stats.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Posted in: Typhoon Lupit weakens to extratropical cyclone over western Japan See in context

Xulux - I agree, but better brace yourself for tomorrow though. At least for Tokyo the forecast says +37c in shadow.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: French boxer sits on ring apron in protest after DQ loss See in context

N.M, I didn’t say he did. Some other teams have. His behaviour is a separate issue. Just saying athletes who don’t know how to behave have overstayed their welcome.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: French boxer sits on ring apron in protest after DQ loss See in context

No matter what’s the correct result this is simply childish, non-athletic behaviour. Him, like some teams (e.g. Argentina) breaking the playbook rules in the village and at the venues, really should be named&shamed and kicked out from the competition and the country. Not fair to other rule-abiding teams nor the local staff.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Officials in Tokyo alarmed at lack of sense of crisis as virus cases hit record highs See in context

So many of you are speaking like the Japanese nationals would be naive children, or somehow otherwise incapable of making their own decisions, and acting on their own, just waiting for instructions. We are speaking of adults however, and despite the serious situation, the people are in the shopping malls, the restaurants, the gatherings. More and more people are without their masks. The lack of self-restraint, responsibility for ones own actions & critical thinking is imo frankly rather appalling. Where I’m from, most people avoided crowds & gatherings even without orders from the government. You can be responsible even without orders or laws.

Yes, the government has done miserably. But if your boss is awful at his job, does it mean you can do your job badly as well? I think in that situation you should actually try to be even better.

-13 ( +6 / -19 )

Posted in: Tokyo Olympics see 16 more COVID-19 cases, bringing total to 148 See in context

BlackFlagCitizen -

Majority of them have stayed in the country for weeks already, some of them live in Japan. They have every right to move where they want. The ones who would still be under their quarantine (although they’ve probably all finished them by now) are closely monitored, and have e.g. no permission to even get out of the cars during their commute from previously stated place A and B.

There’s already enough xenophobia spreading around in Japan, I’d wish fellow foreigners wouldn’t further fuel it with baseless claims.

-10 ( +5 / -15 )

Posted in: Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony begins See in context

For once, I agree with the moderator (and Kentarogaijin).

So far I’ve loved the ceremony - stellar job, especially with the dancing carpenters. Some happiness in the middle of these dark times.

-18 ( +7 / -25 )

Posted in: Tokyo Olympics to open under unprecedented conditions See in context

Superhero, so did you approach them and ask who they are, and how long they’ve been in the country?

You know there are thousands of foreigners living, working & studying in Japan, and uni&school holidays have just started. And if they were Olympics affiliated media personnel, they are free to roam around just like you and me, after their quarantine. You think they’re gonna stay in their hotels, when the majority of the local folks are showing them the example of how not to care about covid?

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Posted in: We've recently been seeing an increase in the number of environmentally aware young customers. See in context

Sven Asai

That’s a niche only a very few richer people can afford all the time, what would be necessary to bring a substantial change. Buying there four times a year or going twice a year to organic cooking restaurants is maybe very nice and healthy, but is surely more for show because most people can’t afford such a lifestyle at all.

That's simply not true. If you only shop at Bio c' Bon, then yes, perhaps, as their products tend to be a bit pricey. But you can eat environmentally friendly food at a normal budget. One step in becoming environmentally friendlier is to eat at least less meat, if you feel you can't ditch it completely. Quite often the environmentally friendly/vegetarian/vegan diet can be also be a lot cheaper than the carnivore diet.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: To close the gender gap, it is essential to improve the working environment on the set. There is harassment, working hours are long, and sleep time is reduced. Even if we train young women, they can't stand it and leave. See in context

enolagay

It’s got nothing to do with women’s rights or working hours, it’s japanese culture. Change that, and the problems will disappear

Nope, it's simply toxic culture. If people are leaving as they can't stand the practices at the workplace, then the workplace really needs to change its way of thinking and working.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Tokyo reports 1,387 new coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 3,758 See in context

rowiko68

Let's see whether we can hit the 2,000 mark to coincide with the Opening Ceremony... Seems likely by the looks of it...

2021 cases, perhaps?

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Posted in: Olympic Village safe place to stay, Games organizers insist See in context

tamanegi

@Vinke @Tokyoite

Please do not spread disinformation. Not all athletes are vaccinated.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2021/07/19/did-olympic-athletes-need-to-be-vaccinated-no---and-now-more-are-testing-positive-for-covid-19/

Err, where did I say anything about all athletes being vaccinated?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Olympic Village safe place to stay, Games organizers insist See in context

Some dude

"All of you bashing the games and the village - what, in real & actual practical terms, are you doing every day to try and stop the virus and to protect yourself and the others?"

I intend to get vaccinated as soon as the government gets its act together, I wear a mask every time I go out, I avoid the busy train lines as much as humanly possible, I don’t go out drinking at night, and I’m teleworking every day.

You?

Great! Same here. Mask every time I step outside of the door - even if its to take out the trash, or go for a walk. I have received 1/2 of the vaccination, and will get the second dose a couple of weeks later. I don't go anywhere by train/subway, if possible, but walk or cycle. I order much of the things I need online, and when I need to go to the supermarket, I go there outside of the busy hours - avoiding weekends especially. I haven't really met anyone (=friends, acquaintances) F2F aside from my spouse for the past 2 years. I don't go to restaurants, izakayas (even though I absolutely love them), cafés, movie theatres etc. I also telework (though - this is not possible for everyone, and am really grateful I have this opportunity). I use a hand sanitizer every time I see one - just to also "inspire" others around me. There have been countless times when, after I've used one, e.g. at the entrance to a supermarket - others around me have stopped, "realised its existence" and also used it.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: Olympic Village safe place to stay, Games organizers insist See in context

Tokyoite

Everyone in the village is vaccinated and tested daily. I'd say the Olympic village is a lot safer than the Yamanote Line train at 08:15 this morning.

What do you think the test results would be if we tested everyone in Tokyo this morning?

THIS. Exactly this. I'm so tired of this lynch mob mentality of everyone, just bashing down on everything that just has the word 'Olympics' attached to it, and people not really rationally thinking things through, and, looking themselves at the mirror. Of course some cases are appearing from the village, since they're testing so vigorously. Just imagine the cases that would emerge if they tested the regular offices of the regular Taro & Keiko ever so often!

I'm extremely happy that some people I know (some with pre-existing conditions) are working exactly at the village, and don't have to take any crowded trains to crowded regular offices in Tokyo. The village really IS much safer than anywhere else in Tokyo. Regular tests, regular screenings, monitoring of movements, hand sanitizers at every corner, staggered mealtimes, etc. Security screening at the entrance. Their own clinic, their own testing station, and so on, and so on.

All of you bashing the games and the village - what, in real & actual practical terms, are you doing every day to try and stop the virus and to protect yourself and the others? Now think of that and compare it to what they're doing at the village. Seen any friends at any cafes or bars recently? Been to a mall to do some shopping? Been at a face to face meeting with anyone? Been in a rush-hour train? If so, then you have no right to complain about the village, as you are the one risking others and yourself.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Posted in: 1st case of COVID-19 detected in Tokyo Olympic Village See in context

...just imagine all the cases they would find, if they tested the regular office workers in Japan at the same efficiency and rate they test everyone at the Athlete's Village.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: What are some of your favorite foods or snacks for coping with Japan's summer heat? See in context

Sōmen, hiyashi chuka, fruit smoothies. And lots and lots of cold water.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Daily tests, cardboard beds: 24 hours at Tokyo's Olympic Village See in context

JimT

Saw many of foreigners roaming around freely near Toyosu today! They were definitely the team officials from the Tokyo Olympics. I thought they weren’t allowed to leave the Olympics village! So much for having the rule book for a safe Olympics!

Hundreds, if not thousands, of foreigners who live in Japan have been working as officials for the games for years already. Since the action is about to happen, and their preparation offices are closing, they're just gathering more actively near the key venues, like the Olympic village and Tokyo Big Sight (=media) .

Again, as they live in Japan, they do not need to stay in the village bubble. (It is, however a good point, whether they should?)

I'm also a foreigner, and often roaming near Toyosu. Not an official for the games though. How do you tell the difference?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Posted in: Daily tests, cardboard beds: 24 hours at Tokyo's Olympic Village See in context

didou

Who will check if they abide the rules ? Big Brother ?

But I am quite sure athletes themselves will be careful as they do not want to be positive and have to withdraw from their competition

They have officials and police officers present at the village at all times. There's also a police station right outside of the village.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

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