zenkan comments

couldn't agree more with sf2k. We are constantly bombarded by pleas to "save the earth" and "separate garbage" and "conserve energy". The plundering spirit is alive and kicking.

The band is described as a rock band here, not punk. It's hard to comment, not knowing the lyrics concerned - the title is revolting enough. The fact that they sent the song with translation of the lyrics just proves it is a political move.

Tragic.

On the one hand, the police probably didn't expect a suicide attempt from someone over this - it does, however, bring into question (yet AGAIN) the methods and rules of engagement between police and perps. The police are simply out of touch with reality, allowing suspects to run away and being unable to efficiently restrain the suspects they DO catch.

This article should run alongside one about young people's aspirations for marrige, or the thinly veiled government promotion of "pop out a babby for Japan" campaign - just for balance, of course...

@Theinterstat - "300 young bowing machines..." Priceless! I love that. Seriously, JT should organize its own survey. I suggest "Top ten woefully tedious surveys".

It all comes down to mass consumption versus environmental conscience. Europe has tried, with varying degrees of success, to implement consumer awareness campaigns to highlight the origins and availability of food sources. Buying local produce and considering carbon footprints are now part of consumer psyche for some, but this is still offset by budget shopping in lower income brackets. Still, Japan must make a concerted effort to increase awareness in consumers and not simply fall back on 'traditional values' as an excuse to bolster government subsidised farming and fishing.

OK press people, let's get back to basics. This piece is supposed to be about a "scathing attack". This turns out to be "If there is a collision, it is all Japan's fault." The rest of the 'report' is the usual cut and paste standard of introduction (repeating the title) and reminding everyone of which islands are in dispute (as if we didn't know). No wonder the comments go round in circles. We can't even comment on what was said because it isn't shown in full.

Of course, glad no one was hurt, but 6 hours waiting for alternative transport - brrr and grrr!

By quoting Thatcher in this way it can only be hoped that Abe is ready to face the consequences.

Ah, the "taboo lesson". Quite nostalgic for me. I used to teach adult classes, often for students who would be transferring abroad. The lesson about gestures and customs was always an eye-opener and quite fun. In most cases people are tolerant of social faux pas. Being respectful of the places we visit and the people who visit us is most important.

vigilante - member of self-appointed group maintaining order... Just saying...

If history classes (or, indeed, any classes) are to work, an education system must encourage wide research and understanding, together with humility and self-reflection. Well, I'm just saying...

Society is failing somewhere, judging by reports like these and the reaction to them. It is failing those who feel the need to pay for sex, those who feel the need to sell sex and those who condone or make light of the situation.

You don't need a powdered wig, a gown and a gavel. When you blatantly misconstrue dictionary definitions of words such as pirate and terrorist, and overthrow the decision made by your peers based on these fallacious conclusions with the help of your toadying cronies, you are, without doubt, Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, no matter how feeble-minded you may be...

It is noticeable that once people start talking about boycotts, it is the boycotts which become the centre of attention. The root of the problem is pushed aside, and people focus on the effects of boycotting rather than further discussion of the root cause.

Pets as accessories spawn cases like this. Those who don't care about animal welfare just try to make a fast buck. Animal shelters should inform the public more about rescue pets. Most of all, people should be reminded of the responsibility of introducing pets into their lives.

In general, people on public transport are well-mannered. I do, however, agree that the degree of giving up seats and respect for fellow travellers is vastly overrated, certainly compared to the UK. As for understanding character traits: pah!. People read, text, listen or watch, just like in any other situation. As for the use of phones - I also don't understand the "rules", and find it disconcerting when someone is having a one-sided conversation. However, it isn't really so different to talking to the person next to you. A bus driver once scolded me for answering my phone, and I was the only passenger! (Hey Stew!)

@WilliB Fair enough. Just don't recall. Not filtering, either.

For balance, let's have a "report" about a man in the porn industry and more women featured in "Executive Advantage". I wonder how many comments there would be then?? (Currently c.45 on this report)

@afanofjapan Well said. At home I almost always sit. Having to stoop to wipe the floor or the seat in a confined space is a pain as well as dizzying. Being able to pee standing up is fine against a wall in a public toilet or the countryside/wilderness - for women, the she-wee is an option. I'm surprised none of you have extolled its virtues. If men insist on standing in a domestic toilet (with a seat and everything) then they should certainly be prepared to clean it when necessary.

I used to see a lot more fortune tellers on the streets of Nagoya - come rain or hail - but they don't seem as noticeable of late.

The roof of a parking lot, not a car. Still, hopefully he'll be ok.

@megosaa The problem is not about food safety, rather the false labelling of products. The EU is strict about labelling and listing the contents of products.

@megosaa The problem is not about food safety, but about false labelling. The EU is very strict about labelling food, and listing the ingredients.

It might be interesting to see which artists are on the list, but the top 5 are hardly a surprise. I wonder how the survey questions were asked. A lot of people have heard of the top 5, but how many regularly listen to them? Also, it would be interesting to know the demographics relating to the results.

Hope to see it as soon as possible.

The ritualisation of relationships through dating, Valentine's, marriage and the like has skewed the way people treat each other and reinforced gender distinction. Get to know each other! Talk! Forget the dress codes and trinket rules! Relax! Listen to what people say, and look beyond the gloss.

In general, top notch in my opinion. Compared to the UK service, skill and cost are streets ahead. I go to QB now - what a boon! And they hoover your head. What's not to like?

My main complaint against women (and men, in this article) is that they subscribe to gender-specific opinions and discrimination as fuelled by this "survey". Let's discuss the battle of the sexes - it'll keep the populace busy while the country goes to the dogs!