Japan Today

zteano comments

Posted in: New stadium to open three months before Olympics See in context

Well Zaha's office did graciously point out without actually blaming the government of bid-rigging. When JOC had a meeting with the constructor absent of Zaha's crew to come up with the bid price, it's quite obvious what went on. They agreed to blame it on her design and had a campaign using the media with the so-called experts explaining how complicated it is to build those two arches. Zaha's office debunked it by explaining it is no more complicated than to build a bridge. Nothing is going to change though, and as Zaha's office did suggest, I believe it will end up costing the tax-payer more blaming it on 'time restriction' this time around.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Japan's dated, smoky cafes unfazed by Starbucks success See in context

Interesting how Mr. Sekiguchi claims his coffee to be one of the best when he smokes piped tobacco that probably kills the good coffee aroma. Or is he claiming that his coffee taste only good if you smoke?

My go to coffee in the States used be at golden arches or dunkin donuts. Now I'm into cold brew coffee which is just amazing if you make sure you use good water. But then almost all coffee will taste good if you don't use tapped water.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Posted in: Japan overwhelmingly favors CDs to digital music See in context

There's that mentality of 'collecting' in Japan. Just like collecting mangas, figures, cards, etc.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Posted in: Vending machine dispenses cans with 5 yen coins taped to them See in context

And 5 yen in Japan is considered a good luck charm. It used to be 70 yen when I first started drinking that peach nectar and have been one of my favorite drink since. If you like peach and haven't tried it yet, you should.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Posted in: Volcano erupts in central Japan; 7 unconscious, 250 stranded See in context

Let's be clear that prediction may or may not happen. If a Volcanologists make a forecast on an eruption, it is basically a 'guess' based on the past data. These forecast is to protect the people and should not be criticized if it does not predict correctly. But if it fails to give out warnings, especially after discovering an increase in volcanic earthquake (52 - 85) since the 10th of this month, it should be pounded for not doing it's job.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: Why does Japan have so many overhead power lines? See in context

@senseiman so true, those nicely planted trees being brutally cut around the pole lines are sometimes just plain awful. Otherwise, it doesn't bother me that much anymore being living here for quite some time. Actually the number of the poles have decreased compared to the time when they still used hardened logs. And they do become a marker for the confusing address and a place to post for those lost pets.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: 'Spirit' fades for famed animation studio after Miyazaki signs off See in context

I grew up watching his work on TV starting with "Lupin the Third" and his 'Lupin' is still my favorite compared to others. I even consider "The Castle of Cagliostro" to be one of his best movie along side "Nausica of the Wind Valley" both done before Studio Ghibli was built. And for those that grew up watching "Girl of the Alps: Heidi", "3000 Leagues in Search of Mother", "Rascal the Raccoon" and "Future Boy Conan" on TV as I did, it's quite clear if he's not at the helm of the work released by Studio Ghibli. So for me, Miyazaki is Miyazaki..

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Posted in: Japanese fans already lining up for Sept 19 release of iPhone6 See in context

So Apple doesn't have an app for this?!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Growing restrictions make for frustrated park users See in context

Some of the culture are being lost as well. Like the 'kamishibai' (paper drama) when local parks used to fill up with children on Sundays (ages ago). And the local 'bon maturi' which used to run 'til late at night blasting their music and drums are being restricted due to 'outsiders' moving in the neighborhood not being able to tolerate several hours out of the two days in a year with the local 'fuushuu' (custom).

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Posted in: Man arrested for taking 'normal' picture of woman on train See in context

From what I read here, it seems like some of the photographers in 'photo of the day' could be arrested as well. If the lady felt uncomfortable and had the determination to report it to have him arrested, she could have taken the other route of asking him to stop and remove the picture as well.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Posted in: Special English zones proposed as part of Cool Japan tourism initiative See in context

I just don't get how a made-up zone speaking English helps tourist to understand and broaden the knowledge of Japanese culture while eliminating what I consider is the core of the culture, Japanese language.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: Court orders TEPCO to pay Y49 mil over Fukushima evacuee's suicide See in context

What sickens me is that his son was harassed by his co-workers to a point where he had to quit his job. These victims are definitely losing support by the day which don't help them going into depression.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Posted in: NRA to study ways to deal with volcanic eruptions near nuclear reactors See in context

So this is just another PR stunt to gain confidence from the people to restart the power plants as they have been criticized for neglecting the possibility of volcanic eruption, since the obvious best way to deal with eruption is to not restart.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: 3 Japanese students killed, 5 injured in California car crash See in context

There's always an option to travel in the States. It just require a little more planning as it isn't frequent. And if there's no public transportation, there's always an option to call a cab which if you travel in numbers will be cheaper splitting the fare. These planning and travelling in groups could be fun and a good experience too. I just don't understand why they chose to be in discomfort cramming themselves as if they were in a rush hour train ride in Tokyo; it certainly isn't fun.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Japanese people reflect on examples of excess customer service See in context

Some service in Japan are certainly overdone and can turn out to be rude/annoying at times. I am the type that appreciates services that I won't notice, being able to focus only on what I'm there for and getting assistance whenever without having to look for one.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: Sasebo girl says she wanted to see what it was like to kill someone See in context

For those wondering why she got away with things she did in school. Probably because her father, a lawyer, is the PTA chairman of her high school. Also her mother was board of education member and her grandfather operating the local newspaper.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Posted in: 11 dead, 2 missing in weekend water-related accidents See in context

It usually is as with almost all things 'panicking' that tends to make things turn in the wrong direction. But it is also something that just don't come easy even with training. I believe 'uitemate' basically means don't panic.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: Deer hunter shot and killed by fellow hunter See in context

There's too many of these trigger happy hunters in Japan. I've witnessed hunters shooting down whatever was flying while they were supposedly quail/pheasant hunting, shooting down couple crows instead. Besides, deer hunting in the middle of summer?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Missing Okayama girl found unharmed; 49-year-old man arrested See in context

Kudos to the mother that was well aware... unfortunately the police didn't seem to follow up until after the fact.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Posted in: Monster in the park See in context

An icon created to remind the horror of nuclear terror...

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: Int'l probe demanded after Malaysian airliner shot down over Ukraine See in context

Second plane after the MH370 incident, you would think Malaysian Air would be more cautious of the route it takes. Condolences to the family of flight MH17.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Posted in: Breaking the rules See in context

Maybe this area used to be designated smoking area that just got changed recently. The one at my nearby station got eliminated but many still smoke there while throwing the butts on the ground since there's no more ashtray.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Posted in: Why do Japanese cleaning crews bow at trains? See in context

I'm sure the idea is to pay respect to it's work place (as those at the department store bows before entering and exiting the staff area). But it is also done to build up a good image for the customer that the worker have pride (hokori) in their work, which makes them to believe the workers are doing their best.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: Universal Studios Japan in Osaka See in context

Well, the Jaws attraction did last 20 years at Universal Studios Orlando before being replaced by Harry Potter, so I don't think an attraction with a 'wizardry' theme will have a problem lasting decades.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Posted in: M6.8 quake hits Japan, triggering small tsunami See in context

I've read an article where the victim of a tornado in Alabama ignored the warning thinking it's just another false alarm. It's like 'the boy who cried wolf', it's quite natural to dismiss a warning when it becomes frequent false alarm; I hope people stay alert every time... never know when a real disaster hits.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: Man drives car into hospital entrance, injuring woman See in context

@Dennis probably because once they're in 'panic mode', they try to step quickly and the acceleration is positioned at a more natural position to step on; not necessary due to age.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Grapes fetch record Y550,000 a bunch See in context

@smithinjapan it's like that fake labeling by the hotels and department stores that were being warned; people paying up just because but really can't tell the difference.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Posted in: Woman dies after being forced to drink water during exorcism See in context

Waterboarding came to mind as I read this.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Posted in: An ode to Japan’s musical trucks and the wondrous things they sell See in context

One I don't see or hear anymore is the 'chirigami-koukan' asking for old newspapers, magazines, linens, and cardboxes in return for couple rolls of toilet paper. Back then, the driver used to announce it live... "maidou onajimino chirigami koukansha de gozaimasu, furu shinbun, furu zasshi, boro kire, danbouru ga gozaimashitara..." once they started using recording they started to disappear.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: The boys from Brazil See in context

virgo98JUN. 28, 2014 - 11:00AM JST Japanese media is not criticizing their attitude at the airport

And why would the media stop putting a 'iiwake' for these boys after all the hype they put on them... I certainly wouldn't call those that throw a bag on their shoulder, stick a hand in the pocket and walk through casually and claim them as punishing themselves. If they were, I would expect them to hang down their head and give a few bow as to acknowledge the fans that came all the way to greet them as couple of them have done; like you said, waving and smiling would've been criticized but totally ignoring is 'shiturei' too.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

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