Posted in: Akita bear attack warning poster may be too cute for its own good See in context
Not sure why so much personification in this land, especially in dangerous situations.
0 ( +4 / -4 )
Posted in: Whale of a time See in context
It would have been wise for Japan Today not to use such an image, as it was evident that it would cause a significant number of negative comments. All cultures have strong views about many different things, and whales are especially one of them.
North America
SeaWorld holds more orcas than any other marine park. Tilikum, whose story was told in the movie BLACKFISH, was held at SeaWorld Orlando, Florida.
Japan
There are currently three Japanese facilities; Kamogawa, Nagoya and Kobe Suma SeaWorld (not yet open to the public) keeping a total of seven orcas. One of them was wild-caught.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: On the ball See in context
Core strength is meant to be gained from stability balls. Without core strength, back pain will result from a lack of back support. What a torture for some who already suffer.
0 ( +4 / -4 )
Posted in: Noise complaints on rise in Tokyo as stay-home campaign drags on See in context
And to think on top of all the noise problems we get the pay 'gift' money to renew our contract every two years to a real estate company that spends nothing on maintenance. Landlords in NZ are now forced by government policy to make sure their rentals are very comfortable, safe and sound. This apartment in Tokyo is like an ice box in winter and the tropical jungles of Borneo in the summer; we had to buy two air cons in order to keep from frying like eggs on an Aussie outback road.
Problems with noisy neighbors may come from the fact that people just do not seem to know how to communicate well with their neighbors here. Again, in NZ or Aussie (many other locations for sure) one normally just pops next door with a polite attitude and ask, please can you keep the noise level down a little and 99% of the time most people say "sure bro" while the other 1% have noise control (third party) deal with the problem. Most of the people I know in Tokyo don't even no the names of their next door neighbors, let alone are able to talk with them about issues.
It is extremely sad to read that someone gets killed over noise and high stress, a terrible way for a young guy to loss his life. Time to make a difference and it all begins with us taking the first steps in order to get alone with each other in a time of great stress. Take care people of Tokyo because it's a long road ahead...
2 ( +2 / -0 )
Posted in: Japanese customs: A guide in a coronavirus world? See in context
What's that "Japan's apparently robust practices of social hygiene". Apparently is a good word.
As a continuation to what has already be commented.
I see spit all over the streets here and have to walk as if through a minefield. I see people spitting directly into garbage bins instead of a tissue first and then into the bin (someone else has to go through those bins to sort the rubbish you know?) I have seen people peeing of train platforms, vomit all over stairs and beside bench seats. I have seen the shocking sight of someones poo splattered inside a urinal for the cleaner to try and clean without 'reversing' (throwing up). I have seen countless not wash their hands even after number two and then rub their nose.
As for flu reduction in Japan due to wearing masks during normal flu season. In 2019 "January 21 to 27, an average of 57.09 influenza patients per facility was reported among the roughly 5,000 designated medical facilities nationwide..."
It is a great idea to remove your shoes, yet I must remember to train my dog to to likewise because who knows where is tongue has been. Man that one shocks me much, people kissing their dogs in public, yuk!!
Be safe people, it's not about cultural differences, it's about a virus that cares not for our social demographics. Yes wash thee hands, yeh wear little cloth masks, and stay the 'distance' away from your follow food buyer. Man those supermarkets be busy now, nothing else to do I guess apart from buying some more coke. Again, please be safe.
6 ( +10 / -4 )
Posted in: Japan reports 3rd cruise ship passenger death; 57 more infected See in context
There is a TIME to prepare and there is a TIME when you 'cannot' prepare. If this gets out of control then freedom of movement will be put in place.
Just like in any other possible emergency one should always be aware of what to do and be prepared mentally handle such unforeseen situations. Disasters happen, yet the ones who are mentally prepared will not panic with the herd.
"Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has ordered a government task force to prepare for a potential surge in the number of people infected with the new coronavirus.
Abe told the task force on Sunday that the situation has entered a crucial phase after cases with unknown infection routes were reported in multiple regions of the country."
8 ( +8 / -0 )
Posted in: Japan issues coronavirus medical guidance as infections rise See in context
Some Japanese students going to live with host families in certain countries are being told that their assigned host family has cancelled their offer. That's really bad news. In another situation, hotels/motels (NZ) are asking for proof of ones travels within the last month and if you cannot prove your whereby you cannot stay.
I made a suggestion that the student wear their 'made in Japan' tee-shirt.
This situation that could have been prevented is getting out of control and 'may' ultimately affect us all one way or the other. Take good care people.
4 ( +6 / -2 )
Posted in: Nose-blowing and face masks provide deep insight into Japan’s social norms See in context
No one likes someone else snorting in their ears or seeing someone snort up a big one only to swallow the chunky bit down. Good to have noise canceling headphone.
Habits are formed and habits are hard to break. Yet worst habit I see here is snort spat all over the sidewalk/street or is that just Adachi-ku? Plus it's not everyone doing it just a handful that get into a habit of doing it and don't actually think about it.
Just like a group of mid-aged Japanese woman having a big 'LOUD' conversation on a crowded train. No wonder there be big mind your MANNER posters all over the stations telling young ones to keep the noise down and be respectful, Go figure?
5 ( +5 / -0 )
Posted in: Japan to introduce bill to ensure fair online business competition See in context
Price fixing is illegal in many other countries. When I share this with the locals they are most surprised to here how much I paid for this and that. The more we say about how the rest of the world actually lives the more freedom people here may be able to gain from being slaves to corporate juggernauts. Policies about work overtime has changed very quickly. Yet the protection of domestic financial interests may never change. Sorry Japan you may never be able to buy the latest mobile for $20 with a $5 SIM without hidden clauses. I must say all the comments here are all very true. And one final comment from me. Thank you Amazon, I could afford to buy this keyboard by which I can type this comment.
4 ( +6 / -2 )
Posted in: At least 11 more dead as heat wave continues to grip Japan See in context
"Why are so many elder people dying? Doesn’t anybody care for them?"
"Why not stay at home and turn on air condition for those old? The government should advise them to do concerned so many people died due to heatwave."
Good questions.
If you live in Tokyo you will notice old people tend to get ignored. I have seen a number of old people fall down and no one helps them up (apart from me and my Japanese is bad). Always find this situation a bit strange and very sad.
Another point people don't seem to realize is a lot of poorer citizens cannot afford air con. Tenants wear the cost here and not the landlords (shame on them considering they get all that gift money every two years).
This is a heatwave for sure. I have never before heard so many people say "it's so hot". That is a good indicator that we are going through a very hot heatwave. This is serious and people need good advice about how to take care of themselves and each other around them.
If you see someone in need then help them, don't just leave them to suffer.
8 ( +10 / -2 )
Posted in: Japan throws out 620,000 tons of food a year, while 3 mil kids don't have enough to eat See in context
"When a 20 ton shipment of bananas, for example, is found to be partially spoiled, the whole 20 tons gets destroyed."
commanteer Thank you for your information.
Not only is this a shocking example of stupidity at its greatest. It is equally shocking when one thinks about the labour that goes into picking 20 tons of bananas (I should say, share slavery) Banana pickers are paid very little for their very very hard work. Dragging 20 kgs + of bananas on a hot 40 degree + day is no easy job, paid next to nothing for your hard days work. Only to have the bananas destroyed. Crazy world sometimes.
Public awareness needs to jump up a notch or two. I didn't even think such a problem existed in Japan, to such a degree anyway. 620 thousand tons is so much waste and that is only what we are being told. Because we are never told the full story, are we?
I have added this story to my website and by doing so hope to increase public awareness. Eventually when enough people say "enough" to corporate giants they will have to listen (or am I only dreaming?)
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Sit and think See in context
Maybe he dropped 1 yen, bent down to pick it up and then thinking to himself "I might as well take the opportunity to get some shuteye". Clever guy.
-1 ( +0 / -1 )
Posted in: Man arrested after driving car into group gathered round motorbike See in context
Anti noise laws don't seem to be enforced in Japan. Back home you make a simple phone call and the police come down on these inconsiderate children like a ton of bricks. Goodbye noisey car/bike muffler, goodbye stereo and sub. Noise control does work yet needs to be enforced. I thought Japan was a peaceful and respectful land. Maybe only on the subway?
-4 ( +11 / -15 )
Posted in: Cool Biz campaign begins across Japan See in context
Environment ministry looks like they are working for Google. Not very professional for Japanese standards. Short Sleeve business shirt nice and tidy and creates a good company image. Staged photo I think surely you cannot go to work in your civvies (civilian clothes, as opposed to uniform). Especially in a Japanese government department. Can a chef wear his Hawaiian shirt with his medallion in full view. Hmm pork medallion sound nice.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Hero of Oct. 7 aims to revive Israel's moribund left
Posted in: Japan, S. Korea leaders meet to discuss N. Korea
Posted in: Hero of Oct. 7 aims to revive Israel's moribund left
Posted in: Gazan paramedic recounts alleged mistreatment in Israeli detention