Kuchikomi
It's time for guys to get with it and grab a parasol on hot, sunny days
Up to now, use of parasols has mainly been associated with those of the female persuasion and despots portrayed in Hollywood spectaculars. But Japan is anticipating another steamy summer. One that may set new records for high temperatures, and Nikkan Gendai (May 30) wants its readers to survive it as… Read
Maybe it’s high time 'majime' Japan turned 'wagamama' (Part 2)
We’re selfish (wagamama) by nature, cooperative (majime) under social pressure. Individuality is important. So is society. Every culture evolves its own compromise between two opposing forces. Japan’s, traditionally, favors majime, tarring wagamama types with the feathers of spoiled children. Is that fair? asks President magazine (May 31). Does majime, pursued to… Read
Focus on 'monozukuri' signals future hope for Japan's manufacturing sector
The word monozukuri dates back over a millennium. In its literal sense, it translates as the making of things; but in the broader sense it embodies taking pride in one's work, refining manufacturing skills and pursuit of innovation and perfection. Shukan Gendai (May 18-25) believes this deeply ingrained quality promises… Read
Maybe it’s high time 'majime' Japan turned 'wagamama' (Part 1)
Some words lose everything in translation. Others keep their meaning but lose their salt. Wagamama, for instance. “Selfish” would do (and usually does) but misses the “spoiled child” nuance and its implication that only spoiled children are selfish so snap out of it. The opposite of wagamama is majime – another example. “Serious” –… Read
Ask not what natto can do for you
Hone-shaburi, literally sucking on bones, is a Japanese expression roughly equivalent to have been "bled dry" in English. This name has been humorously applied to the book review column in Weekly Playboy magazine. Which in its May 27 issue reviews a book titled Natto no Shokubunka-shi (The Food Culture History… Read
Yesterday’s health food fad may no longer be healthy
Here’s a meal that positively glows with health: fish, natto, lettuce-tomato-and-carrot salad, milk, and for dessert a big round shiny red apple. So bright with nutritional promise! So empty in fact, says Josei Seven (May 9-16). The nutritional equivalent of dust and ashes. Yesterday’s health food is health food no… Read
Sinking yen may spur inflation, but alternatives may be even worse
Earlier this month, the Bank of Japan's low-key intervention in foreign exchange markets to prevent further decline of the value of the Japanese yen, reportedly to the tune of approximate ¥8 trillion, had little effect. "The rate had briefly dropped to ¥160 to one U.S. dollar, a level not seen since… Read
AI helping people recreate deceased loved ones
Is it the same, one wonders. “Well, I’m off now – I’ll see you tonight?” “Okay, have a good day! You haven’t forgotten anything?” Home for dinner. “What a day, what a day! This happened, that happened, it’s more than I can bear, honestly!” “Oh, come! Don’t be discouraged! We… Read
Japan's service industry reeling from part-time worker crunch
It's no longer news that the worker shortage, particularly among small- and medium-size businesses, has become severe. But now the crunch has spread to part-time workers, which has clearly become a seller's market. And lately, there's been a surge in specialized apps to fill the gaps. Weekly Playboy (May 6)… Read
There’s an intensity in the life of the dying that maybe the living can learn from
Death. It’s the end of everything. Or maybe not – maybe the beginning of everything. Beginning or end, all or nothing, it’s unknown, nothing more so, and terrifying on that account if on no other, and it’s waiting, there’s no escape, except in thought (or thoughtlessness) – and that exit narrows… Read
