Japanese Sense

How to Visit Japan

2006-12-31T01:11:00.000-08:00

I'm studying how to visit Japan.

Sorry, don't hold up hope. :-<

Ceased Adsense and Japanese Blog

2006-01-15T23:59:00.000-08:00

Ceased Google Adsense.

* * * * * * * * * *

And I'm going to cease Japanese blog "Mum's The Word."
http://www.livejournal.com/users/kokoken9/

I started other Japanese blog. I don't have enough time to manage so many blogs, so I decided to shut down the blog which is not important.

Don't worry. I'm not going to cease this blog at least for the moment.

More Time...

2006-01-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

I have too many things to do! I can't take enough time to write this blog!

...Sorry, it's a kind of excuse for failuring to manage my time. But I have to reduce the time devoted to write this blog.

I have works that are more important than writing English blog...

Coming-of-Age Day 2

2006-01-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

Today's problem is "Areru Seijin Shiki." A part of new adults make noise during solemn Coming-of-Age Ceremony. In some cases new adults spoil ceremoneies.

Today, in Morioka, northern Japan, when mayor greeted at a solemn Coming-of-Age Ceremony, two new adults sitting in the front row let off firecrackers. According to Morioka city, one of them smelled of alcohol.

Such kind of trouble is reported by the media every year.

I believe that most young adults don't behave such way. I guess rare sensational cases are highly-publicized.

(End)

Coming-of-Age Day 1

2006-01-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

The second Monday of January is "Seijin no Hi" (Coming-of-Age Day.) In Japan adult is 20 and over 20, not 18.

According to the National Holiday Act, the aim of the Coming-of-Age Day is "to make new adults aware that they become adults and to celebrate and cheer up the new adults who will live through for themselves."

Most new adults dress themselves up and attend "Seijin Shiki" (Coming-of-Age Ceremony.) Women wear haregi (colorful kimono.) Men wear suit.

(To be continued)

Kyusyu--My Experience of School Excursion 2

2006-01-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

[The second day]

Oura Cathedral

Oura Cathedral (Catholic) is well known as the oldest church in Japan, which is built in 1864, It's designated as a national treasure. The cathedral worships 26 secret Christians who were killed in Nagasaki.

Glover Garden

After I visited Oura Cathedral, I went to Glover Garden, which was nearby the Cathedral. Glover Garden is former residences of Thomas Blake Glover (1838-1911,) a Scottish merchant.

Huis Ten Bosch (Nagasaki Prefecture)

Huis Ten Bosch was an amusement park that imitated Dutch town.

[The third day]

Went back.

Kyusyu--My Experience of School Excursion 1

2006-01-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

When I was in high school, I went to Kyusyu, south-western Japan, as Syugaku Ryoko. Three days and two nights trip.

[ The first day ]

Mt. Aso (Kumamoto Prefecture)

Mt. Aso is one of the largest caldera volcano in the world. When I went to Mt. Aso on March, it was snowing. It's rare that it snows on March in Kumamoto, one of the warmest areas in Japan. Because of snow, I couldn't see the picturesque scenery of the mountain.

[The second day]

Dazaifu Shrine (Fukuoka Prefecture)

Dazaifu Shrine worships Michizane Sugawara (845-903,) "Gakumon no Kamisama (deity of learning.)" At that time, we are high school students who would take college entrance exams next year. So most students prayed to Michizane Sugawara to pass exams. But I was crank that I didn't.

(To be continued)

School Excursion in Japan

2006-01-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

What's the best thing you remember in your school years? Many Japanese answer, "Syugaku Ryokou."

"Syugaku Ryoko" is translated into school excursion. But according to Wikipedia, it's only Japanese custom.
(http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%BF%AE%E5%AD%A6%E6%97%85%E8%A1%8C)

Syugau Ryoko is performed by elementary school, junior high school, and high school. Elementary school students tend to go to nearby area. Junior high school and high school students tend to go to distant places for a few days. Some high school students even go abroad, for example, South Korea or China.

To many students in Japan, Syugaku Ryoko is a good chance to develop good relationship between their friends.

* * * * * * * * * *

I'm so crank that I think Syugaku Ryoko, which most Japanese love, should be abolished.

"Syugaku" means pursuing one's studies. "Ryoko" means excursion. So, "Syugaku Ryoko" literally means something like excursion to pursue one's studies.

But today, Sugaku Ryoko is excursion for play. Many schools incorporate amusement parks into their destination, for example, Tokyo Disneyland.

Juken Eigo (English for exams)

2006-01-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

Speaking of Juken (entrance exams) and English, there was a word "Juken Eigo" (English for exams) in Japan. The word "Juken Eigo" is used when people describe English which are taught especially in high school. But it's not only high school students' problem.

Juken Eigo has a bad connotation. Many people think Juken Eigo has hindered the improvement of Japanese people's English skills.

The characteristics of Juken Eigo is such as below.

a) Laying stress on learning grammar
b) Reading-oriented learning activities
c) Memorizing abstract English terms, not words necessary for daily conversation

Grammar, reading skills, and memorizing abstract English terms are important. But in Juken Eigo conversation is not being laid stress on. Many people think that's the reason why most Japanese can't speak English, although they study English for years in school.

I heard that there are four English skills. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing . To communicate in English, I heard the most important skill is listening. The next is speaking. The next is reading. But Juken Eigo doesn't lay stress on listening, speaking, but reading.

However, high school students have to study Juken Eigo, because there are many reading and grammar problems on colleges' entrance exams.

English Learners in Japan and English Teachers in Japan 3

2006-01-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

But as long as private English schools, things seem to be different.

I've heard one story.

A Japanese man managed a private English school.

One day, one man called the manager. The man said, "Does your English school employ native English teachers?" The manager said, "I'm sorry. No we don't." As soon as the manager reply, the man hang up the phone.

Another Japanese woman who also manage a private English school commented on the story. "Many people who want to go to private English schools emphasize on whether the school employ native teachers. But non-native English teachers have an advantage of teaching English from non-native's point of view. They understand problems of learning English as the second language."

I guess those who want to learn English at private English schools need down-to-earth English skills, rather than "Juken technique" (technique for passing entrance exams.) People can learn "Juken techinique" at cramming school, high shool, etc. But the schools where we can learn down-to-earth English skills are probably only private English schools. Many people seem to think that the best way to learn down-to-earth English skills is to learn from native.

I think both native teachers and non-native teachers have their advantage. English learners should take advantage of them.

(End)

English Learners in Japan and English Teachers in Japan 2

2006-01-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Most English teachers in Japan are Japanese. So, most students learn English from Japanese. Actually, I have not been taught by native English teachers.

Few native teachers are usually part-timer. Usually, I guess they arrived school and teach English for, at best, about a few months. At worst, only one day.

I guess most students, especially high school students, need knowledge of solving English problem that are given at college entrance exams or so, so called "Juken technique" (technique for passing entrance exams,) rather than down-to-earth English skills.

(To be continued)

English Learners in Japan and English Teachers in Japan 1

2006-01-01T23:59:00.000-08:00

Happy new year!I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

* * * * * * * * * *

To Japanese, the importance of learning English has increased these days.

To some business people and college students, TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) score affects their promotion or getting a job. To most junior high school and high school students, English is one of the most important subject, along with Japanese and mathematics.

When I was a child, most children started to learn English from the 7th grade. But recently even some elementary school students have learned English.

* * * * * * * * * *

One interesting thing is that there are few native English teachers in Japan. Most people learn English from Japanese teachers.

(To be continued)

Kouhaku and Reco-Tai 2

2005-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

Kouhaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Singing Contest) is more popular annual TV show broadcast at New Year's Eve. Kouhaku is the TV show that representative popular singers of Japan segregate the sexes (men are white, women are red,) and contest each other.

It has been one of the most popular TV show in Japan. In 1963 the audience rating reached whopping 81.4 percent. Until 1970's its audience rating had recorded about 70 percent.

To singers, appearing on Kouhaku was one of the most honorable thing.

* * * * * * * * * *

But it was the thing of the past.

The audience rating has declined these days. Although the rate was about 70 percent in 1970's, the rate began declining in 1985. In 1990s the rate was about 50 percent. In 2004 39.3 percent.

Some great singers avoid appearing Kouhaku. That deteriorates the quality of the show.

NHK (Japanese public broadcast), which broadcast Kouhaku, has been eager to improve the rate. This year NHK appointed Monta Mino, one of the most popular television personality in Japan, to M.C. of the show. What will be the rate of this year's Kouhaku?

Kouhaku and Reco-Tai 1

2005-12-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

Many Japanese spend their New Year's Eve watching TV. Typical TV show Japanese like is Kouhaku Uta Gassen and Nihon Record Taishou, both of them have the history of around 50 years. But recently their audience rating have declined.

* * * * * * * * * *

Nihon Record Taishou, which can be translated into The Japan Record Award, is the most famous awards for popular music in Japan.

Nihon Record Taishou started in 1959. In 1969 the award ceremony was first broadcast at the New Year's Eve. Since then many people have watched the ceremony. In 1977 the audience rating reached 50.7 percent.

Record Taishou was also well known as the most authoritative awards for popular music. Winning Record Taishou was a great honor for popular singers.

* * * * * * * * * *

But it was the thing of the past.

The audience rating of Record Taisho has declined. In 1970s the audience rating is about 30-40 percent. In 1996 16.6 percent. In 2000 14.0 percent. In 2004 10.4 percent.

The authority of the award has also declined. Many singers avoid receiving the award. And it is widely said that winning the award is partial to the singers who belong to specific music companies or entertainment agencies.

(To be continued)

A Tragedy at a Hot Spring

2005-12-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

Japanese like Onsen, Japanese hot spring. Some families go to Onsen on this year-end and New Year holidays.

So did one family. one family went to a secluded hot spring spot, Deroyu Onsen, Northern Japan. At the spot, tragedy happened.

A child and his father and mother was found lying on a snow low ground. They died soon.

According to the media, hydrogen sulfide collected at the low ground.

Hydrogen sulfide is the chemical compound of hydrogen and sulfer. It's flammable and poisonous gas. When humans breathe concentrated hydrogen sulfide, they develop toxic symptoms.

Cold

2005-12-13T23:59:00.000-08:00

It's the coldest day of the winter. A cold air mass over Japanese archipelago brings heavy snow to a part of Japanese archipelago today.

It's also snowing in my region. I shoveled snow. When I lived in the region where snow don't fall very much, I wanted to see more snow. Now, I don't. I don't want to see snow.

One man, who lived in Nagoya where snow don't fall and now live in my region, was pleased to see snow. But I guess the man will not be pleased to see snow after a several years.

I'm writing this blog sitting under the kotatsu, Japanese foot warmer with frame and coverlet. I don't turn on kerosene heater very much, because I want to lower heating bill and going to buy kerosene is cumbersome. :-p

Japanese Don't Want to Eat US Beaf

2005-12-12T23:59:00.000-08:00

As you know, Japanese government decided to partly lift ban on US beef today.

But I'm sorry to say, many Japanese don't think beef from the US are safe to eat. An acquaintance of mine said, "I don't eat US beaf. US beef must not be safe."

Suppliers hear consumer's voice. Most catering industries and supermarkets in Japan seems not to import US beef for the time being.

* * * * * * * * * *

I guess those who don't want to US beef don't necessarily hate US. But Japanese tend to sensitive to safety. Japanese want to protect their safety even if they pay higher cost or feel inconvenienced.

Me? I can't afford to buy beef. Whether US beef is imported or not, it doesn't matter to me.

One Teacher Murdered A Student

2005-12-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

To children, there may be no secure places in Japan.

A sixth grade girl was murdered at a cram school in Kyoto, western Japan. The criminal was a part-time teacher at the cram school.

Teacher murdered student.

* * * * * * * * * *

According to the media, the part-time teacher is a 23-years old university student. He took two knives and a hammer into classroom. At the classroom, he moved all students except the girl, and murdered the girl with him knife at the isolated room.

The president of the cram school said, the relationship between the suspect and the girl was deteriorating. The suspect said, "When I quarreled with her, I ger furious, and murdered her." But the police think it is a premeditated crime.

Photoshop Plug-in for Creating Nengajou

2005-12-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

In Japan Nengajou, New Year's card, is more important than Christmas Card. Cristmas Card is not Japanese customs. Most people send Nengajou, but few people send Christmas Card.

I browsed web sites written in English to find softwares that may be useful to create Nengajou. I have Photoshop Elements, image-editing software, so I searched Photoshop Plug-in yesterday. Downloading Plug-in from web sites uses large memory. I rebooted my computer again and again.

I'm going to visit other web sites to find fonts or other software or tips. As far as fonts, we can find a lot of funny free English fonts. But we can't find Japanese ones very much. I guess that's because English fonts are easy to crate. Only 52 characters. But Japanese are not. Japanese has tremendous characters, Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana. Creating Japanese fonts are costly matters.

I want to create Nengajou with interesting English fonts. But that is difficult. I have to send Nengajou to older people. They think in general Nengajou should be written mainly in Japanese, because Nengajou is traditional customs in Japan and they can't read English.
Link | | Add to Memories

Shiwasu Cumbersome

2005-12-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

December is one of the busiest month for Japanese.

In Japan December is usually called "12 gatsu." But sometimes it is also called "Shiwasu." The origin of the word "Shiwasu" is "It is so busy that teachers run around." But those who run around is not only teachers. I don't understand why the word focuses on teachers.

On Shiwasu, most Japanese household are busy preparing for Oseibo (year-end gift), Nengajou (new years card), and doing Osouji (housecleaning), etc. I guess many Japanese feel some of them are very cumbersome. But they do that every year, because they think they are Japanese traditional custom.

I say some of them should be abolished. For instance, nengajou. It's a new years card made from paper. Most Japanese exchange paper cards at January 1. But I say this is a digital age.

Shiwasu is a difficult month to manage my time. I want to minimize wasted time, such as creating nengajou.

Spirited Away ?

2005-12-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

Three children were killed or disappeared one after another in Japan, and that shocked to Japanese people. Parents who have children become sensitive to safety.

* * * * * * * * * *

[Hiroshima]

In Hiroshima, western Japan, a first grade girl was found killed on November 22. A few days later, one Peruvian man was arrested for killing the girl.

[Tochigi]

In Tochigi, eastern Japan, another first grade girl was killed on December 2. One part of her school road was deserted street, and the road has been pointed out to be danger for kids.
Criminals have not been arrested yet.

[Nagano]

In Nagano, central Japan, a fifth grade boy disappeared while he were taking a walk on December 3. The boy has not been found yet.

Serious Construction Fraud Shocked Japanese archipelago 3

2005-12-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

Those who received criticisms are not only Aneha. But also Aneha's customers, who are suspected of directing to reduce the number of steel rods. Inspection agencies, who can't notice forged Quake-proofing data, are also criticized.

* * * * * * * * * *

On November 29, Aneha, and his customers, and inspection agencies are summoned to the Lower House Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee. Most of them attended the committee, but Aneha was absent. Aneha said, "I can't go out because of fear." One residents who live in condominium buit by Aneha said, "Aneha should attend the committee and disclose the truth. Aneha said he felt fear. But our fear is nothing compared with you."

In the end, the committee was held with Aneha's absence. At the committee, Aneha's customers and inspection agencies didn't admit their responsibilities. They shifted their responsibilities onto each other.

* * * * * * * * * *

On December 8, the Lower House Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee held second time interview. But Aneha was absent again.

The Lower House Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee agreed to summon Aneha as a sworn witness to the Parliament.

(End)

Serious Construction Fraud Shocked Japanese archipelago 2

2005-12-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

The case has been shocked among Japanese nations.

Japanese nations, especially resident in condominium buildings, worried about their houses' security. Japan is earthquake country.

Tsutomu Takebe, secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party, made a controversial remark. "If we look for bad man from the beginning to end, condominium industry will collapse. Real estate industry becomes weak. It is the problem that can harm Japanese economy." Takebe was criticized for not considering the problem from the nations' point of view.

* * * * * * * * * *

More stressed people are those who live in condominiums which are built by Aneha. When strong earthquake happen, their residence may collapse, because their condominiums are short of steel rods.

Government announced assistance measures for residents. According to the measures, municipal corporations buy the condominiums and pull down. Then they build new codominiums and provide residents.

(To be continued)

Serious Construction Fraud Shocked Japanese archipelago 1

2005-12-05T23:59:00.001-08:00

Today, the news which is of particularly high interest to the Japanese public is construction fraud.

Hidetsugu Aneha, first-class architect, forged quake-proofing data when he joined in condominium buildings and hotels. Quake-proofing data is the document, which deals with the number of steel rods and the bigness of pillars which are essential to withstand any earthquakes. Quake-proofing data is required in Japan when architect build.

Aneha built over 20 condominium buildings and hotels based on forged Quake-proofing data. Among those of them, 14 buildings have already been built.

The reason why Aneha forged data is that he was directed to reduce the number of steel rods so as to cut building cost by customers. Those customers deny that. But the truth is not found.

Aneha was accused by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and has his architect license revoked.

(To be continued)

Serious Construction Fraud Shocked Japanese archipelago 1

2005-12-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

Buzzwords-of-the-year 3

2005-12-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

Foooooo!!

I don't know well. I heard this word is a popular comedian's pet phrase.

Fuyuu so

"Fuyu so" can be translated into "upper class." Many people said Japan was the "most successful socialist country." In Japan, one of the richest country in the world, the gap between rich and poor was quite narrow. Many people believe they are middle class. Few people are upper class and lower class. But recently the gap has been widening, and the number of people belonging to upper class and lower class have been increasing.

Blog

The number of users of Weblog rapidly increase this year.

Bobby Magic

"Bobby" is Bobby Valentine, the manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines, Japanese professional baseball team. Marines were well known as one of the weakest team of Japanese pro baseball. But Bobby turned Marines into Pacific League champion, Japanese pro baseball champion, and even Asian pro baseball champion champion.

Moe

"Moe" is often used by otaku. They utter the word when they feel any anime girl characters are cute.

(End)

Buzzwords-of-the-year 2

2005-12-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

Another buzzword Gendai Yougo no Kiso Chishiki selected are such as below:

Cool Biz

Cool Biz means something like, "cool business dress." Ministry of the Environment advocated getting undress their suits and taking off their necktie on Summer so as not to depend on air-conditioner. That may help to reduce emissions of CO2.

Koizumi Cabinet took the lead in Cool Biz. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, chief Cabinet secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda, etc. always wore Cool Biz, and the nation watch that on TV.

Some comapanies also wore Cool Biz to show their attitude that they also tackle emissions of CO2.

Sikyaku

"Sikyaku" can be translated into "assassins." See yesterday's article, "Koizumi Gekijou."

Choi Mote Oyaji

"Choi Mote Oyaji" can be translated into "Big Buddy who is popular with women." I don't know the word in detail,but I heard a magazine that features the way Big Buddy becomes attractive is well sold.

(To be continued)

Buzzwords-of-the-year 1

2005-12-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Here are Buzzwords-of-the-year in Japan selected by Gendai Yougo no Kiso Chishiki, dictionary for Japanese current.

Koizumi Gekijou

"Koizumi Gekikjou" can be translated into "Koizumi theater." This buzzword represents Koizumi's political style that attract the nation's attention cleverly and get its support.

For instance, at the last Lower House Election, Liberal Democratic Party lead by Koizumi made a contract with a PR company, and conducted campaign that largely counts on PR strategy. It was the first time LDP has largely used PR strategy in election.

And Koizumi did not give endorsement to politicians who did not approve the Postal Privatization Bill, which Koizumi ragarded as the core of his regime's structual reform. In addition, Koizumi sent "assassins" to the politicians. The assassins include a popular internet celebrity, a beautiful and able female official, and beautiful female economist.

Such kind of campaign attracted many people's attention, and that helped to win LDP's landslide victory.

Some people warned that Koizumi's politilcal style triggers populism.

Soutei Gai or Soutei Nai

"Soutei Gai" or "Soutei Nai"is also selected as Buzzwords-of-the-year. The word can be translated into "what I didn't expect" or "what I expected."

The word is used frequently by Takafumi Horie, a popular internet celebrity.

(To be continued)

Gaijin Crisis 3

2005-12-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

I'm concerned the case might spur discrimination against Gaijin.

In addition to the case I mentioned yesterday, a Chinese drug smuggler was also arrested in my region today, and that was also sensationally reported by the media.

* * * * * * * * * *

In the world of sumo, wrestlers from overseas, Asashoryu, Kotooshu, etc., made a spectacular showing, but that provokes some Japanese's antipathy. They think something like, "Sumo is national and traditional sport of Japan. Why do Gaijin wrestlers join the Japanese sumo tournament? In addition, Gaijins, especially white, are generally larger than Japanese, so it's unfair of Japanese to fight Gaijins."

* * * * * * * * * *

Japanese government recently has planned to boost the immigration intake, because Japanese population is estimated to decline and that is expected to discourage Japan's economic growth.

But things are not easy.

(End)

From Blogger to Livejournal

2005-12-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

I write English blog on http://www.livejournal.com/users/kokoken9/ for a while, because I recently have not been able to post articles successfully on Blogger.com. :-<

Gaijin Crisis 2

2005-11-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

One grim news related to Gaijin struck Japanese archipelago, and of course, Japan Today.

A 7-year-old girl was killed in Hiroshima, western Japan, and this sensational case was widely reported in Japan. But criminal had not been caught. After police investigated for a few days, it finally arrested a man. He was a Peruvian.

Newspapers made the headlines , "A Peruvian man was apprehended."

* * * * * * * * * *

This case seem to remind many Japanese of increasing foreign criminals in Japan. Unfortunately, it's a common sense for Japanese that foreign criminals have been deteriorating Japan's security.

That joins insularism spreading among Japanese, and Japanese tend to give a hard look at foreign residents in Japan.

I believe most foreign residents in Japan are good people. I don't forget a Korean young man was sacrificed his life to help a Japanese at a railroad station. I don't forget a hardworking Chinese young man whom I met at a university.

But many Japanese don't think so.

(To be continued)

Gaijin Crisis 1

2005-11-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

I love to browse a web site "Japan Today." Japan Today is a website complex that joins news site and web community mainly for foreign residents in Japan. If you can read this English blog, you can browse Japan Today comfortably, because the site is written in English. Browsing the Japan Today, we often find a strange word, Gaijin.

Gaijin--If you are familiar with Japan, you probably have heard the word.

Gaijin is a Japanese word and has a close meaning to "foreigner," including its connotation. Some people feel Gaijin has a connotation of people from outside. The word Gaijin may reflect Japanese insularism. So, of course, on Japan Today most visitors use the word in a bad sense or bad joke.

Some Japanese (including me) know Gaijin has a bad connotation and don't use it. But some don't understand it.

(To be continued)

Time Management Matters

2005-11-28T23:59:00.000-08:00

As I once wrote in this blog, time management is important. But it seems that I don't good at time management very much. :-<

Recently I haven't been able to have time to read books. My life environment changed, and I haven't rebuilt the way I spend my time yet.

You are not allowed not to take time to do something, such as reading books, even if you are too busy. There are many people, including business executive, politician, etc., who read books no matter how they are busy.

* * * * * * * * * *

I guess one possible solution is to determine my priority, and cut time resolutely that is spent doing less important matters, such as writing blog. :-<

Successful Sumo Wrestlers from Overseas

2005-11-27T23:59:00.000-08:00

Sumo wrestlers from overseas made a spectacular showing.

* * * * * * * * * *

Asashoryu, Mongolian Yokozuna grand champion, won the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on November 27, and that means he won 7 tournaments in a row. In the history of Sumo, that is new record. Since then, the highest record was 6 tournaments in a row, which was achieved in 1960's by Taiho, sumo legend.

At the commendation ceremony held on November 27, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi specially attended. He gave Asashoryu Prime Minister's Cup and said, "New record, big record! Wonderful! Congratulations!"

Kotooshu, Bulgarian sumo wrestler, finished the Kyusu Tournament with an excellent 11-4 record. He is expected to be promoted to Ozeki, the second highest ranking in sumo.

* * * * * * * * * *

Yokozuna, the highest ranking in sumo, is Asasyoryu, Mongolian sumo wrestler. Ozaki, the second highest, is expected to be Kotooshu, Bulgarian sumo wrestler.

Prime Minister Junicihro Koizumi said to press corps, after he gave Asashoryu to Cup and praised Asashoryu, "But I expected Japanese wrestler to be strengthen." That speaks for the Japanese nation's feelings.

Japanese "bonasu"

2005-11-26T23:59:00.000-08:00

What is "bonus"?

According to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, bonus means "something in addition to what is expected or strictly due: as a : money or an equivalent given in addition to an employee's usual compensation a premium (as of stock) given by blah-blah-blah."

But "bonasu" in Japanese means a bit different thing.

According to Daijirin (Japanese Dictionary), bonasu means "1 bonus which is given except for an employee's usual salary, especially at the end of the year or on summer. 2 *snip*" (1 主に年末あるいは夏期、正規の給与以外に特別に与えられる賞与金。2 [以下略])

Japanese "bonasu" is given to all employers regularly, especially at the end of the year or on summer.

But Japanese companies tend to abolish such kind of bonasu. They tend to unify their pay structure into merit system.

* * * * * * * * * *

Nikkei newspaper published on November 25 said that bonasu per employees in major enterprises, which is going to be given on this winter, increases by 5.3 percent, comparing to the last year.

Thanks to more disposable income, consumer spending is expected to increase, and that is expected to boost Japan's economy.

White Band in Japan 2

2005-11-25T23:59:00.000-08:00

But criticism has been raised, something like, "Japanese White Band is fund-raising fraud."

Actually, no money are contributed to poor people no matter how many Japanese White Bands are sold. Here is a breakdown of the price of Japanese White Band.

distribution cost 40%
production cost 30%
advertising cost 20%
cost of activities to change policy in order to eradicate poverty (10%)

(from http://hottokenai.jp/white/300yen.pdf, before 9/5/05)

I've heard that one part of sales of overseas White Bands are contributed to poor people. But Japanese White Band is not. One part of sales of Japanese White Bands are contributed to "cost of activities to change policy in order to eradicate poverty." In other words, "fund for NGO's political activities."

As criticism has been raised, the campaign of "We can't ignore poverty in the world" change their explanation in order to avoid misunderstanding.

* * * * * * * * * *

Some young Japanese say that it is important how the money is spent, but another important thing is that wearing White Band is the means of express their intention to eradicate poverty.

Anyway, we need to pay attention to pay money to charitable organization.

(End)

White Band in Japan

2005-11-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

White Band is now well sold in Japan. At many stores White Bands are sold out, and stocks are rapidly exhausting.

White Band is sold as a campaign of "We can't ignore poverty in the world.（ほっとけない世界の貧しさ）" The campaign web site appeals, "Now in the world, children die of poverty every three second," "In the 21th century gap between rich and poor is widening," etc.

Japanese celebrities also join the campaign. Kankuro Nakamura (Kabuki actor,) Ryu Murakami (writer,) Hidetoshi Nakata (soccer player,) Kosuke Kitazima (swimming champion,) Norika Fujiwara (actress,) etc.

Many Japanese people, especially young people, were inspired by the campaign, and sold rapidly.

To young people, wearing White Band is not only the means to express their intention to eradicate poverty, but also cool ornament.

(To be continued)

Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan

2005-11-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

In Japan November 23 is Labor Thanksgiving Day.

According to the national holidays law, this holidays' aim is to "value labor, celebrate production and thank the nation each other."
(勤労をたっとび、生産を祝い、国民互いに感謝しあう)

Before World War II, November 23 is called Niiname-sai. Niiname-sai is one of the event took place in the Imperial Court. On this day, emperor worships gods by offering cereals which was harvested on this year to the gods, and eating them.

* * * * * * * * * *

Most Japanese holidays are related to emperor. For example, National Foundation Day, February 11, is the same day as Kigen-setsu. Kigen-setsu is the day the first emperor Zinmu acceded, according to Nihon-shoki, Chronicles of Japan.

Some left wing Japanese opposed to such kind of holidays. They say something like, " Today's Japan is democracy. Emperor system is feudalistic system."

On the other hand, some right wing Japanese are pleased to worship emperor.

But I guess most Japanese don't mind whether holidays are related to emperor or not.

Brief History of LDP

2005-11-22T23:59:00.000-08:00

Japan's largest ruling party Liberal Democratic Party held a mass meeting to commemorate 50th anniversary of found the party.

LDP was found in 1955 and has been the largest ruling party in Japan except from 1993 to 1994. In 1955 Japan Socialist Party was also found and it had been the largest opposition party until 1996. Both parties had been political opponent from 1955 to 1993, and that is called 55 nen taisei (1955-era political order).

In 1933 LDP was split and was removed from power. But in 1994 it came back soon. Since then, LDP has been the largest ruling party, although many people appeal for the need for change of regime.

* * * * * * * * * *

Some people say today's LDP is changing. It is said that traditional LDP's political style is disappearing.

[traditional LDP's political style]

1 politics of patronage
2 personnel management balancing factions
3 fund distribution that concentrates in rural area

The main reason why such kind of political style is disappearing that Koizumi, who are a lone wolf in LDP and therefore he doesn't stick to traditional LDP's political style, says, "I'll break old LDP" and does it as the President of LDP.

Nicolas Cage Appeared in an Odd TV CM in Japan

2005-11-21T23:59:00.000-08:00

Nicolas Cage, American celebrated actor, once appeared in an odd TV commercial in Japan a few years ago.

In the CM he shouted, "I love Pachinko!!!"

* * * * * * * * * *

What is Pachinko?

According to the Luminous Japanese English Dictionary (Kenkyusha,) Pachinko can be translated into "vertical pinball machine." Eijiro On the Web, English dictionary for Japanese, also translates Pachinko into "Japanese pinball game."

I don't know what pinball is like. But in Japan Pachinko doesn't have good image among Japanese. Those who think "I love Pachinko!!!" are not regarded as intellectual, beautiful or elegant taste. It's a kind of mundane hobby.

However, there are many giant Pachinko stores around me. Regardless of Japan's long stagnation, Pachinko stores seem to have been prosperous.

* * * * * * * * * *

I guess Nicolas Cage didn't know what Pachinko was. But he might agree substantial fee from Pachinko company, which enjoyed enormous profit, and he might misunderstand something like, "Pachinko industry have high-status in Japan."

Watching TV commercial in Japan, I rarely find celebrities from overseas who seem to be tricked by Japanese.

Japanese Blogoshere Vs. American Blogoshere

2005-11-20T23:59:00.000-08:00

The number of visitors to this blog decline after I add AdSense. Why? :-<

* * * * * * * * * *

Incidentally, today's Japanese Sense writes about the difference between Japanese blogosphere and American ones.

In Japan it is said that American blogosphere in general is a kind of measure to express bloggers opinion. But Japanese one is not.

To most Japanese, blog is only diary. They write blog to keep their daily episodes, feelings, etc. Few Japanese bloggers express their opinion on blog.

* * * * * * * * * *

The dispute in the U.S. whether blog will supersede mainstream media or not is reported in Japan. I heard that one blogger is admitted to attend the press conference in White House.

On the other hand, Japan is not. I guess because there are few bloggers who report about politics on blog unlike the U.S.

But there is a new development. Liberal Democratic Party held parties for bloggers and e-mail newsletters publishers on October and November. According to the article of ITmedia.co.jp on November 17, Hiroshige Seko, member of the House of Councilors, says, "Bloggers' viewpoints are different from mainstream media. Blog has a possibility to change politics report."

Kyoto, Nara and Litte-Kyoto

2005-11-19T23:59:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Nanzenji (Nanzen Temple) in Kyoto, western Japan. An acquaintance of mine went to Kyoto to enjoy the autumn colors.

Kyoto is one of the most popular traditional tourist spot in Japan. Kyoto has rich historical heritage, such as Byodoin (World Heritage), Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kyomizudera, etc. Byodoin is well known among Japanese for its building Hououdo. Its beautiful design is adapted use in 10 yen coin. Kyoto is also well known that there is a large population of geisya--I hear they are popular among American.

Another popular traditional tourist spot in Japan is Nara, western Japan. Nara has two World Heritage. One is Horyuji, the first designated World Heritage in Japan. Horyuji is built in until early 8th century, and this is the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world. Another World Heritage in Nara is the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara," such as Todayji, Kofukuji, Kasugataisha, etc.

The distance between Kyoto and Nara is not so long, so many tourists visit both spots.

Other popular traditional tourist spots are Kanazawa, Hagi, Onomichi, Tsuwano, etc. Those are called "little-Kyoto," but they have unique character Kyoto or Nara don't have.

Ninja Tools--Japanese Web Services

2005-11-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

I'll write about "Ninja Tools" today.

...Sorry, not real Ninja tools, but a set of Japanese web services that include affiliate program, web hosting, web tracker and counter, that are designed in the image of kawaii Ninja.

...No, no, I'm not a employer in the company that serves Ninja Tools. I got to know Ninja Tools when I searched web tools to create a new Japanese web site. Ninja Tools is one of the most superior among Japanese web services. so I recommend you taking Ninja Tools into consideration if you are going to create Japanese web sites.

* * * * * * * * * *

I rented Ninja Tools' web tracker and web hostigng free.

I suppose the most popular tool among Ninja Tools is web tracker. Ninja Tools' web tracker is sophisticated. We can analyze logs in terms of a) individual in detail b) time-series analysis c) by page d) from where visitors come e) search engine and keyword f) how many times visitors visit g) repeater h)ISP i) OS j) browser k) country and language l) display, etc.

Ninja Tools' web hosting is also popular, especially among those who introduce affiliate program into their web site. In Ninja Tools's web hosting affiliate program is OK and ads, which are always added on free hosting, is small and located in an obscure place.

Studying How to get Ad Revenue through Japanese Web Sites

2005-11-17T23:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry for being late for updating. In Japan it is November 19, Saturday.

A few days ago I created a new Japanese blog. I aim to draw a lot of visitors and get ad revenue. :-p But I don't have know-how to do that even though I've managed a few blogs for over half a year. So I've studied know-how for long hours, and that's main reason why I'm late for updating.

Why don't I have know-how? Because I'm so introverted that I've avoided so much people visiting my blog rather than have pulled them. I've been satisfied if only I can share my interest with small numbers of people.

* * * * * * * * * *

I've studied how to get ad revenue through browsing Japanese web sites. The know-how such kinds of web sites told me is useful, but of course, those are mainly for webmasters managing Japanese web sites. So, if I acquire the know-how, I'll tell you about how Japanese get ad revenue.

Of course, I found some tips I can apply to American web sites. For instance, Google AdSense. Many Japanese who aim to get pocket money on the web also introduce Google AdSense to their web sites.

I'm also studying about Google AdSense, and try to add a new AdSense on this blog. Maybe I may study how to get ad revenue not only in Japanese web sites, but also American.

Koizumi and English

2005-11-16T23:59:00.000-08:00

Koizumi and Bush visited a famous temple with a long history Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, western Japan.

When they viewed the temple, Koizumi suddenly uttered English phrases. "Sun rising! Rising sun!" It seemed that Bush couldn't understand what Koizumi wanted to say. (So am I.) One Japanese TV news reported this and said jokingly, "Prime Minisiter Koizumi showed his English skills which he trained in the U.K."

Koizumi has an experience of studying in University of London when he was young. But after about 40 years, his English skills seem to get dull.

* * * * * * * * * *

It's a shame for we Japanese to see PM's poor English skills, but we might not be able to blame him because most Japanese also don't speak English even if we learn English in school. We Japanese, including politician, don't have to speak English as long as they live in only Japan. So, we easily make our English skills dull.

Not only Koizumi, but most former PM couldn't speak English. One PM who could speak English fluently was Kiichi Miyazawa. When he was PM, he spoke with Clinton without relying on interpreters for hours.

* * * * * * * * * *

Incidentally, I highly recommend visiting Kyoto if you are going to go sightseeing Japan and want to know traditional Japanese culture.

Many Japanese Don't Like Bush

2005-11-15T23:59:00.000-08:00

President Bush arrived in Japan the first in 2 years.

Koizumi has emphasized the relationship between Japan and the U.S. For instance, remember the event when Bush went to war against Iraq on 2003. The political leader who supported Bush's act first was Koizumi. So some Japanese, especially who regard Japan as the little lap-dog of America, cynically say, "Koizumi loves Bush."

Koizumi may love Bush. But I guess many Japanese don't like Bush. In fact, I've hardly heard Japanese people say, "I like Bush" or "I love Bush." On the other hand, I've often heard they say, "I don't like Bush" or "I hate Bush."

Hear are searching results by Google.

"ブッシュが好き" ("like Bush") 335 (29.2%)
"ブッシュが嫌い" ("don't like Bush") 811 (70.8%)

But these results are not correct. To some Japanese, "Bush" means "Kate Bush," British singer-songwriter. So we must exclude "Kate Bush" from the search results. Correcter search results are here.

"ブッシュが好き" -ケイト ("like Bush" -Kate) 282 (26.0%)
"ブッシュが嫌い" -ケイト ("don't like Bush" -Kate) 801 (74.0%)

But these results don't mean many Japanese like the U.S. Some people say, "I like America. But I don't like Bush."

* * * * * * * * * *

Watching TV, I found many Japanese who were excited to see Bush. But I think it doesn't mean many Japanese like Bush. One kind of Japanese, called mii-har, are always excited when they actually see well-known people whoever they are.

[Apology]

When you're an American, sorry to write about an article that soils your country's paramount leader. But this is a fact.

Peter Drucker and Japan

2005-11-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

Peter F. Drucker, management guru who passed away on November 11, 2005, is regarded as friendly toward Japan, and many managers in Japan worships him.

* * * * * * * * * *

The first time he got interested in Japan was when he got to know Japanese-style painting at 25 years old.

In 1959 he visited Japan for the first time. Since then he visited at least every 2 year.

In 1960's, he predicted faster than anybody that Japan will be economic giant. I hear some economists sneered at him then, but his prediction turned out to be correct.

In February 2005 his short autobiography was serialized on Nikkei newspaper, and the book based on the series was published on August.

His writings are sold well in Japan. According to Drucker, in Japan his writings are sold at least 1.5 times larger than in the U.S., considering population.

Nikkei newspaper on November 13 said that his thought which emphasis on knowledge worker affected traditional Japanese-style management that emphasis on workers rather than market.

[references]

Nihon Keizai Shimbun morning edition, November 13

Americans May Completely Misunderstand about the Relationship between Japan and China 2

2005-11-13T23:59:00.000-08:00

"Sei Rei Kei Netsu"--This is a word that expresses the relationship between Japan and China.

Sei is an abbreviation for Seizi, politics.
Rei means cold.
Kei is an abbreviation for Keizai, economy.
Netsu means enthusiasm.

So, "Sei Rei Kei Netsu" means that the relationship between Japan and China is strained in terms of politics, but good in terms of economy.

Why the relationship between the two countries are strained in terms of politics? Main reason is that Koizumi has visited Yasukuni Shrine, which worships Class-A war criminals in World War II, and that behavior has deeply offended Chinese feelings. I guess almost all Chinese nationals are against Japanese PM's visiting Yasukuni. On the other hand, in Japan there is fierce dispute on whether PM should visit Yasukuni or not.

Why the relationship between the two countries are good in terms of economy? To Japanese enterprises, China is a promising market. To China, Japanese enterprises are important foreign capitals that help to boost Chinese economy.

In this way, Japan and China has thought of the politics and economy in separate terms. Even if Koizumi visited Yasukuni, both have kept economic exchange.

* * * * * * * * * *

But recently, China's anger against Koizumi has rose higher and higher, and that has affected the economic exchange. Some Japanese enterprises disperse their production bases which are once located China in order to reduce political risk.

(End)

Americans May Completely Misunderstand about the Relationship between Japan and China 1

2005-11-12T23:59:00.000-08:00

So after India, I was soon off to Tokyo, where I had a chance to interview Kenichi Ohmae, the legendary former McKinsey & Company consultant in Japan.

(snip)

He is now spearheading a drive to outsource low-end Japanese jobs to apanese-speaking call centers and service providers in China. "Say what?" I asked. "To China? Didn't the Japanese once colonize China, leaving a very bad taste in the mouths of the Chinese?"

(Thomas L. Friedman, The World Is Flat, pp.32)

I was so shocked when I read this. Thomas L. Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize winner, completely misunderstood the relationship between Japan and China.

I guess most Americans also misunderstand like Friedman.

* * * * * * * * * *

Certainly Japanese once colonize China and left a bad taste. But in 1972 diplomatic relations between both couturiers were normalized, and in 1978 both countries concluded the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty. Since then, both countries have deepen exchanges.

According to the Trade Statistics of Japan released by Ministry of Finance, the total amount of export and import between Japan and China in 2004 fiscal year is whopping 18,193,196 million yen (about 158 billion dollars,) on the other hand, Japan and the U.S. is 20,494,101 million yen (about 178 billion dollars.)

Not only that. According to the data by the Immigration Bureau under the Ministry of Justice, the total number of foreign residents in Japan in 2004 fiscal year is 487,570, that is 24.7 percent of all foreign residents and stands second.

In this way, relationship between Japan and China is deep today.

(To be continued)

What is "English writing skills?"--My Idea

2005-11-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

The aim of writing this blog is to improve my English writing skills.

But ... What is "English writing skills?"

Here's my idea. "English writing skills" are:

(1) Skills to write English in correct grammar, usage and collocation
(2) Skills to write English in correct style
(3) Skills to write English with extensive vocabulary
(4) Skills to write English concisely
(5) Skills to write English speedily
(6) Skills to write natural English
(for nonnative people it is difficult to write natural English)
(7) Skills to write logical English
(8) Skills to write emotionally stirring English

* * * * * * * * * *

So, how can I improve these skills? Here's my idea:

(a) Learn grammar, usage and collocation--(1)
For instance, reading Practical English Usage, Oxford Collocations Dictionary, etc.
(b) Learn correct style--(2)
For instance, reading The Elements of Style or something.
(c) Extend the range of my vocabulary--(3)
(d) Learn logical thinking--(7)
(e) Write a lot of English--all
Write a wide variety of English in different ways.
(f) Read and listen to a lot of natural English--all
Read a wide variety of English written by native people.

Japanese and Evolution

2005-11-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

I hear that there are many people who believe creationism in the U.S.

But in Japan few people believe creationism. Most Japanese believe that mankind is a descendant of monkey and probably all Japanese science textbooks for high school describe the theory of evolution. I think that's because few Japanese are Christian. According to Wikipedia, proportion of Christian to total Japanese population is less than 1 percent.

* * * * * * * * * *

I once read an interesting episode that shows Japanese view of religion.

In the prewar days, most Japanese believe that Tenno, Japanese emperor, is a direct descendant of the sun goddess. So they fought hard for the sake of Tenno in the World War II. Kamikaze is a typical example. The reason why they suicided easily was that they thought they were happy to die for the sake of Tennno, a descendant of the sun goddess. "Kami" means God. (But actually, not every kamikaze died easily. Some people said many kamikaze feared death.)

But at the same time, most Japanese, including kamikaze, believed evolution.

It might be odd for American. American may think that the belief that Tenno is a direct descendant of the sun goddess is contradictory to the theory that mankind is a descendant of monkey.

However, Japanese didn't think that way. Japanese believed both easily.

(The story is described in detail on the book 日本人のための宗教原論, by Naoki Komuro, page 168 to 169.)

Why Koizumi Is to Increase Taxes, Though He Advocates Small Government?

2005-11-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

November 6's Nikkei newspaper shared an interesting story. The story is contributed on a feature "Saisyu Corner--Koizumi Kaizou Naikaku No Kadai" (Last corner--policy issue Koizumi's reshuffled cabinet have to tackle)

According to the feature, one institutional investor in London sent an e-mail to Ryutaro Kono, chief economist of BNP Paribas, Tokyo office. The e-mail says, "Why Koizumi is going to increase taxes, though he advocates small government?"

That's an interesting question. Here's one answer by Kokoken.

Japanese government faces so huge budget deficit that it has to increase taxes.

The deficit amount to whopping about 600 trillion yen (about 5.1 trillion dollars.) Of course, that's the worst level among advanced nations. Besides, Japan faces the low birthrate and graying of the population. So, working population who pay taxes is estimated to decline.

* * * * * * * * * *

Japanese Government Tax Commission released a set of recommendations on June 22, which included abolition of tax deductions for salaried workers.

The media and the opposition party called them "salary-man zouzei" (tax increase for salaried workers,) and the Japanese nation opposes this.

To soften nation's anger, government plans to cut in expenditures at the same time.

Mass Merchant Vs. Central Cities--Urban Sprawl in Japan

2005-11-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

Stores which have been declining is not only in Shoten-gai (shopping street.) Also in Chyushin-Shigaichi (central city).

Central cities used to be the most alive places in the cities. A lot of department stores are clustered there. And a lot of people used to go there because they believe they can get everything if they go to department stores.

But the appearance of mass merchants in the suburbs have been changing everything. Recently, people have tended to avoid going to central cities and go to the suburbs by car. It's urban sprawl. Compared to mass merchants, even department stores can't win mass merchants in terms of their assortment of goods. In addition, central cities are difficult to access by car.

* * * * * * * * * *

It's a serious problem. Needless to say, central city is an icon of the city. Especially Jouka-machies (castle towns; in most Jouka-machies, castles are located at central cities) have a long history of flourishing with a central focus on castles, i.e. central cities, To castle towns, declining central cities are the problem relating to their identity.

Most municipal corporations take something measures. In case of the city I live in, the municipal corporation promote condominium construction in central city. It aims to have citizen reside there. Besides, it constructed a public facilities where people can drop by free.

But I haven't heard people return to central cities.

Mass Merchant Vs. Traditional Shopping Street 2

2005-11-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

My computer is on the blink. Perhaps I will not be able to update this blog.

* * * * * * * * * *

Incidentally, I'll write continuation of yesterday's article.

Since about 10 years ago many large mass merchants have opened in the suburbs. As land price is low in the suburbs, most enterprises can buy a big piece of land at lower price. They make use of its huge lot area and sell large volumes and kinds of goods at lower price like the stationery store I went to.

One background to this phenomenon is motorization. Many Japanese get to own their cars on an individual basis(*1,) so they can go suburbs by their cars and do shopping in the suburbs.

* * * * * * * * * *

On the other hand, traditional shopping street "shoten-gai" has declined. Most stores located shopping street are small under private management, so they can't win the competition between them and large mass merchant.

There is a word "shutter-dori" (shutter street.) It means traditional shopping streets which stores are mostly shuttered because of its slumping.

Many people tend to do shopping in the suburbs for their cars, because they know they can get various kinds of goods if they go to the suburbs. On the other hand, those who still do shopping in traditional shopping street are mainly old people who can't drive cars.

(End)

* * * * * * * * * *

(*1)According to the Digest of the Statistics on Land Transportation (陸運統計要覧,) the number of automobiles and licensed driver in Japan is such as below.

fiscal year	the number of automobiles (million)	the number of licensed driver (million)
1985	48.2	52.3
1990	60.5	60.9
1995	70.1	68.6
2000	75.5	74.7
2003	77.4	77.5

Mass Merchant Vs. Traditional Shopping Street 1

2005-11-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

Went to a mass merchant specializing in stationery. It was the first time I had visited such kind of statinery store.

The store was located in the suburbs and had wide floor space for stationery store. It sold large volumes and kinds of stationeries at low price, and even sold daily necessities that are not related to stationeries.

(I'm not familiar with stationery industries, so the writings below may not be accurate.)

About 20 years ago I understand that many stationery stores in Japan were small under private management. (Many of them were located near school) About 15 years ago I remembered that book stores having wide floor in the suburbs began to sell stationeries. And now mass merchant specializing in stationery having wide floor in the suburbs appear.

* * * * * * * * * *

Japan is a very dense-populated country. Although its population reaches about 127 million (March 2005,) its total land area is only 377,835km. On the other hand, America's population is about 293 million (2004,) but its total land area is whopping 9,631,418km. Both population densities are: Japan 336/km²; America 30/km². Besides, many mountains where human can't live in occupied Japan's land area, so 90 percent Japanese live in only 10 percent land area.

So, unlike Americans, Japanese had done daily shopping at stores being very close to their house, many of them are so close that they could go to stores on foot. Most of them were clastered and formed shopping mall, called shoten-gai (shopping street.)

But those are things of the past. Recently, many large mass merchants have opened in the suburbs for years.

(To be continued)

Who Will Be the Next PM of Japan? 3

2005-11-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

2 Taro Aso (65, Foreign Minister)

Taro Aso is a politician who has an experience of managing company. Aso joined Aso cement on 1966, and managed the company as the President and the representative director from 1973 to 1979.

Aso has held various important posts, mainly economy-related posts. Such as:

Foreign Minister
Minister of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
Minister of Economic and Fiscal Policy
Chief of the Economic planning Agency
Chairman of the LDP's Policy Research Council

Aso is also hawk and conservative.

Aso comes from a good family. His great-great-great grandfather is Toshimichi Okubo, and great grandfather is Shigeru Yoshida, both are well-known among Japanese as one of the greatest politician in Japanese history.

3 Sadakazu Tanigaki (60, Finance Minister)

Tanigaki is an expert of fiscal and monetary policy.

Tanigaki also has held important posts:

Finance Minister
Minister of Industrial Revitalization Corporation of Japan
Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission
Chairman of Financial Reconstruction Commission
Director-General of the Science and Technology Agency

Tanigaki has been sharply reproved by Koizumi for his negative attitude toward integrating governmental financial institution, relating to Koizumi structural reform.

4 Yasuo Fukuda (69, former chief Cabinet secretary)

Fukuda is the only candidate who don't join the Cabinet. Some media say Fukuda refused Koizumi's offer.

Fukuda assumed the chief Cabinet secretary on 2000. It was the first time he had joined the Cabinet, but his ability as the chief Cabinet secretary was outstanding. His powerful leadership (especially on diplomacy) and unique tone made him a popular politician. Fukuda's experience of Minister is only chief Cabinet secretary. But he had been in the post for 1259 days, that was the longest record in the history of Japan's postwar politics.

Fukuda is a dove and emphasizes the relationship with China and South Korea.

Fukuda's father is Takeo Fukuda (1905-1995,) who was a Prime Minister from 1976-1978. Takeo Fukuda succeeded in concluding Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty in 1978.

(End)

Who Will Be the Next PM of Japan? 2

2005-11-04T23:59:00.001-08:00

Many Japanese media names four likely candidates for Prime Minister: Shinzo Abe, Taro Aso, Sadakazu Tanigaki and Yasuo Fukuda. Those of them are affiliated with Liberal Democratic Party.

The largest opposition party, The Democratic Party of Japan holds only 113 seats in the Lower House (LDP holds 296 seats,) so most people don't think DPJ will take the helm until the next Lower House election will be held. (Next Lower House election is expected to be held on 2008 or 2009.)

Koizumi, who holds considerable power due to the landslide victory at the last Lower House election, gives cabinet posts to three PM candidates and brings them into competition with Koizumi structural reform. Under today's circumstances that the nation expects government to promote Koizui structural reform, three candidates have to promote Koizumi structural reform to become PM.

* * * * * * * * * *

[Four candidates for Prime Minister of Japan]

1 Shinzo Abe (51, chief Cabinet secretary)

Shinzo Abe is regarded as a leading candidate for PM. Among many candidates, he enjoys remarkable popularity according to many public opinion polls. (*1) Koizumi said about the popularity of Abe to press corps on November 1 that "Abe is appreciated his youth, achievement, ability and even personality. Figures show that." (若いということ、今までの実績、本人の手腕、個性も期待されている。それが数字に表れている。)

Besides, Abe is a bit handsome and have a facile tongue. That may help to enhance his image.

On 2000 Abe undertook vice Cabinet secretary. Then he took uncompromising attitude toward North Korea. Nations mainly among conservatives strongly favored his attitude and his popularity surged.

On 2003 he was selected as LDP Secretary-General.

Abe is hawk, especially against North Korea and China. Abe stated clearly that he will visit Yasukuni Shrine on October 31 when he assumed the chief Cabinet secretary.

(To be continued)

* * * * * * * * * *

(*1) Here is a opinion poll took by Kyodo from the night of October 31 to November 1.

[Who is the most suitable for the PM who succeed Koizumi?]

Sinzo Abe: 51.9 percent
Yasuo Fukuda: 9.7 percent
Heizo Takenaka: 4.9 percent
Sadakazu Tanigaki: 4.8 percent
Yuriko Koike: 4.5 percent
Taro Aso: 3.8 percent
Kaoru Yosano: 1.4 percent

Others: 3.4 percent
Not sure/Refused: 15.6 percent

Food Poisoning Trouble in My Family

2005-11-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

My mother left the hospital today. I went to the hospital to pick up her. (In Japan today is the national holiday, Culture Day)

* * * * * * * * * *

Two days ago my mother was hospitalized.

When she was going to bed, she suddenly suffered severe nausea and diarrhea. A doctor in a hospital diagnosed her illness as food poisoning and recommended her to be hospitalized. Her condition was too bad. Intense nausea and diarrhea swept over her for hours and her blood pressure went down to 36 mm-Hg. She said, "I thought I was gonna die."

Her condition gradually improved. When I met her on the next evening, her nausea and diarrhea eased considerably. On the next day, she was taken off her drip and began to eat. And today, she left the hospital.

* * * * * * * * * *

The cause of the food poisoning is under exam.

My mother guessed that the cause of the food poisoning is oyster. The oyster she ate might be old.

I heard that oyster is one of the most major cause of food poisoning. According to my mother, my great-grandfather also suffered severe food poisoning because of oyster. His food poisoning was so severe that he said, "(My food poisoning because of oyster will become) a memory that I will not be able to forget in my life."

Who Will Be the Next PM of Japan? 1

2005-11-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said on the last October that he will step down as Prime Minister on September 2006, because the term of the president of the Liberal Democratic Party will expire on September 2006.

Koizumi won a landslide victory in the Lower House election on the last September, and the approval rating for the Cabinet is still high level at 56 per cent, according to the today's Nikkei survey. So, some people want Koizumi to stay in office even if the term of the president of LDP will expire, in accordance with Nakasone Cabinet (1982-1987) precedent. But at the same time, no one think Koizumi will stay no matter how high the approval rating is.

Koizumi is a rare politician who don't obsessed with posts and don't listen to other people. I guess the reason why Koizumi wanted the post of PM is that he only wanted to realize structural reform, his pet theory. Now, postal privatization bill, which he regarded as the "core of the reform," has passed after the election. Maybe he thinks that it's not necessary to prolong the term of president of the LDP to stay in office.

Besides, it's a wise policy to resign when the approval rating remains high.

* * * * * * * * * *

In such situation, public interest is of course...who will be the next PM of Japan?

(To be continued)

No one Will Regard Otaku as Would-Be-Criminals 3

2005-11-01T23:59:00.000-08:00

(This article is the continuation of the article on October 28 and 31)

No one Will Regard Otaku as Would-Be-Criminals 2
No One Will Regard Otaku as Would-Be-Criminals 1

* * * * * * * * * *

While I was sleeping (from Thomas Friedman's The World Is Flat,) otaku population has increased. As I said, the anime otaku population is estimated at 110,000 and the market scale is 20 billion yen (about 174 million dollars,) according to Nomura Research Institute's research released the last month.

Otaku culture was regarded as a subculture. But today, it is becoming a main culture. As otaku culture has been popularizing, people gradually begin to rethink the stereotype of otaku. Today, it is no wonder that any people, including sociable, attractive and fashionable people (such kind of people are exact opposite to the stereotype of otaku) are deeply interested in anime.

* * * * * * * * * *

The research Nomura Research Institute released last month is quite intriguing. It proposes a new definition of otaku.

Up to now the word "otaku" has reminded most people of amine otaku or PC otaku. The new definition is wide. It includes not only Animation and PC assembly otaku, but also Comics, Idols(*1), Games, Audio-visual equipment, Mobile IT equipment, Autos, Travel, Fashion, Cameras and Railways otaku.

Under this broaden definition, otaku population is estimated at 1.72 million, and the market scale reaches 411 billion yen (about 3.5 million dollars.) If this broaden definition is penetrated (this research was sensationally reported by the media,) otaku people will be seen as more ordinary people, rather than eccentric people. And the stereotype of otaku due to a kind of prejudice --unsociable, unattractive, unfashionable, gloomy, dirty and even would-be criminals-- will gradually disappear.

(End)

* * * * * * * * * *

(*1) Show business personalities or TV Star

No one Will Regard Otaku as Would-Be-Criminals 2

2005-10-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

(This article is the continuation of the article on October 28)

No One Will Regard Otaku as Would-Be-Criminals 1

* * * * * * * * * *

One big event that changed the negative image of otaku was spreading the episode of Densya Otoko (literally "Train Man".)

Densya Otoko is a typical otaku man who had not dated girls or women. But he saved a beautiful woman from a groper in a train and succeeded to date with the woman. To succeed his aim, Densya Otoko asked people for how to attract the woman through the biggest BBSes in Japan 2ch. 2chers advised Densya Otoko and were glad of his success with him.

This real exchange (*1) on 2ch was published as book, and made a big hit. The story was made into film and TV drama, and both of them also made a big hit.

Many people impressed Densya Otoko's pure love to the woman, and that helped to make the bad feelings of Otaku good. Also, this big hit raised recognition of otaku.

(To be continued)

* * * * * * * * * *

(*1) Some people doubt whether this exchange is real episode or not. It is a common sense among Japanese Internet users that the information posted on 2ch is without credibility, because most people post under anonymity.

Reading: From Milton Friedman to Thomas Friedman

2005-10-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

Finish reading Capitalism and Freedom, Milton Friedman's classical book.

The contents of the book is almost the same as M. Friedman's other writing Free to Choose, which I once read in Japanese edition. New discovery I made was the description of "social responsibility of business and labor." This is CSR, in today's term.

* * * * * * * * * *

The reason why I read Capitalism and Freedom is that I want to increase my English reading skills. It takes three months to read this 202-pages book.

The first month: read about 100 pages.
The second month: read about 50 pages.
The third month: read about 50 pages.

If I read this book at my own pace, I read about 50 pages a month. If I spend much of my time reading this book, I read about 100 pages a month.

Why did it take so much time to read the book?

One reason is that I read carefully with dictionary. But I understand that many American, especially college students in America, do extensive reading. I may need to practice reading rapidly. The second reason is that my English reading skills are still poor. I think I need to read more and more. The third reason is that the book I read was a bit difficult to read.

* * * * * * * * * *

By the way, I'll start to read a new book next month. The book is The World Is Flat, by Thomas Friedman.

The volume of the book is about 500 pages. If I read 50 pages a month, it'll take 10 month to finish reading the book.

Reading NYT in a Library in Japan

2005-10-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

Went to a usual library.

In a foreign book room, I found New York Times and The Times, which we can't easily get in Japan. Although I visit the library from about a decade ago, it was the first time I've found these newspapers in the library. I guessed it was because recently I've been interested in American and English newspapers. (I read such newspapers online every day to improve my English skills and get information.)

Many people in the library read Japanese newspapers, but few people read newspapers written in English. Being interested in American and English newspapers, I tried to read the latest NYT, which date was October 27 because of the delay due to mail from America. It also was the first time I've read paper NYT.

The first impression of paper NYT is a heavy. I haven't seen such heavy newspapers in Japan. And the volume of articles is large in proportion to its weight. But the percentage of advertisement is also larger than Japanese newspapers. I felt the paper NYT was a bit unhandy for reading, because what I saw was ads rather than articles even though I turn pages and pages.

I left the library after I scanned the NYT and read the article by Thomas Friedman which contribution was carried on International Herald Tribune.

This is a park I dropped in after I left the library.

No One Will Regard Otaku as Would-Be-Criminals 1

2005-10-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

Anime is one of the most competitive Japanese industry. Many Japanese agree that the international popularity of Japanimation, such as Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, Spirited Away, etc is proud of Japan.

But strange to say, the fan of anime is not be respected in Japan.

* * * * * * * * * *

Otaku--It's one of the most important buzzword to understand today's Japanese culture.

According to the Meikyo Japanese Dictionary, Otaku is: [slang] the unsociable person who is extremely absorbed in hobby world.([俗]趣味的な世界にひたすら没頭する閉鎖的な人。)

The dictionary also gives examples, anime otaku, PC otaku (アニメオタク、パソコンオタク.)

Let me add some explanations. As the dictionary says, otaku is used to call hobbyist, especially anime and PC. According to the research of the Nomura Research Institute released on this month, the population of anime otaku is whopping 110,000, the market scale is 20 billion yen (about 174 million dollars.)

* * * * * * * * * *

The important thing is that otaku has strongly negative connotation. Stereotype otaku people is unsociable, unattractive, unfashionable, gloomy, dirty and even would-be criminals.

But there is sign of change. Impression of otaku is rapidly improving.

(To be continued)

CSR around Me

2005-10-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

Recently, the concept of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) has been spreading in Japan.

Some Japanese business people regard the year 2003 as "the first year of CSR," and since then, many Japanese corporations has addressed themselves to introduce the concept of CSR into its management.

On May 2004, Nippon Keidanren (The Japan Business Federation) revised the Charter of Corporate Behavior, because of "the citizen, workers, NGO and investors' growing attention to how corporations address CSR." (ＣＳＲへの取り組みに対する市民・従業員・ＮＧＯ・投資家の関心の高まり)

On April 2004, Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry set up "Meeting on CSR" and released the interim report on "meeting on September 2004.

The concept of CSR, of course, from overseas.

* * * * * * * * * *

However, I understand some people opposed such movement.

The most famous opponent may be Milton Friedman, "radical liberal."

Reading his classic book Capitalism and Freedom, (the reason why I read this book is not that I study about CSR, but that I study reading English and economic thought) I happened to find descriptions about "social responsibility of business and labor."

I was so shocked. The book was published in 1962. Well, have the CSR problem been argued for over 40 years in the U.S.?

Bobby Valentine's Magic Makes an Underdog Baseball Team No.1

2005-10-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

Chiba Lotte Marines, Japanese professional baseball team managed by former manager of New York Mets Bobby Valentine, finally captured Japan Series crown. Mr. Valentine become the first American manager of Japanese pro baseball team who have won in the Japan Series.

Pacific League champion Lotte faced Central League champion Hanshin Tigers in this series. Japan series is a seven-game championship, so each team need to have 4 wins so as to win the series.

[The outcome of the games]

The 1st game: Lotte 10 - 1 Hanshin
The 2nd game: Lotte 10 - 0 Hanshin
The 3rd game: Lotte 10 - 1 Hanshin
The 4th game: Lotte 3 - 2 Hanshin

Unexpectedly, almost all games are one-sided. On the one hand, the team members of Lotte play brilliantly, on the other, those of Hanshin didin't seem to be able to use their individual strengths.

Mr. Valentine's miracle is turning a perennial underdog team into a successful team. Lotte's stand out players include many young players, so many sports commentators expect that the strength of Lotte will increase for years.

No.1 Japanese pro baseball team Lotte will play at Asia series next month for No.1 Asia pro baseball team.

Japanese Internet Companies 4

2005-10-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

(This article is the continuation of the article on October 21 23 and 24)

Japanese Internet Companies 3
Japanese Internet Companies 2
Japanese Internet Companies

* * * * * * * * * *

Vector

Vector is the largest Japanese internet download directory website. The number of softwares Vector deals in is enormous, and its categories are wide-ranging. Most Japanese don't use Download.com but Vector when they need softwares.

Any people can download registered softwares through vector. And at the same time, any people can go public softwares they create through vector. The softwares registered on Vector are classified by its charge into free, share, product, sample and "other" softwares.

Other download website used among Japanese is Mado no Mori.

kakaku.com

Kakaku.com is a website specializing in comparing prices of goods, especially electrical goods. In addition to the contents of price comparing, kakaku.com offers "kuchikomi keiziban," which is a collection of BBSes for exchanging information about various kinds of goods.

Goo

Goo is a popular portal website among Japanese next to Yahoo! Japan, Livedoor and MSN Japan. Goo had provided especially powerful search engine for Japanese until Google is popularized.

(End)

Japanese Internet Companies 3

2005-10-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

(This article is the continuation of the article on October 21 and 23)

Japanese Internet Companies 2
Japanese Internet Companies

* * * * * * * * * *

@nifty

@nifty is one of the largest Internet service provider in Japan. According to the wikipedia, the origin of @nifty is NIFTY-Serve, which has offered online service provider since 1987. @nifty is Fujitsu (Japanese IT company) 's wholly owned subsidiary. Actually, when I bought a laptop computer made by Fujitsu, the software related to @nifty was installed on the PC in advance.

Other popular ISP are BIGLOBE (by NEC,) So-net (by Sony,) plala (by NTT EAST,) etc.

Hatena

Hatena is an unique online service site. The name "Hatena" is from Japanese, which means "?" The core service of Hatena is Hatena diary and Zinryoku Kensaku Hatena.

Hatena diary is one of the most popular blog hosting among Japanese. Which is "an interesting blog hosting linking with keywords" (キーワードでつながる面白ブログ,) according to its web site. When the registered keywords are included in the users' blogs, the words or sentences are automatically linked with the pages which explain its meaning and list the link of users' blog the keyword includes. This function forms unique community.

Zinryoku Kensaku Hatena is the service that someone teaches users the web sites which the users are looking for. Fist, users send a message what kind of web sites they are seeking. Second, the message is registered. Third, other users answer the message.

(To be continued)

Japanese Internet Companies 2

2005-10-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

(This article is the continuation of the article on Friday, October 21)

Japanese Internet Companies

* * * * * * * * * *

Rakuten

Rakuten is one of the largest online shopping site used among Japanese. The name "Rakuten" means "optimistic" in English. Its president Hiroshi Mikitani is well known as a charismatic executive among Japanese.

Rakuten has been succeeded to get accesses through not only upgrading its web site itself but also acquiring other Internet companies, such as infoseek Japan, Lycos Japan, etc, and making them its subsidiary.

Rakuten also extended its business to professional sports. In 2003 it bought a professional soccer team the Vissel Kobe. And in 2004 Rakuten finally bought the most popular professional sports among Japanese, baseball. The buyout was competition between Rakuten and Livedoor, but Rakuten succeeded to buy. The team is now run as the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.

This month Rakuten unveiled surprising business plan. Rakuten bought the Tokyo Broadcasting System stocks at 15.46% on October 10, and suggested TBS to integrate each other. Mr. Mikitani aims to establish "a world-class media group which has not existed in Japan yet." But many people doubt its feasibility, because it reminds them the failed merger in the U.S. between AOL and TimeWarner.

(To be continued)

"Jesus Christ Action Figure" from Japanese Point of View

2005-10-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

I watched an astonishing video on Download.com. That is the commercial of "Jesus Christ Action Figure."

Google Search "Jesus Christ Action Figure"

Fist of all, I'll never understand the conduct that the manufacturer makes Jesus Christ action figure and sells as toy. The sales slogan of the figure was "Walk-On-Water ACTION!!!"

But the most immoral conduct in the video I watched was...

(I strongly recommend you not to read the sentences below if you are timid)

the scene that one child, who holds with a figure of soldier with spear in his hand, run through the figure of crucified Jesus Christ with its spear. And a message was displayed: "Cross Not Included."

The scene can be interpreted as a parody of Jesus Christ. Is this a black humor?

* * * * * * * * * *

We Japanese tend to be irreligious. Even most religious people are Buddhist. Few people believe creationism.

On the other hand, it is a common sense among Japanese that American tend to be religious, especially to Christianity. To me Japanese, it is unbelievable that such kind of commercial were broadcast and such kind of action figure was widely sold in the U.S.

Japanese Internet Companies

2005-10-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!, MSN, Google, Amazon, Wikipedia...

I understand most web sites many people around the world visit are mostly American companies' or organizations', especially in Silicon Valley. I suppose that's because American frontier spirit established de facto standard in the pioneer days of the Internet. Americans are traditionally strong when they find frontiers.

On the other hand, there are no Japanese company's websites which are globally visited like Yahoo!, MSN, etc. Moreover, American companies' web sites is vital for even we Japanese people's web life. According to the Alexa, the most accessed Japanese web sites is www.yahoo.co.jp, the second is www.google.co.jp. the fifth is www.msn.co.jp, the seventh is www.infoseek.co.jp, the eighth is www.dell.com...etc.

* * * * * * * * * *

In such situation, today I'll write about Japanese web sites which are Japanese companies' and play a vital role for Japanese Internet users.

Livedoor

Livedoor is a portal site which collects blog, search engine, news (mainly gossip,) etc.

This company is well-known as its president Horiemon (Takafumi Horie,) who has an engaging personality. The number of accesses to Livedoor has been soaring since Horiemon announced his intention to buy a Japanese professional baseball team. It was the first time Japanese IT company has intended to buy professional baseball team and the news were sensationally reported, because, like America, professional baseball is the most popular professional sports in Japan. Although his attempt to buy the team was failed, he has continued to be reported by media. He bought tremendous amount of shares of Fuji Television all of a sudden, he run for the Lower House election...

Those were sensational for most Japanese, and the name of "Livedoor" has been penetrated among them. He is good at media strategy.

(To be continued)

"Kurushii toki no kamidanomi"--God may lend a helping hand

2005-10-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

Today, I'll explain Japanese proverb "Kurushii toki no kamidanomi."

* * * * * * * * * *

If I translate "kurushii toki no kamidanomi" literally, it'll be something like, "praying to God or Buddha for help in a difficult situation."

That is to say, "Kurushii toki no kamidanomi" means that when people face great difficulty, they tend to pray to God or Buddha for help even if they're unbeliever.

* * * * * * * * * *

Needless to say, this set phrase bases on the thought that God or Buddha may lend a helping hand when we pray to them. That's causality. Causality is one of the law that plays key role in Buddhism.

On the other hand, I understand that according to the doctrine of predestination, God don't give a helping hand even if we pray fervently. That's because whether humans can overcome the difficulty or not has been decided in advance by God or fate, and that's not related to whether they pray to God or not, according to the theory of predestination.

Karaoke--Japanese Business Culture

2005-10-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

I wrote about Japanese business culture nommunication on October 16.
http://kokoken9.blogspot.com/2005/10/nommunication-japanese-business.html

Today, I wrote about another unique Japanese business culture. That's karaoke. In japan even Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has sung with karaoke.

* * * * * * * * * *

Karaoke was devised in Japan, and now spreads overseas.

Let me make sure the definition of karaoke.

a device that plays instrumental accompaniments for a selection of songs to which the user sings along and that records the user's singing with the music
(Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary)

* * * * * * * * * *

It may be odd, but karaoke is used as an effective tool of business among Japanese working people. Karaoke works as a communication tool. When they've finished work, they sometimes go to karaoke with their coworkers and promote mutual friendship.

Many people like karaoke, but some people don't (including me.) Even if you are the latter, you can't decline the invitation for karaoke, because karaoke is also important component of business. So, those who don't like to sing feel uncomfortable when those who like karaoke sing happily.

The way business people improve their communication through karaoke is similar to nommunication. Both of them have a common factor that people improve their communication through leisure activities with their coworkers after they finish their work. The only difference between karaoke and nommunication is whether they promote their communication through singing or drinking.

It is possible to say that such culture reflects Japanese traditional homelike business culture.

Stranger Danger

2005-10-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Japan had been a safe country. People hadn't watched out for strangers who greet them. Some people hadn't hesitate to talk to strangers sitting on the next passenger seat.

But such good old days may have gone by. Japanese get gradually watched out for strangers, probably because the number of crimes by strangers have been increasing.

* * * * * * * * * *

One man who contribute to a newspaper published in my region feel sad at the today's situation that people can't talk to children who live in their neighborhood, because children are taught that they shouldn't talk to strangers.

Another man who contribute to the newspaper said that today's Japan is the society which people are suspected each other.

The region I live in is a rural area rather than urban area, and traditional community still remains. So I think it is reasonable they can't accept today's situation.

* * * * * * * * * *

Speaking of which, NHK (Japanese national broadcasting station) 's radio English conversation program "Business English Conversation" introduced the situation in the U.S. on June.

According to the program, today's message to children is "more like 'Don't trust anyone.'" "If a policeman, fireman, mailman or any man or woman in uniform wants to talk to you, don't. They could be a stranger in disguise. Be careful even with people you do know."

Is it true?

If so, America is more dangerous society to live with. I guess Japan also becomes Americanized from the viewpoint of safety.

Bobby Valentine's Japanese Professional Baseball Team Won the Pennant

2005-10-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Japanese professional baseball team Chiba Lotte Marines, managed by former manager of New York Mets Bobby Valentine, finally clinched the Pacific League pennant.

It's miracle, because Lotte has been recognized as a synonym for weak team.

The last time Lotte clinched the pennant was 31 years ago. Since then, Lotte has experienced severe hardship. In the last 20 years, Lotte has took class A (from first to third in the pennant race among 6 teams) only 2 times. In 1998, Lotte recorded 17 straight defeats, which broke the worst record in the history of Japanese professional baseball.

So, why can such a weak team won the pennant this year?

Many people attribute the miracle to the manager, Bobby Valantine. (I don't know very much about him. Sorry.)

* * * * * * * * * *

Pacific League champion Chiba Lotte Marines are going to face the Central League champion Hanshin Tigers in the Japan Series.

Interestingly, Hanshin also has been regarded as a synonym for weak team for a long time.

This year's Japan Series between two miracle teams (but ex weak teams) is expected to receive special attention.

Nommunication--Japanese Business Culture

2005-10-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

I heard of men who seriously suffer from alcoholism. Their brains are severely disordered, so they have great difficulty in their daily life.

I was horrified to hear that. I'm sorry to say, they dropped out owing to alcohol.

I've been sensitive to alcohol because I've been warned again and again how dreadful alcoholism is by my mother since I was a child. If possible, I want to avoid drinking any alcohol.

* * * * * * * * * *

But as long as I live in Japan, I have to drink.

In Japan people sometimes use the word "nommunication," which is a compound word of Japanese "nomu (drink)" and English "communication." Many Japanese, especially working people, improve their communication by drinking alcohol. So, the ability to drink is regarded as a must for business person.

* * * * * * * * * *

Such kind of culture is nerve-racking for me. Although some people think those who don't want to drink don't have to drink, and the number of people who think such way gradually has been increasing, nommunication culture still dominates Japan.

Uchiwa--Japanese Traditional Necessities

2005-10-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

I wrote about sensu yesterday.

Speaking of sensu, there are another traditional necessities that are similar to sensu in terms of its function in Japan. That is uchiwa.

What's uchiwa? Put simply, uchiwa is Japanese round fan.

According to the Meikyo Japanese Dictionary, uchiwa is "a thing which you fan and create air. Uchiwa is made by pasting ribs which are made of bamboo with paper or cloth and attaching a handle. Many uchiwa are round shaped"( あおいで風を送る道具。竹の骨に紙や布を張り、柄をつける。多くは円形。 )
Google Image Search

Uchiwa is used in Summer to create a current of cool air. Besides, uchiwa is also used when people cook sushi in order to cool hot rice.

The origin of uchiwa is over 1,000 years ago, that is as old as sensu.

One difference between uchiwa and sensu is that uchiwa is not used for ornament like sensu. Although Japanese think sensu can bring luck, they don't think uchwia do.

I guess uchiwa is more popular than sensu. Unlike sensu, uchiwa is often distributed as giveaway, so many people can get uchiwa free.

Sensu--Japanese Traditional Necessities

2005-10-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

"Sense" is English.

But "sensu" is Japanese.

So, What's sensu? Put simply, sensu is Japanese folding fan.
Google Image Search "sensu"

According to the Meikyo Japanese Dictionary, sensu is "a thing which you hold in your hand and wave to create air. Sensu is made by pasting ribs which are made of wood, bamboo, etc. with paper or cloth and fasten at pivot so as to fold it. Sensu is also used in dance, rite, etc."( 手に持ってあおぎ、風を起こす道具。木・竹などの骨に紙や布を張り、折りたためるように要でとめる。舞踏・儀式などにも用いる。 )

Sensu have been used in Japan more than 1,000 years ago and it is one of traditional necessities ranking with uchiwa, Japanese round fan.

There are various kinds of sensu. The photo of sensu I upload on this blog is for fanning. But some sensu are not made for fanning, but for ornament, because Japanese think sensu can bring luck. Such kinds of sensu are not always designed for practical use, but beautifully decorated.

The sensu on the photo is what I bought at a discount store at 100 yen (about 0.9 dollars.) But average sensu are over 1,000 yen, some are over 10,000 yen.

Japanese Sense

2005-10-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

Changed the title of this blog. From today, this blog is "Japanese Sense."

The reason why I gave such title is that I thought the title can let people easily imagine what this blog is like. This blog includes a lot of articles about Japan. From this point of view, former title "Mum's The Word U.S." is not appropriate.

Another reason is that I like Japanese sensu (folding fan.) You can see a sensu on my user photo.

* * * * * * * * * *

I also changed the title of Japanese blog "Mum's The Word Nippon" into "Mum's The Word," because I need not to distinguish two "Mum's The Word" any longer.

Koizumi Advertised Toadstools on an E-mail Newsletter

2005-10-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Japanese Prime Minister Junichro Koizumi found "mushrooms" in his official residence.

He might feel so intrigued that he advertised the "mushrooms" on the Koizumi Cabinet E-mail Magazine published today.

Yesterday morning, a clear and crisp autumn day, I was taking my usual walk from my official residence to my office when I spotted mushrooms amongst the shrubbery in front of my residence. Looking closer, I found an assortment of mushrooms scattered about, whose varieties ranged from large-capped mushrooms to small mushrooms that were nearly hidden by the shadows of the weeds. I am eager to look them up to learn whether they are edible.

（From English version of Koizumi Cabinet E-mail Magazine）

But according to the Jiji Press, it became clear that these "mushrooms" are toadstool. Jiji Press reports the name of the toadstool is "Psilocybe argentipes." Psilocybe argentipes is raw material of drug, and it is prohibited from having and growing it.

The Blog Covering Japanese Current Affairs

2005-10-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

I've wrote about Japanese current affairs on this blog. Reading media, I can find a lot of intersting news to deal with on this blog easily.

In order to improve my English writing skills, I need to keep this blog every day. If I was not able to deal with such kind of news, I might not be able to keep this blog every day, because it is difficult for me to think what to write.

As this blog has many items about Japanese current affairs, it may be better to change the title of this blog into something like, "Japan Today" or "Japan Trend." I suppose people cannnot imagine what kind of blog it is when they see the odd title "Mum's The Word U.S."

* * * * * * * * * *

Anyway, today's topic is census of Japan again. According to a today's newspaper, Japanese government set a policy that they reconsider the census system, because so much trouble involved in census occurred.

Too late...

Why are Japanese government's actions always late?

Today's newspaper also told me that some other countries have already conducted census with the Internet.

Too late...

Why didn't Japanese government also use the Internet?

Japanese Economists Have not Recieved Nobel Prize in Economics Yet

2005-10-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

Once again, no Japanese economists won the Nobel Prize in Economics.

Nobel Prize in Economics has a history of 46 years and has awarded over 50 economists the prize. But no Japanese are included in the winners. Although Japan has enjoyed one of the strongest economy in the world, its economists might not be excellent.

Except in the category of Economics , many Japanese has won Nobel Prize.

Physics 4
Chemistry 4
Literature 2
Physiology or Medicine 1
Peace 1
Economics 0

Total 12

So, it is outstanding how Japanese economists stagnate.

* * * * * * * * * *

Why can't Japanese economists win the Nobel Prize in Economics? Let me list the reason many people point out.

a) Lack of competition among Japanese economists unlike U.S.

b) Some (Many?) economists are still aware that economic is a Yunyu Gakumon (science from overseas), so they are satisfied with only introducing the theory from overseas.

c) Marx school has still strong influence in academic circles in Japan, so the number of researchers on New classical economics and Keynesian economics, which are today's mainstream, is not large unlike U.S. According to one Japanese economist, most Japanese economists were Marxist about 30 years ago.

The Health Sports Day and The Eye Protection Day

2005-10-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

In Japan today is a notational holiday, the Health Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi.)

The Health Sports Day was established in 1966 in commemoration of the Tokyo Olympics held on October 10, 1964.

At first, the Health Sports Day was October 10. But in 2000, the date was changed into the second Monday, October. The reason why the date was changed was that lawmakers intended to join individual holidays to consecutive holidays. Lawmakers thought that consumers would spend more money on leisure and that would help to boost economy if the number of consecutive holidays increases.

* * * * * * * * * *

October 10 is also the Eye Protection Day.

Look at the emoticon below.

一　一０　０

This emoticon illustrate one's eye. 一 is eyebrow. ０is eye.

In Japanese, people say October 10 as "10 gatsu 10 ka" (the 10th month and the 10th day.) 一 means 1 in Japan. ０ means 0.

Come to think of eye, I sometimes get eye strain because I spend long time on looking at a computer screen every day. I wonder if something that eases eyestrain is sold.

Does the Sun Also Rise?--Japanese Economy

2005-10-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

This article has no relation to Ernest Hemingway, sir.

* * * * * * * * * *

On Oct 6th Mr. Bill Emmott, editor in chief of The Economist, contributed interesting article named "The sun also rises."

Mr. Bill Emmott is well-known in Japan for his book The Sun Also Sets (1989), which argued "Japan's sun does not only rise" in considerable growth of Japanese economy.

This time, he argued the opposite things, that is, "Japan's sun does not only set."

Those who have optimistic views on Japanese economy are not only him. Many overseas investors have been buying Japanese stocks when Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi dissolved the Lower House on August.

In contrast, most Japanese take pessimistic views of Japanese economy. The birth rate has been falling rapidly and population, source of economic growth, is expected to decline from this year. On the other hand, a vast quantity of deficit that reaches nearly $ 8 trillion stop decreasing.

It is not rare that the view of Japanese economy makes a contrast between domestic and foreign people.

Let Me Introduce Myself in English

2005-10-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

Having learned English, I may be asked to introduce myself in English someday by the people who hear I study English.

So, I'll make a sample to prepare for such possible situation.

* * * * * * * * * *

[Sample]

Let me introduce myself.

My name is Kokoken, 18 years old. I live in Yamaguchi, western Japan, and work for Mum's the Word Shoji. I'm still a bachelor, but have 47 loves.

Learning is my life and passion. In particular, I've recently devoted my efforts to study English, must for successful business person.

For instance, I make a practice of getting up early and browsing the web site of quality newspapers written in English, such as Financial Times, International Herald Tribune, and so on for 2 hours. I also make an effort to increase my English writing skills, not only reading skills. On March, I started managing my blog in English.

My favorite pastime is reading business books published in America. Reading such kinds of books helps me to acquire deep knowledge about business as well as improve my English skills, because America is the country where the research on economics, management and information technology makes notable advances.

(This introduction includes some fibs :-P)

A Japanese National Institute Suggest Putting Loanwords into Japanese

2005-10-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

I know many Japanese words are used in the U.S. Sushi (寿司) geisya (芸者) samurai (侍) sumo (相撲) tsunami (津波) nikkei (日経) anime (アニメ)... etc.

Vice versa. オペレーション (Operation) サプリメント (supplement) ドナー (donor) トラウマ (trauma) バイオテクノロジー (biotechnology) リバウンド (rebound) リリース (release)...etc. These words come from English and are widely used in Japan.

But such circumstances don't sit well with some Japanese. They insist that Japanese should use Japanese rather than loanwords. Another people, especially old people, insist that they are in a fix when they find loanwords because they can't understand the meaning of them.

* * * * * * * * * *

To meet the needs, the National Institute for Japanese Language has tried to suggest putting loanwords into Japanese.

Today, the NIJL presented the fourth interim report on the suggestion. For example, オペレーション (Operation) should be put into 公開市場操作. サプリメント (supplement) should be 栄養補助食品. etc.

* * * * * * * * * *

As I have learned English, I involuntary utter English words even when I am making conversation in Japanese. For instance, "プライオリティー (priority) を決めることが大事だ" (It's important to decide on priority.) According to the suggestion by the NIJL, プライオリティー (priority) should be put into 優先順位.

Census Collection Difficulties in Japan

2005-10-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

Census questionnaires, circulated to each household in Japan, were collected and sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The scene that Prime Minister Junichiro Kozizumi handed in his census questionnaire to a census taker was broadcast on TV news. It is rare that Japanese Prime Minister hands in his census questionnaire by himself. Then he said to the census taker, "I guess you face difficulty on your job. I hope you do your job successfully" if I remember correctly.

The reason why Koizumi did and said so may be that he aimed at advertising census collection. They say that it becomes difficult for census takers to collect questionnaires because Japanese have become more sensitive to protecting their personal information.

* * * * * * * * * *

However, people facing difficulty is not only census takers.

Newspapers reported that there were frauds who pretend to be a census taker and collected household's census questionnaires. It's a crime that aims for personal information listed on questionnaires.

One woman shared her horrifying experience. She completed her questionnaires and handed in it to a man who said he was a census taker. But after that, another man appeared at her and saying, "I'm a census taker. Is it possible to hand in your census questionnaires?"

A Non-U Reading Quality Papers

2005-10-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Although I'm not business elite, I read Financial Times. Although I'm not intellectual, I look over International Herald Tribune. Although I'm not CEO, I'm interested in The Economist.

If British upper classes read what I wrote above, they will sneer and say something like, "Don't try so hard to show off, non-U (non-upper class.) Such kinds of newspapers and magazines are not suitable for you. You'd better read The Sun."

It may be reasonable they think so. But I say there are no reasons for hindering non-U from reading quality papers. Actually, many English learners in Japan read quality papers regardless of their social class.

* * * * * * * * * *

One reason why I read quality papers is I don't want to remain non-U. Of course, even if I read quality papers, I will not become upper class immediately. But it from desire to improve myself.

Another reason is from pure curiosity. Especially, I'm interested in coverage of economy and technology rather than gossip, because I graduated from school of economics.

Sumo Wrestlers from Overseas

2005-10-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

Grand Sumo Las Vegas was took place from October 7 to October 9. I hear Sumo, Japanese national sport, is internationally famous.

Come to think of it, "Asian Trix" animated cartoon video from Family Guy, which I once focused on this blog, contained depiction of Sumo holed in Japan. The depiction was based on misunderstandings, though.

Family Guy "Asian Trix" from Real Asian Point of View
Family Guy "Asian Trix" from Real Asian Point of View 2

* * * * * * * * * *

Many sumo wrestlers from overseas have played in Japan since Takamiyama, from Hawai, was permitted as sumo wrestler by the Japan Sumo Wrestling Association in 1968. In 1993 Akebono, from Hawai, received honorable title Yokozuna, grand championship in sumo. That was the first time sumo wrestlers from overseas had received Yokozuna.

In 2005 September Grand Sumo Tournament, Asashoryu, from Mongolia, won his sixth straight Emperor's Cup. This is an outstanding achievement because there are only two people who achieved this record in the history of Grand Sumo Tournament. In the last month's tournament, a wrestler who competed with Asashoryu to the very end was Kotooshu, also from overseas, Bulgaria.

* * * * * * * * * *

But the number of wrestlers of all wrestlers is still small. Most wrestlers are Japanese.

Some Japanese don't welcome wrestlers from overseas. They don't please with foreigners joining the world of sumo, which is the most traditional sport in Japan. Moreover, they fear Japanese wrestlers will not be able to succeed if the number of wrestlers from overseas increases, because Japanese body are generally smaller than other countries'.

Japanese Blog Hosting Vs. American Blog Hosting

2005-10-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

I start managing a new blog this month. Its blog hosting is served by Japanese company. I was surprised at how useful its functions are and how easy to use them.

Although the reason I say so may be I am Japanese, I think its excellent services aren't inferior to American blog hosting's ones, which have contributed to make America's blogosphere the highest developed in the world.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Japanese blog hosting I start using is free of charge. But,

a) Web tracker has been equipped from the beginning
b) We can categorize postings free (this function is the same as "Tags" in LiveJournal)
c) We can attribute font easily without knowing HTML
d) We can recommend our favorite books on amazon.jp by using affiliate program and that can generate income
e) The designs for blog templates are cool and functional

...etc.

Browsing many Japanese blogs, I have often felt that the service of Japanese blog hosting is outstanding. This time, I'm very sure of that by using it.

* * * * * * * * * *

But, as I once said, most of Japanese blog hosting are offered only in Japanese, not in English or other languages. So, almost all users of them are Japanese, although users of many American hostings, such as Blogger, LiveJournal, etc. are multinational.

Census of Japan

2005-10-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

Census is now taken in Japan. This year's census especially attracts many people's attention, because this may become the first time the census results has shown Japanese population decreases.

* * * * * * * * * *

One of the term that is often used in Japanese newspapers today is "zinkou gensyo syakai" (the society which population decreases.) According to the vital statistics by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of Japanese who were die was larger than that of Japanese who were born the last half year. That is the first time since vital statistics were conducted.

Many people think the downward trend of low birth rate must cause a decrease in population and that phenomenon must decrease the Japanese economic vitality.

* * * * * * * * * *

One problem on census is protection of personal information. Recently, Japanese have become sensitive to protecting their personal information. So, government expects that it will be difficult for census takers to gain people's understanding.

Actually, census takers are generally our neighbors. Sometimes, even acquaintances of ours. Who feel comfortable with giving and showing your neighbors the papers which list your important data, such as income?

Books from Web

2005-10-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

One Japanese blogger whom web site I often visit is sounded out about publishing the blog contents as book. He teaches Business English at one of the major Japanese college and open his knowledge on his blog. There have been about 100 thousands accesses to his blog since he start blogging half a month ago.

In Japan many books based on web contents have been published.

One popular book is Densha Otoko (Trainman.) Densha Otoko is the story that the unattractive otaku man who saved a beautiful woman from groper in a train achieves his love for the woman. This story is based on the real exchange on 2ch, the most popular BBS in Japan. The book Densya Otoko was a big hit, and was filmed and dramatized.

Within the scope of e-mail newsletters I receive, I know a few people whom newsletters are published as books.

* * * * * * * * * *

In Japan they say that the book sales have declined because people read web pages instead of books. So, publishers may keep their eye on web sites.

I also might have a chance. If I had enough intelligence to write appealing blog, though.

Don't Americans Feel Size of Alphabet Text on the Web Is Small?

2005-09-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

I feel the size of alphabet text on the web is small. Whether I use IE or Firefox, I feel the same way.

Chances are, that's because I'm used to browsing Japanese web sites. Japanese characters Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana are generally larger than alphabet on the web.

So, when I browse the web site written in English, I sometimes get eyestrain. It's no wonder I get eyestrain when I watched small text and, besides, eye-hurting computer screen. Watching English website, I often increase text size.

* * * * * * * * * *

I've tried to change the way I read online newspapers written in English since yesterday.

The center is FT.com. I read FT.com mainly. On top of that, I supplement with more information with e-mail newsletters issued by other online newspaper sites, such as New York Times, USATODAY, Reuters, etc.

Although FT.com includes many contents that requires to pay charge, it is really worth reading only free contents. Even if free contents are not enough for me to gain information, I can browse other online newspaper sites and, besides, magazine sites.

I think I should read FT because I read Nikkei (Japanese economic newspaper) mainly in Japan.

Hanshin Tigers Won the Pennant

2005-09-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

Tigers won the pennant!

...Not Detroit Tigers, but Hanshin Tigers, Japanese professional baseball team. It's unbelievable for me because I've seen how Hanshin has been weak since I was a child.

Hinshin is one of the oldest professional baseball team based on Nishinomiya, near Osaka. Hanshin has had the largest number of fans in western Japan and its fans have been well known as extremely enthusiastic. But recently, Hanshin has been weak since it dramatically won the pennant with a strong batting lineup in 1985. Although Hanshin took the championship again in 2003, it lost its strength in 2004.

This year's Hanshin has three strong relief pitchers called JFK--Jeff Williams, Kyuji Fujikawa and Tomoyuki Kubota. Today, through the JFK's work, Hansin beat its longstanding rival Yomiuri Giants 5-1 at Koshien Stadium.

* * * * * * * * * *

They say the popularity of Japanese professional baseball wanes today.

One reason is that many excellent and popular players, such as Hideo Nomo, Ichiro, Hideki Matsui, etc. tend to drain to MLB. The number of people saying, "MLB is more interesting than Japanese professional baseball" has increased since many Japanese players left for the U.S.

What Kinds of Blog Services Are the Best?

2005-09-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

Look at the data below:

LiveJournal 90%
Blogger 6%
TypePad 4%

This is from BusinessWeek magazine's special report "Best of the Web," issued on September 26. According to the data, most BusinessWeek online readers think LiveJournal is the best Blog Service.

How do you feel about that?

As far as I am concerned, it's quite surprising. Although I use Blogger and LiveJournal, I'm contended with both of them. I don't think Blogger is markedly inferior to LiveJornal. I'm satisfied with Blogger because I can customize template by editing HTML free of charge.

* * * * * * * * * *

Three blog services BusinessWeek readers polled was, of course, the host used in the U.S.

But there are also excellent blog services in Japan. Major Japanese blog services offer many useful functions and those design are so beautiful.

However, most of them are offered only in Japanese. So, most users of them are Japanese people. If they offered them in English, it might gain competence at global level.

I Wanna Read FT or WSJ

2005-09-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

The most suitable newspaper written in English for me may be FT (Financial Times) and WSJ (Wall Street Journals) because I graduated from school of economics.

FT and WSJ enjoy a good reputation even in Japan. Although, there is also economic newspaper in Japan, Nikkei (Nihon Keizai Shimbun,) the reputation of FT and WSJ is higher than Nikkei.

I want to read FT or WSJ. But if I have them delivered to my house, I have to extremely high delivery charge because there are no sufficient distribution networks of FT and WSJ in Japan.

So, I sometimes visit the web site of FT and WSJ. But to read both of them well, I have to subscribe and pay charge. Although I think FT and WSJ are worth paying money to read, I was attracted my attention by the web site of other newspapers that I don't have to pay charge to read well, such as New York Times, Washington Post, London Times, etc.

* * * * * * * * * *

Most Japanese business people don't read FT and WSJ, but read Nikkei. General Japanese aren't good at reading English even though they receive reading-oriented English education more than 6 years. Japanese who read FT or WSJ is only one part of elite.

Time Management to Read More Books

2005-09-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

It's difficult for me to manage my time.

Although I want to read books written in English to improve my English reading skills, I can't make time to read them very much.

But when it comes to read newspapers written in English online, I put longer time to read them than books.

* * * * * * * * * *

I think that is time priority matters. Within the time available (that is 24 hours minus the time for business,) I must give priorities to what I mostly must do.

So, one possible solution is to reduce time to read newspapers and increase time to read books. Another possible solution is to reduce time to blog and increase time to read books. :-P

Many Japanese aren't good at such kind of management unlike American.

Anyway, as reading newspapers and books are equally useful to improve reading skills, I may not have to bother about it very much.

Family Guy "Asian Trix" from Real Asian Point of View 2

2005-09-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

I searched on the Internet, and found out that this video is from Family Guy, American animated cartoon.

And the Asian Trix is the parody of the Trix cereal commercial, well-known in America. The rabbit on the video is parodied Trix Rabbit, the mascot of Trix. The phrase on the video "Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!" is the catchphrase of the Trix commercial.

That convinced me. In Japan, Trix cereal is not sold. (But Kellogg's cereal is sold. Kellogg's Tiger is relatively well-know among Japanese.) Of course, no one know Trix commercial. So, I also didn't understand how funny it was.

* * * * * * * * * *

Incidentally, I found a bit odd thing about representation of Japan in the Asian Trix video.

1 Although a master of ceremonies in Sumo stadium says, "Sumo tonight! Brought you by Asian Trix.,"Sumo isn't played at night but afternoon.

2 Although a master of ceremonies says, "Sumo tonight! Brought you by Asian Trix.," there are usually no sponsors for the TV Sumo show in Japan. Sumo is usually broadcast by NHK, Japanese national broadcasting station. NHK's revenue is subscription fee from household, not ad revenue from firms. So, there are no commercials in NHK TV show, including Sumo show.

3 The girls eating Trix cereals don't resemble Japanese. They rather than Chinese. But the spectators in Sumo stadium and the master closely resemble Japanese.

(End)

Family Guy "Asian Trix" from Real Asian Point of View

2005-09-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

I found a video, called "Asian Trix" on the Internet. A lot of people who watched the video, most of them seem to be American, said this video was pretty funny. So, I watched it, too. But the video didn't appeal to me.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Asian Trix" is easy to find on the Internet. The story is such as below:

Scene 1:

In a Sumo stadium in Japan. It looks like the TV show telecasting Sumo. A master of ceremonies says,"Sumo tonight! Brought you by Asian Trix."

Scene 2:

It looks like commercial. Three Asian girls and one rabbit in a house.

Children are eating cereals, which name is "Trix." A child say to the rabbit, "Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!" Rabbit scream angrily, "You share!" And it gives roundhouse to a girl, dropkick to the next girl, and choke the last girl. When all girls lost consciousness, it gets out of the house with Trix.

(To be continued)

Google search "Asian Trix"

Shunbun no Hi (Autumnal Equinox Day)

2005-09-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

I didn't know until today that the concept of "Shunbun" and "Shubun" also exists in the U.S., such as the "autumnal equinox" and "vernal equinox."

In Japan, today is national holidays "Shunbun no Hi" (Autumnal Equinox Day.) The length of time of day is the same as that of night. Speaking of which, I've felt the time the night come gradually got earlier.

Shunbun is one of the "Nijuushi sekki," the twenty-four points in the old solar calender. Nijuushi sekki is such as below: (Data is based on the solar calender, not old solar calender)

[Spring]
Rissyun: around February 2
Usui: around February 19
Keichitsu: around March 6
Syunbun: around March 21, English name is "the vernal equinox"
Seimei: around April 5
Kokuu: around April 20

[Summer]
Rikka: around May 6
Syouman: around May 21
Boushu: around June 6
Geshi: around June 22, English name is "the summer solstice"
Syousyo: around July 8
Taisho: around July 24

[Autumn]
Rissyun: around August 8
Syosyo: around August 24
Hakuro: around September 8
Shunbun: around September 23, English name is "the autumnal equinox"
Kanro: around October 9
Soukou: around October 23

[Winter]
Rittou: around November 8
Shousetsu: around November 23
Taisetsu: around December 7
Touzi: around December 22, English name is "the winter solstice"
Syoukan: around January 6
Daikan: around January 20

I guess few Japanese memorize all 24 days. Relatively well known day will be Rissyun, Keichitsu, Syunbun, Geshi, Rissyun, Shunbun, Rittou, Touzi.