Ice wall to contain Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant isn’t freezing
Next up-- asking Doraemon for help. And if that doesn't work, we'll try singing to it.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Didn't follow the script: NHK apologizes to Obokata after she is injured while fleeing reporters
NHK apologizes to Obokata after she is injured while fleeing reporters
I think what's got these NHK reporters so freaked out they've lost all sense of civilized behavior is Dr. Obokata (I'm using doctor as a courtesy because even though she's offered to withdraw her doctoral dissertation, I don't know how far along this process is) hasn't followed the script for someone publicly disgraced here in Japan. She has consistently defended herself rather than prostrating herself before her seniors and the public at large in contrition and offering tears and multiple apologies. She hasn't resigned her position. She hasn't allowed the controversy to shame her into isolation. And, most tellingly, she hasn't killed herself.
So the media doesn't know how to handle her or her story. This is all most unexpected behavior from a controversy's central player, and it's making them insane.
I think what's got these NHK reporters so freaked out they've lost all sense of civilized behavior is Dr. Obokata (I'm using doctor as a courtesy because even though she's offered to withdraw her doctoral dissertation, I don't know how far along this process is) hasn't followed the script for someone publicly disgraced here in Japan. She has consistently defended herself rather than prostrating herself before her seniors and the public at large in contrition and offering tears and multiple apologies. She hasn't resigned her position. She hasn't allowed the controversy to shame her into isolation. And, most tellingly, she hasn't killed herself.
So the media doesn't know how to handle her or her story. This is all most unexpected behavior from a controversy's central player, and it's making them insane.
This crime shocked the hell out of us yesterday: 15-year-old girl arrested for beheading classmate in Sasebo
15-year-old girl arrested for beheading classmate in Sasebo
We saw this on the news yesterday afternoon and ended up discussing it for quite a while. Horrific in its details, this crime isn't unique. There have been other high-profile kid killings in Japan. We're interested in motivation. What caused this? The circumstances leading up to it-- a 15-year-old girl living on her own-- have their own sickly fascination, too. While some teens lead highly supervised lives with little or no free time, going from home to school to clubs to cram schools back home with hardly a break or a moment's respite, others seem to roam untended and unwatched even from very young ages. People tend to take for granted the wearing of plastic helmets and the use of GPS devices will protect their children because, as they tell their English conversation instructors, "Japan is safety." But what can protect a teen from one of her friends?
We saw this on the news yesterday afternoon and ended up discussing it for quite a while. Horrific in its details, this crime isn't unique. There have been other high-profile kid killings in Japan. We're interested in motivation. What caused this? The circumstances leading up to it-- a 15-year-old girl living on her own-- have their own sickly fascination, too. While some teens lead highly supervised lives with little or no free time, going from home to school to clubs to cram schools back home with hardly a break or a moment's respite, others seem to roam untended and unwatched even from very young ages. People tend to take for granted the wearing of plastic helmets and the use of GPS devices will protect their children because, as they tell their English conversation instructors, "Japan is safety." But what can protect a teen from one of her friends?
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Well, we like her at our house: Rola changing DNA of Japanese pop culture
Rola changing DNA of Japanese pop culture
Having married a Japanese woman, I get a big dose of Japanese TV almost daily. Japanese TV is largely crap. The culture snob in all of us might sniff, "Well, so is all of TV, no matter the country of origin. All mass culture is crap." But Japanese TV is REALLY crap, by just about any standard. Even my wife thinks so, although she enjoys the game shows where celebrities try to figure out the correct kanji before a giant computer graphic ape out of a video game throws bees at them or whatever the hell is happening.
We also both get a big charge out of Itte Q and another show staring Seiji, a big, affable galoot of a guy in loud clothes who drags his roller suitcase all over Africa looking for lone Japanese living in small towns and villages there. I have no quarrel with J-Dramas, either. Or anime. Or the show with the old guy in overalls walking his cute dog around town meeting ordinary people.
What I can't bear, however, are the endless shows about people going to restaurants, or the endless shows where people sit around on a brightly decorated stage and sample ordinary Japanese dishes. Or the shows where celebrities watch videos of other celebrities going to restaurants. Or the shows that just seem to be a group of celebrities shouting at each other while watching videos of other celebrities going to restaurants. Or shows about restaurants.
Many of these shows feature Rola. Rola has a nasal voice that sounds as if she could shatter glass, but just as that article I lined to points out, she has a "carefree" charm. We know to always bet against her in any guessing game, but there's just something appealing about her lack of pretentiousness. Which is the opposite of me, a creature composed largely of pretentions and mistaken assumptions. Granted, I know nothing of the real Rola, but if she has a talent beyond being approachably pretty, it's projecting an honest, open demeanor. Certainly, there's a cloying quality about her, too, but it's largely overshadowed by that apparent honesty. You feel with Rola you're getting a genuine person, beyond the trademark poses and pouts.
Which is to say, if you must air a show where celebrities watch video of other celebrities going to restaurants or talking about food (and if you're a Japanese broadcaster, you absolutely must or suffer the consequences), you could do a lot worse than to add Rola to your cast. And yes, she's pretty much everywhere these days, so you just have to get used to her and not worry so much about all-Rola, all the time. I'm pretty sure she's not losing any sleep over it, except for when she's working, which must be all the time. You know what I mean, though, right?
Having married a Japanese woman, I get a big dose of Japanese TV almost daily. Japanese TV is largely crap. The culture snob in all of us might sniff, "Well, so is all of TV, no matter the country of origin. All mass culture is crap." But Japanese TV is REALLY crap, by just about any standard. Even my wife thinks so, although she enjoys the game shows where celebrities try to figure out the correct kanji before a giant computer graphic ape out of a video game throws bees at them or whatever the hell is happening.
We also both get a big charge out of Itte Q and another show staring Seiji, a big, affable galoot of a guy in loud clothes who drags his roller suitcase all over Africa looking for lone Japanese living in small towns and villages there. I have no quarrel with J-Dramas, either. Or anime. Or the show with the old guy in overalls walking his cute dog around town meeting ordinary people.
What I can't bear, however, are the endless shows about people going to restaurants, or the endless shows where people sit around on a brightly decorated stage and sample ordinary Japanese dishes. Or the shows where celebrities watch videos of other celebrities going to restaurants. Or the shows that just seem to be a group of celebrities shouting at each other while watching videos of other celebrities going to restaurants. Or shows about restaurants.
Many of these shows feature Rola. Rola has a nasal voice that sounds as if she could shatter glass, but just as that article I lined to points out, she has a "carefree" charm. We know to always bet against her in any guessing game, but there's just something appealing about her lack of pretentiousness. Which is the opposite of me, a creature composed largely of pretentions and mistaken assumptions. Granted, I know nothing of the real Rola, but if she has a talent beyond being approachably pretty, it's projecting an honest, open demeanor. Certainly, there's a cloying quality about her, too, but it's largely overshadowed by that apparent honesty. You feel with Rola you're getting a genuine person, beyond the trademark poses and pouts.
Which is to say, if you must air a show where celebrities watch video of other celebrities going to restaurants or talking about food (and if you're a Japanese broadcaster, you absolutely must or suffer the consequences), you could do a lot worse than to add Rola to your cast. And yes, she's pretty much everywhere these days, so you just have to get used to her and not worry so much about all-Rola, all the time. I'm pretty sure she's not losing any sleep over it, except for when she's working, which must be all the time. You know what I mean, though, right?
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
But open for business here: Typhoon makes landfall on Kyushu; 3 dead so far
Typhoon makes landfall on Kyushu; 3 dead so far
The typhoon has been the major news story since yesterday. Here, probably 12 or so hours ahead of the arrival of a weakened form of this storm, we're open for business. The staff are making plans for sending the kids home early if it comes to that, but we probably won't see any bad weather until late tonight. But this is what I'm gathering with my smattering of office Japanese.
Typhoon days here are like snow days back home. For the kids, they can be a joy. For adults, a misery. Many offices and businesses will remain open, meaning extra-long and extra-difficult commutes in the morning and evening. Tomorrow will find broken convenience store umbrellas, the clear plastic cheapies, lying on the sidewalks like dead fish on the beach after a storm at sea. I'm pretty lucky in that even if the weather hits earlier than I expect, I only have a 5 minute walk back to our apartment.
Even with high winds whipping my umbrella back and forth and leaving my biceps sore from the fight-- I beat nature with a TKO fifty-one seconds into the third round-- at least I don't have to drive or take a bus or train. Bus and train service may be delayed or even cancelled outright and even if they're not, everyone will be packed in with the extra bulk of raincoats and umbrellas. It will be extra oppressively hot and humid and your wet clothes will cling to your clammy body like a monstrous leech out of a sci-fi-horror flick. I've actually commuted to work on a bicycle in typhoons, way back before the city passed a "no umbrellas while riding bikes" law, complete with hefty fine.
Not that an umbrella does much good in a gale, when the wind blows the rain horizontally or even upwards into your face at times. Muscling a bike against the wind with an umbrella acting like a sail or a wing threatening to take you airborne is yet another great cardiovascular workout that also shapes and tones your muscles. You end up wet not only from the rain but also from slimy sweat for a regular "oil and water" coating guaranteed to leave you feeling slimy and in need of a shower or a long soak in a cold pool somewhere far from the city.
My poor wife may have to drive in it! I'm going to be constantly checking the front door until she gets home.
The typhoon has been the major news story since yesterday. Here, probably 12 or so hours ahead of the arrival of a weakened form of this storm, we're open for business. The staff are making plans for sending the kids home early if it comes to that, but we probably won't see any bad weather until late tonight. But this is what I'm gathering with my smattering of office Japanese.
Typhoon days here are like snow days back home. For the kids, they can be a joy. For adults, a misery. Many offices and businesses will remain open, meaning extra-long and extra-difficult commutes in the morning and evening. Tomorrow will find broken convenience store umbrellas, the clear plastic cheapies, lying on the sidewalks like dead fish on the beach after a storm at sea. I'm pretty lucky in that even if the weather hits earlier than I expect, I only have a 5 minute walk back to our apartment.
Even with high winds whipping my umbrella back and forth and leaving my biceps sore from the fight-- I beat nature with a TKO fifty-one seconds into the third round-- at least I don't have to drive or take a bus or train. Bus and train service may be delayed or even cancelled outright and even if they're not, everyone will be packed in with the extra bulk of raincoats and umbrellas. It will be extra oppressively hot and humid and your wet clothes will cling to your clammy body like a monstrous leech out of a sci-fi-horror flick. I've actually commuted to work on a bicycle in typhoons, way back before the city passed a "no umbrellas while riding bikes" law, complete with hefty fine.
Not that an umbrella does much good in a gale, when the wind blows the rain horizontally or even upwards into your face at times. Muscling a bike against the wind with an umbrella acting like a sail or a wing threatening to take you airborne is yet another great cardiovascular workout that also shapes and tones your muscles. You end up wet not only from the rain but also from slimy sweat for a regular "oil and water" coating guaranteed to leave you feeling slimy and in need of a shower or a long soak in a cold pool somewhere far from the city.
My poor wife may have to drive in it! I'm going to be constantly checking the front door until she gets home.
Monday, July 7, 2014
The newest, most annoying excuse for doing stupid, asinine things: Man arrested for pouring ink, ketchup into mailboxes
Man arrested for pouring ink, ketchup into mailboxes
And what did this arch-fiend, this master criminal, this rogue genius, tell the high-tech, multi-national taskforce that finally brought him to justice after a worldwide hunt?
"[He] told [the Science Patrol, Sherlock Holmes, Batman and Charlie's Angels] he poured the liquids into at least 13 mailboxes because it helped him forget his stress at work."
This is the second crime this week where the suspect has confessed all and used the same excuse. The first guy admitted to slashing seat covers on a local train line. Stress relief, he said. At least the jackass who uploaded a video of himself drowning a cat had a specific anti-feline agenda he was trying to promote. These two boobs need to be locked in a cell together so they discuss ways of coping with work stress.
I have a lot of stress at my job, too, but I handle it the American way. I suck it up and complain at home. I read a book. I write a short story. I make a drawing. I go hit some baseballs at the batting center. I search the job ads. I read stupid news and write smart ass blog entries about it. Whatever happened to the grand old Japanese tradition of getting blotto, tying your tie around your forehead, and screaming out Blue Hearts at the karaoke box? Joining the local festival and spending three days half-naked and drunk out of your mind? Building intricately detailed Gundam models accurate down to the atomic level? I guess that's not good enough for some people. On the other hand, this country really could use the de-stigmatization of seeking professional help for mental problems.
And what did this arch-fiend, this master criminal, this rogue genius, tell the high-tech, multi-national taskforce that finally brought him to justice after a worldwide hunt?
"[He] told [the Science Patrol, Sherlock Holmes, Batman and Charlie's Angels] he poured the liquids into at least 13 mailboxes because it helped him forget his stress at work."
This is the second crime this week where the suspect has confessed all and used the same excuse. The first guy admitted to slashing seat covers on a local train line. Stress relief, he said. At least the jackass who uploaded a video of himself drowning a cat had a specific anti-feline agenda he was trying to promote. These two boobs need to be locked in a cell together so they discuss ways of coping with work stress.
I have a lot of stress at my job, too, but I handle it the American way. I suck it up and complain at home. I read a book. I write a short story. I make a drawing. I go hit some baseballs at the batting center. I search the job ads. I read stupid news and write smart ass blog entries about it. Whatever happened to the grand old Japanese tradition of getting blotto, tying your tie around your forehead, and screaming out Blue Hearts at the karaoke box? Joining the local festival and spending three days half-naked and drunk out of your mind? Building intricately detailed Gundam models accurate down to the atomic level? I guess that's not good enough for some people. On the other hand, this country really could use the de-stigmatization of seeking professional help for mental problems.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Rumors swirl after case of mass bullshit at Fukuoka school
Rumors swirl after girls mysteriously collapse at Fukuoka school
The first thing I thought of was good ol' Arthur Miller and his play The Crucible. This is an interesting way to get a couple of days off around test time, nothing more.
The first thing I thought of was good ol' Arthur Miller and his play The Crucible. This is an interesting way to get a couple of days off around test time, nothing more.
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