Japan and Foreigners

This article provides an interesting look at the Japanese government's take on foreign labor, and how short-sighted its priorities are. Mind you, this has nothing to do with my personal experience here, but I find it quite relevant to the future of Japan and the global community. Countries like the US, Japan, and the EU member states really need to get their acts together and start looking at long-term policies that will foster growth and stability in their respective economies in the decades to come. The way things are going now - policy-wise, demographics-wise, ideology-wise - many countries are heading for colossal problems that are easily foreseeable. 

In Japan's case, eventually its going to be forced to dillute its largely homogeneous culture with immigrants. Why? Because Japanese people aren't having babies. When you can't sustain your population, you either import people or your economy suffocates and then your country collapses.

Update:

Read this one, as well. Thanks for the link, Ben.

View of Japan: Flower Viewing

Ah, spring is in the air! Things are starting to warm up, the cherry and plum blossoms are in bloom, and the sounds of beer can tabs popping can be heard at parks across Japan. 

Japan is a country of people who work hard and play hard. As such, the Japanese find many occassions to party. End of the semester in college? Class drinking party! New staff member(s) at work? Welcome drinking party! Staff members retiring/transferring? Farewell drinking party! New Year's? Party. Fireworks tonight at the beach? Beach party. Flowers in bloom? Let's go drink! And so on.

While I don't always feel like participating, this is one thing that I've come to appreciate about Japanese culture. Sure, plenty of people get wasted at all these events, but plenty of people

 don't. It's not about the drinking - it's about enjoying each others' company and usually about appreciating something else (often some kind of beauty). Take what's going on right now: "hanami," or "flower viewing" in English. For a two or three week period every spring (the length is dependant upon the weather), the cherry and plum blossoms are in bloom. If the weather is nice, friends and families visit their local park or some other such flowery area and set up little picnics. At larger parks, such as Ikebukuro in Tokyo, vendors will set up stands, selling stuff like fried noodles, grilled sweet potatoes, ices, and all kinds of Japanese folk foods; and if you want to picnic at these larger venues, you have to get up early and claim a spot, because by noon they'll be completely overrun with tarps, blankets, coolers, and flower viewers. 

I've never actually sat down for a "proper" flower viewing, but I've walked around several, viewing people viewing the flowers, and while they are usually plesant, sometimes people can get a little rowdy and the atmosphere a little inappropriate for children (but according to my observations, parents unfortunately aren't very discerning about that kind of thing here). 

Hmmm...back to appeasement?

It appears the story has changed with the N. Korean rocket launch.

The US now says it's not going to do anything. Awesome. Japan is only going to shoot it down if it looks like debris will fall into Japan. So apparently no one is going to call N. Korea on this, even though they're in violation of a UN resolution and Iran is aiding them in this endeavor. Appeasement is such an easy policy, isn't it? It's a great message to send, that these countries we fear so much to upset can do as they like, as long as it doesn't directly affect us at the moment. I bet this will be one of those moments we look back on with 20/20 vision in the future, when North Korea has long-range missile capabilities.

You may fire when ready

And it's on. Japan and the US are preparing to shoot down anything fired from N. Korea that violates Japanese airspace.  I agree wholeheartedly with the plan; I just hope the Korean leaders don't spaz out and start shooting salvos of missiles at Japan in retaliation for this "act of war."

Oh boy..

I'm not too worried, because (1) North Korean leaders may be crazy, but they're not suicidal (yet) and (2) there's nothing I can do about it, but:

Apparently things are heating up in the region.

North Korea is getting ready to launch a "communications satellite" over Japan, and apparently any interception of it is going to be taken as an act of war. Regardless, Japan and the US are preparing to bring it down. I'd be doing the same thing. I don't think North Korea has the stones to declare war against the US and Japan, at least right now, over a stupid launch test. Then again, they are crazy.

Notice the UN hasn't become involved. Big surprise.

Food for thought: I wonder where China stands on this. I'm sure they want to keep the region stable, but if push comes to shove, will they be willing to lay the smack down on N. Korea?

Jukin' Time

Mini special.

Japanese kids are comedic geniuses

Whether they know it or not, they are.  This most recent "make your own skit" activity was framed around a telephone conversation theme. There were many amusing ones, but too many for me to record without being adequately lazy. So here are a few, with very minor spelling/grammatical editing:

--1

A: Hi, this is Nakanishi. Can I talk to Tashiro, please?

B: No. This is Haru. Nakanishi, nice to meet you.

A: Haru? Who are you?

B: I'm Haru. Are you free.

A: Oh, yes. Why?

B: Because. It was love at first sight.

A: You didn't see me.

B: I saw you by sixth sense.

A: Oh, by sixth sense.

--2

A: Hello?

B: Hi, this is Risa. Can I speak to Mitsuki, please?

A: Speaking.

B: Would you like to buy something to drink?

A: No. Would you like to buy something to drink?

B: ...Ok.

--3 (Entitled "One Day...")

A: Hello?

B: Hi, this is Margret. Can I speak to Bob, please?

A: I'm sorry, he can't come to the phone right now. Because Bob is working in the park.

B: Really?

A: Yes, yes, yes.

B: I see.

A: Bye.

B: Liar!

--4

A: Hi, this is Jona. May I speak to Cully?

B: Speaking. What's up?

A: To tell the truth, I love you.

B: Oh, my God. I love you, too.

A: But. My heart is stronger than your heart.

B: No!! My heart's stronger.

A: No!!

B: No!!

A: Sorry. I lose...

B: Thank you.

A: I love you... I love you...

B: I love you too...

A: Good bye.

B: See ya.

--5

A: Hello? This is Cow.

B: Hi, this is Pony.

A: Would you like to buy some milk?

B: No, thanks. I have milk. Goodbye.

--6

A: Hello?

B: Hi, this is your son.

A: What?

B: This is your son!

A: Oh! John?

B: Yes! This is John!!

A: I have no son. Goodbye.

--7

A: Hello?

B: Hi, I am your son.

A: Is your name Taro?

B: Yes. Yes! I am Taro! Now I don't have a job. I lost my job.

A: Please give me money?

B: Um...sure. How much?

A: About a million yen. Ok?

B: Sure. I'll give you money.

A: Thank you. I respect you.

B: You're welcome.

--My Thoughts--

I know they were just using phrases we taught them, but the usage in some of these cases is great. Take #4: a passionate conversation about the depths of their love, ended with "see ya."

Although there is something slightly sinister about #3 (obviously Margaret knows something that leads her to believe Bob is not at the park after all) and I also enjoy a good skit about a mother either disowning her son or earning his respect by giving him money, I think my favorite is #2. I like how Mitsuki turns the sales deal around on Risa (why is she selling a drink over the phone in the first place?).

Anyway, this is my reward for a lesson well-taught.

Japan joins the war on pirates

Indeed, all nations must band together if we are to have any hope against the blight of the seas.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11748273&ch=4226714&src=news

Edit: Pirates +1 (for being such a threat)

Jukin' Japan: Episode 7

...is up!

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=216A9536B5A9A51D

Cameraphones and you

I was a little surprised by the general reaction to this article. As noted, there's already a similar law in place here in Japan, and it seems to make sense. Its purpose is to discourage voyeurism and pictures taken of people in places like dressing rooms. I've never encountered anyone here who thinks it's an unfair law or unduely protective. I guess I shouldn't be surprised by the comments made in response to the article, though...Americans are so scared of giving up their "rights." Even their "right" to have a silent cameraphone shutter. I guess the value of privacy is in the eye of the beholder.

Any thoughts?

Yumm Foot!

Sometimes you just wish politicians knew when not to talk. I think this is one of those cases. Whoever was concerned in Japan about having a Catholic prime minister has nothing to be worried about. I've met ten year-old's that were better at exegesis than him. Maybe he just really likes the taste of his own foot?

Jukin 6

Next episode should be up shortly...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K6Cm9u7UDI

Edit: Yes, it's up.

Jukin' Japan 5

This post is a day late, but here's number 5:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfm2TXH1Wr4&feature=channel_page

Shower Exclusive

Episode 4 of Jukin' Japan - check it out!

Ha, my 5 seconds of fame

I was on Japanese TV, because I am a friend of the band. What band, you ask? This band.

Magic Words

There's this Japanese song I was introduced to back when I was studying a few years ago at Waseda in Tokyo, called "Mahou no kotoba," by a band name Spitz. That's "Magic Words" in English.

In one of my classes, the teacher played it for us in class and gave us the lyrics on a sheet of paper. I meant to translate it, but my skills were no match for colloquial Japanese. I'm kind of encouraged today, though - I think I've come a long way since then.

A long time ago I had seen some translation of the lyrics on YouTube, but that was too long ago for me to remember. I figured this would be good practice, so today I decided to do my best to translate the Japanese into English on my own. So using just my dictionary I did my best, and then altered a couple lines slightly after consulting with one of the teachers sitting next to me...the consultation was minimal, though appreciated.

Anyway, first, here's the song, if you're interested: Video

Here is my translation:

Afure sou na kimochi muri yari kakushite 

It’s impossible to stop these overflowing feelings

Kyou mo mata tooku bakkari mite ita

 Today I was only looking far off again
Kimi to katari atta kudara nai are kore

 The trivial things that I used to talk to you about
Dakishimete dou ni ka ikiteru kedo 
Somehow I’m continuing on, but…
Mahou no kotoba futari dake ni wa wakaru

 Magic words, that only the two of us know
Yumemiru toka sonna hima mo nai kono goro 

Now those times are like a dream I can no longer see
Omoidashite okashikute ureshikute

 But I’m glad to think of them
Mata aeru yo yakusoku shi nakute mo 
We can meet again; no need for promises
Taoreru you ni nete naki nagara mezamete 
I wake up from my tearful sleep
Hitogomi no naka de boso boso utau

 Swallowed up in the middle of a crowd, I sing
Kimi wa nani shiteru? Egao ga mitaizo

 What are you doing? I want to see your smile
Furi kabutte wagamama sora ni nageta                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
I rose up and threw my selfishness to the sky
Mahou no kotoba kuchi ni sureba mijikaku

 Magic words, said only briefly
Dakedo kouka wa sugoi mono ga aru tte koto de

But with amazing effects

Daremo shira nai barete mo iro ase nai

 No one knows, if it comes out it doesn’t fade
Sono ato no SUTOORII wake aeru hi made 
After that story until the day we will share again
Hana wa utsukushiku toge mo utsukushiku

Flowers are beautiful, thorns should also be beautiful 
Nekko mo utsukushii hazu sa 
Roots should also be beautiful, too
Mahou no kotoba futari dake ni wa wakaru 

Magic words, that only the two of us know
Yumemiru toka sonna hima mo nai kono goro

 Now those times are like a dream I can no longer see
Omoidashite okashikute ureshikute 

But I’m glad to think of them
Mata aeru yo yakusoku shi nakute mo 

We can meet again; no need for promises
Aeru yo aeru yo
We can meet again, we can meet again…

Here is a much cleaner English translation that I found online:

I forced myself to hide these feelings that overflow 

And once again today I did nothing but look off into the distance 

All those trivial things I talked about with you 

I clutch them tightly and try to live somehow 

Magic words only we can understand 

Lately I don't have time for dreaming and such 

When I remember, it's funny and makes me happy 

We'll see each other again, even without a promise 

I sleep as if I've collapsed and awaken crying 

I whisper a song in the crowd 

What are you doing? I want to see your smile 

I raised my hands and threw my selfishness into the sky 

Magic words, so short when I say them 

But the effect is really amazing 

No one ones and if they find out, it won't fade 

Until the day we can share the rest of the story 

Flowers are beautiful, even the thorns are beautiful 

The roots must be beautiful, too 

Magic words only we can understand 

Lately I don't have time for dreaming and such 

When I remember, it's funny and makes me happy 

We'll see each other again, even without a promise 

We'll see each other, we'll see each other

I apologize for the formatting sloppiness - Blogger is good like that. Anyway, my translation was off in some places and not as nicely worded as the second one, but I'm pretty satisfied that I was able to come close. I need victories like that when fluency is such a daunting challenge...

Great Headline

Agree or not, this is a winning headline.

Episode 3: Cheese and Ninja

New Jukin' Japan - check it out!

More Japan Blog Goodness

Check out my friend Joe's new vlog - pretty funny ranting, very accurate.

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=-PTmGYMwbEk

Jukin' Episode 2

Here it is, Episode 2. I don't expect to keep releasing videos at this pace, but this is my trip to Nagasaki. 

Enjoy!