感覚論

Okay, I guess I should comment on the nuclear 'crisis' in Japan. I suppose the most obvious comment is 'Seriously, Fukushima has nothing to do with Chernobyl'

The problem is that 'radiation' is a buzz word. Much like 'asbestos' or 'carcinogens', people know these things are 'bad' but have absolutely no idea at what levels or how these bad things even spread. Even Chernobyl's radiation didn't spread more than 30 miles outside the site. This probably explains why Americans have been buying up iodine pills. These pills protect your thyroid against cancer caused by radiation exposure. Yes, Americans are buying pills that only protect one gland from radiation exposure from a scenario that is practically impossible all the way in the US…Am I the only one who is completely confused???.

There is already a growing fear of Japanese food as well. If there was a reactor leak in Nine Mile Point, New York, would you stop buying Florida Oranges?? If you are in East Asia, yes, yes you
would. There are hotel menus that have started removing sushi from their menus because of radiation fears.

If anyone has this situation on lockdown, its Japan. Seriously, Japan had power up and running in Hiroshima hours after the bomb went off. We're talking about the country that invented the Playstation, Chu-hai and the glasses free 3-D TV!

As you can see, I am getting a tad annoyed by all the fearmongering. But perhaps the biggest annoyance is the fact that when the dust settles and everything is okay, nobody will have learned anything...

アメリカ人には常識が欠けている。。。

SO SO FLY

I just had an epiphany: Japanese fashion is the greatest thing ever....ever. The men and women here are so extremely stylish, its impossible not to notice. I also can't help but notice the fact that its been getting colder and colder in Japan (February is indeed the worst month in Japan) but the women are by no means wearing more clothes. On the snowiest of days you can still see 100lb/45Kg girls in high heels, short skirts, and perfect hair.....god bless 'em.

Many Japanese girls don't even question it. They just say that "Fashion requires patience." This may just be the man in me, but I think everyone (especially American women, hint hint) can learn something from this. Japanese really like to look their best, and it most definitely shows. The high heels in 6cm of snow might be a little too much, but I appreciate the effort. Whats so wrong about looking great every hour of every day???... Nothing

When I first got to Japan, I was immediately attracted to almost every women (and some men) I saw. I thought it was because everyone was so healthy. Being healthy doesn't hurt, but the biggest factor HAS to be that the Japanese (both boys and girls) put how they look ahead of unimportant things like comfort, and functionality.

本当に日本がめっちゃ好きだよ！

Hello Again!

Its time for more on Japanese sub-culture. Perhaps I should share a few stories to give you an idea as to why this country is so great. I guess these aren't really stories so much as points...

1. During my first few weeks in Japan, some friends and I went to a club. We were there from around 10pm to 5am. And from the time we entered, my friend set his camera down on a table right on the dance floor. During the night he proceeded to take pictures and set the camera down on the table when he wasn't using it. And surprise surprise, the camera lasted 7 hours in a busy club, unattended, without being stolen...amazing.
2. Recently, an inebriated friend of mine left his man purse/bag in a bar in Osaka. He returned the next day and was greeted by warm faces and his bag was returned. Not just returned, but the 20,000+円 inside the bag still remained.
3. I myself have left my 三万円電子辞書 (30000 yen denshi jisho) in various locations in Japan, and I have been surprised time and again to see it returned.

Getting the point?? I'm quite tempted to test this even further by leaving my wallet in the middle of Kiyomizudera, 清水寺, and see how fast it is returned.

The people in this country are so incredibly nice/honest. I'm not speaking for everyone of course, but I've noticed a general kindness in everyone in the Kansai area.

I truly love this country