... and in honour of the weekend I was out eating and karaoke-ing. There are even some pictures available of the event!
LP Tokyo Pissup
Not only the Netherlands has had snow recently, but here in Tokyo we were also lucky to have a bit of white stuff on the ground... have a look at Crossfire's pics!
It's been a while since I last posted, what has happened in the meantime...
oh yeah, life is becoming scary: I'm ooh-ing and aah-ing along to Japanese tv. Which would not be so bad in itself, possibly maybe, except for the fact that this was brought on by an explanation of how Japanese pizza got its name in the dreadful program Project X. I mean, seriously!!
I'll try to get some pictures soon of my new taiko-buddies (keitai's are handy, still debating whether or not I can afford a digicam) where I've been spending my Wednesdaynights recently. They're fun :)
I'm also busy with teaching! Yep, am brushing up my English grammar and in the very near future also my Dutch grammar. Quite fun and hey, I'm learning everything all over myself! Plus that it's helping to finance my holiday in the summer which is not unimportant of course ;)
On a final note, this might be funny: weird Japanese in Asia (haven't had a look myself yet, so let me know if this is any good!) A change from www.engrish.com hopefully.
Ok, it's late, おやすみ!
March 14, 2005
February 24, 2005
Postoffice issues ...
And I’m back with another bit on Japanese politics.
I’m preparing for two discussions that I am going to this week and next about the planned privatization of the postoffices. Now, this doesn’t sound like such a big deal, but some are warning that PM Koizumi is ahead of himself on this one. A big issue. Pretty much The Issue on reform for Koizumi and he wants to push it through no matter what.
Well, I’m not too clear on a lot of things of his plans, so if any one who’s reading this can help out?
A few excerpts for the International Herald Tribune/Asahi Shinbun:
“’This meeting is not about protesting the postal privatization plan,’ Tamisuke Watanuki, an LDP lawmaker known for his anti-privatization stand, said. ‘Rather, I am deeply concerned about parliamentary democracy being put at risk.’”[11/02/05]
A quote about a meeting that Koizumi had last week with anti-privatization politicians within his own party. I’m slightly puzzled about the phrase ‘parliamentary democracy at risk’. Is that what it is called if something isn’t going the way that the majority of the LDP wants it to go? The LDP fears for an opportunity for the opposition:
“An all-out battle between the government and the LDP over the postal plan could give the main opposition party room to attack during the current Diet session.” [11/02/05]
Coalition and opposition party confrontation isn’t immediately a threat to democracy though? Isn’t that the whole idea of democracy?? Sounds a bit akward, I think…
This might clarify a bit: “Allowing Koizumi to push through his postal privatization initiative despite his arrogant disregard for the Diet would seriously undermine the health of the nation's democracy, which, like any democratic system, is founded on the people's trust.” [25/01/05]
I still don’t quite see it…. The Diet obviously needs to approve the proposal. If the majority of the Diet approves, then doesn’t this mean that the population agrees? Parties and Diet members should be voting according to their constituency. It doesn’t help the opposition to vote for the proposal just to annoy the LDP, as it would support Koizumi who is also LDP. No gain in that strategy.
Anyhow, a bit earlier the same newspaper reported the following about trouble within the LDP:
“But resistance forces within his Liberal Democratic Party are up in arms as the party's traditional support base outside Tokyo has always relied heavily on the postal sector.” [25/01/05]
Eh? The postal sector is an important support base for the LDP? I knew about the rural areas and farming sectors and a couple of others but where does the postal sector come in? Does it have that many employees that it can put so much weight on policy? Is it the money involved – insurance funds etc? That doesn’t make sense, as that would put influence within the ministry; not the constituencies.
And, finally and not surprisingly, this seems to be one of the most important reasons for pushing the proposal:
“Still, Koizumi wants some agreement on postal privatization before his term expires, mainly because there are few other issues where any progress seems likely soon. The dead-end is especially noticeable in foreign affairs, with no end in sight to Japan's disputes with North Korea and Russia.” [18/01/05]
Jun-chan will have to accomplish [i]something[/i] by the time he retires. The privatization of the highway companies has been critized of being too much of a compromise on the side of the Cabinet. The North Korea situation is at a dead-lock, and currently deteriorating. The Northern Territories issue has again come to a standstill despite some earlier hopes of progress – it doesn’t seem that much is going all that well for him ...
IHT/AS 11/02/2005
IHT/AS 26/01/2005
IHT/AS 18/01/2005
NikkeiNet特集郵政民営化
{it’s late-ish, so I might have been incomplete here and there…. Will fix it later if that’s the case! Let me know if you have any insights on this issue!}
EDIT@25/02
A few more links that I came across:
NikkeiNet Editorial (subscription only, unfortunately)
WhitePeril blog-entry on Postal Reform
Also, of course this issue brings along a lot of other topics in Japanese politics - LDP support base/constituencies, ministerial competition (MoF vs Ministry of Post), US vs Japan trade issues and so on. More to come!
I’m preparing for two discussions that I am going to this week and next about the planned privatization of the postoffices. Now, this doesn’t sound like such a big deal, but some are warning that PM Koizumi is ahead of himself on this one. A big issue. Pretty much The Issue on reform for Koizumi and he wants to push it through no matter what.
Well, I’m not too clear on a lot of things of his plans, so if any one who’s reading this can help out?
A few excerpts for the International Herald Tribune/Asahi Shinbun:
“’This meeting is not about protesting the postal privatization plan,’ Tamisuke Watanuki, an LDP lawmaker known for his anti-privatization stand, said. ‘Rather, I am deeply concerned about parliamentary democracy being put at risk.’”[11/02/05]
A quote about a meeting that Koizumi had last week with anti-privatization politicians within his own party. I’m slightly puzzled about the phrase ‘parliamentary democracy at risk’. Is that what it is called if something isn’t going the way that the majority of the LDP wants it to go? The LDP fears for an opportunity for the opposition:
“An all-out battle between the government and the LDP over the postal plan could give the main opposition party room to attack during the current Diet session.” [11/02/05]
Coalition and opposition party confrontation isn’t immediately a threat to democracy though? Isn’t that the whole idea of democracy?? Sounds a bit akward, I think…
This might clarify a bit: “Allowing Koizumi to push through his postal privatization initiative despite his arrogant disregard for the Diet would seriously undermine the health of the nation's democracy, which, like any democratic system, is founded on the people's trust.” [25/01/05]
I still don’t quite see it…. The Diet obviously needs to approve the proposal. If the majority of the Diet approves, then doesn’t this mean that the population agrees? Parties and Diet members should be voting according to their constituency. It doesn’t help the opposition to vote for the proposal just to annoy the LDP, as it would support Koizumi who is also LDP. No gain in that strategy.
Anyhow, a bit earlier the same newspaper reported the following about trouble within the LDP:
“But resistance forces within his Liberal Democratic Party are up in arms as the party's traditional support base outside Tokyo has always relied heavily on the postal sector.” [25/01/05]
Eh? The postal sector is an important support base for the LDP? I knew about the rural areas and farming sectors and a couple of others but where does the postal sector come in? Does it have that many employees that it can put so much weight on policy? Is it the money involved – insurance funds etc? That doesn’t make sense, as that would put influence within the ministry; not the constituencies.
And, finally and not surprisingly, this seems to be one of the most important reasons for pushing the proposal:
“Still, Koizumi wants some agreement on postal privatization before his term expires, mainly because there are few other issues where any progress seems likely soon. The dead-end is especially noticeable in foreign affairs, with no end in sight to Japan's disputes with North Korea and Russia.” [18/01/05]
Jun-chan will have to accomplish [i]something[/i] by the time he retires. The privatization of the highway companies has been critized of being too much of a compromise on the side of the Cabinet. The North Korea situation is at a dead-lock, and currently deteriorating. The Northern Territories issue has again come to a standstill despite some earlier hopes of progress – it doesn’t seem that much is going all that well for him ...
IHT/AS 11/02/2005
IHT/AS 26/01/2005
IHT/AS 18/01/2005
NikkeiNet特集郵政民営化
{it’s late-ish, so I might have been incomplete here and there…. Will fix it later if that’s the case! Let me know if you have any insights on this issue!}
EDIT@25/02
A few more links that I came across:
NikkeiNet Editorial (subscription only, unfortunately)
WhitePeril blog-entry on Postal Reform
Also, of course this issue brings along a lot of other topics in Japanese politics - LDP support base/constituencies, ministerial competition (MoF vs Ministry of Post), US vs Japan trade issues and so on. More to come!
February 21, 2005
February 19, 2005
Just a quick comment.
Just came across a website which at first sight appears to be very good for any information on Japanese music. You can find profiles on anything from Morning Musume (I had no idea that they started with one girl, and the history after that. Pretty smart marketing, as I see it) to Towa Tei and Buffalo Daughter. Check Nippop
Will be filling up the blog soon with much more stuff. Have a few things I want to work on, but need some time...
Just came across a website which at first sight appears to be very good for any information on Japanese music. You can find profiles on anything from Morning Musume (I had no idea that they started with one girl, and the history after that. Pretty smart marketing, as I see it) to Towa Tei and Buffalo Daughter. Check Nippop
Will be filling up the blog soon with much more stuff. Have a few things I want to work on, but need some time...
February 14, 2005
Japan, Middle East, Russia, China = energytroubles...
The Oil and Gas Journal published an article about Japan's energy environment this month.
Maybe not so interesting to most of you, but after North Korea, it seems my research interests are shifting to oil and gas. And I can't quite believe I'm still writing about it at home after having worked non-stop on a report about it all of last week....
Either way, I'm always pleased to see things that confirm my own findings. Like this article, so I thought I'd share :)
Here's the first paragraph:
Exactly. Just like I'm saying.
Now, did I really need to take a month to find this out....? :-S At least I got some good sushi out of it!
Maybe not so interesting to most of you, but after North Korea, it seems my research interests are shifting to oil and gas. And I can't quite believe I'm still writing about it at home after having worked non-stop on a report about it all of last week....
Either way, I'm always pleased to see things that confirm my own findings. Like this article, so I thought I'd share :)
Here's the first paragraph:
The Japanese government is working on several fronts to enhance energy security and reduce the country's reliance on oil from the Middle East.
But that dependency is unlikely to change much anytime soon, said analyst Hosoe Tomoko in a January report by Fesharaki Associates Consulting & Technical Services Inc. (FACTS Inc.), Honolulu.
Japan is trying to strengthen its nuclear power infrastructure and to import more LNG and has developed a petroleum stockpile system, initiated an environment tax, and is working toward importing oil from Russia and Iran as alternative sources of oil supply.
It also is making upstream investments overseas, reestablishing a relationship with Middle East oil exporters, and helping other southeastern Asian countries develop strategic stockpiling, Hosoe said.
Exactly. Just like I'm saying.
Now, did I really need to take a month to find this out....? :-S At least I got some good sushi out of it!
February 07, 2005
Japan - discrimination, soccer, immigration etc...
A few quick links that I've come across:
Rogue's Gallery
Just an example of how multi-cultural this country isn't!
(although, not to get this out of proportion, I've never see this, and I'm sure this happens in plenty of other countries, albeit not so openly)
I actually borrowed this information from Kana's site, which is quite interesting also :)
And, well, an example of how sports can turn into politics. Japan is playing North Korea tomorrow night in Saitama.... All hell will break loose here if the Japanese won't win. Obviously.
Japan is getting ready though...
More news after tomorrow. Despite not being a fan of soccer, I will be watching the game. Am quite curious what the coverage will be like here!
Rogue's Gallery
Just an example of how multi-cultural this country isn't!
(although, not to get this out of proportion, I've never see this, and I'm sure this happens in plenty of other countries, albeit not so openly)
I actually borrowed this information from Kana's site, which is quite interesting also :)
And, well, an example of how sports can turn into politics. Japan is playing North Korea tomorrow night in Saitama.... All hell will break loose here if the Japanese won't win. Obviously.
Japan is getting ready though...
More news after tomorrow. Despite not being a fan of soccer, I will be watching the game. Am quite curious what the coverage will be like here!
January 27, 2005
Settling in?
Here I was, typing away about how my life in Tokyo is coming together, and there goes the newly installed internetconnection. I guess I'm not so settled in yet, huh...
So, where was I....
It feels as if Tokyo is now just about ready to start on me. I'm now living in a room of my own, just hooked up my pc to the LANnetwork (but well, yes, uhm...), am loving my keitai (very pink!), the infamous Alien Card is being processed as we speak, as well as my bankaccount. All going well then.
Work is also still fine. Am doing different things at the moment which is good. The largest political party in Japan (LDP or Liberal Democratic Party) is celebrating its 50 year anniversary. While I'm not wholely convinced that that is a good thing, it's bringing some interesting opportunities along. Such as listening to former PM Yasuhiro Nakasone recounting his views on the current state of Japan. Turning 86 this year, he was refused to run for a new term as PM recently because of this age. So yes, an interesting afternoon. And, someone had thought that it would be nice to give the Dutch people VIPseats on the second row. Well, I'm not complaining :)
What else? Oh, I'm finally re-discovering the areas in Tokyo. Which is good because it also means that I'm re-discovering some very cool places. Like my favourite ラーメン屋 in Ikebukuro. 'Ramen' are Japanese noodles and soooo nice. There's even a museum in Yokohama! So much fun, because - of course - you can try out all kinds of ramen from all over the country. Yokohama seems to be the place for foodmuseums anyway. Just found out that there is also a 'museum' on Chinese food so hoping to go there soon. Check back for a report on that :)
Harajuku is turning into one of my favourite areas of the city. I already liked it before but I'm discovering more and more nice places. Omotesando is fun, the broad street with the trees, exclusive shops etc. But right behind it are tiny little alleys with the coolest boutiques, funky coffeeshops, great (and empty!) restaurants. Can't wait for summer as this seems to be one of the few places where you can sit and eat outdoors in Tokyo! And, apparently there's cool architecture in that area also. Such as this building at Omotesando
So, where was I....
It feels as if Tokyo is now just about ready to start on me. I'm now living in a room of my own, just hooked up my pc to the LANnetwork (but well, yes, uhm...), am loving my keitai (very pink!), the infamous Alien Card is being processed as we speak, as well as my bankaccount. All going well then.
Work is also still fine. Am doing different things at the moment which is good. The largest political party in Japan (LDP or Liberal Democratic Party) is celebrating its 50 year anniversary. While I'm not wholely convinced that that is a good thing, it's bringing some interesting opportunities along. Such as listening to former PM Yasuhiro Nakasone recounting his views on the current state of Japan. Turning 86 this year, he was refused to run for a new term as PM recently because of this age. So yes, an interesting afternoon. And, someone had thought that it would be nice to give the Dutch people VIPseats on the second row. Well, I'm not complaining :)
What else? Oh, I'm finally re-discovering the areas in Tokyo. Which is good because it also means that I'm re-discovering some very cool places. Like my favourite ラーメン屋 in Ikebukuro. 'Ramen' are Japanese noodles and soooo nice. There's even a museum in Yokohama! So much fun, because - of course - you can try out all kinds of ramen from all over the country. Yokohama seems to be the place for foodmuseums anyway. Just found out that there is also a 'museum' on Chinese food so hoping to go there soon. Check back for a report on that :)
Harajuku is turning into one of my favourite areas of the city. I already liked it before but I'm discovering more and more nice places. Omotesando is fun, the broad street with the trees, exclusive shops etc. But right behind it are tiny little alleys with the coolest boutiques, funky coffeeshops, great (and empty!) restaurants. Can't wait for summer as this seems to be one of the few places where you can sit and eat outdoors in Tokyo! And, apparently there's cool architecture in that area also. Such as this building at Omotesando
January 25, 2005
More on North Korea and Japan
In case anyone was getting impatient with my digital efforts: my thesis is on-line!
Japan and North Korea; How the abduction issue has frozen bilateral relations
Enjoy! I'm interested to hear any of your comments, so leave a message, or email me!
Japan and North Korea; How the abduction issue has frozen bilateral relations
Enjoy! I'm interested to hear any of your comments, so leave a message, or email me!
Kim vs Koizumi -- a neverending story?
I cannot help but be amazed at the continuing chaos surrounding Japan and North Korea.
You can read about the latest part of the saga here:
North Korea dismisses Japan's DNA test
North Korea is now accusing Japan of fabricating a story, which Japan already claimed to be North Korea's fabrication - fake DNA.
You would think that both sides would realize at some point that this issue needs to be closed so both states can go back to their normal lives and normal politics! Much more important issues are at stake, aren't there?
You can read about the latest part of the saga here:
North Korea dismisses Japan's DNA test
North Korea is now accusing Japan of fabricating a story, which Japan already claimed to be North Korea's fabrication - fake DNA.
You would think that both sides would realize at some point that this issue needs to be closed so both states can go back to their normal lives and normal politics! Much more important issues are at stake, aren't there?
January 11, 2005
Tokyo... the big mikan
I'm finally here. Tokyo... one of the world's largest cities. And, strangely enough, it feels pretty normal! I've had my first onigiri and kaitensushi. Have been stared at by silly Japanese people. Have been bothered by Japanese trying out their English. Have been amazed at Japanese tv. In other words, this city is still the same as last time ;)
On a more serious note, I've also visited my future working place. Wow... pretty amazing building, everything's there including a swimming pool. Yay! My work will be partly research (and here I was, thinking I'd never ever have to do that again!) but sounds interesting and of course I get to do other stuff as well.
Anyways, only one free day left before I start my life as a 社会人 [shakaijin = 'society person'/that period in life in which you have a job and therefore are considered an official part of society]!
All I need now is a keitai...
A good start of 2005, which was starting off much better than expected in all respects already!
byebye!
On a more serious note, I've also visited my future working place. Wow... pretty amazing building, everything's there including a swimming pool. Yay! My work will be partly research (and here I was, thinking I'd never ever have to do that again!) but sounds interesting and of course I get to do other stuff as well.
Anyways, only one free day left before I start my life as a 社会人 [shakaijin = 'society person'/that period in life in which you have a job and therefore are considered an official part of society]!
All I need now is a keitai...
A good start of 2005, which was starting off much better than expected in all respects already!
byebye!
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