OssanAmerica comments

Tops for me has always been a hamburger that tastes like a hamburger. And not a meat loaf sandwich.

Fresh Dill, nowhere to be found. Slabs of corned beef like we had on Saint Patrick's day. Whole filets of Atlantic Salmon. Where can I find Sour Cream?

I can find good imported cheeses and hard crust breads with a little effort in the high end depachikas though.

Yes, a clear explanation of this "air gun" would help. As far as I am aware "air guns" (of the kind I am familar with in the U.S.) are treated as firearms under the Firearms & Sword law in Japan. Were these airguns licensed, and what are the ordinances against shooting them where he lived? But realistically, his shooting at people on the road/sidewalk puts all these questions on the backburner. He is obviously irresponsible and needs to be charged and airguns taken away.

US Steel can not survive against the Chinese steel companies that dominate the market. Without a viable solution domestcally, allowing ownership by Nippon Steel is the only feasible solution on the table. If security is truly the only concern then US Steel should be owned and run by the US government itself.

At present some 2400 Japanese companies operate manufacturing facilities, with the auto makers alone having invested USD 57 Billion in the U.S..Over 931,900 Americans are directly employed by Japanese firms across all sectors, with more than half of these positions in manufacturing. Including indirect employment, such as jobs created through supply chains and subcontracting, Japanese companies support approximately 1.9 million jobs in the U.S. economy.

The Biden administration was against the US Steel/Nippon Steel deal as they wanted the Pennsylvania votes. Trump will remain against it until it becomes clear to him "what's in it for Trump?".

It is extremely unlikely that Nippon Steel Management will "run US Steel into the ground". There are only a few failures of Japanese investment in the U.S. market and the notable ones are tied directly to the failure of a U.S. business that they acquired. Such as Toshiba and Westinghouse, Sharp Corp and Recurrent Energy, and Nomura Holdings and Lehman Brothers. If anything, the risk for Nippon Steel is that US Steel will be a cause of failure.

US Steel should by all means be saved, but one should not be short-sighted or politically influenced in making such a crucial decision.

RonJBToday  07:17 pm JST

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has said that the extradition request was "an issue of law enforcement at sea rather than a whaling issue".

Was it in Japanese waters? No? Well, then maybe it shouldn't be up to Japan to pursue Mr Watson.

Nope. Watson attacked a Japanese flagged vessel and therefore Japanese jurisdiction.

Watson was arrested on July 21 when his ship, the John Paul DeJoria, docked to refuel in Nuuk on its way to "intercept" a new Japanese whaling factory vessel in the North Pacific

Since 2019 Japan has limited its whaling to its own Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and does not hunt whales in the high seas, which are considered international waters.

He should have been let go so he can get arrested by the Japan Coast Guard in Japan's EEZ.

Not a "whaling" issue but one of the rule of law.

JeffLeeToday  09:43 am JST

@Ossan

I renewed my My Number Card at the Ward Office in 20 minutes

So what. I wasn't allowed to "renew." I was told I had to get a whole new card. First, I had to wait for my visa to be renewed, a process that was about 3 weeks delayed, (during which time I had no healthcare coverage, but, oh yes, I was obliged to keep up with the hefty health insurance payments). visa renewal = new card

There you go, you had to renew your Visa first. The expiration date of a My Number Card is set to match your permitted stay on your Zairyu card. Your complaint about the My Number Card is actually because of your Visa status. My Zairyu card was already valid for 5 years when I applied for a My Number Card. When I got a Permanemt Residence Visa then my new My Number Card expiration date matched to when the Zairyu "Card" itself expires in 7 years, although the status is permanent without expiry.

Your situation is not common.

How do you know? Do you work at the ward office and track the statistics behind the cases?

Common sense. Most people in Japan do not have My Number Cards validity dates tied to a Zairyu Card. Because most people are not foreigners.

JeffLeeToday  07:13 am JST

The last time my My Number card expired, it took nearly 2 months after the time I filed the application for the new one and the time I received it. I wasn't able to just pick it up: I had to book an appointment at the ward office, whose appointment slots for an entire week were booked out, so I had to go later. What will I do in the future? Lose healthcare coverage for a couple months while waiting forever for the damn card?

Move. I renewed my My Number Card at the Ward Office in 20 minutes. Most of that was sitting and waiting for them to print up the new one and call my number. And no appointments taken. Your situation is not common.

Taiwan is controlled by the Republic of China, established in 1912. The People's Republic of China was established in 1949. Taiwan has never been under the control of the PRC. Ever.

The people of Taiwan deserve to choose their own future. Not having it forced down their throats at gunpoint.

Welcome to U.S. soil President Lai!

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2024/11/30/breaking-news/taiwan-president-arrives-in-honolulu-at-start-of-pacific-trip/

Needless to say China will get their panties in a knot as usual.

China vowed "resolute countermeasures" on Sunday to a recently approved U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, 

China could put this whole matter to rest by resolutely denouncing the use of military force to take Taiwan.

But no, they prefer to remain a threatening aggressor.

JJEToday  07:23 am JST

So, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and "Tokyo Water" turned out to not honest be any measure of what any qualified tester of tap water said... How convenient.

You really should be worrying about water quality in your own country first.

In Japan

Quality Standards: Japan has strict regulations for water quality, including checks for over 50 chemical and microbiological contaminants.

Treatment and Infrastructure: The country's advanced water treatment systems ensure high-quality drinking water that meets global safety standards.

Availability: Tap water is safe to drink in nearly all areas, including rural regions.

Perception: Japanese people widely trust and consume tap water.

In China

Quality Standards: While China has improved its water standards, compliance with regulations can be inconsistent across regions.

Pollution Concerns: Industrial pollution and outdated water infrastructure in some areas can lead to contamination.

Boiling Practices: Many people in China boil tap water before drinking it, indicating concerns about its safety.

Urban vs. Rural Divide: Urban areas often have better water quality compared to rural regions, where contamination risks are higher.

Conclusion

Japan's tap water is consistently clean and safe across the country, while China's tap water safety varies significantly depending on location and infrastructure quality. For travelers, drinking tap water in Japan is usually fine, but in China, it's recommended to opt for boiled or bottled water unless you know the water is safe.

Mexico, Estonia, Russia, Niue, Argentina, Afghanistan and Niger have announced their withdrawal from the event. 

Well, nobodty cares if Russia participates. And nobody knows where Niue is.

This 29 year old Jiang Zhuojun is a very confused person. The wastewater disharge from the Fukushima plant has nothing to do with the Yasukuni Shrine.

He claims that he "wanted to protect the ocean". He should start by urinating on and vandaling well known places in China. China is doing more damage to the ocean than Japan.

Goes to show how government propaganda can brainwash the weak minded.

"China’s Fuqing power plant in Fujian province releases about three times more tritium into the Pacific than the planned Fukushima discharge. Beijing appears to be basing its distinction on Japan’s discharge having originated from a nuclear disaster."

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/25/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-power-plant-china-wastewater-release#:~:text=China's%20Fuqing%20power%20plant%20in,originated%20from%20a%20nuclear%20disaster.

All politicians live and do everything on people's taxes. Complaining about such common sense is pointless.

A cowardly position to take. As if Costa Rica's economic significance compares with that of Taiwan. Disgraceful.

Russia stole 4 Japanese islands in WWII after Japan declared surrender. They are stealing Ukranian land today. If the US had not occupied Japan 1945-1952 (1972 for Okinawa) and continued to defend it Russia would have invaded and taken Japan. Just as they took all of Eastern Europe following WWII.

The placmement of missiles in the Nansei Islands is a measure against Chinese actions towards Taiwan. The Russian lapdog is simply yapping to please it's master.

Nothing lacking in common sense in prohibiting the sale of a sword (Harry Potter or otherwise) that violates the Firearm and Sword Law.

However, Marketing should have done their homework. In Japan unsharpened swords called 居合刀 are used for both practice and display, and they are exempt from the legal restriction. However, they are made with zinc-aluminum alloy blades and can not be sharpened. Any stainless steel blade can be sharpened. In addition it is a double edged design which is banned in Japan. Even if unsharpened, the lengthy steel blade with the point can indeed be used as a weapon.

This 19 year old idiot was doing 120 mph and kills someone. And gets only 8 years. Ridiculous.

NewgirlintownToday  06:29 pm JST

Any other country it would be Four People Arrested for Copper Wire Theft. In Japan, we have to know that it’s the foreign devil!

Well yea,  68 counts of theft of copper cables in 15 prefectures, total damages amounted to approximately 220 million yen. "Foreign Devil" is too nice for these scum.

When foreigners commit blatant crimes in Japan it throws mud on the image of all foreigners in Japan, visitors, students and residents alike.

WoodyLeeToday  01:47 pm JST

16cm is nothing.

People really need to actually read the article before typing anything.

"More than 40 cm (16 inches) of snow piled up in parts of Seoul"

dbsaiyaToday  07:15 am JST

Kishiba is a fool if he wants to poke the bear.

LOL. News flash! Kishida (not Kishiba) is not the PM anymore. But thanks for the useful post.

"We have repeatedly warned the Japanese side that if, as a result of such cooperation, American medium-range missiles appear on its territory, this will pose a real threat to the security of our country.."

If you don't like it, tell your BBuddy Xi to stand down on Taiwan. Oh that's right you can't. They own Russia, the new Chinese vassal.

Brian TroutToday  06:17 am JST

Article 14 states that if the minor is incapable, the person who has the obligation to supervise the minor could be found liable if the person supervising “failed to perform their obligation to supervise.” You deceptively omitted this last part. Why?

Because the sole witness who could collaborate the parent's defense position is dead.

And congrats for being the only person on the planet who feels "deceived".

Under Japanese law the act of comitting suicide itself is not a crime. However,  if a suicide attempt causes harm to others or property, the individual may be held liable for damages.

Under the Japanese Civil Code, Article 714 states that the guardians of a minor may be held liable for damages caused by the minor if the child is found incapable of understanding the consequences of their actions. The article makes clear that;

"Police say the girl was old enough to recognize that she could be at risk of hitting pedestrians walking below, and have asked for an indictment to be officially recorded.

The parents of the girl are typically the legal guardians. If the child causes property damage or injury, the parents may be required to compensate the affected party. Or the survivors.

As the child is deceased in this case, the parents would have a tough time mounting a defense if sued in Civil Court.

Moderator: Thanks for your contribution. Your comment has been featured in the latest episode of the Japan This Week podcast. Visit the Japan Today top page to listen.

deanzaZZRToday  10:28 am JST

This quote is lifted directly from the Shanghai Communique. Your effort to obfuscate seems desperate.

The U.S. side declared: The United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China.

Fact check:

Nothing desparate in citing the facts. Your lack of linguistic comprehension has lead you to an incorrect interpretation to support your illegitimate claim.

This specific phrasing was carefully designed to reflect a position that acknowledged China's position without explicitly endorsing it, allowing the United States to navigate the sensitive issue of Taiwan. The use of "acknowledges" was a deliberate choice to signal recognition of China's claim without taking a definitive stance on its validity, maintaining a degree of strategic ambiguity.

As stated previously, "The U.S. did not challenge this claim but did not explicitly endorse it either.".

It has never meant that the US accepts China's position on Taiwan. Otherwise how could the Taiwan Relations Act been passed in 1979?

deanzaZZRToday  10:42 am JST

@OA You referred to Taiwan as a 'nation' above. We all know that the UN does not recognize that status. If the authorities in Taiwan want independence they should do it the "old fashioned way" by declaring independence and dealing with the consequences, don't you agree?

I am free to refer to Taiwan as a "nation" because (1) I am not bound by any legal definition or to the standards of any international body in choice of words, and (2) Taiwan has existed as a Defacto Independent Nation since 1948.

Whether Taiwan declares itself a sovereign nation is entirely up to the people of Taiwan. Hestiation to doing so, as well as a lack of international support is due to the desire to not give China a reason to invade Taiwan. In other words for the sake of peace.

"Beijing will "not hesitate to start a war" if Taiwan declares independence, China's defence minister warned his US counterpart Friday"

https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20220610-china-will-not-hesitate-to-start-war-if-taiwan-declares-independence-beijing-says

Hence the position of the US and it's allies, as evidenced by this article, is to ensure that such a Chinese invasion of Taiwan will be costly and not worth the risk.

None at all. Never flown any.

Might try it if one flies a direct route not covered by major airlines though.

WoodyLeeToday  08:45 am JST

Taiwan will not be any different, if a war breaks out the people of Taiwan are the ultimate decision makers and they will decide their nations faith.

War should not break out at all, and China should not be threatening Taiwan.

The people of Taiwan are the ultimate decision makers and they should be left alone and free to decide their nation's fate.

deanzaZZRToday  08:21 am JST

The deployment of the missile units will be incorporated in the first joint operation plan for the United States and Japan to cope with a contingency involving Taiwan and China, which regards the self-ruled island as its own, to be formulated in December.

That is an interesting way to put it now Uncle Sam because back in 1972 you signed off on a document with this language.

The U.S. side declared: The United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China.

Fact check:

China issued the Shanghai Communique in 1972 stating that the U.S. acknowledged that "all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China, and that Taiwan is a part of China." The U.S. did not challenge this claim but did not explicitly endorse it either. In other words, the U.S. never agreed to this wording. The US recognized the One China Principle to the extent that it accepted the PRC as the legitimate government of China. But regarding Taiwan, the US recognized that China had the right to hold that position, but never agreed to it. Hence the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.

deanzaZZRToday  07:24 am JST

Blinken/Biden the gift that keeps on giving, until Jan. 20 at least.

Keep dreaming. The US position towards Taiwan is bipartisan. You have a short memory.

"US President-elect Donald Trump has spoken directly with the president of Taiwan - breaking with US policy set in 1979, when formal relations were cut."

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38191711

Mr KiplingToday  06:55 am JST

Japan and the Philippines, two vassal states now in the cross hairs for their master.

Says the vassal for the CCP.

With US capability in Japan and the PI, surrounding Taiwan will mean having them from behind. Until China denounces their proclaimed right to take Taiwan by military force, the US and it's allies will continue to make that task more difficult and costly to undertake.

Leave the people of Taiwan alone. Keep peace in Asia.