Racism in any country...

A good commentary on Mutant Frog about racism. There are two example quotes from nationals in America and Japan.

The first is a quote by Japanese businessmen about the use of foreigners at the front desk of their company.

The second is a quote by a customer of a country club in America about the use of Mexican workers at the club's front desk.

I think it's important for we foreigners in Japan to remember no matter what kind of racism we've experienced here, it's usually worse back home.

Hokkaido Vacation Omiyage

I went on vacation with my college friend to Hokkaido. There is a famous
white chocolate omiyage (souvenir) from Hokkaido. Some stores were
selling it past it's expiration date. I hadn't heard this news, and I
brought this variety of omiyage to the office.

At the office they informed me of the story, but thankfully the
particular chocolates I purchased were fresh. Whue!

One year ago today

On this day, exactly one year ago, I came to Japan. I didn't know
anyone, I couldn't really speak Japanese, I couldn't really teach English.

A lot of things have changed. :)

Japanese Goverment Shuffle

I know only 25% percent of my readers can name the current Japanese Prime Minister, so here's a quick catchup:

During the last election, the LDP party lost it's majority in the Upper House of the Parliament. The LDP has been the majority party since the war. This is the first time the LDP has lost control of the Upper House. Which is very exciting in a boring sort of way.

Also, Prime Minister Abe has refused to step down, amid many calls to do so.

I don't know anything about parliamentary government, so I don't know if stepping down in an upset is normal procedure or not. I'm sure everyone in Tokyo is brushing up on their "Robert's Rules of Order" right now. ;)

Gender-based Attendence

"Japan will collapse if it encourages homosexuals by listing the names
of boys and girls together."

- LDP Tokushima Prefectural Assembly member Motohiro Takeuchi, when
plans were announced to mix the names of boys and girls on school registers.

I always wondered why the names of boys and girls weren't mixed in the
attendance book!

(In my attendance books, girls come first, ordered alphabetically, then
come the boys, also alphabetically)