Japundit - Published news

Web regulation favoured by two in three Japanese

zichi — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:03:26 +0000

Censorship is always a hot topic in discussions regarding the internet, with recent flare-ups surrounding such matters as the government trying to remove web sites promoting suicide by sulfide gas (although Bloomberg reported how to do it), so I was pleased to see the issue being tackled by Marsh Inc and reported on by japan.internet.com in this survey on web censorship.

North Korea reports another public appearance for Kim

robin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:58:59 +0000

North Korea reported Sunday that its leader Kim Jong-Il has made another public appearance in an apparent attempt to quell continuing rumours over his health.

Japan tightens security for officials after deadly attacks

robin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:00:08 +0000

The suspected murder of a former vice health minister and the stabbing of the wife of another, both with careers tied to Japan's ailing pension system

Is Kyushu becoming and electic car hub?

Edward Chmura — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:53:25 +0000

New York’s Ener1 has announced a deal with Kyushu Electric Power to develop rapid recharging stations for electric vehicles.

With a rapid recharge system drivers can plug in and recharge up to 80 percent of the vehicle’s battery capacity in under 20 minutes.

Top anti-drink cop caught drunk driving

Edward Chmura — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:05:02 +0000

A senior Tokyo police official tasked with keeping the city's roads clear of drunk drivers has been arrested for driving under the influence.

The deputy inspector was caught driving under the influence late at night after bumping into another car and veering off the road.

"He smelled of alcohol and he couldn't walk straight," an official said.

Gaijin Hijinks

makeitquick — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:12:58 +0000

At what price does one have sex with a Japanese girl simply because she likes foreigners? Does it take a toll on your soul...Loco doubts it.

Japanese Food Art - Almost Seems Wrong to Eat It

kwech — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:18:26 +0000

Seems like a lot of work just to have it gobbled down. At least they've got pictures!

China trying to force 6-months pregnant woman to abort

robin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:56:07 +0000

A Muslim Uighur woman who's more than six months pregnant remained under watch in a hospital in China's far northwest Friday awaiting a forced abortion by authorities who don't want her to have a third child.

Reggae in Japan

sputnik — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:42:03 +0000

A sample clip of a documentary on the Japanese Reggae scene.
"In Japan, Reggae has developed quite a following. The many venues that cater to the music and culture has been increasing in numbers over the past 15 years, as well as the fan base."

Intuition in Speaking Japanese: the Wrath of Kan

peterinjapan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:15:20 +0000

I've written before about how effectively studying a language requires certain things. A real desire to learn is important, as is being inventive enough to figure out how your own brain learns best. It's also useful to have what the Japanese called kan (kahn, 勘), a word which means perception or intuition, and which refers to the ability to figure out meaning in abstract situations.

Fake Duck Blood Tofu Sold in China

robin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:09:41 +0000

Is there anything in china that is real & genuine.....Reports indicate fake duck blood are commonly served in duck blood tofu in China. ...

Europe, Japan Face $46 Billion Global-Warming Penalty

Edward Chmura — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:23:33 +0000

Twenty nations including Japan, Italy and Australia may be releasing more greenhouse-gas pollution than they agreed to under the Kyoto treaty to curb global warming.

Chicago's first lady of sushi and family honored

Edward Chmura — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:31:05 +0000

Marion Konishi, founder of Kamehachi, widely recognized as the first sushi bar in Chicago, will be honored by the City of Chicago with an honorary street dedication, Marion Konishi Way. The dedication and unveiling will take place Monday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. at the corner of Wells and Schiller, directly in front of Kamehachi's Old Town location, 1400 N. Wells St., Chicago.

Japan firm recalls 8 million bottles of U.S. mineral water

Edward Chmura — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:38:54 +0000

Otsuka Beverage Co Ltd, which is unlisted, said it is recalling the Crystal Geyser mineral water after receiving 75 complaints in October about its smell.

Spokesman Kazuhiko Horiuchi said the firm did not find any abnormalities in the water, but the plastic bottles may have absorbed smells they were exposed to during storage.

'China's right to build carrier'

remora — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:56:41 +0000

well seeing that that they dont have any, I think thats only fair..in fact, why stop at one? how about another 10 or 20 then they can play war games with the US's considerable bluewater fleet.

N.Korea in the dark

remora — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:03:37 +0000

The visiting South Koreans were treated to a performance by artistically gifted students but had to wait to applaud because the lights went out at the end of the show in an unheated hall, leaving them wondering if the darkness was part of the act.

Toxic mochi found in Fukuoka

Edward Chmura — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:15:12 +0000

The Fukuoka Prefectural Government said it has detected a large amount of the toxin fenitrothion in a "mochi" sweet product. The amount of the toxin found was up to 7,000 times higher than the health standards' advisory leve.

Fenitrothion is widely used as an insecticide.

Ex-gravure idol tells tale of prostitution in Japanese show biz world

Edward Chmura — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:22:41 +0000

Minako Kohinata, a 23 year-old ex-gravure idol, has revealed that prostitution is widespread in the Japanese show business industry.

Fire on the Mountain - Kurama Fire Festival Video

Samurai_Dave — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:40:38 +0000

Here's a direct link to my video on Mt. Kurama's Fire Festival in Northern Kyoto.

4.5 million LEDs Dazzle at Japan Winter Light Show

zichi — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:13:02 +0000

Last Saturday, 4.5 million LEDs lit up the Nabana no Sato theme park of Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan, kicking off their annual Winter Light Show that runs until March 8th. This year's theme is one of flowers, illuminated in 64 billion colors that are reported to change color so quickly that they actually resemble a river more than a field of blooming plants.