Japan is currently facing a labor shortage and demographic crisis as its elderly population hits a record high. As someone observing from the outside, it’s clear that Japan’s approach to handling this crisis is unique and not necessarily what many would consider conventional. There seems to be a strong cultural resistance to large-scale immigration as a solution, with focus instead being directed towards increasing productivity among the remaining younger population.
The pressure on young people in Japan, known for their rigorous work culture and tradition of death by overwork, is only set to intensify as the need for a larger workforce grows.… Continue reading
Growing up, the idea of topless medical exams at school never crossed my mind. In fact, the very notion seems as archaic as something out of a medical history book rather than a modern educational practice. The recent uproar over this controversial procedure in Japan schools has brought to light a disturbing reality that many students face: being forced to undress for checkups. The discomfort and trauma experienced by boys and girls alike are evident from various testimonies, with nearly all respondents expressing unhappiness about having to remove their clothes during these examinations. It’s troubling to think that such practices persist in today’s world where personal boundaries and consent should be of utmost importance.… Continue reading
A 10-year-old girl in Japan has recently made headlines for becoming the youngest person ever certified to prepare poisonous pufferfish, also known as fugu, a delicacy that can be deadly if not handled properly. The fact that someone so young is now qualified to slice and gut this notoriously toxic fish raises questions and concerns about the risks involved in handling such a dangerous ingredient, especially when served raw at high-end restaurants in Japan.
Fugu contains tetrodotoxin, a poison more lethal than cyanide, primarily found in its organs such as the liver, ovaries, eyes, and skin. Consuming fugu with these organs not properly removed can lead to paralysis of the muscles, leaving the victim fully conscious but unable to breathe, eventually resulting in death from asphyxiation.… Continue reading
As I ponder the idea of Japan transitioning to a 4-day workweek, my mind is flooded with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Coming from a culture where working long hours is often seen as a badge of honor, the thought of having an extra day off each week sounds like a dream come true. I can only imagine the positive impact it would have on people’s mental and physical well-being.
The current work culture in Japan, much like in many industrial nations, is demanding and relentless. The expectation of long hours spent at the office often leads to burnout and a lack of work-life balance.… Continue reading
It’s truly heart-wrenching to hear that nearly 40,000 individuals passed away alone in their homes in Japan during the first half of this year. Statistics showing that a significant portion of these individuals remained undiscovered for extended periods only add to the sadness of the situation. What is most alarming is that this issue is a growing trend due to Japan’s aging population, the oldest in the world according to the United Nations.
Reflecting on this, I can’t help but wonder if there could have been better ways to prevent these tragedies. Technological advancements like Life Alert devices are handy, but what if there were more sophisticated devices that could detect signs of life?… Continue reading
Flights cancelled in Japan after scissors go missing – sounds like the start of the most absurd headline you could come up with, right? But it actually happened. A pair of scissors went missing at a store near the boarding gates and resulted in the cancellation of 36 flights and delay of 201 others. The chaos that ensued is quite comical to think about – a whole airport shut down because of a pair of missing scissors.
Japan airport security is notoriously strict – I once had to throw out scissors that were just a hairline over the allowed limit of 10cm.… Continue reading
The news headlines scream with alarming figures, “Japanese population falls by record 861,237”. It’s a stark reality that is hard to ignore. The falling birth rates, coupled with the aging population, paint a grim picture for the future of Japan. The birth rate now stands at a mere 1.30, while South Korea’s is even lower at 0.70. The trajectory indicates that South Korea’s population could shrink by half by the end of the century if this trend persists. As someone living in Japan with a Japanese wife, the idea of starting a family is a daunting prospect. It’s not about money or living situations, but rather the toxic work culture that pervades the country.… Continue reading
As someone who was once stationed in Okinawa, my heart aches at the news of the silence surrounding US base sex crimes in the area. The people of Okinawa have always been kind and welcoming, and the thought of them being exposed to such risks is unacceptable. The Japanese government’s failure to address these issues is truly disappointing and shows a lack of respect for the local government and the residents of Okinawa.
It is clear that accountability is severely lacking within the US military when it comes to addressing crimes committed by service members. When a soldier commits a sex crime, there should be no hesitation in investigating the matter, taking the individual to court, and, if convicted, ensuring they face the consequences.… Continue reading
As a Japanese Canadian who frequently visits Japan, the recent news of US military personnel committing sex crimes in Japan is truly appalling. Hearing about incidents of assault, rape, and other heinous crimes being committed by those who are meant to protect is deeply disturbing. It is disheartening to see individuals exploit their positions of power and privilege to prey on innocent civilians. The fact that some perpetrators view local women as easy targets due to their nationality is not only abhorrent but unacceptable on all levels.
The call for justice and accountability is crucial in cases where US military personnel commit crimes in Japan.… Continue reading
Japan has just declared a monumental victory in its tireless effort to finally end the use of floppy disks in government operations. June 28th marks the historic day when Digital Minister Taro Kono triumphantly announced the eradication of these outdated storage devices. For a country that has long been regarded as a technological powerhouse, it’s somewhat surprising that it took this long to bid farewell to floppy disks. I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and relief knowing that Japan has finally moved on from this relic of the past.
Minister Kono, who has been at the forefront of eliminating analog technology such as fax machines from government use, has boldly declared his next target: dot matrix printers.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker