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 June 28th marks the historic day when Digital Minister Taro Kono triumphantly announced the eradication of these outdated storage devices.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
Japan has recently revealed three more sexual violence cases involving US military personnel, sparking outrage and frustration among both the Japanese locals and former US military members who have been stationed in Japan. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions and issues surrounding the presence of US military bases in Japan, particularly in Okinawa where many of these cases have occurred.
Having had family members stationed in Okinawa, I have firsthand witnessed the negative impact that some US military personnel can have on the local community. The cases of sexual assault not only harm the victims but also strain the relationship between the US military and the Japanese locals.… Continue reading
As an American, the news of a US soldier being charged in Japan for the rape of a minor fills me with disgust and shame. The repeated incidents involving US military personnel assaulting individuals, especially minors, in countries where they are stationed is not only abhorrent but also a grave violation of the trust and safety that the host country extends to them. It is troubling to see such heinous acts tarnishing the reputation of the entire US military overseas.
The fact that this latest case involves a minor who is younger than the age of consent in Japan, which is 16, adds another layer of horror to an already reprehensible situation.… Continue reading
Bacteria, especially flesh-eating ones, are no stranger to the world we live in today. However, the recent surge in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in Japan is indeed concerning. With the number of reported cases surpassing last year’s record high, reaching nearly 1,000 cases by June, it becomes imperative for us to take note of this alarming trend.
The fact that Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the bacteria responsible for STSS, can cause such rapid and severe symptoms is truly terrifying. From limb pain and swelling to necrosis, organ failure, and even death within 48 hours, the implications of this disease are nothing short of devastating.… Continue reading
It’s no secret that Japan is facing a serious demographic crisis, with birth rates plummeting and the population rapidly aging. So, it comes as no surprise that the Tokyo government is turning to technology in an attempt to address this pressing issue. The decision to launch a dating app specifically designed to boost the birthrate is certainly an innovative approach to the problem.
While some may scoff at the idea of an official government dating app, it actually makes sense in many ways. Private dating apps are often criticized for their profit-driven models that prioritize keeping users on the platform rather than facilitating genuine connections.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the recent news of the Berlin mayor hinting at tearing down the ‘comfort women’ memorial in the city, I am filled with a sense of disbelief and anger. The memorial stands as a reminder of the atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, specifically the system of sexual slavery that victimized countless women across Asia. The Japanese government’s continued efforts to erase this history and suppress the voices of the survivors is both shameful and deeply troubling.
My own family history is intertwined with this dark chapter of World War II.… Continue reading
I lived in Japan as a university student 15-20 years ago. When applying to lease an apartment suite and the landlord would find out I was a foreigner, I was told no for that reason. Multiple times. I remember feeling really bad for my friend from Macao. He was rejected for being Chinese on like 30-40 applications. I thought Japan was proud to be xenophobic? they got a lot of policies in place to prevent immigration and cultural mixing. Are they ashamed of it or not? Japan isn’t mad as us, they’re just *disappointed* Ok.
“Japan is not Xenophobic” Everyone: *raucous laughter*
Whenever I hear people go off on how xenophobic or racist the West is, I wonder what they’re comparing it to.… Continue reading
The number of homeless in Japan hits a record low. This headline caught my attention because it seems almost too good to be true. I remember my time in Japan vividly, and I must admit, I rarely encountered visibly homeless individuals during my travels. However, as I delved deeper into the issue, I learned about the concept of ‘Jouhatsu’, the ‘evaporated people’ who are homeless but unreported, living off-grid. These individuals choose to remain hidden due to the shame associated with losing a career or being unable to provide for their families. The presence of thousands of ‘Jouhatsu’ individuals, unaccounted for in official statistics, sheds light on a hidden aspect of homelessness in Japan.… Continue reading
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivered a powerful speech to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, emphasizing the importance of not shouldering the responsibility of upholding the international order alone. In a time when the world is at an inflection point, it is crucial to recognize that the challenges faced by the U.S. are not theirs to bear alone. The international order built by the U.S. is facing new threats from authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, and North Korea, and it is heartening to hear that Japan is ready to step up as a “shipmate” in this endeavor.
The self-doubt among Americans about their role in the world is understandable, given the burden of maintaining the international order that has largely fallen on their shoulders.… Continue reading
Strep infections are a nightmare that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. The lingering pain, the difficulty in eating, the sheer discomfort it brings, it’s a horror to deal with. But what happens when strep infections take a turn for the worse, potentially leading to necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with a 30% fatality rate? The thought alone is bone-chilling.
The recent surge in severe streptococcal infections in Japan, possibly tied to the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, is a stark reminder of how fragile our health can be. The downgrading of Covid-19’s status to a legal par with seasonal flu may have inadvertently led to a relaxation in preventive measures, contributing to the rise in streptococcal infections.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker