Author Archives: Matt

on cultural generalizations

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Matt

Some people say stuff like this … Japanese use chopsticks. Okay, that’s probably true. I mean, I actually have met some Japanese that don’t, believe it or not. But it’s a harmless, certainly useful, generalization. If you’re going to Japan, … Continue reading →

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Honesty in Japan

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Matt

This whole “culture of deceit” thing at debito.org is really appalling. Here is Debito’s editorial. Here are some responses in the Japan Times, mine is one of them. I made many comments on Debito’s blog about this. I went so … Continue reading →

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Coca-Cola in Japan has stricter standards than the government.

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Matt

We drink a lot of bottled water, and we often buy a brand from Coca-Cola. It’s from the Minami Alps. I’m sure it’s probably safe. Still, consider the following choice: 1. A drink with very minuscule amounts of trace radioactive … Continue reading →

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Japan’s Tea Industry Facing Shortage as Nuclear Radiation Taints Shipments – Bloomberg

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Matt

The government decided yesterday to curb shipments of dried tea leaves containing more than 500 becquerel per kilogram of radioactive cesium and ordered a halt in shipments from the eastern prefectures of Ibaraki, Chiba, Kanagawa and Tochigi where tainted produce … Continue reading →

Posted in Fukushima reactors, Japan, Japan news | Comments Off

Fukushima effect: Japan schools take health precautions in radiation zone | The Guardian

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Matt

Ignoring official assurances that the exposure limit and current radiation readings in the area posed no threat to children’s health, parents and teachers in Otama and five other communities in Fukushima prefecture started removing and burying topsoil from school playgrounds. … Continue reading →

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Fukushima Water Found to Have More Radiation Than Released Into Atmosphere – Bloomberg

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Matt

The amount of contaminated water rose to about 105 million liters 28 million gallons from 100 million liters on May 18, and may start overflowing after June 20, the company known as Tepco said in a statement today. Radiation in … Continue reading →

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In Japan, a Culture That Promotes Nuclear Dependency – NYTimes.com

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Matt

As Kashima’s story suggests, Tokyo has been able to essentially buy the support, or at least the silent acquiescence, of communities by showering them with generous subsidies, payouts and jobs. In 2009 alone, Tokyo gave $1.15 billion for public works … Continue reading →

Posted in energy policy, Japan, Japan news, nuclear power | 3 Comments

Japan Shifts on Child-Custody Treaty – WSJ.com

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Matt

The contentious issue straddles legal and cultural differences between the two countries. In Japan, custody is typically granted to one parent, most often the mother, and there is no joint custody available under Japanese law. Some in Japan have balked … Continue reading →

Posted in customs and culture, Japan, Law, politics | Comments Off

FT.com – Tokyo has no option but to cleave to China

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Matt

While talk of a new industrial revolution may sound optimistic, recall that some of Japan’s best-known companies, including Panasonic, Sharp, and Toyota, laid the foundation of their manufacturing business atop the wreckage of the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923. For … Continue reading →

Posted in China, economics, Japan | Comments Off

In Japan Reactor Failings, Danger Signs for the U.S. – NYTimes.com

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Matt

Mr. Yoshida wanted to vent as soon as possible, but Mr. Muto was skeptical whether venting would work, the person said, requesting anonymity because he is still an adviser to the government and is not permitted to comment publicly. “There … Continue reading →

Posted in Fukushima reactors | 1 Comment