Japanese Culture Blog

New York to hold Japan Week from March 1

2012-02-23T22:36:00.001-06:00

NEW YORK — Japan Week, a multi-part festival to be held in various locations in New York City, will kick off March 1. The key events of Japan Week—the Kickoff Event and Japan Pavilion—will specifically focus on the unique world of Japanese cuisine. Sponsored by the Organization to Promote Japanese Restaurants Abroad (JRO), these events aim to promote a deeper understanding of Japan through a positive image of its food. Additional support is provided by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Japan Tourism Agency (JTA). Japan Week’s Kickoff Event will be held in Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal from March 1-3. Hosting a diverse array of vendors featuring distinct Japanese food and merchandise, the Kickoff Event will welcome the public to cultural performances as well as cooking demonstrations of Japanese dishes by renowned chefs. During the evening of March 1, an Opening Gala at Vanderbilt Hall will invite New York’s restaurant industry connoisseurs and major media to experience the latest in Japanese cuisine. The second event, the Japan Pavilion at the 2012 International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of NY at the Javits Convention Center, is open to professionals in the food trade only. For the sixth consecutive year from March 4 6, the Japan Pavilion will provide an exclusive opportunity to encounter enticing gourmet Japanese foods and products from various companies in one place. The Japan Pavilion’s highlights include the Soul Food of Japan Section, the Japanese Bar, and numerous seminars on Japanese food and restaurant business trends. An additional feature is the JRO Umami Culinary Challenge Recipe Contest, in which the grand prize winner will receive a round-trip ticket to Japan for a special culinary tour. Japan Week will also be celebrated throughout the city in other related events. Taking place concurrently with the Kickoff Event on March 1st will be a Japan tourism-focused event in Times Square commemorating the National Cherry Blossom Festival Centennial. An additional related event includes one that encourages restaurants and patrons to voluntarily raise money for Japan’s recovery from the Great Tohoku Earthquake. For more information, visit http://japanweek.us.

Panasonic to Release Smartphone in Europe

2012-02-22T07:20:00.001-06:00

Panasonic to re-enter European mobile market with its first smartphone http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/japantimes/~3/TyEyvtMXEPk/nb20120222n1.html Sent from Japanese News English for Android

NHK to broadcast documentary series for 9 days to mark 1st anniversary of March 11 disaster

2012-02-12T13:44:00.001-06:00

What really happened on March 11? How have the lives of the victims changed since the tragedy? What are their futures? NHK is to broadcast a “NHK Special” documentary series on NHK General TV for nine days beginning on March 3 to mark the first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. It will use the extensive footage and stories it has gathered since the disaster in the search for answers and to look toward a more optimistic future. The lineup is as follows: ◆3rd March (Sat) “FUKUSHIMA - Witnesses to a Nuclear Disaster” The interim report into the Fukushima nuclear disaster by a government-commissioned panel spared neither Tokyo Electric Power Company nor the Japanese government from blame. The program will investigate the causes of the accident and the failures that contributed to the worst nuclear accident in 25 years through the accounts of government officials, TEPCO workers and local residents. ◆4th March (Sun) “The Great East Japan Earthquake – A Chronicle “ This program will use footage taken on March 11 from across Japan to analyze the triggers of the huge earthquake and the powerful tsunami that followed. It will also examine what might have been done to reduce the number of lives that were lost. ◆5th March (Mon) “Minamisoma - Living on the frontline of a nuclear disaster” Southern side of the community of Minamisoma lies within the 20-km evacuation zone around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, but the government has decided that residents of other parts of the town can return to their homes. As residents ask themselves whether they should leave or stay, the program examines the wavering emotions of people living on the frontline of the disaster. ◆6th March (Tue) “The 38 minutes - Testament of a Mega-Tsunami” An NHK reporter based in Kamaishi filmed the tsunami as it engulfed the seaside town over a period of 38 minutes. The program follows the 174 survivors captured in that footage, gathering witnesses’ accounts of moments that decided life and death as well as their subsequent experiences, making it an unparalleled account of the mega-tsunami. ◆7th March (Wed) 　“Winter in Otsuchi – Life on the Edge” 　　 The town of Otsuchi lost 1,400 of its residents in the disaster. Those whose homes were destroyed are enduring the bitter winter of Iwate in modest temporary housing. Life is tough. Many are taken ill and others suffer from depression, with some losing all hope for the future. Through the activities of volunteers, the program records the new crisis that threatens Otsuchi. ◆8th March (Thurs) Program on Nuclear Crisis (Title to be confirmed) ◆9th March (Fri) “ Never Give Up - Revival of Kesennuma’s High Street” The high street in the seaside town of Kesennuma, which was devastated by the powerful tsunami, is still partly under water where the land subsided. Reconstruction seemed a forlorn hope, but determined local residents have rallied. The program follows the struggles of local shopkeepers in the run-up to the day they reopened their shops in a temporary housing area. ◆10th March (Sat) “Battle of a Beleaguered City Hall – Minamisanriku’s long road to recovery” Reconstruction is a difficult business; finding the right place for a relocated community, creating employment, helping the elderly and rehabilitating children who have been traumatized. The program follows the disaster-stricken area for a year and considers the challenges facing the town of Miamisanriku. ◆11th March (Sun) “Live Broadcast From Tohoku - On the Night of that very Day” Just hours after the devastation of the afternoon of March 11, the stars shone in the sky, recall survivors of the earthquake. By sharing the victims’ experiences at the same locations they stood on that very day, the program aims to convey their thoughts and emotions, connecting them with viewers throughout Japan.

0 of the best bars and clubs in Tokyo

2012-02-07T10:02:00.001-06:00

http://m.guardian.co.uk/travel/2012/feb/01/top-10-clubs-bars-tokyo?cat=travel...

Tokyo is teeming with dimly lit boozers, chilled-out jazz bars and hip basement clubs. James Hadfield picks his favourite watering holes from across the city

• As featured in our Tokyo city guide

James Hadfield
guardian.co.uk, Wed 1 Feb 2012 12.13 GMT
Bar High Five
Hidetsugu Ueno worked as the head bartender at legendary Ginza cocktail spot Star Bar before opening his own place nearby. The interior at High Five is as drab and functional as the drinks are exquisite, emphasising precise technique (and even more precisely carved ice) over flashy mixology. There's no menu, of course – Ueno and staff pride themselves in being able to tell what customers want to drink – but you'd do well to try their famous White Lady (Beefeater gin, Cointreau and lemon juice). Oh, and one of the hot dogs.
• 26 Polestar Building 4F, 7-2-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, +81 3 3571 5815, www8.ocn.ne.jp/~highfive
Eleven
Ageing party-goers still remember it as Space Lab Yellow, the legendary nightclub that closed in 2008 when its building was earmarked for demolition. When that demolition didn't happen, the two-floor subterranean space was overhauled and reopened under a new name but many of the same staff. Eleven is a regular stopover for big-name house and techno DJs – Jeff Mills, Carl Craig and Seth Troxler all played there last year – but also hosts the odd dubstep night, as well as a weekly reggae party overseen by Japanese ragamuffins Rub-a-Dub Market. And while it's within easy walking distance of Roppongi, the capital's hotbed of sleazy pickup joints, it tends to draw a classier crowd.
• B1F/B2F Thesaurus Nishi-Azabu, 1-10-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, +81 3 5775 6206, go-to-eleven.com
Goodbeer Faucets
The newest addition to Tokyo's blooming craft beer scene is a monster, with more than 40 microbrews on tap, dispensed via a state-of-art draught system that owner Teruya Hori built himself. Expect to find popular imports like BrewDog and Green Flash alongside a well chosen range of Japanese brews, including Hori's own Nide Beer. The prices are pretty reasonable by Tokyo standards, but you'll still be paying upwards of ¥780 (around £7) for a 400ml glass; on the plus side, it's got a location to die for, while the sleek, modern interior – chrome and wood surfaces come with TV screens displaying the day's beer menu – make it somewhere you might actually want to take a date.
• Shibuya Crossroad Building2F, 1-29-1 Shoto, Shibuya-ku, +81 3 3770 5544, goodbeerfaucets.jp. Open daily 5pm-midnight
SuperDeluxe
Established in 2002 as an experimental art and music space, SuperDeluxe has endured far longer than its lofty ideals might have suggested it would. A typical month in this spacious, minimally decorated Roppongi basement might involve butoh dance, abstract electronica, psych rock, art exhibitions and charity fundraisers, but look out for regular events like the monthly Pecha Kucha designer gatherings (which started here) and free Test Tone improv gigs. The kitchen whips up serviceable pizzas and veggie curry, and be sure to sample the Tokyo Ale microbrew served on tap – it's produced just a few miles down the road.
• B1F, 3-1-25 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, +81 3 5412 0515, super-deluxe.com. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-2am
Trump Room
First-time visitors can take a while to get their breath back when they arrive at this hipster playpen, housed in a rundown Shibuya building whose interior has been transformed into a mess of glitterballs, mirrors and stuffed animal heads. Amazingly, the punters sometimes look even more outlandish than the decor, sporting fashions so impractical they border on fancy dress – wigs, bunny ears, military regalia and naked torsos are the norm. Music comes secondary to the preening, but you'll occasionally hear something memorable amid the onslaught of electro and house, including the odd DJ set by touring indie bands such as The Go! Team and Metronomy.
• Hoshi Building 4F, 1-12-14 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, +81 3 3770 2325
Zoetrope
If you're looking for an introduction to Japanese whisky, this intimate, dimly lit boozer is the place to start. Zoetrope has somewhere in the region of 300 bottles behind the bar, ranging from better-known Suntory and Nikka varieties to obscure single-cask offerings that are all but impossible to get hold of anywhere else. Owner Atsushi Horigami's malt obsession is rivalled only by his passion for movies: he screens silent films in the evening, and the bar's eye-shaped logo – not to mention the surrealist paintings hanging on the wall – were created by the late Takeo Kimura, art director of choice for cult director Seijun Suzuki.
• Gaia Building #4 3F, 7-10-14 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, +81 3 3363 0162, homepage2.nifty.com/zoetrope. Open Mon-Sat 7pm-4am
Dommune
Tokyo's answer to the Boiler Room is housed in a dinky basement with space for 50 people, and a Funktion One sound system that's equipped for somewhere far larger. Dommune is open for business most weekday evenings, and its events follow a similar format, starting with an interview or Q&A session before letting the DJs take over – all of it streamed online. Everyone from SBTRKT to Derrick May has played there recently, although you'll need to keep an eye on the Twitter account (@DOMMUNE) for details of who's coming, as spaces tend to get snapped up quickly.
• Sunrise Building B1F, 4-6-5 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, +81 3 6427 4533, dommune.com. Open Sun-Thurs 7pm-midnight
Brooklyn Parlor
Equal parts café, bar and bookshop, this basement retreat is run by the company behind the Tokyo incarnations of Manhattan's Blue Note and Cotton Club – and it shows. As with its sister venues, Brooklyn Parlor is cultural karaoke at its finest: granted, its idealised vision of a typical New York hangout – all brick walls, open-plan seating and shelves crammed with art and design books – may seem contrived, but once you've sunk into one of the expansive sofas and ordered a round of draught Brooklyn Lager, you probably won't be too fussed either way.
• 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, +81 3 6457 7763, brooklynparlor.co.jp. Open 11.30am-11.30pm
Unit
With its killer sound system and eclectic booking policy, this multi-story basement club must be one of the most consistently entertaining nightspots in Tokyo. The main room has space for about 600 people, with a second dancefloor downstairs that feels more like an oversized cupboard, and an all-night cafe that sometimes gets used during bigger events. You'll find a more discerning brand of clubber here than you would at nearby rivals like Womb, and Unit doubles up as a live venue for touring indie bands and local acts.
• Za House Building B1F, 1-34-17 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku, +81 3 5459 8630, unit-tokyo.com
Stand S
A cross between a Scandinavian sauna and a neighbourhood bar, Stand S is all blonde wood surfaces and irritatingly good-looking clientele. Its location on the outer rim of Shibuya's entertainment district means that it doesn't get as rammed as some places closer to the station might, while the vibe is downtoearth and the drinks relatively inexpensive. Try one of their trademark Mojito beers (which are a lot better than they sound), washed down with a steady soundtrack of Latin jazz, soul and funk.

• 37-16 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, +81 3 5452 0277, stand-s.blogspot.com. Open 6pm-midnight

For more information go to the Japan National Tourism Organisation's website: jnto.go.jp/eng
• James Hadfield writes for Time Out Tokyo

Bilingual Japan Online Radio

2012-02-07T09:26:00.001-06:00

http://www.bilingualjapan.com/

10 Best Universities in Japan

2012-02-07T08:40:00.001-06:00

http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/10-best-universities-in-Japan

Ishihara says he is ready to help new political party change Japan

2012-02-04T21:57:00.001-06:00

Tokyo Gov Shintaro Ishihara said Friday that he is eager to join a new political party with Shizuka Kamei, who leads the People’s New Party, the junior coalition partner of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, and Takeo Hiranuma, head of the opposition Sunrise Party. The party will be the New Sunrise Party. Ishihara, 79, said he has done all he can for Tokyo and he now wants to help the New Sunrise Party to improve Japan for future generations, NHK reported. The New Sunrise Party is expected to draw support from disgruntled members of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and opposition parties. The group is also believed to have contacted Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto and Aichi Gov Hideaki Omura.

Area near Yokohama school closed due to high radiation levels

2012-02-04T08:06:00.001-06:00

A vacant lot beside a canal near an elementary school in Yokohama’s Seya Ward, has been designated a no-entry area following the detection of high levels of radiative cesium. According to Yokohama authorities, topsoil to a depth of 1 cm was found to be emitting 6.85 microsieverts per hour, almost 12 times the government’s legal limit of 0.59 microsieverts per hour, TV Asahi reported Saturday. The radiation is believed to be connected to the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, city officials said. Authorities added that they have closed the premises of the disused canal in response to the discovery, TV Asahi reported. Plans are being made to decontaminate the site by removing topsoil, a spokesperson added.

The Gucci of Sushi has come to Houston, TX

2012-02-03T13:24:00.001-06:00

When you were young your dreams of adult life were filled with YSL clutches, rich red Dior lipsticks and Horchow bowls to feed your pup. Cut to real life where your dog drinks out of Tupperware and your clutch came from the sale bin at Forever 21.

Pull up a chair at luxe hotspot Uchi, which opened to foodie’s delight last night. Upgrade your sushi experience—the destination is the sequel to the resto that Austinites have been panting over for years, a Japanese farmhouse style concept created by James Beard winner Tyson Cole. Indulge in authentic delights like blue fin tuna belly, seared foie gras, baby yellowtail with thai powder and ponzu sauce, and scallops you sear yourself with a hot rock. The backdrop? A decadent wood design, pretty floral walls and an open kitchen.

You deserve a chopstick experience that doesn’t result in a splinter in your tongue.

Uchi Houston
902 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77006
713.522.4808
www.uchirestaurants.com

To win a $100 gift certificate go to:

http://houston.gotidbits.com/library/eat_and_sip?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Subscribers%20Houston%20Tidbits&utm_campaign=Houston%20Tidbits%20-%20The%20Gucci%20of%20Sushi

JAL, bankrupt two years ago, posts Y146 bil profit

2012-02-02T21:31:00.001-06:00

Japan Airlines, which went bankrupt two years ago in one of the country’s biggest-ever corporate failures, reported a nine-month profit of 146 billion yen Thursday, in part thanks to the strong yen. The carrier was bailed out by the government after filing for bankruptcy with debts of about 2.32 trillion yen, and emerged from a court-supervised restructuring in March last year. JAL said net profit reached 146 billion yen in the nine months to December after aggressive cost-cutting. It posted an operating profit of 162 billion yen on sales totaling 909 billion yen in the period. Because of the massive restructuring JAL carried out under government supervision—led by Chairman Kazuo Inamori—the airline does not have comparable data from the previous year. The company upgraded its forecast for the full year to March to a net profit of 160 billion, partly due to a stronger yen that encourages more Japanese to travel overseas. “Revenue for the third quarter… has increased from the original projection in part due to the high yen rate, which encouraged international leisure travel from Japan, as well as from stable corporate travel demand,” JAL said. In contrast, many Japanese exporters have blamed the strong yen for hurting their balance sheets, as it makes their products more expensive abroad and erodes the value of repatriated profits from overseas operations. “JAL continued to review aircraft scheduling on each route and enforced measures to increase revenues while examining every cost category to achieve greater cost reduction, such as in fuel costs,” the airline said. The number of passengers travelling to Thailand decreased in October due to severe flooding in that country, but JAL increased flights on its Delhi route to meet robust corporate travel demand, the airline said. For the year to March 2012, JAL now expects a net profit of 160 billion yen and operating profit of 180 billion yen on sales of 1.19 trillion yen. In November, JAL had expected a lower net profit of 120 billion yen and an operating profit of 140 billion yen on sales of 1.15 trillion yen. During its restructuring the company cut unprofitable routes, reviewed its fleet, and reduced fuel expenses. It also started using a new revenue management system to improve productivity.

Chase the demons away with beans on Setsubun By Yuko Watanabe

2012-02-01T23:01:00.001-06:00

TOKYO — Setsubun is the festival held on Feb 3, which traditionally marks the beginning of spring on the Japanese lunar calendar. Temples and shrines across Japan stage various rituals at Setsubun, such as throwing beans, to drive away demons and bring happiness for the year. Some of the big shrines invite celebrities such as sumo wrestlers, actors and singers to throw beans at onlookers. The men and women who throw the “fuku mame” (fortune beans) are called “Toshi-otoko” and “Toshi-onna,” and are selected based on their birth year according to the Chinese zodiac, so this year, anyone born in the year of the dragon has the right to throw beans at the festivals. Usually, they throw roasted soy beans from the stage to the crowds who try to catch and eat them, believing that will bring happiness during the year. When throwing the beans, the people shout “Oniwa soto, fukuwa uchi” (Demons out! Good fortune in!). It is believed that eating the same number of the beans as one’s age is especially lucky. Setsubun is not just for shrines; you can celebrate it at home as well. The father or the oldest man of the house plays the role of a demon with the mask, and the children throw beans at him, shouting “Oniwa soto, fukuwa uchi.” Another traditional custom at Setsubun is eating “eho-maki,” which is a fortune sushi roll. It contains seven ingredients (dried ground shavings, cucumber, mushrooms, egg omelet, eel and pink colored fish powder), which represent the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. When people eat the roll, they contemplate the lucky direction of the year ahead in silence, wishing for happiness. Eating the roll uncut signifies that your good relationships with others will not be cut. The lucky direction of this year is north-northwest. Where to see Setsubun on Feb 3 1. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple/Bean-throwing at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. 2. Asakusa-dera Temple 3. Rinnou-ji Temple/Bean-throwing starts at 2:45 p.m. 4. Ikegami honmon-ji/Bean-throwing starts at 3 p.m. 5. Hase-dera/Bean-throwing starts at 12 noon. 6. Zojo-ji/Bean-throwing starts at 12:30 p.m. 7. Okunitama-jinja/Bean-throwing starts at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. 8. Toyokawa Inari Betsui-in/Bean-throwing starts at 2 p.m. 9. Inuyama Naritasan 10. Mamasan Guhouji/Bean-throwing starts at 2:30 p.m.

Ex-U.S. diplomat Maher pulls no punches on Japan

2012-01-29T11:39:00.001-06:00

http://www.japantoday.com/smartphone/view/national/ex-u-s-diplomat-maher-pull...

WASHINGTON — U.S. diplomats typically are unfailingly polite and reverential toward their countries of expertise and, upon retirement, go away quietly into research or business. Not so with Kevin Maher. Since he was unceremoniously removed from his position last year, the veteran diplomat on Japan has gone on the offensive with biting criticism on issues from Tokyo’s political paralysis to the Fukushima nuclear disaster. To his own surprise, he has found an eager audience. A book he wrote in Japanese, “The Japan That Can’t Decide,” has sold more than 100,000 copies and for weeks topped the country’s best-seller list for non-fiction paperbacks. Maher’s main thesis is that Japan—which has had six new prime ministers since 2006—has been crippled by a failure of its politicians to accept responsibility and, hence, to make hard decisions. Maher pointed to the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which was devastated by the March 11 tsunami, and dismissed the government’s declaration last month that it had stabilized the leaking reactors. “It’s not stable,” Maher said recently at the Heritage Foundation in Washington. “Tokyo is safe, but Fukushima Daiichi is in really bad shape.” The State Department sacked Maher as its Japan desk chief just a day before the historic 9.0-magnitude earthquake but he stayed on for another month to coordinate the U.S. disaster response. Maher said that the U.S. government was privately terrified over the unfolding crisis. He accused Japan’s then prime minister, Naoto Kan, of evading responsibility and trying to pass the problem over to the plant’s operator, the Tokyo Electric Power Co. “I remember sitting on a task force many a time thinking, ‘Who the hell is in control in Japan?’ The government’s not doing anything. Kan made one trip and flew up and got in the way and came back,” Maher said. Maher said that he watched in horror as he saw television footage of a sole helicopter dropping water on the stricken plant. “Is that the best Japan can do?” Maher said. “Frankly what happened is the U.S. government called in the Japanese ambassador and said, look, you have to take this stuff seriously. We don’t know what’s going to happen.” Maher said that the United States was even looking at whether it would have to evacuate some 100,000 Americans, although it soon became clear that Tokyo was not in harm’s way. Maher’s earlier strident critiques led to his downfall. While in office, he spoke to students about Okinawa—home to half of the 47,000 U.S. troops in Japan—and accused local leaders of playing on mainland Japanese guilt to “extort” concessions. Japanese media accounts of his remarks stirred outrage. Maher, 57, who has worked on Japan for three decades and has a Japanese wife, called the controversy “water under the bridge” and said he was making a good living as a consultant. Nonetheless, he criticized the two officials he said were behind his dismissal—then deputy secretary of state Jim Steinberg and Ambassador to Japan John Roos. “They just wanted to get this out of the press and decided that the best thing was not to address whether these press reports were actually true or not but just to remove me from my position,” Maher said. Despite his criticism, Maher—like current U.S. officials—sees bright spots in Japan’s latest prime minister, Yoshihiko Noda, who is pushing forward controversial plans to raise taxes and join talks on a U.S.-backed trade pact. Maher said he has received little backlash over his book. He believed he won over potentially hostile readers with a message that Japan worked well in the past and needed to return to its traditions. “We used to have an image back in the ‘80s, if a Japanese corporation had a problem, you were worried that the chairman would go to commit ‘seppuku,’” he said, referring to ritual suicide. “He would take responsibility even if it was not a mistake that he made. But now it’s reversed in Japan,” he said. Maher said he was surprised when he visited Okinawa to promote his book. “There were four demonstrators. When I was consul general in Okinawa, I could always get 40.” © 2012 AFP

Oyaku Nabe Pan

2012-01-28T14:40:00.001-06:00

Tatsuta Age - Chef Brent's class was awesome today

2012-01-28T13:53:00.001-06:00

http://www.chefbrent.com

Here is tatsuta age we had today:

IMF's Lagarde calls for Japan, U.S. debt cut targets

2012-01-28T05:20:00.001-06:00

IMF chief Christine Lagarde called Friday on Japan and the United States to set debt reduction targets as their contribution towards lifting the world out of the economic crisis. “Everybody needs to do something, it needs to be collective,” the International Monetary Fund chief told the World Economic Forum. While eurozone states have to make a special effort as Europe is the epicentre of the current crisis, the United States and Japan “have to do something as well.” “They have to really demonstrate that they have a medium-term objective which is to reduce their debt, to reduce their deficit and to run their public affairs on a much more balanced and sustainable basis,” she said. U.S. government debt now stands at just over $15 trillion but is expected to rise to over $16 trillion by year-end. Japan’s total public debt is estimated at 1,024 trillion yen ($13 trillion) Beyond the industrialized world, Lagarde also urged emerging giants to pitch in to combat the crisis by stimulating domestic demand. “China and any country that has a surplus must help its domestic market consume a bit more, a bit better and not to rely too extensively on exports,” she said, echoing EU and U.S. calls for more Chinese spending.

Number of flu patients surpasses 1.11 million as epidemic spreads

2012-01-28T05:12:00.001-06:00

Jan. 28, 2012 - 04:15PM JST TOKYO — The number of influenza patients admitted to medical facilities for treatment in Japan reached 1.11 million in the week leading up to Jan 22, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases reported on Friday. The institute says that the increase in the number of infections was due in part to the virus being prevalent among elementary and junior high school students, NHK reported. Reported infections among 5-14-year-olds increased by a factor of 4.3 over the previous week. As a result, the 5-14 age group now consitutes half of the total number of infections, the institute reported. Admissions in some hospitals tripled during the week, the institute said. The average number of patients by prefecture was 59.88 in Fukui, 59.31 in Kochi, and 52.17 in Mie. The institute said the infection rate is especially high in the Chubu, Shikoku and Kinki regions. More than 90% of flu cases are due to the Hong Kong influenza A virus subtype H3N2, the institute said. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is calling on children and the elderly to take extra precautions to guard against the influenza virus. The ministry said that it expects reported cases of the virus to peak in the first half of next month and called upon children and the elderly to take extra care to wash their hands thoroughly and to wear surgical face masks in an attempt to minimize the spread of the disease.

Number of flu patients surpasses 1.11 million as epidemic spreads

2012-01-28T05:09:00.001-06:00

The number of influenza patients admitted to medical facilities for treatment in Japan reached 1.11 million in the week leading up to Jan 22, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases reported on Friday.

The institute says that the increase in the number of infections was due in part to the virus being prevalent among elementary and junior high school students, NHK reported. Reported infections among 5-14-year-olds increased by a factor of 4.3 over the previous week. As a result, the 5-14 age group now consitutes half of the total number of infections, the institute reported.

Admissions in some hospitals tripled during the week, the institute said. The average number of patients by prefecture was 59.88 in Fukui, 59.31 in Kochi, and 52.17 in Mie. The institute said the infection rate is especially high in the Chubu, Shikoku and Kinki regions.

More than 90% of flu cases are due to the Hong Kong influenza A virus subtype H3N2, the institute said.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is calling on children and the elderly to take extra precautions to guard against the influenza virus.

The ministry said that it expects reported cases of the virus to peak in the first half of next month and called upon children and the elderly to take extra care to wash their hands thoroughly and to wear surgical face masks in an attempt to minimize the spread of the disease.

The importance of blood type in Japanese culture

2012-01-18T20:44:00.001-06:00

The importance of blood type in Japanese culture TOKYO — It is a good idea to know your blood type. While most Japanese know their blood type, many foreigners do not (and Japanese are frequently surprised to hear this). Many Japanese people believe that each blood type has a certain personality and affinity, so it is common for them to ask someone their blood type or try to guess someone’s blood type by their personality. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for women in their 20s and 30s to even select a prospective husband based on his blood type. There are many books about the various blood type personalities. For example, “A, B, O, AB gata jibun no setsumeisho” (A Guide to A, B, O, OB blood types), written by an unknown author who uses the pen name Jamais Jamais, have become best sellers in Japan. Here is a look at what it’s all about. General personality of people who have type A blood —Consider things carefully —Can understand other people’s feelings easily —Kind —Good at hospitality —Don’t express themselves in order to avoid possible quarrel —Do things carefully and steadily, and don’t take the next step if they are not satisfied —Honor student types who don’t go off the rail —Fastidious —Big on cleanliness —Can be calm even when accidents happen —Strong on taking responsibility —Hard workers —Safe drivers Type A blood people’s affinity with each blood type Partner who is type A – They have many common points; however, both of them are highly strung, so they may be irritated by each other. Partner who is type B – Type A person envies type B’s happy-go-lucky personality. However, type A person worries about type B person’s personality. Partner who is type AB – Type AB person is reliable for type A, someone they can turn to for good advice and help. They can have a stable love relationship. Partner who is type O – Type O person is protective of type A. However, if type A talks about every small thing, the relationship won’t be good. General personality of people who have type B blood —Like to go their own way —Do what they want without considering other people’s feelings, rules and customs —Happy-go-lucky and masters of breaking rules —Optimistic —Friendly and open their heart to anybody —Not pretentious —Afraid of being alone —Get lonely easily —Quick to adapt —Flexible thinkers —Pragmatists —Don’t chase a dream much —Like to play —Love festivals and parties —Have been in love many times —Don’t get heart-broken over lost love Type B blood people’s affinity with each blood type person Partner who is type A – Type A person is always willing to help type B person; however, they get tired of each other easily. Type A often complains to type B. Partner who is type B – Both of them are not careful, so they may do things that are off the rail. Partner who is type AB – They attract each other and they may quickly start a relationship. They love each other very much. Partner who is type O – They can understand each other easily. Type O person covers for type B person’s bad points. They are a great match for friendship. General personality of people who have type AB blood —Chase ideals and dreams —Don’t have secular needs such as greed and a desire to succeed —Have strong spirituality —Calm and rational —Sensitive and easily hurt —Have a complicated personality —Private life is important —Don’t like interference from other people —Have various hobbies —Vigorous in pursuit of knowledge in wide range of fields —Are bookworms —Have unique ideas and are creative —Have fairy tale-like hobbies —Calm and frank about love relationship Type AB blood people’s affinity with each blood type person Partner who is type A – Type AB person respects type A person, and they have a passionate love for each other. However, they may quarrel frequently. Partner who is type B – They are a good match and connect with each other easily. Partner who is type AB – Their relationship is always proceeding along parallel lines. They cannot open their minds to each other. It is best not to be too close to each other, nor be too far apart. Partner who is type O – They can succeed in business and at various activities together. They can produce new things together easily. General personality of people who have type O blood —Realistic —Good at developing economic concepts —Vigorous at earning a living —Strong in face of adversity —Romanticists —Dream of getting rich quick, but actually take a steady approach —Ambitious —Go straight toward their goal —Have leadership ability and often take care of younger people and people below them —Very cautious —Don’t care about small things, taking a wider perspective instead —Devoted, but with a strong desire to monopolize Type O blood people’s affinity with each blood type person Partner who is type A – Type O person always wants to take the lead for type A person. They are a good combination. Partner who is type B – They can talk freely and openly and have a comfortable relationship. However, type O person gets confused by type B person’s moody personality sometimes. Partner who is type AB – Their thoughts are a match. However, if they are in the same “arena,” they compete with each other strongly. Partner who is type O – They cannot understand each other basically, and they feel alienation easily. It is best not to get too close together. Source: Ketsuekigatabetsuseikaku (Each blood type’s personality) Dieting methods by blood type Erica Angyal, a Miss Universe Japan official nutritionist and health consultant, has published books on health and beauty by blood type, such as “Bijo no Ketsuekigata BOOK” (beautiful women’s blood type) and “Bijo no Ketsuekigata-bestu Obento BOOK” (beautiful women’s lunch box by each blood type). Also, the fitness and health magazine FYTTE’s February edition introduces a dieting method by blood type directed by Angyal. Here is brief introduction to the dieting method. Recommended diet for type A Recommended foods for type A people are carbohydrates such as rice and grain, vegetables, and fruits because type As originated from agricultural tribes who mainly ate foods from plants. However, type As usually don’t digest dairy products easily, so it is better to have yogurt. Also, meat is difficult to digest and turns into fat easily for type A people, so it is better to eat beans and fish for protein. Japanese traditional foods such as miso soup, natto, tofu, and so on are a good match for type A people. Recommended exercise for type A Stress is the main enemy for type A people, so slow exercise such as yoga is the best way to relax. Recommended diet for type B Type B people have the ability to digest various foods such as vegetables, fruit, fish, meats, grain and dairy products because type Bs originated from nomad tribes who ate various foods to survive in their extreme environment. It is best to have various foods, especially protein, otherwise type B people get irritated and tired easily. Lean meat with low fat, especially beef and lamb, are good because they are easy to digest and make metabolism faster for type B people. However, chicken, sesame, corn, soba noodles and wheat make type B people fat. Recommended exercise for type B Type B blood people have high stress, so it is best to play active sports such as tennis and golf, and also try slow exercise such as yoga to relax. Recommended diet for type AB Type AB people have features of both type A and type B. For example, type AB people don’t have enough stomach acids to easily digest some kinds of meat like type As. Protein from soy beans is good for type AB people, as are some dairy products. Therefore, it is best to take protein from fish and soy beans, and other various foods such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, yogurt, and so on, with a good balance. Wheat, chicken, corn, sesame and soba noodles are not good for dieting. Recommended exercise for type AB Type AB people have negative feelings such as anger and hostility and it is bad for their body when they get excited too much. So the best exercises for type AB people are yoga to relax their body and aerobics to let stress out. Recommended diet for type O Type O people can digest meat easier than other blood types. However, lack of protein tires them easily too because type O people originated from tribes that hunted animals and gathered nuts, fruit and plants. The tribes ate low fat meat, so low fat beef and lamb are good for type O people. Especially fish with omega-3 fatty acid are the best protein source for them. Eating fresh vegetables and fruit is recommended. The early tribes did not eat grains and dairy products, so those foods are difficult to digest for type O people. Wheat and dairy products make type O people get fat easily. Recommended exercise for type O Exercises which improve the heart rate function and muscles, such as running and boxing are good for type O people. Active exercises keep their hormone balance right. Source: FYTTE (in February, 2012) Japan Today 31 Comments Leave a comment japan_cynic at Jan. 19, 2012 - 07:12AM JST Astrology by another name. Fortunately after 10+years in Japan, I've never met anyone who openly admits to believing any of this utter nonsense.

Bums instead of fingerprints?

2012-01-17T22:53:00.001-06:00

TOKYO — Put your fingerprint scanners away. Stand aside iris measurers. Buttocks are the new way to prove who you are. A team of Japanese scientists claim their pressure sensor sheet can accurately identify an individual’s backside and when placed on a driver’s seat could be used as a last line of defense to stop someone else driving away your motor. “The sheet has 360 sensors, which collect data for 39 features to recognize a person, such as pressure patterns and the dimensions of the buttocks,” said Dr Shigeomi Koshimizu, who led the research. Koshimizu, an associate professor at Tokyo-based Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology, said his device is 98% accurate and far less onerous than conventional biometrics as it requires nothing more than someone to sit naturally. But, he added, there are still a few hurdles to clear before the technology makes it to market. “The recognition tends to be compromised by different clothes,” he said. “Sensors read different signals from a pair of trousers and a pair of jeans.” © 2012 AFP

Okonomiyaki - shrimp and cheese okonomiyaki - Fun in the Kitchen

2012-01-05T13:56:00.001-06:00

Japan Girl AKB48 Band Spices it Up

2011-12-30T13:47:00.001-06:00

AKB48 is a 92-member girl band from Japan whose one song has garnered some 56 million hits on YouTube. The WSJ's Deborah Kan talks to Tokyo News Editor, Kenneth Maxwell about what's causing the cult following.

I have heard about the band for a couple of years, but knew nothing about them until the Wall Street Journal thought it was important to do an article about them(how we love the new News Corp ownership(sarcasm)).

Basically this is a group that targets the Akihabara crowd and a little of the Harajuku crowd. Here is a link the the video article about them on the WSJ. If you are a fan, do not watch. Below is one of their top videos.

http://online.wsj.com/video/japan-girl-band-spices-it-up/AD7A2747-5058-4351-A7F6-647BFF665A27.html

French Kiss - Kakkowarui I love you! from akb48 factory on Vimeo.

Japanese tsunami fund 'used for whaling programme'

2011-12-27T08:59:00.001-06:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16064002 - see the full article here

Japan cut short its whaling season last year because of harassment by anti-whaling activists

Japan has used funds from its tsunami recovery budget to subsidise its controversial annual whaling programme, environmental activists say.

Greenpeace says 2.3bn yen ($30m; £19m) from a budget of 12.1 trillion yen is being used to fund extra security.

Japanese officials argued when they applied for extra funding that whaling helped coastal communities.

The whaling fleet reportedly headed for Antarctic waters this week, though Tokyo has not confirmed the reports.

There has been a ban on commercial whaling for 25 years, but Japan catches about 1,000 whales each year in what it says is a scientific research programme.

Critics say those claims are just a cover for a commercial operation, and accuse the Japanese of hunting the animals to the brink of extinction only for food.

Activists from the Sea Shepherd group have attacked the fleet as part of their campaign against whaling.

Last year Japanese abandoned its programme before it was completed, citing "harassment" from the group.

Earlier this year, the Japanese Fisheries Agency applied to the government for extra funding for its programme from the emergency budget aimed at helping communities recover from the devastating tsunami and earthquake.

The agency argued that some of the towns and villages affected relied on whaling for their livelihoods.

Activists say the agency's funding request was approved and it has spent the money on extra security and covering its debts.

Junichi Sato, from Greenpeace Japan, told Australia's ABC that there was no link between the whaling programme and the tsunami recovery.

"It is simply used to cover the debts of the whaling programme, because the whaling programme itself has been suffering from big financial problems," he said.

The Australian and New Zealand governments have both criticised Japan's decision to continue whaling.

They are both considering sending vessels to monitor the whaling fleet.

Sea Shepherd activists have promised to carry on their campaign against the whaling fleet.

Princess Tenko is attending Kim Jong Il's Funeral

2011-12-22T15:31:00.001-06:00

By In-Soo Nam

: Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service/Associated Press; Senior North Korean officials visit the Kumsusan Memorial Palace to pay their respects to Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang on Tuesday.

The funeral of a head of state in any country is a major logistical operation. The send off for Kim Jong Il next Wednesday provides its own unique challenges for North Korea’s administrators, not least sorting out who’ll be on the guest list from the dysfunctional Kim family.

According to Korean tradition, the eldest son is supposed to take charge of his father’s funeral. That’s not going to happen this time around, and it’s highly unlikely first son Kim Jong Nam will even be there. Jong Nam has been in effective exile from North Korea for several years, having apparently ruined his dictatorship credentials for good by attempting to enter Japan in 2001 on a fake passport so that he could have some fun at Tokyo Disneyland.

: Associated Press; Kim Jong Nam

The pudgy Jong Nam now spends most of his time in the glitzy casino city of Macau and is more fond of Armani shirts and jeans than his father’s dictator-style Mao jumpsuits. It may even be dangerous for him to try to attend the funeral, with Kim Jong Eun reportedly having targeted him as a threat to his ascension to power. In recent media interviews, Jong Nam has disavowed any interest in politics.

It’ll be interesting to see if there’s any sign of Kim Han Sol, Jong Nam’s son, at the funeral. He was the subject of a media frenzy in October when he was tracked down at a private school in Bosnia. Journalists who searched his online activity found messages supportive of the North Korean regime and references to trips he has made to Pyongyang in recent years.

Kim Jong Il’s second son, Kim Jong Chul, will probably be at the funeral. He isn’t seen as a threat to Jong Eun and appears to shun the spotlight. He made headlines in February this year when he popped up in Singapore on a trip to see Eric Clapton play. Mr. Clapton isn’t currently touring so there’s no clash of events to worry about.

Kim Jong Il’s half-brother, Kim Pyong Il, North Korea’s permanent ambassador to Poland, may be in attendance. A media report Thursday said he had left Warsaw.

Officially, North Korea has said it won’t accept any foreign delegations at the funeral, but there are likely to be two from South Korea. The government in Seoul has said it will allow Lee Hee-ho, the wife of the late South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, to attend the funeral after the North sent representation to the funeral of her husband in 2009.

: Associated Press; Princess Tenko

Also going with Seoul’s approval is Hyun Jeong-eun, the chairwoman of Hyundai Group, which has extensive business interests in the North. A twist to her visit is that North Korea earlier this year seized Hyundai assets at the Kumgang mountain resort so she may be looking to discuss business while she’s there.

Another mourner expected to travel from overseas is the Japanese female magician known as Princess Tenko. Media in Japan report that she has received emails and phone calls from Pyongyang inviting her to attend. Ms. Tenko has performed twice in Pyongyang at the invitation of Kim Jong Il and has enjoyed other invitations for dinner with the late Mr. Kim, according to the Yomirui Shimbun.

Amy’s Top 10 Japanese Christmas Songs

2011-12-21T10:13:00.001-06:00

http://yonasu.com/amys-top-10-japanese-christmas-music/

Home - Andy's Fish - Fresh from Tsukiji to you

2011-12-21T00:06:00.001-06:00

http://www.andysfish.com