What is the sense of duty which drives Yakuza gangs to murder?
A successful new crime drama, starring Japanese actors, includes scenes set in London and Tokyo. At one stage, there’s a violent confrontation in a famous hotel, with lots of fighting…
Five million yen for a big crab from Tottori? Why that’s not a crazy price
The media has had fun with the story of a crab which sold for five million yen ($46,000 USD). They implied it was a massive waste of money and a…
“Watch out China!” – A warning from the top of a new Tokyo tower
They are still building amazing skyscrapers in Tokyo. A huge one opened in Shibuya this week, with stunning views of the metropolis. There’s much excitement high above the scramble of…
“Honourable Madame monkey! I am big loving your thing!”
“You Monkey! You Idiot! I Love You!” A guide to using romantic language in Japan Call someone a monkey or an idiot in Japan and they might be rather pleased…
Communist Japan
We often hear about Communist China but what about Communist Japan? The far left plays a significant role in Japanese politics and mixes activism with charm. Japan is a country…
What could a trip to the dentist reveal about economics?
Most dentists expect their patients to tell them where the pain is before they suggest a cure. The problem with countries is that they don’t always know what’s causing their…
Pink Floyd’s complaint against Japan
Pink Floyd are among the most successful and respected British rock bands. But in a song they wrote which mentions Japan, the video shows some very seedy looking geishas, played…
Rocket man returns
North Korea has lashed out at South Korea firing more missiles in the direction of Japan. They landed in the sea but experts say the weapons are getting more dangerous….
Argument
Have you ever wondered why people from East Asian countries appear to be reserved in meetings, including conferences and university lectures? It could be that they are trying to avoid…
The gulf between Japan and Russia is widening
Russia and Japan are still bitter rivals, despite a friendly welcome for President Putin in Osaka for the latest G20 meeting. The nations went to war twice last century and…
Shinzo Abe’s Iranian headache
The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is an experienced diplomat but he’s been derided for failure in his latest effort in the Middle East. He has failed to broker peace…
Getting down to business on the plastic problem
Japan does quite well with recycling but still most plastics are burned in a furnace. Most plastic bottles which are thrown away in Japan are burned in a furnace. That…
No more high heels, boss!
Some of Japan’s women have been angrily kicking back against the pressure to wear high heeled shoes. They say the government should intervene and the blame is being laid firmly…
It may be painful to pander to Trump but businesses reckon it’s worth it
It was all smiles when Donald Trump met business leaders in London and Tokyo recently. They told him they want more trade with the US, despite his disruptive and sometimes…
Sea monster ice cream deserves good table manners
I like chewy, hot squid on a stick – even though it looks like a cross between an ice cream and a sea monster. It’s not easy to eat, though,…