tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86843703812748010282024-03-14T02:25:07.624-04:00American AccentA bunch of thoughts in my head that need to come out.Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-56838067801814912502016-02-16T09:03:00.000-05:002017-10-18T23:21:12.816-04:00Fantastic "History of Japan" video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWkhCY5k59Y/VsMkaDYsF8I/AAAAAAAAAtw/ef-LvDj6kTQ/s1600/History_of_Japan_-_Bill_Wurtz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWkhCY5k59Y/VsMkaDYsF8I/AAAAAAAAAtw/ef-LvDj6kTQ/s400/History_of_Japan_-_Bill_Wurtz.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hi folks. Long time no see.<br />
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I wanted to introduce you to this ridiculous(ly good) YouTube video on Japan's history posted some two weeks ago. But first, I shall stall a bit and address the proper niceties by introducing the video creator Bill Wurtz. He is a cool and kooky guy (strictly interpreted from his internet personality) that writes jazzy and outdated music to funny videos. Most of his videos are 10 seconds or less, if that gives you any indication on what you're getting yourself into. Here's a little taste.<br />
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Kind of reminds me of <a href="https://youtu.be/38hYVCcR9oU" target="_blank">5SecondFilms</a>. Love those guys. Anywho, this Bill guy just randomly picked the country of Japan (about which he knew nothing), researched it, and created this nine minute masterpiece <a href="https://ask.fm/billwurtz/answers/134426555401" target="_blank">as a warm up</a> (aren't you excited for more? Oh, well, watch the video then.)<br />
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I'm not an expert on Japanese history and completely understand that he has added some intended embellishments into this historical narrative. Do any fact-checkers out there spot any glaringly wrong details?<br />
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So what's next for Bill? He plans to either cover a lot of "topics" or "all of the countries...in a month" next. I'm sensing some snark, but what would you expect from such a filmmaker? Oh, and here's <a href="http://www.billwurtz.com/" target="_blank">his website</a> to complement all of the other interactive resources I've posted here.Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-21882381897841174612014-02-16T09:09:00.001-05:002014-02-16T16:28:48.204-05:00Tokyo like a Richard Scarry episode<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-828M_tabJxs/UwEtQMmWkSI/AAAAAAAAApM/JJh-hgFr-T0/s1600/Little-Tokyo+time+lapse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-828M_tabJxs/UwEtQMmWkSI/AAAAAAAAApM/JJh-hgFr-T0/s1600/Little-Tokyo+time+lapse.png" height="212" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This screenshot doesn't do the video quality any justice. </td></tr>
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Usually I have something insightful to say. Today, I'm just gonna sit back and let this beautiful time-lapse video of Tokyo do the talking. This video is called ちちゃな東京 (Chicha na Toukyou), or, Little Tokyo and is by <a href="http://darwinfish105.blogspot.jp/2013/09/blog-post.html" target="_blank">Darwinfish105</a>. Enjoy.<br />
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In a related post (by title only), please enjoy the open, yet camaraderic racism that is South Park: <a href="http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/387860/little-tokyo" target="_blank">Little Tokyo</a>. <br />
<br />Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-27538328139203686932014-02-15T01:06:00.001-05:002014-02-16T16:28:59.955-05:00Can you hurt water's feelings?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.masaru-emoto.net/english/masaru.jpg" class="decoded" src="http://www.masaru-emoto.net/english/masaru.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you read that? (<a href="http://www.masaru-emoto.net/english/masaru.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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So this Japanese businessman is a 70-year-old with a strange interest in water. Masaru Emoto believes that water has strange properties that were previously unknown. Supposedly, water reacts differently to different emotions. He has spent a lot of time examining the ice crystals of water exposed to positive or negative verbal content (i.e. some water might develop more crystals, or be cleaner, if praised daily). Some believe he is a quack and their is a general consensus that he practices a pseudoscience. Don't let that disinterest you, though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dG-TE_8vHbc/UJqFO48m0aI/AAAAAAAADYg/TIbFtP2epbU/s1600/rice-experiment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dG-TE_8vHbc/UJqFO48m0aI/AAAAAAAADYg/TIbFtP2epbU/s640/rice-experiment.jpg" border="0" class="decoded" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dG-TE_8vHbc/UJqFO48m0aI/AAAAAAAADYg/TIbFtP2epbU/s1600/rice-experiment.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This experiment looks legit (<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dG-TE_8vHbc/UJqFO48m0aI/AAAAAAAADYg/TIbFtP2epbU/s640/rice-experiment.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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This experiment, the one I want to talk about, is a bit different. Basically, he has three jars full of rice and water. He bad-mouths the one jar, praises the other, and ignores the other. The results are interesting. Whether or not they are reproducible under scientific conditions is beyond my point.<br />
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I buy these results, to some extent. I don't however, buy the explanation. Rice is not a temperamental food with human emotions. Please, Mr. Emoto, don't anthropomorphize your rice. It is very possible, though, that talking to rice release germs that help ferment rice (which hardly seems like a positive outcome save for the "sweet" smell). Also, I can imagine that rice that didn't have mouth germs spread in its vicinity might react differently. Finally, it's very possible that using different words, or even more emotion can spread a different amount of germs or even a different kind of germs (tongue germs, throat germs, etc.). What's your take on this guy?Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-75783140848972867942014-01-12T08:20:00.000-05:002014-01-12T10:28:04.390-05:00The Detox campaign<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x16gNcwc-sU/UtKzoJAjIxI/AAAAAAAAAok/Ysf9sE7uDpA/s1600/Detox+water+human+rights+protestors+campaign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x16gNcwc-sU/UtKzoJAjIxI/AAAAAAAAAok/Ysf9sE7uDpA/s1600/Detox+water+human+rights+protestors+campaign.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the Kanji! (<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/artwork/toxics/2013/detox/GP-Germany-Detox.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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So, there's a new movement challenging blind consumerism and global policy. It's called Detox and it's a campaign to attack the toxic chemicals that are a byproduct (and often a "product") of clothing manufacturing. Not only do two-thirds of our new clothing have trace amounts of toxins but so does the water used to clean the garments. The problem is that third-world countries (chosen by fashion industries for their cheap labor and lose pollution laws) often dump this adulterated mix right into sources that locals use for drinking water. Detox is making slow progress in persuading leading clothing companies to switch out their most toxic ingredients.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW2YdCs0ySo/UtK0RWa_pNI/AAAAAAAAAos/pn0_6tUund8/s1600/detox-striptease-bangkok+water+kanji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW2YdCs0ySo/UtK0RWa_pNI/AAAAAAAAAos/pn0_6tUund8/s1600/detox-striptease-bangkok+water+kanji.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="match">Scantily clad protestors and Japanese language...doesn't get any better</span> (<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/photos/toxics/2011/detox-striptease-bangkok.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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The part I like is the campaign's symbol: <span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149997;">水. This is the Chinese character for water...and while I don't know much Chinese, I do know that in Japanese the character is read as </span><span class="match">みず or </span><span class="match"><span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149997;">"mizu"</span>. The </span><span class="match"><span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149997;">水 </span>connotation in Japanese is that the water is cool and fresh, just like drinking water (<a href="http://www.jisho.org/words?jap=%E6%B0%B4&eng=&dict=edict" target="_blank">source</a>). Another interesting part is that people throw off their clothes in protest and reveal this kanji and the graphic for Detox. Check out the video.</span><br />
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<span class="match">Check out the updates on the <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/toxics/water/detox/" target="_blank">Detox Campaign</a>. </span><span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149997;"> </span>Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-28112753265816563562013-09-10T21:24:00.001-04:002013-09-10T21:26:36.655-04:00Is TEPCO really to blame?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5SwllfUg1o/Ui-z-z4yiBI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Smh7P-46-M0/s1600/TEPCO+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5SwllfUg1o/Ui-z-z4yiBI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Smh7P-46-M0/s400/TEPCO+bow.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TEPCO, doing what they do best (<a href="http://cdn.japandailypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/large-415x260.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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I imagine you're staring at your computer screen thinking nothing more needs to be said about TEPCO (if you are up-to-date on Japanese events). You might want to read this article, though.<br />
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In a similar by-line, I never thought I would post more about TEPCO (or want to) given my prior post: The <a href="http://runjumpplay.blogspot.com/2011/04/beast-that-is-tepco.html" target="_blank">Beast that is TEPCO</a>. However, here I am.<br />
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It is true: TEPCO is a corrupt company, and even after a complete firing of their upper management, corruption is still in the Japanese news. And if it's in the Japanese news that means it was likely OK'ed by the government. (Is it safe to say that?)<br />
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The article I recently read was a simple one declaring that the recent <a href="http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20130909_39.html" target="_blank">indictment charges against TEPCO were dropped</a> because TEPCO could not be held legally responsible as they "could not [have] predict[ed] the real dangers of such a massive earthquake and tsunami." The article goes on to say that the company's "failure to carry out countermeasure construction after
it projected in 2008 a scenario of a huge tsunami of more than 15
meters, cannot be considered socially irresponsible behavior." <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BS1YIJ4XXr8/Ui-28S6P5NI/AAAAAAAAAmg/PxNIPEl0Ixw/s1600/TEPCO+BOWING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BS1YIJ4XXr8/Ui-28S6P5NI/AAAAAAAAAmg/PxNIPEl0Ixw/s400/TEPCO+BOWING.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;">申し訳</span><span class="match">ございません. How many times can they apologize?</span> (<a href="http://www.globalpost.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/gp3_small_article/japan-tepco-fall-2011-06-06.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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Yes, the article was simple, but Alas! the implications were great.<br />
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The first large implication can be understood through a few analogies. <span class="text">Five earthquakes have occurred equal to or
greater than the Tohoku earthquake in the last century (<a href="http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/10_largest_world.phphttp://www.livescience.com" target="_blank">source</a>). I know the the
US plans watersheds, zoning, and planning based on at least 100 year
flood plains. And that is just for a flood! A nuclear plant, in
earthquake-ridden Japan, on an unprotected coast...wouldn't you think
they would have to prepare for a bit more? In that situation, the plant owners should have been thricely as cautious and prepared. </span><span class="text">"Preparedness for a large-scale complex disaster was insufficient; and
they were unprepared for the release of a large amount of radioactive
materials into the environment" (<a href="http://www.alternet.org/rss/breaking_news/1043112/japan,_tepco_%27ignored_nuclear_accident_risks%27" target="_blank">source</a>). What are (or were) the current
standards for the protection wall (which was flooded by a long-shot)? </span><br />
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<span class="text">In 1964, Alaskan Good Friday earthquake had a magnitude around 8.4
and spawned a 201-foot (67-meter) tsunami in the Valdez Inlet (<a href="http://www.livescience.com/13176-history-biggest-tsunamis-earthquakes.html" target="_blank">source</a>). Of course
this was a rogue wave with the perfect circumstances, but that happened
in the last 50 years. Furthermore, that wasn't the biggest tsunami by a <b>long-shot</b>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rdkxIeJPYY/Ui-88tqcVTI/AAAAAAAAAmw/GP9Ir6PToZg/s1600/Katsushika+Hokusai+The+Great+Wave+off+Kanagawa+1832+Thirty-six+Views+of+Mount+Fuji+Japan+okinami+tsunami+alive+Japanese+art+boats+mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rdkxIeJPYY/Ui-88tqcVTI/AAAAAAAAAmw/GP9Ir6PToZg/s400/Katsushika+Hokusai+The+Great+Wave+off+Kanagawa+1832+Thirty-six+Views+of+Mount+Fuji+Japan+okinami+tsunami+alive+Japanese+art+boats+mountain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japan even birthed the word Tsunami! - <span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;">津波</span> (<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Md7VLMcbylA/T336yfvpnaI/AAAAAAAADPA/sfeemCBtygw/s1600/Katsushika+Hokusai+The+Great+Wave+off+Kanagawa+1832+Thirty-six+Views+of+Mount+Fuji+Japan+okinami+tsunami+alive+Japanese+art+boats+mountain.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span class="text">The other great implication is that it is likely TEPCO was
only admitted it's negligence when the government forced them</span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>and sometimes the apologies were decades late. Why would a company apologize out of the blue if they had thought their misbehavior went undetected? That's just it. I'm sure the government knew a lot more about the TEPCO follies (essentially having them by the balls). So, when TEPCO didn't cooperate with the government (maybe even in terms of bribes), the government tells TEPCO to admit to past incidents. </span>(Is it safe to guess that?) Also, there are countless other times that TEPCO has hidden illegal incidents. <a href="http://publicintelligence.net/japan-and-tepcos-history-of-nuclear-accidents-and-cover-ups/" target="_blank">Look for yourself</a>...I'm not even going to try to cover it here.<br />
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<span class="text">So who really is to blame? Sure, TEPCO is a backwards company. Even after the mandated upper-level restructuring (to put it politely) TEPCO continued to be the naughty little boy it always was. <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2012/07/23/fukushima-watch-doctoring-dosimeters-how-far-did-it-go/" target="_blank">Covering radiation-reading equipment with lead</a>? Come on. But there are scumbag companies in every country. America is not one to point fingers. The real question is: Who watches TEPCO? Might I suggest: the Japanese government?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5r6ANjGBMaY/Ui_BSR1364I/AAAAAAAAAm8/IAN-gL28C44/s1600/who_watches_the_watchmen+TEPCO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5r6ANjGBMaY/Ui_BSR1364I/AAAAAAAAAm8/IAN-gL28C44/s400/who_watches_the_watchmen+TEPCO.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm afraid this 1987 epic comic by Alan Moore beat me to the punch.</td></tr>
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<span class="text">Yeah, definitely the government. And the Japanese citizens, the </span><a href="http://www.jisho.org/words?jap=otonashii&eng=&dict=edict" target="_blank"><span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;">大人しい</span></a> bunch that they are have mostly rebuilt their homes and lives<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>most without pointing fingers or theorizing the point of the chain-of-command that may have been a little negligent (to say the least). Besides the few local residents and activists that had filed the criminal complaint against Kan
and his ministers (two years after the events) and a handful of other smaller organizations looking for justice, there isn't much Japanese activity surrounding the event that has had a devastating impact on the domestic agriculture, economy, food-supply, power-supply, and <a href="http://rt.com/news/fukushima-children-thyroid-cancer-783/" target="_blank">general health</a> as well as global effects (some still unforeseen). <br />
<br />Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-63436185084377331812013-07-27T08:31:00.004-04:002013-07-27T08:48:15.042-04:00Samurai spiders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PESZZIcI_4/UfPBF5_IBmI/AAAAAAAAAmA/rnESBt9WcPs/s1600/Kumo+Gassen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PESZZIcI_4/UfPBF5_IBmI/AAAAAAAAAmA/rnESBt9WcPs/s640/Kumo+Gassen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's been awhile but I'd figured I'd throw up this video on spider fighting. Apparently, anything can be raised for fighting these days. This guy pairs his smaller Samurai Spider up against the larger local stock in Kajiki Japan. <br />
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This tournament, known as Kumo Gassen (クモ合戦), has been around for over 400 years and is what one blogger calls "the original Pokemon" (<a href="http://en.japantourist.jp/view/samurai-spiders-of-kajiki" target="_blank">source</a>). Haha! In one of the earlier videos in the National Geographic documentary, there is footage of him blowing a mixture of
a Gatorade-like substance to help his spider grow. I wonder
if it worked...<br />
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<br />Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-29617899055847673012012-12-11T16:00:00.001-05:002012-12-11T16:03:02.005-05:00Freakonomics and Sumo Wrestling<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="375" id="il_fi" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_crbhVVqG05w/TD8PsZVuu6I/AAAAAAAABQ8/pl38cbfR9oM/s1600/the-birth-of-sumo-by-zig-andrew-leipzig.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="600" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Birth of Sumo Dude - a nod to Botticelli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It's almost two years now since the Sumo match-fixing scandal went public. Remember that? A winning wrestler would offer another a victory just so to keep his higher title (and higher-bracket paycheck). This was happening often. In fact, according to Levitt from Freakonomics, there was a 75 percent chance a 7-7 (wins/losses) Sumo wrestler would win against an 8-6 wrestler in a tournament. This means that every time the opportunity appeared for a 7-7 wrestler to lose, not advance in the tournament, and lose money, that wrestler won 75 percent of the time. So, that's like a 50 percent chance of cheating, huh?<br />
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The word <span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;">八百長, or yaochou, is the Japanese word for "match-fixing". The kanji literally translate to "800 leaders". Hmm, I don't get it. But that often happens when you're learning Japanese.</span> <br />
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Prior to the big press stink, often a related skirmish would surface concerning some foreign Sumo wrestler. The truth is though, "the Japanese-born seemed to be just as corrupt as the foreigners" according to the statistics (<a href="http://www.freakonomics.com/2007/01/30/those-damn-mongolians-are-at-it-again/" target="_blank">source</a>). I guess when someone got wind of the cheating, everyone tried to use the foreigner as the scapegoat. Oh, Japan.<br />
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This isn't just a problem of xenophobia either. The Japanese media is very conservative and likes to protect the country's image. Here's another clip from Freakonomics:<br />
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The moral of the story: go watch Freakonomics and check out <a href="http://www.freakonomics.com/blog/" target="_blank">their blog</a>.<br />
Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-42295909710498006832012-11-24T14:05:00.000-05:002012-11-24T14:09:05.514-05:00Japanese man breaks all-fours records<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4jiQpNIUJc/ULEU0lu3kAI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wSDGKqgEK2Q/s1600/Japanese+man+guinness+record+all+fours.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4jiQpNIUJc/ULEU0lu3kAI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wSDGKqgEK2Q/s640/Japanese+man+guinness+record+all+fours.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kenichi Ito just broke the record for the fastest man running 100 meters on all fours with a time of 17.47 seconds. That's right, he utilizes his legs and his arms to run and quite frankly, he looks like a skilled monkey. His time is less than double that of Usain Bolt's 100m dash world record. See Ito breaking the record for yourself...<br />
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Apparently, Ito practices moving on all fours everyday indoors and outdoors. He has been studying African Patas monkeys and spent the last 9 years developing his running technique. I guess this is his last 9 years of work coming to fruition. (At least it's not as anticlimactic as some other record breakers.) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuKRJspVrVc/ULEYZF_1m4I/AAAAAAAAAjA/xhqnzTc2yHE/s1600/1031908083_63145f6a28_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuKRJspVrVc/ULEYZF_1m4I/AAAAAAAAAjA/xhqnzTc2yHE/s400/1031908083_63145f6a28_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Patas monkeys (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danballuff" target="_blank">photo</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And so I was still wondering, "Why?" When Ito was a little kid, his classmates used to make fun of him for looking like a monkey in the face. He says he was never bothered by the mean comments because he always had an affinity for simians. Check out more footage of <a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/running-like-a-monkey-is-serious-business.html" target="_blank">him and his training techniques</a> here.Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-16235475144781551982012-07-01T11:42:00.004-04:002012-07-01T11:43:42.131-04:00Nintendo woodblock prints (part 2) and video<br />
Illustrator <a href="http://jedart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jed Henry</a>, discussed <a href="http://runjumpplay.blogspot.com/2012/06/nintendo-characters-as-japanese.html" target="_blank">earlier</a>, is making some progress with his work re-imagining Nintendo characters as woodblock prints. I mentioned the complexity of creating one finished piece of work from this method. Each block of wood is carved in a different way to stamp a different color onto the finished product. Scroll to the video at the bottom to see Jed working on just one of the 11 colors in his Mario Kart piece. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kirby" class="bf_dom" height="640" src="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/web04/2012/6/27/17/enhanced-buzz-28903-1340831663-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="484" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirby - the finished piece</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ-k5ysS2f8/T-6ApvuKV7I/AAAAAAAAA8A/Fbo7IpcWoRI/s640/882730c0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="483" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pokemon - check out the guy that burnt his hand</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ8s6RqFEe0/T-6A1BlHJ1I/AAAAAAAAA9I/f1LWXsS_lMw/s640/fc3b9b2e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="484" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Fox - Star Fox used to be a bunch of "3D" planes with crappy color (it has come a long way)</td></tr>
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Here is the video of Jed Henry in action. Do you think you could make it through 11 woodblock carvings just to add color to one finished product?<br />
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Here is the finished Mario Kart piece from the video:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBxDPXH1kiw/T9aLSQx34hI/AAAAAAAAAfw/PApWgWseXxA/s1600/MarioKart+ukiyo-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBxDPXH1kiw/T9aLSQx34hI/AAAAAAAAAfw/PApWgWseXxA/s640/MarioKart+ukiyo-e.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/babymantis/video-games-re-imagined-as-traditional-japanese-pr-1opu" target="_blank">Buzzfeed </a>for the update.Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-79920822083060434622012-06-22T21:34:00.002-04:002012-06-22T21:34:49.841-04:00Japlish Friday - Ass Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLBiqa38uwI/T-Ua-3vx9JI/AAAAAAAAAho/hgCFEITd5r4/s1600/Ass+man+Japlish+Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLBiqa38uwI/T-Ua-3vx9JI/AAAAAAAAAho/hgCFEITd5r4/s400/Ass+man+Japlish+Friday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now you can say all you want about how the Asians have funny English words and phrases on their shirts unbeknownst to them.<br />
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But I'm pretty sure this Japanese guy bought this shirt with some knowledge of the words and their meanings. Maybe, the tight pants will get him the women he wants...the women with the right kind of derrière (because he is a rump connoisseur). Or, maybe his tight pants accentuate his own glutes and he's proud of them. Not that there's anything wrong with either.<br />
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For some reason, I'm leaning toward the latter explanation.Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-87917564917671586302012-06-21T23:47:00.001-04:002012-06-21T23:53:45.525-04:00Tomato juice helps your liver process alcohol<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEO0iGQwv_g/T-PqC2Zh-GI/AAAAAAAAAhY/UhLh--oJJ6s/s1600/Kagome+Tomato+Juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEO0iGQwv_g/T-PqC2Zh-GI/AAAAAAAAAhY/UhLh--oJJ6s/s400/Kagome+Tomato+Juice.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may cure hangovers, or by saying so, make Kagome rich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to a recent study by Kagome and Asahi Group Holdings, drinking tomato juice will help you sober up faster (<a href="http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20120531k0000m040064000c.html" target="_blank">source</a>). Apparently, the tomato juice helps to cleanse your liver by making it secrete more of the enzymes needed to break down alcohol.<br />
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The study included an experiment of people given about two shots of <i>shochu </i>(<span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149997;">焼酎, a Japanese liquor similar to vodka). After the two shots of <i>shochu</i>, the control group was given a pint of water while the experimental group was given a pint of tomato juice. Those </span>drinking the tomato juice sobered up an average of 50 minutes faster than those drinking water.<br />
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Kagome and Asahi agree that a tomato would most likely work the same way, although it was not studied.<br />
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This is great news considering Japan loses an estimated $11.5 billion every year to hangovers according to a recent survey of close to 3,000 people (<a href="http://mainichi.jp/bizbuz/news/20120509dog00m020021000c.html" target="_blank">source</a>). I wonder if Japanese government and businesses will take this news seriously and actively engage in promoting tomatoes after <a href="http://www.jisho.org/words?jap=%E5%AE%B4%E4%BC%9A&eng=&dict=edict&common=on" target="_blank"><i>enkai</i></a>. I could picture the market for <span class="match">トマト</span>パワー (Tomato Power) After-Party Shooters. (Japan is often wont to either fully embrace something or just let it fall by the wayside, e.g., influenza masks; the insurance hikes on those with large waistlines; or even baseball for that matter.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkYFE8CRN_w/T-PpYJZ_CmI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/lZOGh33tZl4/s1600/Asahi-Lineup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkYFE8CRN_w/T-PpYJZ_CmI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/lZOGh33tZl4/s400/Asahi-Lineup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer for all ages! (<a href="http://www.moippai.com/blog/2010/05/the-5-sizes-of-asahi/" target="_blank">photo</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, for those of you who don't know, Kagome claims to be Japan's largest supplier of ketchup and tomato juice (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagome_Co.,_Ltd." target="_blank">source</a>) while Asahi is one of Japan's leading breweries with 40% of the Japanese beer market (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asahi_Breweries" target="_blank">source</a>). It seems a little suspicious that a leading beer company and a leading tomato company "discover" that tomato juice can reduce the unwanted effects of alcohol. I would have liked to witness that first meeting where the two company heads discussed ways to join forces and increase money.<br />
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Did Kagome and Asahi formulate this as a publicity stunt? Or, were there scientists waiting for commercial sponsorship for their tomato juice findings? What are the chances that two companies put their heads together and found a scientific match for both of their leading products? I'll leave the musing up to you the reader.Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-69583236112686147542012-06-20T23:56:00.001-04:002012-06-20T23:57:01.386-04:00A battle version of Sudoku for iPhone and Facebook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTxjwCjvlXg/T-KRDcipg1I/AAAAAAAAAhA/Px-VFi07w3M/s1600/Challenger+Sudoku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTxjwCjvlXg/T-KRDcipg1I/AAAAAAAAAhA/Px-VFi07w3M/s400/Challenger+Sudoku.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There's a new application on iPhone and Facebook allowing two people to battle over a game of Sudoku at the same time. This beats the current tradition of one person holding a pencil while the other one tells them they've made a mistake.<br />
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The new application, called Challenger Sudoku, became available for the iPhone last December and has just recently gone live on Facebook. The game requires friends to challenge (or be challenged by) friends to a game of Sudoku and allows them to play head-to-head in real time. <br />
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As you solve each row or main square (consisting of nine single squares) the field highlights in your home color of blue. If your opponent solves a field first, the field becomes red.There are also various bonuses along the way, even one for the first to 777 points. Making mistakes will also take points away and transfer them to your opponents score. With the real-time spinoff, Challenger Sudoku can be very unnerving, especially if you are watching the puzzle light up red as someone solves it faster than you.<br />
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Through winning against opponents of your level or higher, you can raise your own level from Student, <a href="http://www.jisho.org/words?jap=%E3%81%9B%E3%82%93%E3%81%B1%E3%81%84&eng=&dict=edict&common=on&romaji=on" target="_blank"><i>Senpai</i></a>, <a href="http://www.jisho.org/words?jap=%E5%85%88%E7%94%9F&eng=&dict=edict&common=on&romaji=on" target="_blank"><i>Sensei</i></a>, Grandmaster, and, highest of all, Sudoku Samurai. These aren't levels you can just relax at, though. If you lose too much or remain inactive you will drop a level.<br />
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If you ask a native Japanese speaker to play "Sudoku", you'll likely get an odd stare. In Japan, they generally refer to Sudoku as <a href="http://www.jisho.org/words?jap=nanpure&eng=&dict=edict" target="_blank"><i>nampure </i></a>(short for "number place"). In fact, the game was only recently titled Sudoku by a Japanese game company and later becoming an game of international popularity in 2005 (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudoku" target="_blank">source</a>). The Japanese had most likely appropriated it from the French, who apparently have had a thing for number puzzles.<br />
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Well, anyone up for a challenge?Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-42962027319884124262012-06-15T22:54:00.001-04:002012-12-12T11:33:43.769-05:00Japlish Friday - Sorry We're Open<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH85vB8Zrhc/T9vfKCFAhtI/AAAAAAAAAgw/wNYN5pUha8Y/s1600/Japlish+Friday+tshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH85vB8Zrhc/T9vfKCFAhtI/AAAAAAAAAgw/wNYN5pUha8Y/s640/Japlish+Friday+tshirt.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This English is so bad it teeters on the edge of an ironically funny t-shirt, or even a fashionable one. If you can't read the smaller writing between the two Indian hands, it says "YOU ARE WELCOME".<br />
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"Sorry, we're open, you are welcome." The fact that this is printed on a shirt and displayed in the shop window on what seems to be in or close to the center of a shopping district (see: pedestrian traffic, brick pavers) seals this as a definite product of Japan. And by "product", I mean it is birthed of Japanese culture.<br />
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In no way do I say this out of spite or ill-will. In fact, I have come to fully embrace Japan's loose usage of English to the point that this horrible mash-up of an incorrect sign and an English phrase book preliminary makes me reminisce of my time in Japan. That fact that these two phrases are probably one of the first few phrases a foreigner in the the US would learn, this shirt almost becomes <span class="match">かわいい</span>, or "cute", in the Japanese sense. For these reasons, I would wear the crap out of this shirt.<br />
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If you have any qualms with my hypothesis that this is indeed a Japanese location, refer to the store banner in the reflection that in clear <i>katakana </i>says コンタクトレンズ, or "contact lens".<br />
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Update: I have been informed a sign with this written on it is in the US, too. I'm not sure which came first, though. Anyone?Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-62850305894289656762012-06-11T20:40:00.001-04:002012-06-11T20:40:09.684-04:00Nintendo characters as Japanese woodblock printsIllustrator <a href="http://jedart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jed Henry</a> is in the process of making some pretty serious Japanese woodblock prints. When I say pretty serious, I mean Nintendo-serious. He is re-imagining many Nintendo characters as Japanese woodblock prints. Pretty awesomely, too.<br />
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What is a woodblock print? It's basically a piece of paper that is stamped by one or many carved woodblocks. Woodblock prints, or ukiyoe (<span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;">浮世絵), are especially hard for three reasons: (1) the negative space of the image has to be carved, (2) the image will come out mirrored so it's necessary to envision the opposite, and (3) </span><span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;">have you ever carved wood? </span><br />
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<span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;">Maybe you've seen this woodblock print before: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0ZdyvA78O8/T9aKKyNW57I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/O8lU2g098eU/s1600/800px-Tsunami_by_hokusai_19th_century.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0ZdyvA78O8/T9aKKyNW57I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/O8lU2g098eU/s400/800px-Tsunami_by_hokusai_19th_century.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="description">"Behind the Great Wave at Kanagawa" by Katsushika Hokusai</span></td></tr>
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<span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;"></span>Hokusai was a master and included Mt. Fuji in some way in 46 of his famous woodblock prints. Can you find Fuji-san in his print above? I always thought it was part of the wave...<br />
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Without further ado, Nintendo woodblock prints by illustrator Jed Henry.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOwYf4bYH0U/T9aLQqo7pzI/AAAAAAAAAfY/sBDDa2uL9pI/s1600/Donkey+Kong+ukiyo-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOwYf4bYH0U/T9aLQqo7pzI/AAAAAAAAAfY/sBDDa2uL9pI/s640/Donkey+Kong+ukiyo-e.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donkey Kong - notice the cherry blossoms in the foreground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mh01mDHft2A/T9aLRD65bII/AAAAAAAAAfg/Qwx6SHHDEuQ/s1600/Kirby+-+Ukiyo-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mh01mDHft2A/T9aLRD65bII/AAAAAAAAAfg/Qwx6SHHDEuQ/s640/Kirby+-+Ukiyo-e.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirby - an unfinished piece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuBNg6LYaAI/T9aLRv1MmNI/AAAAAAAAAfo/f_Wgaqz3eRI/s1600/Link+ukiyo-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuBNg6LYaAI/T9aLRv1MmNI/AAAAAAAAAfo/f_Wgaqz3eRI/s640/Link+ukiyo-e.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Link, from Zelda, slaying the dragon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBxDPXH1kiw/T9aLSQx34hI/AAAAAAAAAfw/PApWgWseXxA/s1600/MarioKart+ukiyo-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBxDPXH1kiw/T9aLSQx34hI/AAAAAAAAAfw/PApWgWseXxA/s640/MarioKart+ukiyo-e.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mario and Bowser from Mario Kart - love the squid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFOLbpoRfVg/T9aLTOWaSWI/AAAAAAAAAf4/TlUF3m0jZ3c/s1600/MegaMan+-+ukiyo+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFOLbpoRfVg/T9aLTOWaSWI/AAAAAAAAAf4/TlUF3m0jZ3c/s640/MegaMan+-+ukiyo+e.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megaman - love the ink... is the wolf a newer addition?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuNvBrV3FE0/T9aLTm7MUmI/AAAAAAAAAgA/SHWfDHdjV4g/s1600/Samus+Ukiyo-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuNvBrV3FE0/T9aLTm7MUmI/AAAAAAAAAgA/SHWfDHdjV4g/s640/Samus+Ukiyo-e.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samus Aran from Metroid - Google her and see how saucy she is without the suit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6glgpLMBbEs/T9aLUMDxXvI/AAAAAAAAAgI/72BiBH6MKk4/s1600/Simon+Belmont+Ukiyo-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6glgpLMBbEs/T9aLUMDxXvI/AAAAAAAAAgI/72BiBH6MKk4/s640/Simon+Belmont+Ukiyo-e.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simon Belmont from Castlevania - I always sucked at this game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMLofpK8r3k/T9aLUnNJLpI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/UIN3ckefuJI/s1600/StreetFighter+ukiyo-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMLofpK8r3k/T9aLUnNJLpI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/UIN3ckefuJI/s640/StreetFighter+ukiyo-e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the guys from Street Fighter - Who can you identify?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;"></span><br />
Be sure to check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UkiyoEHeroes" target="_blank">Ukiyo-e Heroes</a> on Facebook for upcoming debuts!<br /><span class="kanji" style="z-index: 149999;"></span><br />
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</div>Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-16880157363674444402012-06-11T00:59:00.002-04:002012-06-11T01:10:02.486-04:00Facebook, a difficult community for many Japanese<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKeNMHBLgkc/T9V2q5rkQBI/AAAAAAAAAew/ytNxut0KRPE/s1600/Facebook+in+Japan+Mark+Zuckerberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKeNMHBLgkc/T9V2q5rkQBI/AAAAAAAAAew/ytNxut0KRPE/s400/Facebook+in+Japan+Mark+Zuckerberg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, so you thought it was a fun social site?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On April 5, 2012, a study was released assessing Japan's views on Facebook. Nearly 70% of the Japanese surveyed said Facebook gives them at least occasional stress (<a href="http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/japanese-rate-facebooks-pros-and-cons" target="_blank">source</a>). The stats are a result of 500 people ages 15 to 59 surveyed in Japan's two biggest metropolitan areas.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When asked to be more specific about the cause of stress, the most
frequently given answer, with 34.3%, was due to lack of privacy when
engaging in interpersonal relationships in a frank manner. The second
most stressful factor, with 31.1%, was that users felt besieged by
meddlesome solicitations (invitations or pitches). Third, with 27.1%,
was that they felt they were put on the spot by people’s requests to
become “friends” and had difficulty refusing. And fourth, with 26.5%,
was that users found it annoying to receive messages or notifications
from friends of friends, or other parties with whom they had no direct
relationship (<a href="http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/japanese-rate-facebooks-pros-and-cons" target="_blank">source</a>).</blockquote>
Of course, I'm sure Americans are sometimes stressed by Facebook, but there are a lot of cultural differences in Japan that understandably make Facebook a more difficult environment. For a quick reference point: if one of my American friends complained about a friend request and whether or not they should add the person in question I would most certainly transmit the message, "Oh, grow up," in at least my facial expression and/or posture.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25PPf6zBXlw/T9V3lVppKUI/AAAAAAAAAe4/FhdMa1g5mFY/s1600/chart-of-the-day-facebook-vs-twitter-in-japan-jan-6-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25PPf6zBXlw/T9V3lVppKUI/AAAAAAAAAe4/FhdMa1g5mFY/s400/chart-of-the-day-facebook-vs-twitter-in-japan-jan-6-2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While Twitter is still on top, Facebook has a grip on Japanese social structures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In Japan, relationships, community and respect are much more important. Social roles are even more strict for older generations and for certain groups. While teaching an <i>eikaiwa</i> (English conversation class) class in Japan, I remember being irked by the older students asking each other their class years to establish seniority. Seniority in that <i>eikaiwa </i>class effected everything from who got to talk first to who had to do all the grunt work for special events.<br />
<br />
If a community English conversation class can be justifiably manipulated by the seniors of the group, you could imagine what kind of social pressures run rampant on the Japanese Facebook platform. Imagine if you felt obligated to accept a friend request from your boss and a few coworkers and now feel pressured to attend a non-mandatory work function posted on Facebook because most of them are and you don't want to seem like the bad egg. And all you wanted to do was see pictures of your friend's kids.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yOXliJsfvNA/T9V383v-OhI/AAAAAAAAAfA/AzU5t9nBEpA/s1600/Japanese+Bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yOXliJsfvNA/T9V383v-OhI/AAAAAAAAAfA/AzU5t9nBEpA/s400/Japanese+Bow.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'm sorry I missed the <i>enkai </i>last night, but I was nursing my sick cat. Check my status updates."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In contrast, people in the US tend to not shed a tear for those that are hung up on event invitations or friend requests. I may be speaking in generalizations now but it seems the Western Facebook users are bound more by the survival of the fittest rules in which only the weak are bogged down by social stress; anyone smart enough has learned to navigate Facebook stress free. <br />
<br />
I'm sure if the same study was done in the US, the researchers would find the following unimpressive data:<br />
<ol>
<li>Most people are slightly addicted to Facebook. </li>
<li>Half of users have complained about certain users complaining on Facebook.</li>
<li>90% of users are sick of getting Farmville requests.</li>
<li>10% of users are sick that no one will accept their Farmville requests. </li>
<li>45% of people are still upset about not getting a "dislike" button.</li>
<li>A third of all users are upset that you have to be friends with some people to see their photos.</li>
<li>60% of all college users have spent over 10 hours "stalking" other users.</li>
<li>4% are excited about Mark Zuckerberg's wedding photos.</li>
</ol>
And maybe, one or two more in-tune users might comment on Facebook's ever-shifting privacy policy. If you get my exaggerated point, the US seems to adopt a use-it-or-don't attitude (in part, because we've had it since 2004) whereas Facebook could potentially trap, coerce or exploit Japanese users for only respecting traditional social norms.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to read more including some personal accounts, check out the <a href="http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/japanese-rate-facebooks-pros-and-cons" target="_blank">article</a>.Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-58186312244063884092012-06-05T23:29:00.002-04:002012-06-06T19:56:35.144-04:00How to locate castles in Japan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOoOMuQB0Os/T87GjfoMzeI/AAAAAAAAAeg/VKSU9g-rxZs/s1600/Japanese+Castle+Explorer+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOoOMuQB0Os/T87GjfoMzeI/AAAAAAAAAeg/VKSU9g-rxZs/s400/Japanese+Castle+Explorer+map.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, where to?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Are you planning a trip to Japan? Are you wondering where to travel on your surplus of <a href="http://www.jisho.org/words?jap=%E5%B9%B4%E4%BC%91&eng=&dict=edict" target="_blank">nenkyu</a> days? Why not make a pilgrimage to the most interesting castles in Japan?<br />
<br />
Luckily, Japanophile Daniel O'Grady has mapped many of Japan's 300 castles for us. For 11 years he has been exploring and documenting Japanese castles culminating in his <a href="http://www.japanese-castle-explorer.com/" target="_blank">Japanese Castle Explorer</a> website. The easy-to-navigate site includes a navigable map of Japan (above) with satellite images of each castle, most with street views.<br />
<br />
Each castle has its own profile and many are rated in 5 areas: scale, buildings, earth/stonework, accessibility, and the surrounding area. Many of the castle profiles have a timeline of important events surrounding the castles (some castles have been burnt down or destroyed and completely rebuilt) as well as historical recognition of each castle or components. This site is basically a virtual Lonely Planet guide to Japanese castles.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jbAZFSf7FQ/T8618Ns3REI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/9Z7UM2JdnZg/s1600/Okayama+Castle,+Japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jbAZFSf7FQ/T8618Ns3REI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/9Z7UM2JdnZg/s400/Okayama+Castle,+Japan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okayama Castle, nicknamed the "Crow Castle" because of its black exterior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You can browse the castles in different ways; you can explore the map in Japanese; you can peruse the 190 plus blog articles; you can even flip through castle photos by category (if your in search of something specific). Many of the castle profiles include various pictures and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/kyushudan" target="_blank">video walkthroughs</a> which are informative and rather humorous. Some profiles even include pictures of ancient wartime maps.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GenEs3Kvah4/T8617pW33yI/AAAAAAAAAeI/fdrpqf7D39A/s1600/Hemiji+Castle,+Hyogo+Japan+-+defense+enclosures+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GenEs3Kvah4/T8617pW33yI/AAAAAAAAAeI/fdrpqf7D39A/s400/Hemiji+Castle,+Hyogo+Japan+-+defense+enclosures+map.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inner defensive enclosures, Himeji Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Basically, if your interest in Japan is anywhere near that of creator Daniel O'Grady, you might get lost in the site (like I get lost in Pinterest). Enjoy!Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-46640571433305785292012-06-01T21:02:00.000-04:002012-06-01T21:02:58.763-04:00Japlish Friday - foriegn ladies who wait in the road<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJPdw-zRQyI/T8Aum8-q17I/AAAAAAAAAdk/EiAO_unU_f0/s1600/foreign_ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJPdw-zRQyI/T8Aum8-q17I/AAAAAAAAAdk/EiAO_unU_f0/s640/foreign_ladies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://tabiwallah.com/oddwallah/stuff.html" target="_blank">photo</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This one's not so bad. I get it. No hookers. Don't bring hookers inside this place. You couldn't really disobey this sign and then say you didn't get the gist of it without looking like an ass.<br />
<br />
This sign is probably on the outside of a Japanese love hotel. And, in this dodgy area, I'm sure the foreign hookers wait on the road to get business from drunken guys leaving bars and <i>izakaya</i>s. Although Japan is generally a very safe, community-like place, I would be sure to steer clear of the dodgier parts of the city at night. These can be recognized by the abundance of flashy lights, crowds of young drunken people, countless bars, <i>izakaya</i>, and liquor stores, and the general cheap and/or suspect looking massage parlors and love hotels.<br />
<br />
It may be interesting to note that the Japanese are usually pressed for alone time. Many young couples
looking to get intimate utilize love hotels as if they were a vending
machine. In fact, many of the love hotel electronic room choice boards
resemble that of a vending machine.Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-58094525646048541682012-06-01T00:18:00.000-04:002012-06-01T00:18:06.821-04:00You think that's Kobe Beef you're eating?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQW_qX2Rw6M/T8g8nur1T2I/AAAAAAAAAdw/xyBoGOVzfd8/s1600/Kobe+Beef+from+Japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQW_qX2Rw6M/T8g8nur1T2I/AAAAAAAAAdw/xyBoGOVzfd8/s640/Kobe+Beef+from+Japan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real Kobe Beef presented on a <i>geta</i> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:4_Kobe_Beef,_Kobe_Japan.jpg" target="_blank">photo</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Morimoto, Ruth Chris, Four Seasons, Bellagio, Toscana 52...what do these higher-end restaurants all have in common? They all serve various dishes including Kobe Beef. Furthermore, they all currently serve Kobe Beef that isn't real Kobe Beef.<br />
<br />
Dun dun dun. Apparently, since 2010 the USDA has deemed all slaughterhouses in the Kobe and larger Hyogo region to be unfit for US importation. This was also true from 2001 to 2005 when some speculated if Americans even gave a crap (<a href="http://www.chron.com/business/article/Ranchers-enjoy-top-cut-of-beef-market-1953065.php" target="_blank">source</a>). <br />
<br />
The truth is trademarks like "Kobe Beef" are only a nationwide observance. So, in Japan, no one sell Kobe Beef from cows raised anywhere else than Kobe, Japan. But in the US, we could ground up some hotdogs and Spam and legally slap a Kobe Beef sticker on it. (Of course, that's not where this article is heading...)<br />
<br />
What the US <i>is </i>doing is marketing things like <i>wagyu </i>beef and even Kobe-style beef as Kobe Beef. Whereas <i>wagyu </i>beef (literally, Japanese cows) should be from cows at least descendant from anywhere in Japan and Kobe-style beef could be any cows from anywhere with food and preparation that might hint at a Kobe Beef flavor, the real Kobe Beef comes only from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tajima_cattle" target="_blank">Tajima cattle</a> in Kobe.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-66vQw9r93bs/T8hBgTtgfnI/AAAAAAAAAd8/tXEc9TY2szs/s1600/Beef+marbling+grades.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-66vQw9r93bs/T8hBgTtgfnI/AAAAAAAAAd8/tXEc9TY2szs/s400/Beef+marbling+grades.png" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real Kobe Beef has a marbling ratio, or BMS, of at least 6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let me go further to say that while <i>wagyu </i>beef is considered better and even healthier than US prime, the Japanese cattle it comes from have probably been crossbred with Angus to fit the American taste (<a href="http://www.chron.com/business/article/Ranchers-enjoy-top-cut-of-beef-market-1953065.php" target="_blank">source</a>). While "domestic alternatives" to Kobe Beef might be just as marbled with fat as their Japanese counterparts, the US stock may be corn-fed (leading to all sorts of undesired health and environmental proponents (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle_feeding#USDA_label" target="_blank">source</a>) including but not limited to flatulence) and are definitely not given beer (see video below).<br />
<br />
Larry Olmsted from Forbes Magazine breaks it down for us: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Giving everyone involved the benefit of the doubt and assuming they were [sic]
starting with an actual quality Japanese breed, after crossing both
grandparents with American cattle, then doing it again with the parents,
you are talking about selling Wagyu from a cow that is potentially less
than half “Wagyu.” To me, that’s like selling orange juice that is less
than 47% oranges. Except you go to jail for the juice scam (<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/04/13/foods-biggest-scam-part-2-domestic-kobe-and-wagyu-beef/2/" target="_blank">source</a>).</blockquote>
<br />
Being someone who has tried Kobe Beef, I must tell you it is <i>rich</i> and delicious. It was so rich and savory that my stomach almost couldn't handle it. In the US, I have only tried a Kobe burger from Toscana 52 in late 2011 (during the current Kobe Beef ban). The burger was very delicious, but not near the grade I had tasted in Kobe. What's funny is that I had written this off to the fact that it was a burger, and of course a burger shouldn't be as rich as a steak. Now I realize that was a gross miscalculation due to the included American condiments, alcohol, dim lighting and generally peculiar atmosphere to which most higher-end restaurants subject us.<br />
<br />
Now, I don't plan on explaining to you the massages, and other strange things they do to the cattle in Kobe, Japan, but I will provide a highly entertaining video with all that information.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VSU5Iu9Z9qI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/04/12/foods-biggest-scam-the-great-kobe-beef-lie/" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/04/13/foods-biggest-scam-part-2-domestic-kobe-and-wagyu-beef/" target="_blank">here</a>.Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-28215645575019126492012-05-25T21:18:00.001-04:002012-06-01T00:38:39.451-04:00Japlish Friday - Stuff Only<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atBFvXEXB9s/T8ArHahIZcI/AAAAAAAAAdY/Cj4TRh7aHts/s1600/stuff+only+engrish+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atBFvXEXB9s/T8ArHahIZcI/AAAAAAAAAdY/Cj4TRh7aHts/s640/stuff+only+engrish+sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuff Only! (<a href="http://tabiwallah.com/oddwallah/stuff.html" target="_blank">photo</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So apparently there is only "stuff" allowed here, but to confuse people even more, "stuff only" is inside the prohibition sign meaning that furthermore, "only stuff" is not allowed here. So maybe if there is a little bit of stuff and a little bit of something else, it would be OK. Make sure to ask the <strike>stuff</strike>...staff about this one.<br />
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If we peek into the Japanese realm here, it says "<i>koko yori saki wa nyuujou dekimasen</i>" or, "No entry beyond this point." After more consideration, you might have been able to connect this to "Staff Only"...and hence, the answer behind this riddle.<br />
<br />Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-70300651943653752162012-05-24T01:21:00.002-04:002012-05-24T01:27:38.384-04:00Tokyo Sky Tree now open with old and new design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thxuw-Hn0O8/T72-t85XdeI/AAAAAAAAAcw/Y9m5QXB5D0k/s1600/tokyo-sky-tree-construction+Japan+Sumida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thxuw-Hn0O8/T72-t85XdeI/AAAAAAAAAcw/Y9m5QXB5D0k/s640/tokyo-sky-tree-construction+Japan+Sumida.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Japan now boasts the second highest building in the world with their Tokyo Sky Tree. The tower was finished after almost four years of work and reached 2,080 ft. in March of this year. The building was just opened to the public days ago on May 22, 2012.<br />
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The $806 million structure is a broadcasting, restaurant and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo. It's design encompasses three main concepts including:<br />
<ul>
<li>Fusion of futuristic design and traditional beauty of Japan,</li>
<li>Catalyst for revitalization of the city,</li>
<li>Contribution to disaster prevention "Safety and Security" (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Skytree" target="_blank">source</a>).</li>
</ul>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Jw9GDa16k/T729w3SsWzI/AAAAAAAAAco/xGxAh57c7KA/s1600/Tower+construction+Tokyo+sky+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Jw9GDa16k/T729w3SsWzI/AAAAAAAAAco/xGxAh57c7KA/s400/Tower+construction+Tokyo+sky+tree.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From triangle to circle (<a href="http://www.world104.com/blog/tokyoinsider/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_about_tower.jpg" target="_blank">photo</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The design is actually quite crazy. To optimize the plot of land at ground level, the base is triangular, but floor by floor the tower slowly molds into a cylindrical shape reaching a full circle at 1,050 ft. Also, with earthquakes a major factor in building such a tall tower, the structural design mixes the best of ancient and modern architecture. Mimicking ancient Japanese pagodas, there is a thick center shaft that runs up through the whole structure. Apparently, none of Japan's pagodas have ever been toppled by the centuries of earthquakes (<a href="http://web-japan.org/trends/09_sci-tech/sci100722.html" target="_blank">source</a>).<br />
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The modern spin-off is that this center shaft is relatively unconnected to the outside steel frame of the building reducing swaying high up. Also, the foundation of the tower, rather than straight poles, is more like roots that dig deep and fan out. Simulation tests suggest that the Sky Tree would suffer almost no damage even in the event of a major 7.9 magnitude quake (<a href="http://web-japan.org/trends/09_sci-tech/sci100722.html" target="_blank">source</a>).<br />
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OK. Able to withstand a 7.9 on the Richter scale. But wait, 15 of those can happen a year anyway. Let's rewind a year to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. That was a 9.0. On average, an earthquake equal to or greater than 9.0 happens ever year in the world (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richter_magnitude_scale" target="_blank">source</a>). And lets remember that the Richter scale isn't linear. It's exponential. That means this tower is built to withstand 10 to 15 megatons of seismic energy, but may encounter 480 megatons of energy. I guess the March 2011 earthquake changed a lot of perspectives (and plans). Add this "earthquake safe" monstrosity to the list.<br />
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The tower is so high up that from the top observation tower you can see not only the entire Tokyo region, but also the curvature of the earth (<a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/330579/20120419/tokyo-sky-tree-opening-date.htm" target="_blank">source</a>).<br />
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Apparently, the admission to reach the observation towers are just as sky-high as the structure itself. Also, merchandise and food at the observatories will be equally as expensive. Prices are not stopping the lines of eager tourists, though; tickets are sold out through mid-July, leaving visitors keen
to ride up the capital's newest landmark in a very long queue (<a href="http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/visit/best-japan/tokyo-sky-tree-completes-worlds-tallest-tower-prepares-open-292638?hpt=hp_t3&goback=.gde_126856_member_117519044" target="_blank">source</a>).<br />
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As the second highest structure in the world, the Tokyo Sky Tree is outdone only by the height of Burj Khalifa in Dubai at a whopping 2,723 ft. which was opened in January 2010.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcDabc6-aTw/T73B1nXq3HI/AAAAAAAAAdI/7jU3TXbAxjY/s1600/Burj-Dubai+tallest+building+structure+in+the+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcDabc6-aTw/T73B1nXq3HI/AAAAAAAAAdI/7jU3TXbAxjY/s400/Burj-Dubai+tallest+building+structure+in+the+world.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burj Khalifa - figures that the tallest building in the world is in an oil-rich country</td></tr>
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<br />Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-43099530060124016752012-05-22T22:11:00.002-04:002012-05-22T22:12:10.698-04:00"The Japanese Tradition - Sushi" mockumentary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dyH7oHL18g/T7xG2KuLgDI/AAAAAAAAAb0/V-VWORTJO5U/s1600/Pouring+Japanese+tradition.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dyH7oHL18g/T7xG2KuLgDI/AAAAAAAAAb0/V-VWORTJO5U/s400/Pouring+Japanese+tradition.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a comical video on eating sushi at a sushi bar. There is a lot of culture here, but, a lot of the things these comedians do are downright absurd so it might be hard for some of us to pick up on. Guess what is wrong in this video in the comments below!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bDL8yu34fz0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here's my favorite part:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In the case of business colleagues the lower ranking staff must pour
for their superiors first. "Maa maa maa maa". You must say this when
pouring a drin.k The person receiving the drink must say, "Oh toh toh toh."
"Maa maa maa maa." "Oh toh toh toh." "Maa maa maa maa." "Oh toh toh toh."
"Maa maa maa maa." "Oh toh toh toh."</blockquote>
<i>Maa maa</i> (まぁまぁ<span class="match"></span>) means something like "Now, now" or, in this situation, "Here you go, have a lot." <i>Otto</i> (<span class="match">おっと</span>) means something like "Oops" or, in this situation, "That's far too much." So, while the one guy pours a lot and says, "Here, drink up," the other guy is saying, "Ok. Ok. Woah. Too much!" While it is Japanese tradition to pour for other<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">s and offer lots, you might see how this over-the-top repetition and insistence is not exactly customary at a sushi restaurant<span style="line-height: 115%;">—or anywhere for that matter.</span></span>Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-86504139255893303922012-05-21T22:16:00.000-04:002012-05-21T22:20:32.254-04:00We're soon approaching Japanese Giant Hornet season again<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jwcxMFPV_A/T7nDutRRrkI/AAAAAAAAAaw/UxUnvnNu6yM/s1600/giant+hornet+Japanese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jwcxMFPV_A/T7nDutRRrkI/AAAAAAAAAaw/UxUnvnNu6yM/s400/giant+hornet+Japanese.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">Here is a new thing to add to my <a href="http://runjumpplay.blogspot.com/p/kirai-japan.html" target="_blank">Kirai Japan list</a>.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">The Japanese Giant Hornet season is coming around again which is a shame because these guys are a force to be reckoned with. </span></span></b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">90% of stings occur from July to September due to the worker bees increased size and activity especially around August (<a href="http://idsc.nih.go.jp/iasr/18/210/tpc210-j.html" target="_blank">source</a>).</span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja"></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">An average of 40 people die from their stings every year making it the most lethal animal in Japan (video below). <span style="font-size: small;">These Godzilla hornets have poison that is actually less venomous than the average honeybee, but they inject much more: 4.1mg compared to a honeybee's 2.8mg (<a href="http://www.vespa-crabro.de/vespa-mandarinia.htm" target="_blank">source</a>).</span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja"></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">The Japanese call these guys Oosuzume bachi (オオスズメバチ, </span></span></b>大雀蜂) which literally means "Large Sparrow Bee". <b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">They grow up to 2 inches long and, with their ferocity, put normal hornets to shame.</span></span></b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja"> They have super-bee strength, too, being able to life up to 6 pounds each. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">Check out this video of a colony of bees outsmarting one of these Japanese Giant Hornets. Apparently,<span style="font-size: small;"> the beehive can handle a scout and hide the evidence of any foul play. </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EZtXNIT5QQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">This
time the bees have won. But if one of these Japanese Giant Hornet
scouts successfully alerts his friends with a pheromone, there will be
blood. Here, 30 of these hornets wipe out a nest of 30,000 bees to get
at their young. </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/L54exo8JTUs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">What should you do if you ever encounter one of these suckers? </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">Well
if it seems like it's coming near you, you should lower voice and and
lower yourself to the ground as to not seem offensive. Then you should
make your escape (<a href="http://idsc.nih.go.jp/iasr/18/210/tpc210-j.html" target="_blank">source</a>).</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">Apparently these guys have amazing endurance.They can fly faster than you can run (25mph)...and fly about 60 miles in a day. That's a scary thought. </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">Also, with their pheromone capabilities, they could technically spray you with bulls eye for any other one of these hornets to hunt you down.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">Their endurance is so phenomenal that the Japanese, as well as a few others, have marketed drinks made from these hornets' food.</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmXzXV3uVgg/T7r2wIUsb5I/AAAAAAAAAbY/NistxnUY5NA/s1600/Vaam-medium+Japanese+sports+drink+hornets+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmXzXV3uVgg/T7r2wIUsb5I/AAAAAAAAAbY/NistxnUY5NA/s400/Vaam-medium+Japanese+sports+drink+hornets+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Vaam,
which stands for vespa amino acid mixture, contains the same amino acids that
are in the liquids secreted by hornet larva (source). The hornets feed their colony larvae with the most meaty parts of other insects. But then, in a very unique occurrence, they actually get fed by their larvae as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Some athletes swear by these drinks. I had always seen Vaam in Japan, but had no idea of its contents. Now, I really want to test it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">What a strange world. </span></div>
</div>Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-1615268168779194092012-05-18T19:41:00.002-04:002012-05-18T19:42:47.046-04:00Japlish Friday - Horny Care<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGIMzSWKu1M/T6tWGOUtunI/AAAAAAAAAV4/71KonNfs2F4/s1600/Horny+Care+Japanese+English.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="499" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGIMzSWKu1M/T6tWGOUtunI/AAAAAAAAAV4/71KonNfs2F4/s640/Horny+Care+Japanese+English.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Apparently, they offer the total package. Anyone else make reservations?</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The problem with the mistake on this shop window is that this shop may never know it<span style="line-height: 115%;">—unless of course some amused ex-pat or tourist informs them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What image was this shop really looking for? If you look up "horny" in in English you find that it also means "strong" or "callous" similar to "rough hands". If you look up "horny" in Japanese you probably find that it has a relation to "keratinized skin" in that it needs to be exfoliated. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Hence, HORNYcare = exfoliation treatment.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-35748024183680479972012-05-18T00:01:00.000-04:002012-05-18T00:07:39.291-04:00Softbank and Paypal team up pushing new smartphone card reader<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-luawS_KupCs/T7W89zX5BeI/AAAAAAAAAaI/kPzDJyBey14/s1600/Paypal+Japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-luawS_KupCs/T7W89zX5BeI/AAAAAAAAAaI/kPzDJyBey14/s400/Paypal+Japan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masayoshi Son, richest man in Japan, with the striped tie. Make money, make money.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Softbank, a telecom and internet corporation, is teaming up with PayPal on the joint venture "PayPal Japan". The companies will each invest $12.5 million to "revolutionize digital payments in Japan" (<a href="http://www.techinasia.com/softbank-paypal-japan-joint-venture-2/">source</a>). <br />
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It's no surprise Hiroaki Kitano from the Softbank side will serve as the CEO of the business agreement; while revenue for PayPal is in the early billions, Softbank revenue reaches into the early trillions. Kitano is a senior vice president and director of Softbank Mobile Corp, with relevant experience from his time with Yahoo Shopping (<a href="http://www.techinasia.com/softbank-paypal-japan-joint-venture-2/">source</a>).<br />
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The joint venture will also push the Paypal Here credit card reader that plugs into the audio jack of a smartphone. The card reader add-on will retail for 1200 yen, or about $15. (When the card reader is released in the US, it will be free.)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AXWsmRbvfA0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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After viewing the demo via the PayPal<a href="https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/credit-card-reader"> introductory page</a>, I've become very skeptical of the whole process. I can't imagine a NYC pretzel vendor or cabbie handing the customer his smartphone to type in a tip and sign the transaction. What's stopping the $2.50 pretzel consumer from running away with a $200-$400 smartphone plus a pretzel? In Japan, I don't see this as being such a problem with such low crime rates as a result of their general family-like moral system.<br />
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Also, unless I had a special stylus signing pen, I'm pretty sure my signature on a smartphone would look like a few pixelated circles and lines. How's that going to sit with my bank that is tirelessly scanning for fraudulent charges?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruQuNNWopjg/T7XAYBlOStI/AAAAAAAAAaY/xJC6A4FZox0/s1600/Pay+pal+audiojack+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruQuNNWopjg/T7XAYBlOStI/AAAAAAAAAaY/xJC6A4FZox0/s320/Pay+pal+audiojack+image.png" width="191" /></a></div>
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Currently, Japan is a very cash-based society. I'm wondering the
speed as to which something like card reader might catch on. It's strange that
Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries but still
largely operates outside the lines of credit.<br />
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Softbank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son hopes that in five or ten years from now, Japanese consumers won't need to carry wallets (<a href="http://www.techinasia.com/softbank-paypal-japan-joint-venture-2/">source</a>). As for me, I find any statement from this guy (the richest man in Japan) laughable. <br />
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The irony here is Masayoshi Son supposedly directs some of the Softbank commercials which include what are thought to be hidden messages that dishonor Japan. (Son is Korean but later naturalized as a Japanese citizen.) In a line of popular commercials, a black man has a dog for a father (which <a href="http://runjumpplay.blogspot.com/2012/03/hilarious-japanese-commercial.html" target="_blank">doesn't sound so crazy for a commercial plot</a>). The black man, then, is<i> inu no ko</i>, which in Korea is one of the worst curse words. Given that there exists a stereotype that Koreans don't like Japanese or blacks, you may see some of the disputed evidence. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/t3Pvbbadd4s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here another example, for obvious reasons:<br />
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When a bunch of Japanese celebrities march out of a dog's anus, it really makes you start to think...Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684370381274801028.post-7369850867430181232012-05-15T19:05:00.000-04:002012-05-15T19:05:22.455-04:00New Japanese bra for the warmer months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSuobba3Cgk/T7LaCGSPSkI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/_4hDjnOXrco/s1600/Japanese+Bra+with+built-in+ice+packs..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSuobba3Cgk/T7LaCGSPSkI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/_4hDjnOXrco/s400/Japanese+Bra+with+built-in+ice+packs..jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In wake of all the post-Fukushima energy reduction under their <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_Biz_campaign">Cool Biz campaign</a>, Japanese underwear firm Triumph Japan has unveiled their iced bras. Given showing this amount of skin is very rare in Japan, the unveiling has been deemed a publicity stunt (<a href="http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/bra-with-built-in-ice-packs-aims-to-keep-women-cool">source</a>).<br />
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The Super Cool Bra, as it has been titled, also happens to be a pun that most Japanese will miss. This "cool" as a Japanese loan word is not connected with the meaning "hip" as it is in most English speaking countries.<br />
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The company, which has a long tradition of novelty launches that are
never made available for public sale, said it conceived of the bra in
response to a need to save energy during the hot summer (<a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i7I-mzbDtfBH5rf1BKOUCrhb0jFQ?docId=CNG.9fa1669feb74ea605863578332ad3376.4e1">source</a>).<br />
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The Cool Biz campaign is known by over 96 percent of the Japanese public, 33 percent of which work for companies that actively engage in turning up thermostats on their air conditioners to reduce consumption of electricity.<br />
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The ice pack bra also come with a sprig of mint and a Japanese wind chime, maybe seemingly just to make the wearer feel refreshed. The Japanese wind chime, or <a href="http://www.jisho.org/words?jap=%E4%B8%8D%E5%80%AB&eng=&dict=edict&common=on&romaji=on"><i>furin</i></a>, is usually hung from the eaves of a house. The music produced by the chime is said to have a psychological cooling effect. The chime is moved by a long card called <i>tanzaku </i>on which is usually written a traditional poem. <br />
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It is currently unknown, though, how wind will sound the chime unless women are walking around with only their bras on. This, of course, would never happen given Japan's general fear of the sun due to the generally pale Japanese skin. In fact, this is more often the case:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XKh8LX2CLk/T7LgJBLXgcI/AAAAAAAAAXg/045urPi0zwQ/s1600/Japanese+sun+protection+-+visor+and+sleeves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XKh8LX2CLk/T7LgJBLXgcI/AAAAAAAAAXg/045urPi0zwQ/s400/Japanese+sun+protection+-+visor+and+sleeves.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese sun protection - visor and sleeves (<a href="http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/12/1224_japan_cosmetic/6.htm">photo</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dan Moellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727478829502106355noreply@blogger.com3