Trains, a Bus, and a Daihatsu

割る: to break, crack; to discount

Of glass, or in this instance, of cookies; the sticker informs the potential customer of a 3割引、or 30% discount, though the cookie is in fact broken roughly in half. (One can readily see the potential for a comedy sketch between store manager and customer, the latter complaining 半分割れたのに5割引しろよ。

Falling Births, Curbs on Immigration

The Takaichi government has announced a limit on the number of technical trainee visas it will issue in 2027-28: 1.23 million. This even as the birthrate continues to contract, with The Asahi reporting: 　少子化の進行が止まらない。2025年の出生数は66万8千人程度になる見通しで、過去最少を更新することが確実となった。政府は少子化傾向を反転させる「ラストチャンス」として年3.6兆円の少子化対策を進める一方、人口減に社会をどう対応させるかの議論も本格化させる。

The Rice Price Just Keeps Pricing People Out

米騒動😯 高市場😡 The cost of a 5kg bag of rice just keeps rising, with more shoppers foregoing the staple for bread and noodles. Thr current government has declined to intervene, by, say, releasing rice stockpiles, as was done under former PM Ishiba mere months ago. It's on you now, PM Takaichi.

出雲大社 by Train

I traveled from Osaka to 電鉄出雲市駅 by highway bus, from there by 一畑電車、or ばたでん。The rolling stock includes new carriages as well as refurbished trad cars.

The station us on the national historic register.

Izumo Taisha and Takeno Ryokan

It took 15 hours by bus and an additional 30 by train to reach Izumo Taisha eki-mae. (It's just difficult and time-consuming to travel overland from the north of Niigata to the Sanin-山陰- region of Japan). In Izumo City, recommend the 宿 Takeno, located across the road from the main entrance to the shrine, Izumo, second only to Ise. True to its name, the clouds were out.

Izumo Taisha, Shimane, the Shinto shrine second only to Ise Jingu. Izumo shrine's shimenawa is the largest in Japan. More detail: the plate below the rabbit informs us that Japanese sake, or 日本酒、originated here.

Fresh Flowers of the Week, Highway Restroom

Marigold, woolflower, mum, and carnation, as identified. (On a multi-day trip to western Japan, highway bus the cheapest way to get around-if somewhat grueling-, hence the photo.)

Anti-foreigner Hysteria

40% of Japan local gov'ts received complaints over foreigner policies: Mainichi survey - The Mainichi https://share.google/9DoiC3h1LkwpnEzUH

Friday Fish Fry

Izakaya Food

Aji fry, Shishamo, and side dishes.

As Seen on TV': Lawson's Sapporo Miso Ramen

Supposed to be the bomb.

The verdict: rich miso flavor, as promised At about 200¥, cost performance (an expression I despise, but there it is) I eat cup men infrequently; my gustatory habits won't be changing.

University Cafeteria Lunch

Character of the Year: 熊

Check out this video, "2025 漢字" https://share.google/YwYVXDBI3ESiA0kMv

An ALT in Japan

The Mainichi is running this in it's opinion section. As a former municipal ALT with 16 years' experience, I feel qualified to share a few observations. Assistant Language Teacher: 外国人指導助手 (助手= assistant). The author states "the Ministry of Education insisted (is that the word?) foreign educators (ALTs) be labeled 'assistants', not 'teachers'" when the program was established. They are in fact both: teaching assistants. Further: "The goal was simple: introduce international contact while preserving domestic authority." I sense the author regards "preserving domestic authority" as somehow problematic. Allow me to demur: Foreign teachers who lack Japanese teaching qualifications and possesss limited Japanese skills work under authority of local school officials, as is right and proper. (For that matter, the same is true of both Japanese ALTs and licensed teachers.) "The same job title produces vastly different experiences -- sometimes empowering, sometimes unsettling." I am afraid that is the case with most jobs (and in life, generally) and is certainly not unique to nor the product of the ALT title. What is missing from this broad statement is reference to the personalities and practices of the individuals involved. Even a veteran, effective ALT may encounter the gamut of classroom experiences at a single school, from considerable freedom and responsibility in one class to constraint and disengagement in another. This is not the fault of the "ALT title". That's just how it is. (Professional athletes know a thing or two about this experience.) "Yet the ALT system -- the country's largest point of contact between Japanese youth and international residents -- has barely evolved since 1987." This is simply naive, uninformed; perhaps it is disingenuous.The program has grown from its birth in 1987 as the Japan Exchange and Teaching program with 848 participants from four countries to over 10,000 ALTs representing dozens today (including Japan- why is our correspondent mum on the subject of his Japanese ALT colleagues?). Moreover, senior municipal ALTs now advise local education authorities on matters pertaining to foreign teachers. This is not mere expansion but also evolution. "What Japan's schools have taught me, after 16 years, is that change does not begin in ministries or boardrooms. It begins in classrooms". Has the writer served on boards, worked in ministries? The changes the author advocates, in title and status, will originate (if at all) not in classrooms but meeting rooms at the local BOE if not the Education Ministry itself. Symbolic openness If you're keeping score: foreign teacher at public schools, permanent residency (given the 16 years and family), national health care... Not openness but mere empty promise (like the Statue of Liberty) ? I could go on, but won't. My advice: put in your seven hours a day, then go about your business. Do you really want to attend interminable meetings, deal with difficult parents, or undertake the myriad of onerous tasks facing Japanese teachers day in and day out? Accept the ALT job for what it is- it's not a bad gig, there are many worse. Or quit (as I did). If you want more out of your teaching career, consider working at a private school (which will arrange for a provisional license if you're teaching solo) or in tertiary education.

Is Life Better in Japan? But of Course.

Safe. National health care. Superior food. Public transportation that works. Affordable higher education. Affordable housing. Government that functions. Government not curtailing one's reproductive options. And on and on. Cherish your indispensable country, MAGA.

What's in the Chips?

Imported potatoes, snacks, and other items contain traces of chemicals banned in Japan. This: https://earlybirds.ddo.jp/bunseki/report/agr/potatochips/1st/index.html

Wherefore the Clapping of Hands?

Writing in the late 1900s, Lafcadio Hearn reports that templegoers clap the hands thrice before praying to the Buddhist gods. Why three times?, he asks on a visit to a temple in Kamakura. His guide: once each for the Sansai, the three powers: Heaven, Earth, and Humankind. Hearn: Is the clapping meant to summon the gods? No, replies the student of the religion (the temple guide speaks English- Hearn himself never learned much Japanese)- it is to awaken oneself from the slumber that is existence, and from which prayer frees us. Apparently this practice of clapping has been discontinued since Hearn's day. https://www.kantsuji.tokyo/information/column/1592/

Eikando Temple, Kyoto

Sunday evening news digest:lead story the fall color at Eikando. Home page: 永観堂(Eikando,Kyoto) https://share.google/MC8A2rkRD7cRimEGB Photos: 永観堂紅葉

Sunday TV: Little House in the Mountains

Available here (tonight's episode from 徳島 is especially good). ポツンと一軒家 | TVer https://share.google/aCrXSdAKW7TCAAXqx

Asahi "Vox Populi" on the Unfolding American Tragedy

VOX POPULI: Insolent Trump presidency is the joke that is no laughing matter | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://share.google/ArxbHxiBpejkUjtWZ

Surprise, Surprise: Another Member of the LDP Takaichi Cabinet Embroiled in Scandal; and, WorkX5

This time it's Finance Minister Katayama Satsuki, one of only two female ministers in government (after PM Takaichi pledged "Scandi-level" female appointments). The PM has downplayed the seriousness of her party's financial promiscuity, refusing to tackle the issue head-on (by banning corporate donations) despite overwhelming public support for such legislation. Plus ca change... https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/c23bd4f8a12804503ff7db5592822f0f11848a9b Anyhow, Takaichi was recently recognized for her contribution to Japanese popular culture in her declaration- promise/ exhortation 働いて 働いて 働いた 働いて 働いて. Maybe twice would have been enough. There's a Japanese word for that, Takaichi: 過労死。

Sumo Emperor's Cup

The tournament ended a few minutes ago, the champion a first-year student (18 or 19) at 日本大 university. A future professional wrestler, no doubt. https://www.youtube.com/live/Y0QIwtDg5r4?si=PW-IARYuqagiYPmv

Touching Story, Sexy Car

https://youtu.be/UiYliMxhuXE?si=kJCNUh_iWiMcgS7Y Makes one want to drive a Nissan.

Yuki Onna: 雪女

Yuki Onna is a Japanese tale of the supernatural first introduced to Western readers by Lafcadio Hearn, or 小泉 八雲 as he is known in Japan. My copy is a graded reader level 4 in the series, or N2 on the Japanese language proficiency test. The kanji are accompanied by furigana readings for ease of understanding.

Sample page:

Crow Boy: からす たろう

Excellent 絵本 by やしま たろう。First published in English by Viking. I strongly recommend this book. It could change your perspective on a lot of things. Do read.

Smorgasbord

Photos

Lower photo: ザクロ、or pomegranate

Monumental Cleaning

Vending Machines

The vending machine, or 自動販売機、shortened form 自販機。This week's Vox Populi column in the Asahi celebrates vending machines stocked with hot canned drinks to warm the hands and soul on cool autumn days. From Ozaki Yutaka's song "15の夜" (1983): “Warmth you can buy with a hundred-yen coin, gripping a can of hot coffee tight.” Live version: Check out this video from this search, 尾崎豊 15の夜 https://share.google/utiJQ6gDkniymGElJ VOX POPULI: The charms of a vending machine with hot drinks on colder days | The Asahi Shimbun: https://share.google/VdwtvNkJLujs7FW4X

ひらみ ぱん Bakery Cafe, Entitled Europeans

Went to this famous bakery cafe in Kanazawa yesterday. Excellent food, coffee, atmosphere. Line outside, as anticipated (waiting in line not brilliant, but that's the drill): family of four and three couples ahead of me. About 10:45. Affluent ( it's not just the obvious effort to be polloi in Uniqlo and Onizuka Tigers, but the self-confidence, the air of entitlement, and the smirk of privilege) European (Swiss? Austrian?) family of four behind me in the queue. After about 15 minutes a member of the staff opens the door and invites the first group to enter. Over 15 minutes several couples leave, but none of those ahead of me are seated. Growing impatient, but what's the point? About 10 minutes later, the staff usher into the cafe the next four groups, including me. A few minutes after that, the horse-faced patrician matriarch enters with her brood and husband in tow and announces she will be seated. The owner-chef rushes out of the kitchen to assist staff in bussing a 4-top. Again, all smiles from these people who are accustomed to getting their way, always. Ugly, entitled Europeans. Don't come here ( wherever you're from). We don't want you. https://photos.app.goo.gl/AmJcnhAfcCaiyTj76

Kanazawa Kids on Books and Libraries

Was in Kanazawa yesterday and visited the Izumino Library. https://maps.app.goo.gl/rSmHNvxGkTrK8ZrdA https://photos.app.goo.gl/WUbwZacqvptQCy4A9 Impressive local library in a castle town known for sophisticated culture. The Prefectural Library, also in Kanazawa. https://www.library.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/ Really worth a visit.

Rail Journey: Niigata, Kurobe- Unazuki Onsen, Kanazawa, and Return

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hqdnJynmCRfpfSAt5

RIP: Former PM Murayama Dead at 101

村山富市元総理が死去　水俣病の政治解決にも奔走　その死を悼む声多く　（RKK熊本放送）｜ｄメニューニュース（NTTドコモ） https://share.google/m1AZ8AJqwFF86kJDv Apologized for Japanese militarism. A decent man. A good man.

NHK toi-toi: Recognizing the Marginalized and Misunderstood: Oh, and F'k Chuck Kirk

A program produced by national broadcaster NHK and aired on its educational channel NHK-E. This evening's show considers the experiences of those with intellectual impairments. (Can't resist a dig at Christian- exceptionalist US: best of luck finding such humanizing programming on PBS. Or Christian love and kindness in the sanctuaries of White power in that most benighted and uncivilized s'hole banana republic.) I'm done. ごめんねぇ。Oops. I forgot to mention the late Chas Kirk, recently 'sainted' with a medal of freedom for being an Upstanding White Person. Hateful bastard. There's this, too: https://www.web.nhk/tv/an/toi-toi/pl/series-tep-72L62Z715X

Foreign Tourists Deface Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Kyoto struggling with tourists defacing beloved bamboo forest | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://share.google/2YDnL7gX06Oa4Bux6 Well done, gaijin. Thinking of designing a t-shirt that says 'I am not a tourist'.

University Cafeteria

Mottainai Art

Local artist Kajika

wa Seiya (?) shared his work at a local festival. Waste not, want not. Cool, no?

Otaku- Sweet

Hello, fellas.

Finally: The Buddhists Say Sayonara to Nationalism and Corruption: Kudos to the Buddhists

Mr Saito, head of long-time LDP junior partner Komeito (lay Buddhist Sokka Gakkai- backed) has announced it will end its 26-year collaboration with its corrupt partner over the latter's failure to tackle- what else- campaign finance corruption. Additional impetus for Komeito's decision was Takaichi's anti-foreigner rhetoric. Oh, have I mentioned toxic faction boss amd former PM Aso? Ironically, that reptile and his protege/ minion Takaichi could end up relegating the LDP to also-ran status A rare instance of a politician and party putting values/ principles before cynical party politics. Truly astonishing. Saito Tetsuo-sama and Komeito- arigato.

University Lunch

Fords for Official Business?

Don't buy that crap. Don't cave to the bastards in DC, Japan. アメ車の公用車導入 日本政府検討 - Yahoo!ニュース https://share.google/i876yBacELlKwGXn7

Happy Halloween

'PM' Takaichi and Forced Labor

Japan's first female PM (technically a bit premature to refer to her as PM, as her coalition lacks enough votes to secure a parliamentary majority- she's head of the largest bloc in government, more accurately) has named Aso Taro her deputy. His family operated mines in Japan during WW2. While Japanese youths were dying (and committing war crimes overseas- Bataan, Nanking, etc.), labor-starved Japan impressed what was left: women, children, and POWs. Enriching the deputy party boss's family.

His Right Honourable Deputy LDP Head Aso: Forced Labor (POW) at Family-owned Mines': Forced Labor = War Crime

I think this photo does Aso the justice he deserves. So. Did the Aso mines employ forced labor? 10-16K prisoners? Here's Taro's Dad: 麻生首相の父、炭鉱で朝鮮人を強制労働させる There it is. Also this: https://www.afpbb.com/articles/-/2596101

Takaichi Administration Appointments : Deputy PM Aso

Newly minted PM Takaichi, Japan's first female PM, has named paleo-LDP stalwart and former PM Aso Taro her deputy. He is a piece of work. Does a right-wing LDP PM take votes from opposition nationalist Sanseito in the next election? That's the LDP plan, as the opposition party is only only a bit farther right than the Takaichi administration itself. To date. (The one-upmanship will commennce soon, no doubt.) Crucially, however, Taniya, leader of Sanseito, is much younger (less than half Aso's 85 and some 17 years younger than the PM herself.) Sanseito is the one party enjoying cred with the under-45 bloc. Maybe Takaichi and the LDP were thinking a lurch to the right would claw back recent (as in July) electoral losses to Sanseito, but I think not: with the same octogenarian relics on perpetual rinse- repeat (sans the rinse, really), good luck with that. So, what manner of work is he? I mean Aso. Wealthy, born with the proverbial (though we might suggest sticking the proverbial somewhere else). So, he's from money, privilege, connections, patronage (forgotten anything?) So, that's life. 親ガチャ。But. He's a wanker. Noblesse oblige? Say what? Family's construction business used POW labor during the war. His take? Nothing to see here- 別に。He's complained that elderly Japanese visit the doctor too often. One could go on, but why?

Japan's First Female PM- Almost

Honestly, I don't care for Takaichi Sanae, she's right wing, the usual anti-foreigner BS, but a woman PM, Japan's first (Takaichi will become PM officially if she can form a coalition government representing a majority of parliamentary seats.) So, about time. A couple days ago I asked a student (car otaku) which candidate he supported, and why. "Takaichi. Because she drives an older Supra". Longtime LDP junior partner Komeito (the 'political wing' of Sokka Gakkai) may not join the Takaichi government over her anti-foreigner rhetoric and casual dismissal of LDP donations scandal criticism. Well-done, Komeito.

Tropes That Never Die

An article in Japan Today about foreign kids not enrolled in Japanese schools. Typical of the comments section on that site, regardless of the topic: "At least in primary school here, most children get a decent education, the indoctrination begins in middle school" A favorite trope of the expat community. Here's the philosophy of the Niigata City BOE: 誰もが安心して学び、生涯を通じて自己実現できる社会の実現」**を基本とし、「これからの社会で自信をもって自己実現していける子どもを育てる」「学びの循環による人づくり・地域づくりを進める」「地域と一体となった学校づくりを進める Google translate: >Building a society where everyone can learn with peace of mind and achieve self-fulfillment throughout their lives''** is the basis of ``nurturing children who can self-actualize with confidence in the future society'', ``promoting human development and community development through the cycle of learning'', and ``promoting the creation of schools that are integrated with the local community Not much indoctrinating going on here.

University Cafeteria

"Foreigners have no fundamental human rights" in Japan

Sigh. Tat's accordingto Saitama assemblyman Moroi Masahide. Assemblyman in Saitama blasted over remark on foreigners’ rights | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://share.google/pWADI3CVB4xijCdip One wonders how many share his view. Well, Japan's Supreme Court, for starters: A 2014 Supreme Court ruling declared that foreign nationals, even permanent residents, are not legally entitled to welfare benefits in Japan, overturning a lower court decision that favored a Chinese woman in Oita. The court's rationale centered on interpreting the term "citizen" in the Public Assistance Act, concluding that only Japanese citizens have a legal right to benefits. This ruling solidified that foreigners' eligibility for welfare is a discretionary matter, not a guaranteed right. The Chinese woman, a life-long resident of Japan and taxpayer, argued that she was eligible based on her good standing with tax authorities. So, you get on with your life, leave, or naturalize. Those are the options.