Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the News https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/t168441 Runboard| Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the News en-us Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:21:02 +0000 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:21:02 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2068650,from=rss#post2068650https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2068650,from=rss#post2068650May he Rest in Peace. Sad to hear this bad news.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Fri, 11 Dec 2015 10:05:41 +0000 Re: The Passing of Akiyuki Nosaka, author of Grave ot the Fireflieshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2068645,from=rss#post2068645https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2068645,from=rss#post2068645     It is so sad to read of the passing of Akiyuki Nosaka this morning. I remember it was at (I guess) a BayCon in San Jose where a video from Japan of the anime was shown. Even without sub-titling and with a few hints from fellow Japanese (wantabe) speakers in the audience it was the most moving experience I had ever had with an anime. I would be a liar to say I merely had tears in my eyes by the end of the movie. nondisclosed_email@example.com (TomCat)Thu, 10 Dec 2015 15:08:26 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067790,from=rss#post2067790https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067790,from=rss#post2067790I'm so sad to hear about Tama's passing! I, too, had read about her a few years ago. I briefly passed through Wakayama during my trip to Japan, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to visit this particular station, since the line they were referring to was a local line. It's interesting that the American media has covered Tama's story - hopefully more and more people will "Google" her and learn more about Japan! We'll miss you, Tama!nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Mon, 29 Jun 2015 06:43:28 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067787,from=rss#post2067787https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067787,from=rss#post2067787I remember reading of Tama the cat a few years ago. She was an especially healthy looking, friendly little creature—a living, purring invitation to come and pet her. The special thing about a cat is that when it is socialized with a loving human family, it is full of surprises, affection, and can be a very comforting companion. I heard on radio network news early this morning that she had passed. I was surprised that the American media had covered it, but I suppose the little quirk that hooked the local news director was that Tama had been elevated to god status in Japan. nondisclosed_email@example.com (nchristi)Sun, 28 Jun 2015 18:44:39 +0000 Re: Tama, the Super Station Master Cat has passed.https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067786,from=rss#post2067786https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067786,from=rss#post2067786     A few years ago I had read of a small train line (Wakayama Electric Railway) had promoted to station master a calico cat named Tama. The station and the line had been scheduled to shut down due to low ridership. But under Tama's management and supervision ridership rose, and attracted many visitors to her station. Because of her visionary leadership Tama was promoted to the title of super station master.      But this week at age 16 Tama has gone on to the big cat box in the sky, I wish her apprentice Nitama the best of luck in the world for she has very big paws to fill.      Here are just a few of Tama's web-links to this weeks webpages about her passing.           https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tama_(cat) http://www.japantoday.com/smartphone/view/national/wakayamas-famous-stationmaster-cat-tama-dies-at-16           Honestly after reading of her passing left in tears for a good five minutes, I must be really getting old.nondisclosed_email@example.com (TomCat)Sun, 28 Jun 2015 18:27:40 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067713,from=rss#post2067713https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067713,from=rss#post2067713Ms. Miyamoto's story has been very widely reported on social media, so I'm glad the press is picking up on it, as well. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 30 May 2015 09:35:01 +0000 Re: Biracial Ariana Miyamoto get front page of The New York Times!https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067708,from=rss#post2067708https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2067708,from=rss#post2067708      I was so surprised and happy today to find the story of Ariana Miyamoto is the front page photo story of today's New York Times ( dated for Saturday 5-30-15 ) I hope many more people will get to know about this wonderful person!  http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/30/world/asia/biracial-beauty-queen-strives-for-change-in-mono-ethnic-japan.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0nondisclosed_email@example.com (TomCat)Fri, 29 May 2015 16:28:32 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064966,from=rss#post2064966https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064966,from=rss#post2064966Wow! Good for her. It must have been tough for her after her mother's passing, but I'm glad she has found happiness. Wishing the new married couple all the best!nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Wed, 26 Feb 2014 19:13:44 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064957,from=rss#post2064957https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064957,from=rss#post2064957     I was so happy to see this story last week in JapanToday, that my favorite singer Hikaru Utada has decided to marry and start her life over.  http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/hikaru-utada-discusses-upcoming-marriage-on-her-radio-program       I wish them both all the happiness in the world.nondisclosed_email@example.com (TomCat)Wed, 26 Feb 2014 09:50:00 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064945,from=rss#post2064945https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064945,from=rss#post2064945Interesting that no decision has yet been made on female succession and who will succeed the Crown Prince. Will it be his daughter, or his nephew? Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito turned 54 on Sunday NHK News The Crown Prince gave a news conference on Friday ahead of his birthday. He referred to natural disasters that have hit Japan in recent months. He expressed deep condolences for victims of a powerful typhoon that hit Izu Oshima island in October, and heavy snow that trapped thousands of people in their homes in eastern Japan this month. The Crown Prince said he and Crown Princess Masako will not forget the reconstruction of areas hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. He added that he hopes the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo will be an opportunity to make Japanese society vibrant and will give children something to dream about. One member of the Imperial family took part in activities, as requested by Tokyo's Olympic bid committee, which drew public comment. When asked about the involvement of the Imperial family members in politics, the Crown Prince replied that it is important for them to act in compliance with the Constitution, and also on the advice they receive.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Tue, 25 Feb 2014 06:46:24 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064301,from=rss#post2064301https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064301,from=rss#post2064301Yes, if the younger brothers are being so benevolent to their long-lost biological brother, I'd imagine they will continue to treat their oldest brother with love and respect—assuming they have done so all these years. I don't think they'd suddenly throw him out into the cold like that. I hope they'll stay just as close-knit should money ever become an issue, though.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:59:09 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064299,from=rss#post2064299https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064299,from=rss#post2064299     In the stories I read from Japanese media, The three younger Brothers (Bio-family) were the ones who went looking for him after their Bio-parents had passed away. Because they had seen that their oldest brother didn't seem anything like them. I'm guessing they obtained the DNA sample quietly without their "older brothers" cooperation. And then later confirmed the hospital's birth records with that information on their own.       In the Japantoday.com stories its written that the birth-brothers want to help and include their oldest brother into the family and try to make-up the lost years and opportunists, and somehow share the rest of their lives with him. No mention is made about the feeling of the oldest brother they have now, but I'm assuming he is still being treated as their brother. nondisclosed_email@example.com (TomCat)Mon, 02 Dec 2013 08:46:09 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064297,from=rss#post2064297https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064297,from=rss#post2064297It seems like they are suing for psychological damage and also for "what could have been"—I wonder how long they had been planning to do this in the first place?nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sun, 01 Dec 2013 17:05:44 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064296,from=rss#post2064296https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064296,from=rss#post2064296There was no mention that the wealthy siblings had plans to share the wealth with their bio sibling...so, I wonder what was the purpose of the DNA testing, & them suing the hospital seemed a bit bizarre.    It would be unfair to shun the elder wealthy sibling who is not related by DNA,it wasn't his fault-some would say it was their fate-(for both of them).   nondisclosed_email@example.com (sherlee)Sun, 01 Dec 2013 15:49:31 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064281,from=rss#post2064281https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064281,from=rss#post2064281Wow… What are the chances that he would make this discovery so many years later!? At least his biological brothers have been welcoming to their long-lost brother and are hoping to take the time they have left with each other and use it on getting to know each other. We've seen lots of dramas where (due to financial reasons) a long-lost sibling or child would be met with contempt by the family, so it's nice to see that this is not the case here. Thanks for sharing, TomCat! Happy Thanksgiving to all. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Thu, 28 Nov 2013 14:09:31 +0000 Re: Here's a story to ponder over for Thanksgiving Day.https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064279,from=rss#post2064279https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064279,from=rss#post2064279           At japantoday.com I read this story, and it hit me. Which makes this story better to be told as a movie or an anime, or even just a manga?      Here's this man in his 60's being confronted with the fact that he is the long lost son of comfort and wealth. Who had to rise up and struggle to protect his "family" who raised him from birth.      Only to be told belatedy that "oops" they are not your parent, but a substitute that the hospital mistakenly made and we are really sorry you found out! (see story at japantimes link below) http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/man-switched-at-birth-wishes-he-could-roll-back-clock      I really hope that this is the only story like this I ever will read but I know that in this world this is sure to happen again. I wish the hospital had been made to pay a hundred times the amount they were hit for!nondisclosed_email@example.com (TomCat)Thu, 28 Nov 2013 13:40:56 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064019,from=rss#post2064019https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064019,from=rss#post2064019Ukyo from Partners will have to visit next time he is in the UK. Since Mr. Forensics Guy loves trains so much, maybe he can go too! Hitachi starts building train factory in Britain LINK Japanese electronic machinery giant Hitachi is building a train factory in Britain to return high-speed rail trains to the motherland of railways. Officials from Hitachi and the British government attended the ceremony on Friday to mark the start of construction on the 120-million dollar plant in Newton Aycliffe, in northeastern England. Hitachi won a contract to produce 866 carriages and offer maintenance service for 27 years. The company aims to start operation in 2016, hiring 730 locals. Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin said the new plant will also create jobs along the supply chains. Hitachi Rail Europe CEO Alistair Dormer said Hitachi's high skills and experience in producing bullet trains in Japan could be of great help to Britain. Hitachi is anticipating the new plant could lead to other railway projects in Europe.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 02 Nov 2013 08:27:11 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064007,from=rss#post2064007https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064007,from=rss#post2064007Yes, and they have 6 years to plan it! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:19:24 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064004,from=rss#post2064004https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2064004,from=rss#post2064004Olympics in Japan should be beautiful! We have 5, maybe 6 years to save up for those Olympic Games! Also, condolences to Utada Hikaru for the loss of her mother and any of her fans as well. The thought of losing your mother, no matter how ill she was, is still sad.nondisclosed_email@example.com (GilM)Thu, 31 Oct 2013 18:51:10 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063601,from=rss#post2063601https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063601,from=rss#post2063601Yes, what a tragedy. From her comments alone, you can tell how much Utada Hikaru loved her mother. It must be such a difficult time for her...nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sun, 22 Sep 2013 09:44:54 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063596,from=rss#post2063596https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063596,from=rss#post2063596That really is a sad story. It isn't easy to live a lifetime either having mental illness or having a close relative who suffers the malady. I have empathy for Utada Hikaru's comment that she is both saddened and relieved that her mother is no longer suffering. It is a tragedy for all involved. nondisclosed_email@example.com (nchristi)Sat, 21 Sep 2013 16:22:32 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063588,from=rss#post2063588https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063588,from=rss#post2063588What tragic news... Here are Utada Hikaru's comments on her mother's tragic death: Utada Hikaru Comments On Her Mother's Deathnondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 21 Sep 2013 12:42:08 +0000 Re: Passing of notehttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063496,from=rss#post2063496https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063496,from=rss#post2063496     Unfortunately with the recent heat spell we in SoCal just went through I had failed to notice the passing on Aug. 22 in Tokyo of Keiko Fuji (Utada Junko) the mother of the singer Utada Hikaru. And sadly I must also note that Junko had chosen to end her own life at the time. nondisclosed_email@example.com (TomCat)Wed, 11 Sep 2013 23:59:54 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063474,from=rss#post2063474https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063474,from=rss#post2063474Just in case anyone hasn't heard the good news... Tokyo chosen to host 2020 Olympic Games LINK Tokyo has been chosen to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games ahead of Istanbul and Madrid. The Japanese capital won a final round of voting by International Olympic Committee (IOC) members in Buenos Aires to beat Istanbul by 60 votes to 36. Madrid had earlier been eliminated in a first-round ballot. There are always frontrunners and outsiders in any bidding process but what went on here in the last few days and hours proved decisive. Madrid appeared to have the momentum but Tokyo's presentation was wholly impressive. The announcement was met with jubilant scenes in Japan, as Tokyo prepares to host the event for the first time since 1964. When IOC president Jacques Rogge - who will retire after 12 years in the role on Tuesday - announced the winning city, the Tokyo delegation jumped to their feet in celebration and waved the Japan flag. A number of them were overcome with emotion and wept, following two years of intense lobbying. "I would like to thank everyone in the Olympic movement and we will host a wonderful Olympic Games," a delighted Prime Minster Shinzo Abe said. Bid leader Tsunekazu Takeda added: "It is a great honour that Tokyo has been chosen. The first thing I will do when I return is to thank all of Japan." London mayor Boris Johnson sent "huge congratulations to Tokyo for winning the honour of hosting the greatest sporting spectacular on the planet". He continued: "I am sure that, like London, your great city will put on an extraordinary event. This is a magical moment of celebration to savour before the years of hard work ahead." The decision means Tokyo - which campaigned with the message that "the Olympics will be safe in our hands" - will become the first Asian city to host the Games twice. They were also awarded the event in 1940 but the Games were cancelled because of World War II.** The success of the Tokyo bid followed a personal address from the Japanese prime minister during the presentation stage, in which he allayed fears over the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant 150 miles (240km) from the city by saying: "It has never done, and will never do, any damage to Tokyo." The plant had been leaking radiation after an earthquake and tsunami hit the north east of the country in 2011. "I cannot believe it," Japanese fencing Olympic silver medallist Yuki Ota told BBC Sport. "A thousand times I imagined Jacques Rogge opening the paper - it has become a reality. "After the earthquake everyone in Japan was depressed but now we have to make a dream come true." The prime minister's presentation also revealed the role sport had played in boosting the country in the past two years and pointed out that no Japanese athlete had failed a drugs test at an Olympics or Paralympics. It added sponsorship would reach record levels and 10 new permanent sports venues would be constructed, including the Olympic Stadium, which will be finished by 2019 in time to host the Rugby World Cup. For Istanbul, their campaign had not been able to overcome concerns about serious political unrest in the country, a series of doping scandals among the country's athletes, the jailing of political opponents and journalists, plus the conflict in neighbouring Syria. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had flown to Buenos Aires from the G20 summit in Russia to argue the Turkish city's case. But his efforts were to no avail, and Istanbul registered its fifth failed bid. If it had been successful, it would have been the first Games in a predominantly Muslim country. In Madrid, tens of thousands of people were left dejected in the city's Puerta de Alcala square when the news was announced that it had failed for a third straight time to win the summer Games. The Spanish capital's presentation - which featured former Olympic sailor Crown Prince Felipe - had emphasized providing a "sensible, reliable and trustworthy" Olympics but ongoing worries about the economy undermined the bid, along with the recent Operation Puerto doping scandal. ** I had no idea that Japan was scheduled to host the 1940 Olympic Games, which were cancelled due to the outbreak of World War 2. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Tue, 10 Sep 2013 10:30:42 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063303,from=rss#post2063303https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063303,from=rss#post2063303I'm glad to hear that we have something similar to the Gunma vintage train here in Los Angeles, too! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 24 Aug 2013 15:47:25 +0000 Re: Red Cars, Trolleys, and Electric Carshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063298,from=rss#post2063298https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063298,from=rss#post2063298    Last night after to many Miyazaki soundtracks, and remembering that the 24th of Aug. is the third anniversary of the passing of Satoshi Kon, I once again became one with the web and very quickly refound the site for the Orange Empire Railroad Museum. There in the city of Perris,Ca. you'll find many, many examples of our rail based past. I remember going there a very long time ago while it was in its beginning stages and there was not much to see and remember. But from the online site today it looks to have become a better place to visit today. Man I'm becoming once again more and more proto-Sheldon. nondisclosed_email@example.com (TomCat)Sat, 24 Aug 2013 11:46:45 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063212,from=rss#post2063212https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063212,from=rss#post2063212TomCat, oh yes, I've long been fascinated with the 'Red Cars' of Los Angeles and have done a lot of research about them. There's some great websites out there that even have detailed information about the routes/schedules of these electric trolleys. If only there was some sort of a museum that showcased some of the old red cars. I guess the closest thing we have to something like that is Angels' Flight in Downtown!nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:00:18 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063210,from=rss#post2063210https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063210,from=rss#post2063210     Oh wow, the NHK story about the rolling out of the old electric train left me with a tear in my eyes. Oh how wish we in Calif. had kept some of the old red cars from our bygone era of electric trolleys that served our grandparents generation. Although Los Angeles now has a restart with its light-rail system. nondisclosed_email@example.com (TomCat)Sun, 18 Aug 2013 17:32:15 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063207,from=rss#post2063207https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2063207,from=rss#post2063207Vintage train runs through Gunma LINK (click for video) A vintage train has traveled across Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, to mark the 85th anniversary of the founding of a railway company. The electric car was produced in 1928. The line of vehicles was used as the company's main model until the early 1980s. Many people, including train enthusiasts, gathered at Chuomaebashi Station, where the special trip started on Sunday. They took photos of themselves in front of the train. Passengers on the train enjoyed the nostalgic feel of the interior, including wooden window frames and arm rests.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:12:21 +0000 Re: Japan—Domestic Issues/Events in the Newshttps://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2062315,from=rss#post2062315https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2062315,from=rss#post2062315So inspiring! 80-year-old Japanese adventurer Yuichiro Miura has returned home after scaling Mount Everest NHK NEWS Last week, Miura became the oldest person to reach the world's highest peak. He flew into Tokyo on Wednesday from Kathmandu, Nepal. Miura gave a news conference and described how his party struggled to survive. He said the weather at the summit was so pleasant that they took off their oxygen masks and took photos for about an hour. But that took its toll on his body, he said. He said his legs felt like rubber as he was descending, and he had to steady himself with a rope to reach camp at 8,500 meters. He said if they hadn't had a camp there, he would not have come home alive. Miura said he has no plans for the future, but would like to ski down an 8,000-meter peak. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Wed, 29 May 2013 18:28:23 +0000