Japan Ichiban

In pure nihonjinron style, Abe finished his policy speech in the Diet with the following words, according to the Mainichi:
"In his conclusion, Abe called for people to maintain Japanese traditional virtues by quoting the famous physicist Albert Einstein: "I wish they don't forget to keep those treasures pure which they have in excellence over the west: their artistic building of life, the simplicity and modesty in personal need, and the pureness and calmness of Japanese soul."

Abe uses inaugural policy speech to call for flexing of Japan's military muscle (Mainichi - 2006/9/29)

Japanese Night (Photos)

Knockers

Recently I've noticed on websites and in magazines an increasing number of people knocking the cafe scene in Osaka, claiming that it's underdeveloped or lacking sophistication.

Such a claim is simply not true. I say to those knockers: come visit this town, come order a coffee, come see for yourself. There is a thriving cafe scene in Osaka, it's just well hidden.

In an effort to keep abreast of the latest developments in the local cafe culture, I occasionally wander the tree-lined boulevards of an afternoon, keeping an eye out for new establishments or other such prominent things. So imagine my delight when I turned a corner and saw Tits just across the street.

Read more