Ignore the first few seconds of the video. Someone thought it’d be cool to slip in a community message. But watch this guy, he’s like the best straight shooter there is. The NY Yankees could do well with him heh…if and only if they can get him on their team. :P

Smoking should be banned. At least, that’s what I feel anyway. Smoking kills not only the smoker but also the people around them. It’s crazy to be smoking these days when you have other cooler and more addictive activity to do like videogames. :P Just kidding. I know that for smokers, the addiction takes over their lives - I see friends going out every now and then to take a puff, which i find rather distasteful. And I don’t hold back too with my opinion. Thankfully, my smoker friends do not hold it against me - in fact, they’re fine with it because they know what a disgusting habit it is.

Now, the Science Council in Japan are looking to double cigarette taxes, which i Think is a great thing. Since tobacco cannot be banned, why not make smokers pay until it gets too expensive to maintain that sort of lifestyle. Maybe tobacco companies will die off by themselves from bankruptcy. Wishful thinking, I know.

The Science Council of Japan has proposed tough new measures against smoking including doubling tobacco tax in a bid to protect the environment and people’s health, it has been learned.

The council submitted a suggestion to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on Tuesday to introduce tightened regulations in seven areas, including a major increase in tobacco tax. The council had been considering measures since June 2006.

Under tobacco regulation criteria produced by scientists in Europe, Japan was found to score only 25.5 points in its smoking countermeasures, placing the nation last when compared to 30 other countries in Europe. Ireland had the strongest measures against smoking, scoring 71 points.

The science council’s proposal to the ministry includes banning cigarette vending machines, setting numerical targets to reduce smoking rates, and doubling tobacco tax, which currently stands at 189 yen per packet. Under the suggestions, yearly consumption — now standing at about 27 billion cigarettes — would fall by one quarter and at least 2 million people would stop smoking, calculations showed. Tax proceeds would increase by about 1.2 trillion yen from the current 2.3 trillion yen under the measures.

Read the rest …..

You’re at home and suddenly you received an email that your pet goldfish, Desdemona, has died. Clutched by sadness, shock and a morbid sense of indulgence, you’ve decided to call home and “speak” to its body before it’s final flush down the toilet. Thing is, you just arrived in Japan and you have no bloody idea how to use the phone or what buttons to push. So what do you do? Every second counts because in the hot Saharian weather where your fish lives, it wouldn’t be long that Desdemona, may gott bless his/her soul (cos you weren’t sure of it’s sex), becomes a dried up crust.

To call from Japan to an Int’l destination:
1. You need to dial the access code of 010, first.
2. Followed by the country code you’re calling: Very useful list here.
3. If your country code starts with a “0″, drop it and dial the rest of the code + your phone number (including its area code).
Other options, buy a phone card for cheaper rates or register for an international calling program if you have more than one pet fish.

To call within Japan (landline to landline; cellphone to landline; landline to cellphone):
1. If you live in the same area, you may omit the area code. Although if you dialed the area code in, you’ll still get connected.
2. With a cellphone, you’ll have to dial the area code in. If you’re calling a cellphone you’ll have to dial the cell number’s area code in.
3. Cellphones cannot call tollfree numbers ( numbers that starts with 0120), you’ll have to use a landline for that.

To call Japan from abroad:
1. Dial Japan’s International access code first ( there are three options, try ALL of them till it works: 00, 011, 0011)
2. Then dial Japan’s country code (81)
3. If the number you want to reach starts with a “0″, omit it and dial the rest of the numbers.

For more information of the various calls and call back services, go here.

All art buffs should put this on their calender as the Tokyo International Arts Festival 2008 will be held throughout March 2008. This year’s lined up will include artists from Argentina, Belgium and Switzerland among the other Japanese artist who will be showcasing their art during the month of March. Now, art is a pretty subjective topic where what’s art to one may not be art to another. But nonetheless, The Tokyo International Arts Festival is a much anticipated event.

Check out a cool video from the event from past years:

This made it to picture of the week and I can understand why. Abstract art is really subjective and somehow it represents Japan in many ways. Or you can look at it as the artist wants a giant spider walking around town in the middle of December.

What’s better than starting the year by knowing your horoscope? Geishas/Maikos did it with their prediction book, so they consult it whenever they have big decisions to make or which direction walk. Oh well. Anyway, this horoscope by Metropolis’s resident astrologer is really interesting; it covers love, career, health, money and personal strengths.

Personal strength Healing Magnetic attraction Career Gifts, karmic credits, money

	ARIES March 21 - April 19

As 2008 begins, Mars retrograde gives you a chance to renegotiate—anything. By Valentine’s Day, do you wonder if friends are influencing your romantic life? It’s leap year, so make sure your decisions are truly yours. March is busy with group obligations—some of which have manifested from the deepest parts of your past. Watch for Venus entering your Sign in April. If it’s true love, pin them down. They will thank you for it. Advancement at work may come to you in early May. You’re likely to receive that promotion beginning mid-September, as Jupiter goes direct at that time. Friends and destiny motivate you to focus on exercise and beauty during October. Things get sexier as November draws near. Travel and sacred spaces are indicated in December.

	TAURUS April 20 - May 20

2008 is a year to cash in on your relationships. If you don’t have a spouse or significant other, no doubt the Universe will be issuing you one soon. If you can’t be persuaded, then career matters are pretty hot in 2008, too. February, things are likely to fall into your lap, with the Sun, Chiron, Neptune and Mercury bringing healing and inspiration. Watch for negotiations to go smoothly in late March. Venus, your ruler, enters your Sign on May 1. This is auspicious as it coincides with your astrological birthday. Travel plans may be slowed in June—so that you can consider other possibilities. Domestic bliss increases late July and August, into September. By November or December, you’ll be traveling—with upgrades.

	GEMINI May 21 - June 21

Your year is full of excitement and change. As you begin 2008 with Mars retrograde in your Sign, it’s too soon to make final decisions—they’re meant to be in flux. By Valentine’s Day, you’re the recipient of love and attention with Pluto, Jupiter and Venus in your sector of relationships. During March, the focus is on in-laws, travel and religion. April brings more than showers—you’re alight with wisdom. Enjoy May as you’re at the top of the party list and old fears evaporate. By the time the Sun enters your Birthday zone, you are ready for the spotlight with Mercury, the Sun, and Venus in Gemini. Love bonds strengthen in August. Travel beckons in September, but November is best. Romance becomes one-of-a-kind in very yummy December.

	CANCER June 23 - July 23

2008 is a year you’ll long remember. You’ve been moving by leaps and bounds, yet able to flow with ease. In January, Mars retrograde in your solar twelfth house may push you to consider your next course of action. By Valentine’s Day, you could find sizzling romance with the gifts of Pluto, Jupiter and Venus. You’re finally able to take action in any area when April arrives. Focus on health and exercise in May brings domestic bliss in September (watch out for Mars pushing you to be hasty). Travel is surprisingly comfortable in November, which improves work conditions in December.

	LEO July 23 - August 22

2008 is an expansive year for you in oh-so-many-ways. As the year begins, Neptune, Vesta, Mercury and Chiron influence a significant relationship. By Valentine’s Day, you’re looking your leonine best, with Pluto, Jupiter and Venus in your house of work and health. You’re in line for a bonus in April and May. June’s Jupiter position brings optimism and opportunities. Uranus brings changes to legal agreements in July—check the fine print. Dreams take shape in August, and in September, Mars, Venus, and Mercury smoothly connect the bonds of communication. Domestic bliss arrives courtesy of Venus in October; romance and children are a focus of delight in November. By December, you’re able to map your progress as Venus conjunct Jupiter makes you beautiful, financially healthy and in demand.

	VIRGO August 23 - September 22

Saturn, known as Chronos, Father Time, and the Taskmaster, is in your Sign this year. if you haven’t knuckled down to necessary details, Saturn will help you. January begins with Jupiter, the Sun and Mercury in your solar fifth house of romance, creativity and children. By Valentine’s Day, you don’t know what to expect, as Uranus keeps changing the goalposts. Things straighten up by the end of March, so that in April and May, you’re in charge. In June, put health and beauty first. Don’t wait on circumstance—your strength and determination are needed, with Mars in your Sign until mid-August. Look for love and spa offers in October. Home improvements are blessed in November. In December, love and family blend as Venus and Jupiter enhance your every creative endeavor.

	LIBRA September 23 - October 22

As 2008 begins, you know this is a year of megaspikes in your history. Meaning, your time is best spent developing your own interests and finances in your quest for romance and creative self-expression. By Valentine’s Day, you’re so self-possessed, even the most ardent admirer will recognize your independence. In April, Venus in Aries opposite your Sign brings true love. How can you resist? The love of knowledge could lead to travel abroad in late May or June. By July, this could lead to career advancement. In September, give yourself time to enjoy your inner and outer beauty—Mars, Venus and Mercury are all in Libra. Look for communications to hit the jackpot in November. Jupiter and Venus put you in touch with a possible dream home in December.

	SCORPIO October 23 - November 21

You may think mysteries no longer hold your interest, but in 2008, stability and opportunities go hand in hand with surprise communications. January begins with a focus on finance, as you are gifted by the transit of Venus. Neptune, Chiron, the Sun and Mercury congregate in your area of home and hearth on Valentine’s Day. New awareness springs up in April and May, and June brings a burst of energy in career that leads to new friendships in July. As August rolls around, you are in the limelight. September brings dreams that begin to bear fruit in October. Beautiful belongings may come your way as Venus and Pluto act to adorn your life in November. December, your creative juices are on high jolt (cash in on them, if you like!).

	SAGITTARIUS November 22 - December 21

As you begin 2008, you shed layers of your previous self. Mars retrograde in your house of partnership in January lets you detach and get some perspective. By Valentine’s Day, your fifth house of romance is clear and you can choose what you like. Questions about where to live blossom in April with Uranus, Mercury and Venus in your home sector. The energy and focus to pursue your goals arrives in May, and career roller-coasters are likely to stabilize during June. You’re in the spotlight in August, when love beckons from everywhere. As you cash in on work efforts in September, long-lost friends may find you. Someone special may make a life-changing proposal in November. During December, the Sun-Mars- Mercury conjunction gives you the energy to say or do anything.

	CAPRICORN December 22 - January 19

2008 begins with Jupiter in your Sign, which happens just once every twelve years. Jupiter is considered the great benefic—its magnetic gravity belt attracts just what you want. (The phrase “be careful what you wish for” applies here.) By Valentine’s Day, you’re the one everyone notices. Mars opposes your Sign in March and April. You’ll either be hugely independent, have an energetic partner, or get caught up in Mars’ fiery attitude (your choice). Money is slippery in June; hold onto yours. Communications are tricky in July, but the Sun conjunct Venus can bring beauty and domestic bliss. You’re recognized for your abilities in September (good time to get a raise, too). The acclaim you receive in October and November is well-deserved. Friends, dreams and inner wishes become vital in December.

	AQUARIUS January 20 - February 18

With Neptune and Pallas Athene in your solar first house, you are going through a personality shift in 2008. In January, Mars is retrograde. Expect romance to confuse, but your creative levels will jump sky high. By Valentine’s Day, Venus is in your sector of privacy and karma. You may meet your heartthrob when this planetary goddess enters Aquarius the following week. You’re lucky in money matters in April. Stash some away, as Uranus can change the picture in an instant. Stability arrives in May, as beauty and warmth follow you to your home base. Love vibes enter your sphere in June. Jupiter, planet of expansion, reveals your karma throughout the year. Remedy: watch spooky movies and shriek with laughter. By December, your friendships are golden—all warm and fluffy.

	PISCES February 19 - March 20

Uranus in your Sign shakes you up, and Neptune in your solar twelfth house helps you idealize the year of 2008. January begins with Mars retrograde in your area of home life. Friendships deepen and can be life-transforming with both Pluto and Jupiter in this sector of your chart. By Valentine’s Day, Saturn opposite your Sign brings stability (if you don’t mind)! You’re radiant and magnetic as Venus conjunct Uranus in your Sign this April. During May, communication takes on offers of luxury—with you as the recipient. Romance moves to a loving peak (with a view) in July. By September, you’re in line for legacies, inheritances and joint resources. Powerful Pluto influences your career in October. December brings friends and family close, in a way you’ll always remember.

We should all go skate and do crazy stunts to mark the end of the year. Don’t break a leg though.
Here’s a very awesome video clip of some skating stunts done in Japan.

It’s a picture i scoured online to represent what this week means and with Christmas so close by, nothing sums Japan up with a fantastic display of lights.

Picture courtesy of Shiniciro Ishihara, Fotos from Kyoto and Kobe.

Seeing the poo swim around the toilet bowl reminds me of the poo in South Park. I mean, seriously if your kid don’t learn how to use the toilet after this, i don’t know what will make him/her do it…LOL.

These are two very interesting videos that touches on the modern day lifestyles of women in Japan. I find that shift has created an alternative look on how the woman live, work and their outlook on relationships. Much have changed in the past 10 years - marriage was an obligation for women in Japan before but now, many older generation are opting for divorces and the younger generation delay getting married. After watching the two videos, I feel that it is the lack of time, despite being more empowered, and maybe, just *maybe* women today are purging the old tradition of being obligated to a marriage - a sort of like an exorcism of such practice, beliefs and customs. If you look at it on a collective mode of things and term “women” as one entity, instead of looking at women as many different individuals.

Or maybe Japan’s women are currently undergoing a new phase of cynicism towards marriage and prefers, what usually used to be a men’s only activity, visiting nightclubs (or Host clubs) and having one or many male gumars (Italian for mistress).