Melanie Burton - The Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Sep 28, 2004

Is Japan's military involvement in Iraq hurting its global image?

Marc Bunch Tax consultant, 31 No, I don't think that it has been because I don't think Japan's involvement has been so significant. Domestically it's big news, but internationally, Japan is not too associated with the U.S. compared with the U.K. or Australia.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Sep 21, 2004

Is Roppongi the place to look for a foreign partner?

Bahiyyih Egeli Student, 24 My friend told me that most Japanese think that foreigners don't like them, so if you want to really want to date a Japanese man, then you have to tell your friends and get them to hook you up with one.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Sep 14, 2004

Who is the most interesting foreigner in Japan?

Chris Harritt Student, 23 Patrick something. He graduated from Harvard and came to Japan without being able to speak any Japanese. At first he performed on the street in Shibuya with a Japanese partner. His show is "Eigo deshaberanight." Now he's fluent.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Sep 7, 2004

How do you save money in one of the world's most expensive cities?

Jean Su Consultant, 39 I don't find Japan as expensive as some people have said it is -- I use the subway as much as possible and eat at the Japanese places. It's really great food at affordable prices.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Aug 31, 2004

Have you eaten whale meat?

Saki Sakamura Customer Service, 26 I've eaten whale before, but it was so-so. It used to be a really important part of Japanese culture, but we can't really do it anymore, which is maybe a positive thing.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Aug 24, 2004

Question to Japanese in Australia: Will you ever go home?

Yumi Sugiyama Retail worker I have no desire to return because Japanese society is very square. Here, everything is more free. We can get Japanese food here, but it's not the same. I miss deep baths.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Aug 17, 2004

What's the economic forecast for Japan?

Hiromi OzakiStudent, 19

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Aug 10, 2004

Should foreign residents be paying into the national pension plan?

Ammie StobaughNPO worker, 30 On the surface I guess it seems unfair, but if you're going to take advantage of the fruits of a country, then you should perhaps contribute.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Aug 3, 2004

Is your diet healthy in Japan?

Alexander Mande Student, 25 I think it's very, very good. Even eating day-old sushi is fresher than what I can get at home in Germany, except I don't like natto.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jul 27, 2004

As a foreigner, are you intimidated by the police presence?

Jen Lusk Asst. trainer, 26 I had some friends who were walking home at 1 a.m., and were assaulted, but they were the ones who got in trouble with the law. Since then I've been a little bit nervous.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jul 20, 2004

How do you beat the heat in the summertime?

Yuka Tashiro Engineer, 23 I have a special technique that I use to keep cool. I have a special cream, it's like a menthol cream, "Pitari Sweat." You put it on the back of your neck and a few minutes later, you feel great!

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jul 13, 2004

What kinds of things do you splurge on?

Seda Ergene Consultant, 26 Traveling, these days. On flights and food, because I love pushing the boundaries and going out of my safety zone, seeing and experiencing different cultures and different places.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jul 6, 2004

Will Saddam Hussein get a fair trial?

Jeffrey Goldman Lawyer, 31 I think the Iraqi people will try him on their terms. As long as he receives a fair trial, then what happens is up to the courts of justice and to the Iraqi people.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jun 29, 2004

Who is to blame for the beheading of a South Korean in Iraqi?

Ichiro Kosuga Record Company, 25 It's not just one person, but first it's Bush, then the people who support him. Bush started it obviously, but the guy went there himself knowing it was dangerous.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jun 22, 2004

What is behind Japan's human trafficking?

Natasha Ignatova Student, 19 The victims can't ask for help. The police will say "you don't have a visa so we'll deport you." People think victims can just quit if they don't like the conditions, but they can't.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jun 15, 2004

Does the recent uncovering of torture at Abu Ghraib surprise you?

Yasmine Romero Student, 21 I'm not that surprised. People tend not to think about what they're doing as individuals, not just in war, though. They just tend to get caught up with the moment.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jun 8, 2004

What do you think of the government official's comment on women 'brimming with energy'?

Yoshi Ayugai

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jun 1, 2004

What's your opinion of Nova's ban on teachers dating students?

Jonas Kirkegaard Student, 28 I would suspect some students would come there to see teachers, and also outside of school. Sounds like a moral choice to me. Personally, I wouldn't do it.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

May 25, 2004

Was Prime Minister Koizumi's trip to North Korea an opportunistic move?

Michio Tajima Accountant, 32 I'm not totally satisfied with what he's done. The pension scandal could be one of the reasons he decided to go, but even so, it's a good thing that he went.

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

May 4, 2004

Do you feel that Japan is secure against a terrorist attack?

Juliana Sasaki Teacher, 23 I feel safer in Tokyo. I lived in New York before, so I feel safer outside America. I don't think terrorist energies are directed toward Tokyo.

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