予測不能な現代社会。
日本の未来、そして政局も混迷を極めているが、歴代首相の動物占い判断をしてみると、なんとなく未来予想図が描けるような、描けないような。けっこう当たっている気がするのは私だけだろうか。
小渕恵三氏（ひつじ）：人恋しい博愛主義者。一本気で穏やかなひつじの男性は、ルールを守る良識派。かなり博識で、駆け引きも得意。凝り性で、興味をもったことはとことん追求。
森喜朗氏（小守熊）：夢見がちな現実主義者。1日中ユーカリの木の上でじっとしている子守熊のように、ぼーっとする時間がなくちゃ駄目。ぼーっとしている間にパワーを蓄える。しかも究極の快楽主義者なので楽しいこと大好き。何をするにも楽しくなくちゃ損と思っている。
小泉純一郎氏（ライオン）：大らかな完璧主義者。特別扱い・目立つのは当たり前。世間体や人目を気にし、常に弱みは見せません。ライオンの男性は、ずばり「体育会系」。ブランドやステイタスにこだわり、出世争いにも猛勇果敢に飛び込みます。ちなみに鳩山由紀夫氏もこれ。
安倍晋三氏（小鹿）：甘えん坊なナチュラリスト。依存心が強く受け身なところをまわりがほうっておけないので甘えていられる役得も。飾り気がなく純粋なところがあるこじかの男性。積極的な押しには欠けるけど、自然と周りから引き立てられてリーダーに祭り上げられたりもします。中曽根康弘氏も小鹿というのはちょっと意外。
福田康夫氏（狼）：個性豊かなマイペース人間。群れをなさない狼のように、人とは違う生き方を常に心がけている。マイペースで何をするにも自己流がポイント。一人の時間や空間を大事にするので変わり者と思われがちだけど、変わっていると言われるのが嬉しかったりも。そう、「あなたとは違うんです。」って言ってました。他に宮沢喜一氏も狼(笑)。
麻生太郎氏（猿）：人マネの上手い猿のように、何事も器用にこなせるけど、じっとしているのが苦手なので起きている間は複数のことを同時進行しちゃうくらい活発に動き回ります。しかもおだてにめちゃめちゃ弱く、褒められるとなんでもやっちゃう。猿の男性は、ユーモアあふれる気さくな人。
菅直人氏（虎）：貫禄のある働き者。悠然とした虎のように慌てず騒がず、落ち着いた雰囲気を持つ。ただ、思い込みが強く自分の考えを曲げなくて迷惑がられるなんてことも。虎男性は、タフな自信家。困っている人に手を差しのべる人情派。即断即決が苦手で、急な出来事にはパニック！橋本龍太郎氏もこれ。
振り返ってみると、納得できるけど、予測可能性を高めるはしないかなあ。
-----
尚、上記にあたっては、Wikipediaと動物占いを参照させて頂きました。
7/06/2011
6/30/2011
Best Songs of the (Half) Year
The first half of 2011 ends today. This year has been totally different from previous years. Everything changed on March 11 when the earthquake and tsunami hit the northeastern Japan.
I was one of hundreds of thousands of commuters walking home that night. My relatives and friends were hit hard by the natural disaster. For weeks I could do nothing. Nothing but following the news coverage on the disasters for a month. Then, my job turned super busy. Overwhelmed by the tsunami of projects, and followed by the very last semester which started the late April.
My taste has also changed. New generations of Korean hip-hop became my latest favorite music. My iPod only repeated songs of BigBang and 2NE1 again and again.
So, I supposed there were only a few songs I could name for this year's best. But, was wrong. Here's my top 10 list of the 1st half of the year. Do I miss something?
1. "Rocketeer" (Far East Movement ft. Ryan Tedder)
This song still comes on to the top of my track list. A-maz-ing.
2. "Never Forget You" (Lupe Fiasco ft. John Legend)
What an irony. One of last year's top 10 songs is "Forget You" (Cee-Lo Green). And now comes with the other way around. Lupe's 3rd album is, however, one of the best in 2011. My fav songs also include "The Show Goes On", "Till I Get There" and "Coming Up", but every single song in the album is a masterpiece. I mean it.
3. "Fly" (Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna)
Nicki's 1st debut album "Pink Friday" is another best. Sometimes I feel the songs are too young for me, but she is a very talented female rapper. "I'm the Best", "Right Thru Me", "Moment 4 Life", "Dear Old Nicki" and "Last Chance" are all so good.
4. "See Me Now" (Kanye West ft. Beyonce & Charlie Wilson)
Kanye never disappoints me. Ever. By the way, "Lost in the World", a song in the latest album, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", is originally written by a Wisconsin-native. What a pleasant surprise!!
5. "Pretty Girl Rock" (Keri Hilson)
I have no problem with pretty girl rock at all. I like this PV which reminds me of female singers in the old times.
6. "Born This Way" (Lady Gaga)
Lady Gaga isn't my favorite musician. Neither is making her song on this list a courtesy to her for doing charity to the tsunami-hit region in Japan. Just this song keeps playing in my head...
7. "No Sleep" (Wiz Khalifa)
I really need a sleep though...
8. "Marry You" (Bruno Mars)
Reportedly many people decided to get married after a life-threatening experience.
9. "Friends & Family" (Talib Kweli)
"Nothing else matters more than friends and family." Indeed.
10. "Hot-n-Fun" (N*E*R*D ft. Nelly Furtado)
Given the shortage of power generation capacity, Tokyo is gonna be literally super HOT this summer. It is already. But, I haven't found a way to enjoy it yet. Any suggestion?
6/19/2011
Thoughts on Father's Day
As for Father's Day gift campaign, some stores were advocating "Dad needs no more ties!" That message is so true. Tie is one of a few self-expressions for men in the business world. Hence, many, if not all, won't give up such a freedom and sole discretion easily.
Given the hot and humid summer weather in Tokyo, tie isn't what we need for now, either. The government has introduced "Super Cool Biz" this year. Accoring to it, a suit (and a tie) is officially prohibited from the business battle field in Japan. Hot pants are okay. I have never seen (never ever want to see) one so far though. If you go to an office with tie, you are NO patriotic.
Besides, Tokyo's offices and subways are not as comfortable as previous years. Their air-conditiongs are set at a higher temperature (some 28 degrees Celcius) than usual due to the blackout risk. Seriously such actions undercut Japan's economic growth even further.
So, all those circumstance in consideration, my wife (and baby girl) gave me a Starbucks tumbler and card. This is the very first gift I got on Father's Day. I have been looked forward to having a Father's Day gift throughout last couple of years (including my wife's pregnancy). But, now I came to think in a different way. Fatherhood itself is such a priceless gift. It is blessing. The gift is great, but I am so grateful to my wife and daughter who delivered the utmost happiness and delight in my life.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads.
Let's enjoy our fatherhood!!
6/04/2011
History Lessons?
Japan's political leadership has been in a mess for years. The prime minister of the 3rd largest country changes every single year or less. So, I supposed no political events would surprise me until recent news reported Yukio Hatoyama, a former premier, asked Naoto Kan, his successor, to resign the job. This is pretty surpring given what Hatoyama had done during his term in the office.
Looks like there is some kind of seniority system among premiership. Or Hatoyama must be a terminator for himself and/or someone else. In "Terminator" the movie, however, the robot comes from the future. Unfortunately this Japanese came from the past. Okay, we'd better suppose he's just an alien as he is called so.
When Hatoyama quit his job as prime minister a year ago, I assumed hopefully that he might become a Jimmy Carter, one of the greatest ex-Presidents of the U.S.A. That was only a possibility, though. It was neither my expectation nor hope. Still, his recent initiative is not the case at all.
While a predecessor criticizes a current premier and asks him to resign in Japan, the opposite case applies in Korea. In this peninsula country, a predecessor is criticized and punished by a current president. Remember what Kim Young Sam did to Jeon Doo Hwan? The ex-President deserved it, but it also looked used as a scapegoat to hike successor's approval rate. And this isn't the only case.
To summarize, Japanese tend to forget history while Korean criticize (and scapegoat) one. I only hope this is my hasty generalization, and many events are exceptional.
The two countries have been discussing to make their relationship future-oriented. Yet, they've got to make their own country's politics future-oriented in the first place.
Looks like there is some kind of seniority system among premiership. Or Hatoyama must be a terminator for himself and/or someone else. In "Terminator" the movie, however, the robot comes from the future. Unfortunately this Japanese came from the past. Okay, we'd better suppose he's just an alien as he is called so.
When Hatoyama quit his job as prime minister a year ago, I assumed hopefully that he might become a Jimmy Carter, one of the greatest ex-Presidents of the U.S.A. That was only a possibility, though. It was neither my expectation nor hope. Still, his recent initiative is not the case at all.
While a predecessor criticizes a current premier and asks him to resign in Japan, the opposite case applies in Korea. In this peninsula country, a predecessor is criticized and punished by a current president. Remember what Kim Young Sam did to Jeon Doo Hwan? The ex-President deserved it, but it also looked used as a scapegoat to hike successor's approval rate. And this isn't the only case.
To summarize, Japanese tend to forget history while Korean criticize (and scapegoat) one. I only hope this is my hasty generalization, and many events are exceptional.
The two countries have been discussing to make their relationship future-oriented. Yet, they've got to make their own country's politics future-oriented in the first place.
3/20/2011
Seeing is Believing
Ever since the fear of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor meltdowns mount, many foreign expats, students and families are reportedly leaving Japan. And some criticisms on them make me sad.
First of all: a REMINDER. It seems like many people forgot when the spring break is in Japan. Students don't go to school in most of March. Long before the natural disasters and the crisis hit the northern Japan, many foreign students and expat families planned to visit their home country. As the fear of nuclear meltdowns emerge, some are in panic, and scared by wrong (or lack of appropriate) information. Given the circumstance, however, many people are struggling whether to stay or leave behind their husbands, some family members or friends in Japan.
If I could, I would recommend them leave Japan for the time being. But it's NOT because the possibility of nuclear plant meltdowns are not remote. Although the worst is over, water, foods and papers are scarce even in Tokyo. Planned blackouts will last over a month.
Also, they have family and friends in their home country. Displaced people visiting and staying their relatives' or friends' home. The people of Japan solidified their family bonds and friendship during the crisis. The only difference is where their asylum is: domestic or oversea. Why not giving the latter people the same opportunity?
But, most importantly those (even if they are neither hard hit by the disaster nor displaced) visiting their home country can provide more direct and appropriate information to the overseas people. There are a lot of information around the world now including right and wrong. Given some misinformation, their families in home countries are more in panic than the people here. Phone conversation is not persuasive enough than shocking video news. Seeing is believing. Sadly though, a Korean who went hometown cannot meet her friends because some misunderstand and believe they get exposed.
So, if anyone going home overseas, I would rather say, have a safe trip and see you later!!
First of all: a REMINDER. It seems like many people forgot when the spring break is in Japan. Students don't go to school in most of March. Long before the natural disasters and the crisis hit the northern Japan, many foreign students and expat families planned to visit their home country. As the fear of nuclear meltdowns emerge, some are in panic, and scared by wrong (or lack of appropriate) information. Given the circumstance, however, many people are struggling whether to stay or leave behind their husbands, some family members or friends in Japan.
If I could, I would recommend them leave Japan for the time being. But it's NOT because the possibility of nuclear plant meltdowns are not remote. Although the worst is over, water, foods and papers are scarce even in Tokyo. Planned blackouts will last over a month.
Also, they have family and friends in their home country. Displaced people visiting and staying their relatives' or friends' home. The people of Japan solidified their family bonds and friendship during the crisis. The only difference is where their asylum is: domestic or oversea. Why not giving the latter people the same opportunity?
But, most importantly those (even if they are neither hard hit by the disaster nor displaced) visiting their home country can provide more direct and appropriate information to the overseas people. There are a lot of information around the world now including right and wrong. Given some misinformation, their families in home countries are more in panic than the people here. Phone conversation is not persuasive enough than shocking video news. Seeing is believing. Sadly though, a Korean who went hometown cannot meet her friends because some misunderstand and believe they get exposed.
So, if anyone going home overseas, I would rather say, have a safe trip and see you later!!
3/15/2011
We Shall Overcome
One of advantages to live in this 21st century is: information technology.
Ever since the earthquake and tsunami hit the northern Japan hard on last Friday, March 11, social media have proved the best information resource as well as communication tool. I have been getting the change in subway time schedules in Tokyo, latest earthquake news in Japan and warm messages from all over the world. Through Facebook, friends have contacted if my family and I are OK. One friend gave me an email first time in 5 years. Given too busy phone lines, I was able to contact my relatives in Sendai and Fukushima where the earthquake hit hardest via short mail.
I thank all the thoughts, prayers and supports from all over the world. I want to tell my friends that I cannot get in tough with for a long time: My family and I are OK in Tokyo.
Liquefaction has stopped water and gas supplies to some neighborhoods (not mine) even in Tokyo Metropolitan area. Due to the scheduled blackout, public transportation has stopped, or is operating under limited time schedules. So some people cannot make it to office and are staying home. Still, such problems are minor.
All the news coming from the northern Japan such as Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures is devastating and heart-wrenching. I was surprised to see many rushed into shops to buy up water, foods, batteries and toiletries over the weekend even here in Tokyo. As I walked into several Seven-Elevens, I found no bread, water and noodles. Things are getting worse than expectede. Now the concerns mount as the fear of nuclear plant meltdowns. Nikkei recorded the 3rd largest drop to 8,605 yen today, and expected to go down even further.
However, I am optimistic about the future of Japan. I believe in the orderliness and discipline of Japanese I watched last Friday night as walking home among tens of thousands of people. People were just walking back home. Private facilities offered their restrooms and some even provided the buildings for stay at the night. I also believe in the resilience of the people who reconstructed the country after the defeat of the World War II and the aftermaths of earthquakes and other natural disasters.
I admit I won't be of direct help in the devastated land in the north. I am neither doctor nor rescue team member. All I can do is extremely limited and negligible: to save energy, to work as usual and to spend money (incl. to donate it but not to buy up!!).
But, as such minor effort coming together, we shall overcome the disaster and the crisis.
Ever since the earthquake and tsunami hit the northern Japan hard on last Friday, March 11, social media have proved the best information resource as well as communication tool. I have been getting the change in subway time schedules in Tokyo, latest earthquake news in Japan and warm messages from all over the world. Through Facebook, friends have contacted if my family and I are OK. One friend gave me an email first time in 5 years. Given too busy phone lines, I was able to contact my relatives in Sendai and Fukushima where the earthquake hit hardest via short mail.
I thank all the thoughts, prayers and supports from all over the world. I want to tell my friends that I cannot get in tough with for a long time: My family and I are OK in Tokyo.
Liquefaction has stopped water and gas supplies to some neighborhoods (not mine) even in Tokyo Metropolitan area. Due to the scheduled blackout, public transportation has stopped, or is operating under limited time schedules. So some people cannot make it to office and are staying home. Still, such problems are minor.
All the news coming from the northern Japan such as Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures is devastating and heart-wrenching. I was surprised to see many rushed into shops to buy up water, foods, batteries and toiletries over the weekend even here in Tokyo. As I walked into several Seven-Elevens, I found no bread, water and noodles. Things are getting worse than expectede. Now the concerns mount as the fear of nuclear plant meltdowns. Nikkei recorded the 3rd largest drop to 8,605 yen today, and expected to go down even further.
However, I am optimistic about the future of Japan. I believe in the orderliness and discipline of Japanese I watched last Friday night as walking home among tens of thousands of people. People were just walking back home. Private facilities offered their restrooms and some even provided the buildings for stay at the night. I also believe in the resilience of the people who reconstructed the country after the defeat of the World War II and the aftermaths of earthquakes and other natural disasters.
I admit I won't be of direct help in the devastated land in the north. I am neither doctor nor rescue team member. All I can do is extremely limited and negligible: to save energy, to work as usual and to spend money (incl. to donate it but not to buy up!!).
But, as such minor effort coming together, we shall overcome the disaster and the crisis.
1/04/2011
Top of the World (by Van Halen)
At Japan's Government Revitalization Unit meeting in Novemer 2009, one congresswoman asked a bureaucrat emphasizing to pursue the top of the world is important: "Why do you want to be a No. 1? Why not No. 2?"
Well, everybody wants to be a number one. 5 HipHop (or R&B) musicians at least seem so.
"Number One" (Pharrell Williams feat. Kanye West)
"Number One" (R. Kelly feat. Keri Hilson)
"Numba 1 (Tide is High)" (Kardinal Offishal feat. Rihanna)
"Number One" (Chrisette Michele)
"Number One" (John Legend feat. Kanye West)
"No One" (Alicia Keys)
Oops, the last one is not No. 1 but No One! A mistake! :P
Well, everybody wants to be a number one. 5 HipHop (or R&B) musicians at least seem so.
"Number One" (Pharrell Williams feat. Kanye West)
"Number One" (R. Kelly feat. Keri Hilson)
"Numba 1 (Tide is High)" (Kardinal Offishal feat. Rihanna)
"Number One" (Chrisette Michele)
"Number One" (John Legend feat. Kanye West)
"No One" (Alicia Keys)
Oops, the last one is not No. 1 but No One! A mistake! :P
Happy New Year
"In English 'Commencement' means graduation as well as a new start. This is not the end but a new beginning in our life."
I was so impressed that I still remember the statement our 12-year-old representative read at my elementary school graduation ceremony.
An end is just a new beginning, indeed. But, when it comes to a ceremonial event, cultural differences become very clear. Some countries value end more while others beginning.
Beginning looks more important in Japan. As one entering into every single life stage, the very first thing (s)he does is having a ceremony. Starting from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school and college, there are always ceremonies to welcome new comers, celebrating to be "one family". Even when one first starts to work, there is a welcome ceremony by his (her) employer.
On the other hand, the U.S. has none such ceremony. When I started to study at a college in the U.S., there was no welcome ceremony but a mere orientation. It did not mean I was unwelcome. It's not that they are no Catholics who uphold ceremonial events. Americans seem to prefer casual style, but commencement is a huge event. All the families come together and celebrate a family member who graduates.
Also, Japanese newspapers (and/or magazines) publish special report on New Year's Day (the 1st issue of a new year) while American papers rather do so on the last issue of a year. The Economist, for instance, publishes special coverage on the last one every year. Well, the weekly newspaper is not genuinely American. Plus, arguably it also covers new year's first print since it's "double issue". But, my point is, it comes in the end of the previous year rather than the beginning of a new year.
Different holiday calendar might have some influence over such attitudes. Americans cerebrate Christmas. It's a holiday and many people take Christmas vacation. But, not so on New Year's Day. Japanese, on the other hand, have no Christmas holiday but 3 "mandatory" holidays from January 1st through 3rd. Generally, it starts from New Year's Eve or earlier. During the holidays people have family gatherings, shrine visits and New Year Sales (esp. "fuku-bukuro" (literally meaning lucky package, which has so many products in it with discount but in many cases you'll never know what's inside until you open it). Also, season's greeting is supposed to arrive by Christmas in the U.S. while Japan's on New Year's Day.
Perhaps Japan has been under "Lost Two Decades" because the government and business are obsessed too much with how to STOP deflation and recession. The country rather needs to focus on how to create a new economy by taking a big, bold step. Then, the Lost Decades become a history.
Happy New Year. Wish your new year becomes more exciting than 2010!!
I will work and study hard to make 2011 my "Commencement" year.
Not merely graduating from my MBA program in September 2011.
But also to make my dreams come true.
I was so impressed that I still remember the statement our 12-year-old representative read at my elementary school graduation ceremony.
An end is just a new beginning, indeed. But, when it comes to a ceremonial event, cultural differences become very clear. Some countries value end more while others beginning.
Beginning looks more important in Japan. As one entering into every single life stage, the very first thing (s)he does is having a ceremony. Starting from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school and college, there are always ceremonies to welcome new comers, celebrating to be "one family". Even when one first starts to work, there is a welcome ceremony by his (her) employer.
On the other hand, the U.S. has none such ceremony. When I started to study at a college in the U.S., there was no welcome ceremony but a mere orientation. It did not mean I was unwelcome. It's not that they are no Catholics who uphold ceremonial events. Americans seem to prefer casual style, but commencement is a huge event. All the families come together and celebrate a family member who graduates.
Also, Japanese newspapers (and/or magazines) publish special report on New Year's Day (the 1st issue of a new year) while American papers rather do so on the last issue of a year. The Economist, for instance, publishes special coverage on the last one every year. Well, the weekly newspaper is not genuinely American. Plus, arguably it also covers new year's first print since it's "double issue". But, my point is, it comes in the end of the previous year rather than the beginning of a new year.
Different holiday calendar might have some influence over such attitudes. Americans cerebrate Christmas. It's a holiday and many people take Christmas vacation. But, not so on New Year's Day. Japanese, on the other hand, have no Christmas holiday but 3 "mandatory" holidays from January 1st through 3rd. Generally, it starts from New Year's Eve or earlier. During the holidays people have family gatherings, shrine visits and New Year Sales (esp. "fuku-bukuro" (literally meaning lucky package, which has so many products in it with discount but in many cases you'll never know what's inside until you open it). Also, season's greeting is supposed to arrive by Christmas in the U.S. while Japan's on New Year's Day.
Perhaps Japan has been under "Lost Two Decades" because the government and business are obsessed too much with how to STOP deflation and recession. The country rather needs to focus on how to create a new economy by taking a big, bold step. Then, the Lost Decades become a history.
Happy New Year. Wish your new year becomes more exciting than 2010!!
I will work and study hard to make 2011 my "Commencement" year.
Not merely graduating from my MBA program in September 2011.
But also to make my dreams come true.
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