katsu-g's coffee break

日本の政局を、占う。

2011-07-06T00:08:00.004+09:00

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。

Best Songs of the (Half) Year

2011-06-30T22:25:00.004+09:00

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?

Thoughts on Father's Day

2011-06-19T23:58:00.005+09:00

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!!

History Lessons?

2011-06-04T15:04:00.002+09:00

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.

Seeing is Believing

2011-03-20T23:36:00.004+09:00

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!!

We Shall Overcome

2011-03-15T23:48:00.004+09:00

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.

Top of the World (by Van Halen)

2011-01-04T23:37:00.003+09:00

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

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T23:21:00.002+09:00

"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.

「日本人留学生減少」報道に思う

2010-12-24T02:08:00.005+09:00

12月23日の日経朝刊等の報道にある通り、文部科学省の発表によれば、海外の大学や大学院に留学する日本人は4年連続で減少し、2008年は66,833人で前年に比べ11%落ち込み、過去最大の減少となったと言われている。又、新入社員たちは海外勤務を嫌がるといったことも聞かれる。しかし、このような日本人留学生の減少、若者の内向き志向に対するマスコミや識者の一連の報道、コメントを見聞きしていると、非常に違和感を覚える。

そもそも発言者たちに、留学や海外勤務経験がないように見えるからである。自分はこの分野に興味があったので、米国留学したとか、海外在住経験でどのような経験をしたとか、海外勤務で苦労したとか、そういった具体的な話が聞こえないし、見えないのである。つまり、グローバル人材を声高に叫んでいるものの、今の日本経済の閉塞感を打破するための解決策として、打ち出の小槌のように安易に考えているように感じられるのだ。

留学生数の減少は、数字として提示されている以上、事実として受け止めるしかない。しかし、もし喧伝されているような、若者の内向き志向が事実だとするなら、その責任は政府、企業、メディアに少なからずあるはずだ。

日本の首相が国際会議の場で、議論をリードし、イニシアチブを発揮したことがここ数年あっただろうか。1年も経たずにコロコロ替わる為、そうもいかない事情もあるだろうが、そのような場面は記憶にない。又、政府はEPA、TPPの推進でも遅れを取り、海外人材の受入についても最近まで積極的な動きは見られなかった。

企業にもその責任の一端があろう。日本での就職活動が3年生から始まるということが何かと問題にされている。これは後に遅らせることができればそれに越したことはない。卒業後でも良い。しかし、実際は、1年間の交換留学生を含め、企業は何年も前から海外の日本人留学生の採用活動はしている。少なくとも10年前からボストン・キャリア・フォーラムはあった。もちろん、最近でも。夏休みに一時帰国した日本人留学生向けのキャリア・フェアもある。むしろ問題なのは、入社後の留学生や外国籍の社員の処遇だと思う。日本人の場合、採用の仕方だけ別で、入社後の扱いは同じ。一方、外国籍と日本国籍の人材の処遇にも差があることが少なくない。海外在住経験者には、「国際的」日系企業に就職しても、あまりにもドメスティックな制度、文化に幻滅した人も少なくないと思う。これらは、最近になってようやく改善されつつあるが、英語の社内公用語化も含め今更の感が拭えない。

又、企業の場合、長引いたリストラ、選択と集中により、海外の実務研修や駐在員の人数が縮小されたことも大きい。コストの高い日本人駐在員を海外に派遣するよりも、現地のスタッフを雇用した方がコストパフォーマンスが良いからだ。大卒の日本人駐在員に対しては住宅、ハードシップ手当等も含めお金がかかるのに対し、現地でMBAホルダーを雇った方が安く済むからだ。こうしたローカライゼーションは2000年以降に特に推し進められたように思う。しかし、この施策は結果として、本社と海外現地法人のスタッフに埋め難いコミュニケーション・ギャップを生んだのではないだろうか。又、日本人社員の海外勤務経験の機会も大幅に縮小することとなった。

メディアも海外の情報発信が非常に少ない。テレビ、新聞は国内問題ばかり。海外ニュースの報道にも大きな時間差がある。国内にいると海外に目を向ける機会が非常に少ない。

今年ノーベル化学賞を受賞した根岸教授は、国内に第一人者がいれば別だが、海外にいるのならその教授の下に行って学べというようなメッセージを日本の若者に対し言っていた。しかし、事業仕分けで、「1番じゃなきゃいけないんですか。2番じゃダメなんですか」という発言は、日本のメンタリティをよく表しているように思う。ゆとり教育の弊害とよく指摘されるが、1番を目指すという競争意識が植えつけられていないからだ。教育の現場だけでなく、例えば輪番制のように交代する首相のポスト、淘汰されずに生き永らえる業界内で横並びの企業、そしてメディアも同様だろう。30人31脚をやっているのは学校だけでなく、政治もビジネスも同じだ。もっと言うと、留学生減少や内向き志向という報道も、業界横並びで、物事の一面しか報じないマスコミの刷り込みかもしれない。又、高度成長期は、米国に追いつけ追い越せとばかりに海外に目を向けていたが、結局日本全体として2番で満足してしまったのではないか。バブルが崩壊し、停滞が長く続く中で、今まさにその2番の座さえ取られ、没落の一途を辿っているように見える。

テレビ、ネット、旅行等で手軽に海外を体験できる時代になった。しかし、その多くは日本語に限定された環境。海外に住んでも日本人社会にどっぷり浸かって何不自由しない。しかし、人口で見ても日本は世界の1/60に過ぎない。東京に出ず、国内の片田舎で満足しているようなものだ。

実際に何年もそこに住み、現地の人と同じ新聞を読み、同じものを食べて、一緒に生活して初めて日本を客観視できるようになるし、真の海外経験と言える。旅行は所詮お客さんに過ぎない。周りの日本人の友人たちと同じ道を歩む必要がなぜあるのだろう。自分が迎合しようとしているマジョリティは、じつはマイノリティなのだ。よりエキサイティングな活躍の舞台があるのに、片田舎の平凡な人生で満足して良いのですか。

International Monetary Football

2010-12-05T00:12:00.005+09:00

On Dec 2, FIFA's executive committee voted to decide World Cup host countries in 2018 and 2022. As a result, Russia won the host in 2018, and Qatar in 2022. The committee must have assessed so many factors of each candidate: vision, stadiums, transportation, concept, security and more. Yet, reportedly, it is said that strong government support did contribute to the awards for Russia and Qatar.

Wait a minute. A strong government support? Hey, sovereign debt crisis is a huge concern around the globe right now. Ever since the global financial crisis hit here and there, the IMF has been busy with providing its financial packages to many countries. Also, still others are concerned for sovereign risks: The United Arab Emirates (or Dubai to be precise), Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Without doubt, to host a FIFA World Cup costs a lot. A host country (or its football association) needs fundraise a lot of money. As taking a look at Moody's sovereign credit ratings (as of today) for the countries which bid for the World Cup host, however, FIFA seems a risk-taker.

The World Cup 2018
England: Aaa (the United Kingdom)
Belgium & Netherlands: Aa1, Aaa
Spain & Portugal: Aa1, A1
Russia: Baa1

The World Cup 2022
USA: Aaa
Australia: Aaa
Japan: Aa2
Qatar: Aa2
Korea: A1

Now you can see Russia and Qatar are the lowest credit ratings among the bidders. Well, South Korea is lower than Qatar, but the country did host in 2002! I can't check the credit ratings for South Africa and Brazil when the two were awarded. Still, today's ratings are A3 and Baa3 respectively. In other words, a BBB country like Russia had a fairly good chance to win it.

Among BRICs, now Brazil is hosting in 2014 and Russia in 2018. Seems like China (Aa3) and India (Baa3) have a good chance to be a host in 2026 or later games. As for India, however, the nation perhaps needs give up cricket. The 11 billion's passion. And that's not a easy thing to happen in the near future.

Best Songs of the Year

2010-11-14T21:03:00.005+09:00

Although some new albums such as Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" and the BEP's "The Beginning" are yet to come, it's time for announcing Best Songs of the Year. Because everywhere on the earh has started to play Christmas songs all the time!!

1. "Best I Ever Had" (Drake)
2. "Runaway" (Kanye West feat. Pusha T)
3. "Good Friday" (Kanye West feat. Common, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Big Sean & Charlie Wilson)
4. "No Plan B" (Manafest)
5. "Waiting for the End" (Linkin Park)
6. "Don't Look Now" (Far East Movement Feat. Keri Hilson)
7. "Broken Heels"(Alexandra Burke)
8. "Now or Never" (The Roots Feat. Phonte & Dice Raw)
9. "Wake Up Everybody" (John Legend & the Roots feat. Common & Melanie Fiona)
10. "Forget You" (Cee Lo Green)

And I won't rank this in my Top10 above, but have to admit Kara's "Mr." is really good :p

A Hectic Korean Wedding

2010-11-06T22:38:00.005+09:00

Even after the wedding party started, the long line of visitors never ended. When the line ended at last (!! in two hours or so?) and I took a sigh of relief, the party was over.

This is what happened about 3 years ago when I attended the wedding party of my brother-in-law in Seoul. With his cousins and brother, I was one of receptionists welcoming all the visiting guests. It wasn't supposed to be like that. When I took a flight from Tokyo, had never dreamed of it. Just imagined myself having a gorgeous meal and seeing the couple with smile. But, another cousin didn't show up and I took his part.

Later I heard that the visitors exceeded 800 (!!) on that day. (Not sure if this is normal in Korea, but 50 to 100 maybe in Japan?) The groom is a very nice guy, but not that famous like an actor or musician. He is an ordinary businessperson. And his wife a school teacher. They hadn't estimated how many people were coming. The hall wasn't big enough to have all the guests, so many guests were guided to other rooms, and watched the ceremony through TVs. Still other visitors just showed up, passed a tip, and were gone.

Japan, on the other hand, has a perfectly planned wedding party. A bride and a groom takes months to prepare their wedding. Time schedules are arranged. Tables and seats are allocated by the ages and relationships with the bride and groom. All the (invited) guests show up before the ceremony starts. Receptionists (generally friends of the bride and groom) are able to enjoy the party (By the way, I had a good meal with other receptionists after the party in Seoul).

As having attended my old colleague's wedding party in Yokohama last month, it reminded me of the Korean wedding. And differences between the two countries.

Yes You Can

2010-11-04T18:11:00.000+09:00

In his speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, Mr. Obama said "there's not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America."

It's a great, moving statement. Not only Americans but also people around the globe were impressed by the young senator from Illinois.

Like many others, however, I had some doubt on his points. Perhaps because I lived in Missouri: the state known as "Show Me" state. Or because I received a "critical thinking" education at a US college. Or as a risk analyst, I've been trained to assume the worst scenarios for every single case. (I'd like to strongly deny the last possibility, though.)

It's easier to be said than done.

Yesterday's Mid-term election results are discouraging for Obama administration. Reportedly Democrats retained its majority in Senate, but House was overtaken by GOP. President Obama took the responsibility for "shellacking".

Still, as far as I know, he hasn't given up his 2nd term in the oval office, and above all his presidential term has 2 more years. It's not over. Given the worst recession since the Great Depression and the mid-term election results, his task is harder than ever. As Alan, a French philosopher, said, "Pessimism comes from our passions, optimism from the will." Now is the time for Mr. Obama to put his words into action. A show time has just started.

Yes, You Can, Mr. Obama.

Good Morning!

2010-10-31T01:25:00.003+09:00

A musician, esp. HipHop/R&B artist, seems one of the most unlikely people to wake up early in the morning.

Well, maybe not. They have morning's songs. Some.

"Good Morning" (Kanye West)
"When the Sunshine Comes" (Kero One)
"Wake Up Everybody" (John Legend & the Roots feat. Common & Melanie Fiona)
"Shine" (Laura Izibor)
"In the Morning" (Mary J. Blige)
"Wake Up" (Alicia Keys)
"Wake Up Alone" (Amy Winehouse)
"Morning in Rio" (Sergio Mendes)

OK, now I'm going to bed. Good night. ;)

Rivalry between Japan and Korea - Economy

2010-10-17T23:00:00.000+09:00

In early 1990s when I had lived in Seoul, Korea's per capita GDP was approx. US$10,000 and Japan some US$30,000. Korea looked desperate to catch up with Japan in terms of economy. But, as many said, it seemed the peninsula country seemed 10 years behind of Japan at least. It was just unimaginable back then that the things turned out to be like today.

In 2009 Korea's per capita GDP is at US$28,100 while Japan's figure still staying at US$32,700. Strong yen might help this year's figure in US$ though, but the trend is obvious. According to Nikkei last month, Japan will be overtaken by S. Korea in 2018 in terms of per capita GDP. But now the forecast looks too optimistic. Korea might catch up even earlier.

When I have visited US, China and India in the past years, Hyundai, Samsung and LG are more visible on the streets. In a hotel room I stayed in New Delhi, a Samsung LCD TV was on the wall. Hyundai has 2nd (or 3rd?) largest share in India's automobile market (Forget Maruti Suzuki). In Beijing there were huge LG billboards, but couldn't find a single Japanese one.

Korean government has been aggressively signing the Free Trade Agreements or Economic Partnership Agreements with many countries and regions. Even in entertainment like movies and music, Korean pop culture is now so popular in many Asian countries and even in Japan.

I see these phenomena with a mixed feeling. On the one hand, I feel so proud and happy to see Korea's rise. On the other hand, I've been so irritated by Japan's (both government and corporate) inaction. Where has samurai spirit gone? Will the Sun rise ever again?

My Playlist

2010-09-18T01:45:00.003+09:00

My favorite 10+1 songs these days.

"Best I Ever Had" (Drake) - the album "Thank Me Later" is one of this year's best.
"Good Night Good Morning" (Alexandra Burke) - the album "Overcome" is one of the best as well.
"Now Or Never" (the Roots feat. Phonte & Dice Raw) - Can't wait for the album "Wake Up" (John Legend with the Roots).
"Power" (Kanye West) - Can't wait for his new album.
"World Tour" (Wale feat. Jazmine Sullivan) - wanna go abroad!
"Number One" (R. Kelly feat. Keri Hilson) - Keri so sexy.
"No Plan B" (Manafest) - My adrenaline.
"As We Enter" (Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley) - so Africatique! and Nas rocks.
"Don't Let Me Fall" (B.o.B) - catchy but touching.
"Billionaire" (Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars) - somehow reminds me of California.

"Mr." (Kara) - This is a huge surprise to myself. An unimaginable song to be listed on my favorites. And so a bit embarrassing confession. But, can't help it. I like the song anyways (and those pretty girls :)). Well, I still have some pride, though. Haven't downloaded the song yet!!

"Bitter Sweet Poetry" (by Kanye West)

2010-09-17T22:18:00.002+09:00

Starbucks Japan seems to provide some sweet treats for its customers lately.

It has been offering a "One More Coffee" campaign this year. Thanks to the campaign, any customer, who purchases a cup of drip coffee, is able to get one more cup with only JPY100 (a tall cup usually costs JPY340) at any other Starbucks store on the very same day. Initially the campaign was supposed to be only temporary from January 14 through April 13. Yet, the gourmet coffee company has extended the term, and now decided it for an infinite time period.

Last year the specialty coffee company also offerred a JPY50 discount for any customer who brings one's tumbler. It was a big deal since the stores normally discounts JPY20.

They are indeed sweet treats. Thanks, Starbucks. I really appreciate it. (Forget all those stupid, imaginable marketing strategies by the coffee store!) With Starbucks VIA, the company's new product, its financial performances have beated markets' estimate, and perhaps help introduce such discount campaigns.

Still, there're some bitter aspects for frequent Starbucks goers.
First, we won't forget that the coffee shop raised the drink prices by JPY20 or so years ago. Second, keeping the prices are not enough given a decade-long deflation in Japan. Last but not least, imported coffee beans should be cheaper in terms of strong Japanese Yen these days.

Starbucks' multi-year, private contracts with coffee bean suppliers might prevent further actions from lowering the retail prices. Reportedly the company often pays double the commodity price. Definitely, Starbucks Japan also needs money for its CAPEX. It plans to open 80 new drive-thru stores this year in Japan.

With all those facts and assumptions in mind, I can't simply welcome the infinite One More Coffee campaign. And my coffee tastes bitter. Not sweet. It's not that I pour neither syrup nor sugar in my drip coffee, by the way!! :P

Japain No Gain?

2010-06-06T23:05:00.001+09:00

Japan is on the cover of the Economist again: "Leaderless Japan". Every time the British weekly newspaper (or any other foreign media) covers Japan, its reports, esp. about lack of political leadership, are daunting and hopeless. Someone even argued that Japan is lucky to have such a flexible political system to change its premier while America is not. The point was, nobody couldn't stop George Bush, and he was the President of the U.S. for 2 consecutive terms. That's totally nonsense. America does have an impeachment process, and the Congress could take such an initiative if they really wanted to do so. And they didn't.

How about business (specifically banking sector)? Last month the Economist's special reports covered banks in emerging markets. The report discussed two kinds of successful foreign banks in the markets. The first are global network banks: Citigroup, HSBC and Standard Chartered. The other are "gone native" banks such as Santander, BBVA and UniCredit. Not surprisingly the countries of foreign banks and of emerging markets had a deep-rooted relationship of colonial rule and immigration, and use the same languages. Japan had been a colonialist country but failed to make a good relationship with the Asian nations it governed. Japanese is also a language used only by 125 million people living the islands.

So, a question is whether Japanese banks can survive in the global market, esp. by entering into and expanding its business in the emerging markets? Last week an investment banker said Japan's strengths is technology backed by Research & Development while its weakness is commercializing. I couldn't agree with him more. Still, such an argument seems to apply only to manufacturers not financial sector. Then, what's the expertise of Japanese banks? The only answer I could find is a bit old joke. But, it's brilliant one.

-----
Sorry. Only Japanese is available... To make a long story short, Japanese bankers can contribute by counting votes in Miami of the U.S. presidential election in 2000.

Jack @ Starbucks

2010-05-02T23:54:00.006+09:00

Starbucks now has three types of in-store product lineup targeting customers with different lifestyle.

For instance, drip coffee is definitely for a busy guy like Jack Bauer (of "24" the TV drama), who wants caffeine "right now!". The only problem is, he must be in such a hurry that time is running out before a barista to prepare for a cup in a couple of minutes. Or worse, Jack is gonna point his gun at a barista and even threat him!! He'd better get one of Starbucks Discoveries at a convenience store like Seven Eleven.

Whole bean coffee is for a noble man who has someone else to grind beans and prepare a fresh cup for him at home. But, unfortunately not for Jack and the Beanstalk. Beans won't grow over a night to touch clouds. Cuz it's roasted!!

The company's brand-new VIA is perhaps for Jack Sparrow from "Pirates of Caribbean". In Japan, this was introduced on April 14. Yes, it's absolutely quick. And convenient. The specialty coffee company says it took 20 years to develop the product. Well, to be honest, I did not notice a diffrence from others like Nestle. In the first place, I do not drink instant coffee, though.

It's always good to have an option in our life. I wonder if the marketing strategy of Starbucks is VIAble, though.

Whatever you choose, just enjoy your coffee break.
Cheers!

***

Correction: A new Starbucks store in Kichijoji is not a 3-floor. The building does have 3 floors, but 2nd & 3rd floors are open for rent.

Star's Back

2010-04-17T17:02:00.001+09:00

Starbucks has closed a couple stores lately in Kichijoji, reducing its operation in the district to 5 or so now.

But, a brand-new store with 3 floors (very rare in Japan) is opening on Wed, April 28! Given it's the 1st day of the Golden Week, the store will be crowded for sure. Perhaps for the Week. So not sure when my very first visit to the shop is gonna be.

Kanye Best

2010-04-11T01:05:00.002+09:00

Ever since the release of "the College Dropout", his first solo album, in 2004, Kanye West has been one of my most favorite artists. So far he has released four solo albums and produced (or was just featured in) other artists' songs.

It's very hard to select, but here're my favorite 10 songs of Kanye:

Bittersweet Poetry (Kanye West feat. John Mayer)
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly (Consequence feat. Kanye West)
Knowck You Down (Keri Hilson feat. Kanye West & Ne-Yo)
If I Ain't Got You - Kanye West Remix- (Alicia Keys)
Touch the Sky (Kanye West feat. Lupe Fiasco)
Make Her Say (Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West & Common)
Good Life (Kanye West feat. T-Pain)
Southside (Common feat. Kanye West)
Gone (Kanye West feat. Consequence & Cam'Ron)
More (Rhymefest feat. Kanye West)

逆境ナイン

2010-04-04T22:32:00.001+09:00

逆境ナインというマンガがある。あり得ないような逆境の数々が、これでもかと押し寄せても、燃えてガンバる、熱過ぎる野球漫画だった。

***

明後日から春学期が始まる。

働きながら大学院に通おうと思い立ったったのが一年前。当時と比較すると、状況が随分変わった。

一年前は転職して間もなく、担当案件も少なかった。
そして、大学院の合格発表と同じ時期に妻の妊娠が分かった。
学校のない2、3月はゆっくりしようと思っていたら、仕事が忙しくなり、残業の毎日。幸い出産には立ち会えたものの、退院後も残業が続いた。

数日前に、会社の同僚と飲んだ時に言われた。「一年前はもっと仕事が欲しい」と言っていたと（苦笑）。
出産もここ数年望んでいたことで、妊娠が分かった時は心底嬉しかった（涙）。

そう、担当業務の多さも、育児も、学校も、全て自分が望んだこと。
タイミングは別として（笑）。

逆境とまでは言えない。

***

ここ数日、いろんな人と会った。
今も応援してくれる、昔の同僚。
グチを聞いてくれる、今の同僚。
同じように仕事をしながら勉強も頑張っている学友。
いつも心配してくれる兄弟、家族。
そして、しばらく会えていないけど、励まし合える友人。

逆境ナインより強力な、たくさんの人たちから、支えられているんだなと感じる。

秋学期の結果には満足していない。
忙しいと言っている暇は、ない。

スタバカ日誌～the more the merrier～

2010-04-04T17:31:00.006+09:00

A couple days ago I took a day-off and headed to Azabu-juban. It was my 2nd time to the district this week as well as 1st time to the Starbucks store in years. I enjoyed breakfast there. With 3 floors, many comfortable couches and diverse customers from around the world, this Starbucks is one of the best in Tokyo.

Later the day I stopped by a Starbucks in Kichijoji for getting "One More Coffee". As seeing my receipt, a lady at the cashier noticed I was at Azabu's earlier. She told me she was working there before. The lady also told me that the new Starbucks store in Kichijoji (i.e. one at Nakamichi dori) is opening sometime before the Golden Week. Mid-April maybe? The new store will have 3 floors just like Azabu-juban's.

Thanks to Starbucks' One More Coffee campaign, I got not only a discount for my second cup of coffee but also all the stories. Priceless!

PS. Before opening its 7th store in Kichijoji, Starbukcs shut down one at the Kichijoji station. Wonder whether it's merely temprary or permanent. Cross ur fingers for the former! For now Kichijoji has 5 Starbucks stores.

"Born to be My Baby" (by Bon Jovi)

2010-03-10T20:09:00.001+09:00

Welcome to the world
Welcome to my family

DVD a lifeline

2010-02-28T18:58:00.002+09:00

Purchasing DVDs, as well as recording favorite TV shows, is like having insurance you barely claim for.

Here're some from my DVD collection I've bought in the past half year (and more TV programs on a hard disk) but not watched yet.

Perhaps I will turn to these when I:
feel alone (Dark Knight),
collide with somebody (Crash),
need a final answer (Slumdog Millionaire), or
wanna moonwalk (This Is It).

スタバカ日誌〜One More Chance〜

2010-02-17T00:39:00.004+09:00

It's been more than a month since Starbucks Japan introduced its One More Coffee campaign.

One can get another cup of drip coffee for 100 yen at any Starbucks on the same day. Given a tall cup costs 340 yen in Japan, I feel worsed off if not taking this advantage. Is the marginal utility of second cup higher than first?

During final exam week I was totally caffeinated, and now need decaffeinated.

So, to drink or not to drink, that is the question.

My Neighbor

2010-02-13T19:19:00.007+09:00

Let me introduce my neighbor Totoro.

As many of you know, he's famous for the movie "My Neighbor Totoro". But, seriously he is really my neighbor, and was an unexpected guest last weekend. The difference from the movie is that he's edible creme puff!!

Thanks to my brother for bringing him in.

Tokyo is not the best livable city, but this is a joy to live in this Metropolitan. Here is Shiro-hige's Creme Puff Factory where he is born.

Needless to say, it is very delicious with coffee of Starbucks or Dean & Deluca ;-)

"Lesson Learned" (by Alicia Keys)

2010-02-13T19:00:00.002+09:00

There are many ways to realize you get old: wrinkles on your face, worsening eyesight, declining stamina and so on. But, if you're lucky (or unlucky?), you might not be able to find your wrinkles on your face thanks to your worsening eyesight. I'm still at early 30s, so it did not go that way so far (hopefully). Still, I felt aged lately in several ways.

Seeing a kid growing up is one. Last year I found an old friend, who used to be a little kid when I was a twinkle college student. OMG, she's now studying at the college where I graduated a decade ago!!

Also feel getting old physically, as my stamina does not last as long as it used to when I run or try to stay out. A couple of weeks ago, I stayed out late to cramstudy for my final exams, but it didn't work out like the way I used to do a decade ago. When I applied for this business school, I knew it was gonna be very tough two years. Well, it turned out harder than I expected. I'm afraid I am satisfied with the fact that I did come to class. Even attending class is something especially after hard full-time work at office, but that ain't good enough.

Also, I learned a lecture with PowerPoint presentation is bad for understanding. Such a presentation only makes me FEEL understood. But, to really understand, need not only review it but also think such an argument by reading books and discussing with friends. Business focuses more on HOW while academics WHY. PowerPoint presentations summarize issues and initiatives simply while omitting the backgrounds why it is so.

Now unlike a full-time college student, I have a full-time job, less time for study, and more responsibility. Yet, they should not be an excuse. Rather motivation and energy. When spring semester resumes in April, I've got to study harder. In the meantime, I'd better review what I learned last semester and what I'm planning to take next. Having spent one semester, I feel weekday nights and weekends are so long. Long enough for reading books and studying. Plus, some more time for workout as well.

スタバカ日誌～thank you for smoking～

2010-02-13T12:19:00.008+09:00

Some business folks are so good at speech. Even though I cannot recall their names, their few words are so impressive, witty and hilarious. I still remember the speech of a manager from JT, a Japanese Tobacco maker:
"To those who smoke, thank you very much for smoking. (喫煙者の皆様、いつも大変お世話になっております。)
To those who do not smoke, I sincerely apologize for some smokers with bad manners . (タバコを吸われない皆様、一部のマナーの悪い喫煙者がご迷惑をおかけしております。) "

Several weeks ago at a Starbucks, I saw a male customer smoking inside (INSIDE!!) the store at Kichijoji. Starbucks' non-smoking policy is now a common sense. I've never imagined to see such a scene.
What is worse, he didn't have his own portable ashtray, dropping ashes on a dish. He kept smoking until a cashier told him this is a non-smoking area. This is not a bad manner but lack of common sense, I would say.

"the Coldest Winter" (by Kanye West)

2010-02-12T22:59:00.002+09:00

Although having spent years in Seoul and America's Midwest where the weather goes as low as -20 degrees Celsius (or zero in Fahrenheit), I'm not a big fan of winter sports.

Still, as eating pancakes with a Canadian maple syrup and listening to the latest album of Manafest, a Canadian rapper, I feel ready to enjoy the Winter Olympics, which is starting tonight in Vancouver, No.1 livable city.

"Get Your Money Up" (by Keri Hilson)

2010-01-27T00:07:00.004+09:00

以前このブログでも触れましたが、今大学院で学んでる講義のひとつに租税法があります。税金てなんかネガティブなイメージがありますが、租税法的に自分の夢を語ると：

「所得税法第9条第1項第8号に該当する非課税所得をもらえるようになること。」

同項第13号でも良いんだけどね〜。まずは目指せ、8号!

しかし、こんな時代なので、目下同項第14号の金品がちゃんと給付されるのか心配…。おっと、そんな心配する前にしっかり勉強しなきゃですよね!!(^0^)

*******

所得税法（最終改正：平成二一年七月一〇日法律第七四号）

（非課税所得）
第九条　次に掲げる所得については、所得税を課さない。

八　外国政府、外国の地方公共団体又は政令で定める国際機関に勤務する者で政令で定める要件を備えるものがその勤務により受ける俸給、給料、賃金、歳費、賞与及びこれらの性質を有する給与（外国政府又は外国の地方公共団体に勤務する者が受けるこれらの給与については、その外国がその国において勤務する日本国の国家公務員又は地方公務員で当該政令で定める要件に準ずる要件を備えるものが受けるこれらの給与について所得税に相当する税を課さない場合に限る。）

十三　次に掲げる年金又は金品
イ　文化功労者年金法（昭和二十六年法律第百二十五号）第三条第一項（年金）の規定による年金
ロ　日本学士院から恩賜賞又は日本学士院賞として交付される金品
ハ　日本芸術院から恩賜賞又は日本芸術院賞として交付される金品
ニ　学術若しくは芸術に関する顕著な貢献を表彰するものとして又は顕著な価値がある学術に関する研究を奨励するものとして国、地方公共団体又は財務大臣の指定する団体若しくは基金から交付される金品（給与その他対価の性質を有するものを除く。）で財務大臣の指定するもの
ホ　ノーベル基金からノーベル賞として交付される金品
ヘ　外国、国際機関、国際団体又は財務大臣の指定する外国の団体若しくは基金から交付される金品でイからホまでに掲げる年金又は金品に類するもの（給与その他対価の性質を有するものを除く。）のうち財務大臣の指定するもの

十四　学資に充てるため給付される金品（給与その他対価の性質を有するものを除く。）及び扶養義務者相互間において扶養義務を履行するため給付される金品

"Empire State of Mind" (Jay-z feat. Alicia Keys)

2010-01-21T00:40:00.001+09:00

Putting on an Abercrombie & Fitch,
sipping a cup of fresh Dean & Deluca's coffee, and
listening to "Empire State of Mind",

I feel NYC no matter where I am. (well, I'm in Tokyo, and my last visit to Manhattan is two years ago.)

PS. Big thanks to Maco-chan. The coffee is so smooth and delicious. As studying Real Option, I've been thinking an option to abandon Starbucks and end an column, スタバカ日誌!?

Best Albums of the Decade

2010-01-11T12:13:00.003+09:00

Rolling Stone posted the Best 100 Albums of the '00s and the Best 100 Songs of the Decade. In the former, a score of albums I have are listed, and more in the latter.

In other words, I:
1. am a trendsetter,
2. am a trend follower, or
3. should subscribe to the Magazine.

Anyways, it's remarkable all the four albums of Kanye West are on the list!!

A Happy New Year

2010-01-03T23:09:00.005+09:00

Paid a visit to a shrine on New Year's Day

Been to Mt. Fuji on the next day

and got recharged

With all the parties until New Year's Eve and visits to a shrine and to Mt. Fuji, My wife and I had a wonderful winter break. I feel fully charged to start a new year.

A Happy New Year!!

"Partytime" (by Missy Elliott)

2009-12-29T23:00:00.005+09:00

We moved into this new apartment last March, but are now finally ready to welcome our friends. It's a beautiful, fine, perfect day for a party.

My wife cooks. I help. Uh, you know, not much. Stuff like peeling potatoes and dish-washing. Also, entertaining (or bothering?) her while cooking.

We primarily serve genuine Korean dishes. This is today's main menu: 버섯전골 (Mushroom Hot Pot).

A table for 5 and us.

Sofa So good

And a comfortable couch. Sometimes you can see some Sleeping Beauties or Sleeping Buddha on it. Today we're very lucky to find a Mermaid.

Dear friends, thanks for coming today. And we're await for more to come. You are welcome. Make a reservation!

Best Songs of the Year

2009-12-26T23:43:00.001+09:00

2009 will be remembered as the year of the change. And of a new start.

The Obama administration took office in January as well as the Hatoyama in September. Personally, started a new job in January and to go to business school in September.

Also, the past year was very fruitful for me to meet great, favorite, new songs. Not quite sure whether it is because the releases of many great songs just happened this year or because I tried to find ones harder with some reasons. To my long list of favorite songs short, however, here is the one of the top ten.

1. Life Is Good (by DJ Deckstream feat. Mos Def): Make me very positive.
2. Empire State of Mind (by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys): Make me miss NYC!
3. Special (by Snoop Dogg feat. Brandy and Pharell): Although Snoopy isn't my favorite artist and his latest album has just released this month, this song is SPECIAL.
4. Make Her Say (by Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West and Common): Lady Gaga isn't my favorite either, but her catchy, pop song can be a great HipHop.
5. Energy (by Keri Hilson): Charge me.
6. If Tonight Is My Last (by Laura Izibor): a live is greater.
7. Alive (by Black Eyed Peas): BEP is still alive.
8. Decision (by Busta Rhymes feat. Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige, John Legend & Common): With all the musicians listed, a great song guaranteed.
9. Wavin' Flag (by K'naan): As once a political science major, and a friend of Somalis, wish the peace come to the Horn of Africa. I might take part in it. Who knows?
10. Keep Pushin' (by Kero One): Nice one.

Best Wishes for the New EAR to y'all!!

Merry X'mas

2009-12-25T23:10:00.001+09:00

Today isn't a holiday in Japan. So, I got a day-off not to celebrate Christmas but to get my season's greeting cards flying: designing a card (by my wife), printing and handwriting a message. Season's greeting in Japan is supposed to arrive on New Year's Day (not on or before Christmas). Seems like I worked harder than I do at my office :)

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year to all!!

MetLife

2009-11-23T17:18:00.000+09:00

Billboard Live Tokyo is one of the greatest places to enjoy a METropolitan Life in Tokyo. My favorite musicians come here more than Blue Note Tokyo: Laura Izibor last August and Chrisette Michele last week.

Live performance also brings rediscovery of a new aspect of a musician (or a song). At Laura's live, I reconfirmed "Shine", "Don't Stay", "From My Heart to Yours" and "If Tonight is My Last" are best songs while learning "the Worst is Over" and "Perfect World" are good too. She was putting her heart into every single song, making her soulful songs even more heartful.

Chrisette Michele was a very skillful entertainer. She was good at making her audience enjoy her live by shaking hands and even giving a hug (!! I wanted to be the one!!). She also added a spice of jazz to some of her songs.

My wife and I spent a wonderful time.

良い胎教にもなったし!!(笑)

Ultimate Goal?!

2009-11-03T21:50:00.004+09:00

Having been going to grad school for one month, one of concerns I share with many friends is family relationship.

Weekday's classes are from 6:30pm through 10pm, and 9am through 6pm on Saturday. As working on homework more and more now, we're getting less time to spend with our family.

Knowledge is power, and to make it sustainable we got to study. But, is family time (and relationship) an opportunity cost we have to give up? Of course not!!

Still, during a 15-min break or before a class begins, my friends say, "my wife complains we don't go out lately", "my wife's getting mad!!", "I don't talk much with my wife these days" and the like. Then, we wonder how those who graduated have managed the relationship.

But, seemingly our school provides a solution by offering a course like "Strategic Thinking and Communication". I'm not taking it, but the school recommends to take in the first semester.

Or Finance itself might provide an answer because Finance is defined as:
the study to search for how to allocate limited resources on a time horizon.

Studying "the Introduction to Finance" and "Corporate Finance", I will find an answer hopefully.How to effectively and efficiently allocate my limited time.

Tackling Tax

2009-11-03T17:41:00.010+09:00

"Nothing in this life is certain but death and taxes," Mark Twain said.

This is not the reason, but somehow it turned out I'm taking two tax courses this first semester: "Tax Law" and "International Tax Accounting". Both classes are quite interesting in many ways, but especially in that the professor/lecturer have backgrounds from the opposite ends.

The Law is taught by a former top of National Tax Agency while the latter by a tax consultant from a Big 4 accounting firm. Given the decline of tax revenues, the Agency surely want to tax more. On the other hand, a tax consultant advises "tax management".

tax burdens

Living in Japan, it's hard to see one's tax burden. Many of us need not file tax return individually. Our employers do it instead. 5% of sales tax is not as high as that of Europe or America. While unemployed last year, though, I felt the burden as painfully as much. Perhaps, such trauma unconsciously led me to take the two classes.

Nothing is certain with which grade I pass the courses. But, as Tokyo's autumn is getting deeper and night longer, I have more time for study. "Autumn for Study" (勉強の秋) has come.

Korea Sparkling 3

2009-10-12T15:28:00.009+09:00

昔住んでいたこともあって、韓国には観光というよりも知り合いに会う為に行くことが多いのですが、今年の夏はベタな日本人観光客を気取り、久しぶりのソウルを満喫してきました。

選んだベースはショッピング街・明洞（ミョンドン）。しかし、そこは今や日本人だけでなく中国人にも席巻され、中国語の看板、中華料理店、中国語の客引きも少なくありません。それでも、円高バブルに沸く日本人観光客強し。食事を取ろうとレストランに入って、気が付くと周りは日本人ばかり。オシャレなカフェやブティックのある三清洞（サムチョンドン）でも、交通アクセスの悪い、ソウルの外れにある韓国宮廷料理の店でも、どこにでも日本人がいました。新大久保と大して変わらないですよね。日本では目を皿にしてスーパーのチラシの大特価セールをチェックしている（であろう）おばさんたちが、隣の国の経済を刺激している様子を見ると、ちょっぴりおかしくもありました。

そして、明洞のすぐ近くにある韓国のランドマーク、Nソウルタワーにも行きました。昔は、東京タワーより「高い」を目標に、韓国人の気合だけで建てたような寂しいところでしたが、今では立派に改装され、LEDのライトアップも施されて、モダンな観光スポットに変身。因みに333mの東京タワーより高いと言っても、Nソウルタワーの479.7mはあくまで海抜の高さ。山の上に建てたのでタワーそのものは東京タワーより低いのですが。こんなところにも見栄っ張りだけど、憎めない韓国人の気質が見えます。

今回新たなお気に入りスポットになったのが清渓川（チョンゲチョン）。以前は高速道路とその高架に商店街が立ち並んでいるイメージしかありませんでしたが、当時ソウル市長だった李明博現韓国大統領が2年がかりで2005年に完成させ、今や都心のオアシス。足を川に入れて暑気払いをしているソウル市民が羨ましくもありました。東京にもこんなところがあれば良いのにな～。

帰りに金浦空港内にある映画館を覗いてみると、日本の劇場アニメSummer Warsが上映中でした。その時はこの映画は面白いのかなとしか考えませんでしたが、帰国直後に金大中前大統領の訃報に触れ、彼の日本文化開放政策のお陰で上映されているのだなと思うと感慨深いものがありました。開放政策が議論されていた頃、日本のサブカルチャーに食われてしまうのではないかと心配されていましたが、Summer Warsにしても、今やその映画製作におけるCG等は韓国のサポートなくしてはあり得ません。そして、韓国の映画、ドラマ、音楽が日本でも多くの支持を得ているのは誰もが知るところです。

これまで1～2年に一回訪れる度に韓国の変化は感じ取っていたつもりでしたが、昔馴染みの場所を再度訪ねてみて、その変化を改めて強く感じました。昔ソウルに住んでいた頃は、韓国製品は粗悪で、SONYやPanasonic等はみんなの憧れでしたが、今やSamsungやLGの商標は米国だけでなく、中国、インド等の新興国でも多く見られる一方で、日本の商標は残念ながらあまり見かけません。日本に追い付け、追い越せと言っていた当時とは隔世の感があります。韓国という国は物凄いスピードで変化し続けるとつくづく感じます。一方で、実際に住んでいるせいもあるとは思いますが、日本はどうも遅々としている気がしてなりません。今回の旅で韓国の変化を感じつつ、（日本だけでなく）自分も果たして変わり続けているのか、成長し続けているのかと考えてみたのでした。

사랑하고 싶어

2009-09-26T14:14:00.008+09:00

If the pictures below ring your bell with a classic Korean pop song, 소방차 (Fire Engine)'s "사랑하고 싶어 (I Want To Love You)", you must have been living in Korea around 1990. (I did!)

"소방차"는 아니지만...

Love Tokyo

By the way, the International Olympic Committee will meet next Friday in Copenhagen, to decide the host of 2016 Olympic Games. As many of you know, candidates are Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, Chicago and Tokyo.

I do love Tokyo (and Chicago).

But, also I Want To Love You, IOC!!

Family Value

2009-09-26T13:48:00.006+09:00

iPod family

From the left, iPod shuffle, nano and Touch.

This iPod family would never exist without my family; My wife bought the nano for me, and I got the Touch from my brother.

Family is, good.

Just like the iPods, my wife and I are gonna have the very first kid in our 9-year marriage.

Favorite songs these days

2009-09-09T22:50:00.009+09:00

1. "Life Is Good" (by DJ Deckstream feat. Mos Def)
2. "Can You Let Me Know" (by DJ Deckstream feat. Lupe Fiasco & Verbal)
3. "Keep In the Pockets" (by DJ Deckstream feat. Talib Kweli)
DJ Deckstream is my most favorite these days. Check his music at MySpace. "Life Is Good" is soooooh gooood.

4. "Don't Stay" (by Laura Izibor)
Watching her grrrreat show at Billboard Tokyo, my wife and I were impressed and love her songs.

5. "Knock You Down" (by Keri Hilson feat. Kanye West & Ne-Yo)
Keri definitely knocked me down. She is so hot!!!

6. "In All the Wrong Places" (by Kero One)
7. "Keep Pushin'" (by Kero One)
He ain't Kim Jong-Il!! Kero One looks like him a bit though.

8. "Numba 1 (Tide Is High)" (by Kardinal Offishall feat. Rihanna)
The link to YouTube isn't feat. Rihanna exactly. But Keri.

9. "Alive" (by Black Eyed Peas)
Oh, yes. They are back for Japan Tour.

By the way, Jay-Z's new album will be in stores this Friday!!

"Let's Just Be Friends" (by Kero One)

2009-09-05T17:21:00.005+09:00

So, here I am. Back to school.

Yet, never imagined that I would study high school math again. Algebra, Differential and Integral Calculus and so on.

It was a one-week prep class. I wouldn't have taken it unless my interviewer advised. I studied 'em at high school, and wasn't so bad. But hey, it's more than a decade ago. Be humble, I said to myself. It could be a good warming-up, I supposed too. A good opportunity to learn what it is like going to school at weekday nights. A fairly good chance to meet and get along with new friends before fall semester begins.

So, here're what I got.
Well, first of all, to my disappointment I realized I barely remembered calculus. Second, arriving home at 11pm, got extremely tired and sleepy next day, which was another disappointmnt that I'm getting old. And I just turned 33 lately... But, have already met half a dozen friends, and can't wait for my school starting in a couple weeks.

Summer Wars

2009-08-29T14:15:00.008+09:00

It was on my way back to Tokyo when this animation movie caught my attention at Gimpo Airport. When the movie came out to box offices earlier in Japan, I dismissed it is just another Japanese cartoon. Well, it turned out not. The film is added to my (short) DVD shopping list.

Summer Wars

Summer Wars is about family reunion, the history of samurai, (a bit futuristic) information technology, high school baseball, teenage love and so on.

Natsuki, a 18-year-old girl, asks Kenji to come to Ueda, Nagano (located in central Japan) with her to see her great grandmother and relatives, pretending to be her boyfriend. Although he wasn't used to such a huge family get-together, he starts to enjoy the time at Ueda.

But, everything becomes so different after he replied to a spam mail. Followed by ID thefts happening all over the world; computer-controlled systems of utilities and public transportation go into a panic. Then, Kenji, Natsuki and all the family members try to save the world...

Doesn't sound so exciting, does it? Unlike most of (non-cartoon) Japanese movies, however, the story isn't slow. As watching it, I burst into laughter so many times. And a bit of tear drops. Gosh, after all, I really wanna visit my grandma!

Shortly after back from Seoul, a news followed: a former Korean president's death. Kim Daejung, a Nobel peace prize winner, opened up Japanese pop culture coming into Korea. Thanks to him, the movie is in the theaters in Korea (I watched it after having come back to Tokyo though). I was also very delighted to see so many Korean names (perhaps for CG works) on the ending roll.

***

There is another "Summer War" this year in Japan. General election is held tomorrow. As predicted, will the Democratic Party of Japan defeat the post-war dynasty of the Liberal Democratic Party? Or will LDP survive accidentally? Can't leave TV tomorrow night. It's a D-day. Let's vote and see.

Korea Sparkling 2

2009-08-27T21:35:00.012+09:00

Can't miss it!! Korean cuisine whenever I go to Seoul. I need a couple more stomachs, though.

Start with processed meat

부대찌개

Chicken
삼계탕 (参鶏湯)

Pork
삼겹살!!

and Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeefff!!!
Here come the king of meat, 생갈비♪

then dessert comes.

팥빙수 with water melon, kiwi and mango.

wanna some more at Dunkin Donut?

Or stop by spacious coffee shops here

콩다방

and there.

My most favorite time comes at Starbucks.

별다방

I prefer living in Seoul more than in Tokyo. First of all, Seoul has Dunkin and Coffee Bean but Tokyo has neither. Secondly, Coffee Bean and Starbucks in Seoul are so spacious that a single Starbucks in Seoul is as large as half a dozen stores in Tokyo combined at least. Last but least obviously, Korean foods are the BEST in the whole world!!!!!!!!!

Korea Sparkling

2009-08-27T21:02:00.022+09:00

I usually just go visiting my family and friends in Korea. But, had some time for sightseeing Seoul this time and rediscovering "Soul of Asia" where history and cutting-edge technology meet.

Gyeongbokgung (경복궁, 景福宮), a Royal Palace,

has been my favorite place in Seoul.

Korean garden of a traditional Korean restaurant:

Wonder how the meals were? EXCELLENT.

Rivers Run Through Seoul.

Not only Han River but Cheonggyecheon (청계천, 清渓川).

Must be an oasis for all the business folks of the downtown.

Now the Stream became my new favorite spot.

Didn't know the tower has changed its name to N Seoul Tower

and renovated with beautiful LED lighting.

a view from the top of the tower

なでしこジャパン

2009-08-09T23:48:00.006+09:00

なでしこジャパン。

とは言っても、スポーツ選手ではありません。

国際機関、国際協力の分野で活躍する日本人女性。

多いですよね。

日本社会で活躍の場が限られていた、国連や世銀で日本人女性を積極採用していることもあるのでしょうが、個人の信念、能力も秀でたものがあるのでしょう。

緒方貞子さん。現在はJICAの理事長ですが、まだUNHCRのトップだった頃、NYCで会った赤十字の人が、彼女をすごく尊敬していたのが強く印象に残っています。

世界銀行副総裁を務めた西水美恵子さん。昨夏、「貧困に立ち向かう仕事」に掲載されていた彼女のスピーチを読んで、涙が止まりませんでした。そして、先日は講演会&サイン会に行ってきました!!

昨年、世銀グループのMIGAトップに就任した小林いずみさん。今後の活躍が注目されます。

そして、瀬谷ルミ子さんや高嶋由美子さん。他にも現場で活躍する人もたくさんいますよね。私と同い年ぐらいの人も結構います。

そんななでしこジャパンを誇りに思い、尊敬します。そして、自分は今、何をしているんだろう、という焦りも。一応男なので、なでしこジャパンの一員になりたい、というよりは、国際舞台で活躍する日本人の一人になりたい、ということですが（笑）。

昨日、録画しておいたNHKプロフェッショナルを観て、改めて感じました。（何ヶ月も前に録画していたのを今頃…（^^;））

Over the Rainbow

2009-07-19T22:37:00.003+09:00

Somewhere (in Tokyo) over the rainbow
Skies are gray (no blue)

Back to Basics

2009-07-18T22:20:00.004+09:00

"Life doesn't always turn out the way you plan."
And certainly this wasn't my plan. At least until last year.

Ever since having finished my undergraduate study, I always wanted to go back to the U.S. for studying at graduate school. But, I realized it's not my goal. And met my new employer who encourages employees to study foreign language, accounting, law or anything useful for the job (and future one). It even subsidizes a part of tuition. So, why not now?

Last couple months I prepared my essays, submitted documents and had interviews. And just got my admission letter this week. Starting in September, I will be back to school for studying advanced financial theory and practices.

Imagining to work from 9am through 6pm and to study weekday nights as well as weekend, I feel a bit of dizziness. Perhaps though it is more like going back to my high school days. The three years I studied from 7am through 10pm at school. Yes, next couple years will be very hard, but just like back to basics, getting academic stimulus and excitement.

Knowledge is Power.
To fuel it though needs energy. Hopefully my energy (i.e. my dream!!) is sustainable, and never dies!!

What if my gas is running out? Well, a Starbucks is just three blocks away from the school :) What to worry about?

Thank You For Smoking

2009-07-04T18:39:00.011+09:00

I love Starbucks for many reasons, but a distinctive one which differentiates this specialty coffee brand from others is its non-smoking policy. Well, now there are many other coffee shops with non-smoking policy, but arguably Starbucks is the first to start such a rule. One, esp. non-smoker, is able to enjoy gourmet coffee and its aroma. Puff won't annoy such coffee break at all.

"Universal Mind Control"?! (it's COMMON!!)

Such a policy, disappointingly though, doesn't cover terrace area outside a store. Worse, the stores even offer an ash tray for customers who request one. Japan has a huge smoker population. As summer's getting closer and weather nicer, it's irresistible to go outside and enjoy coffee. But, highly likely to have someone sitting nearby smoking.

As I enjoying book-reading and drinking coffee this morning, a gentleman had a seat right next to me. He lit a tobacco and started to smoke. The puff flew to me, disturbing my favorite time. But, guess what printed on the back of his T-shirt. It was:

"Love Each Other, Respect Each Other"

This must be a bad joke, or a cry from marginalized smokers more than ever. Whatever the message really means, thanks for reminding me of mutual respect. Too bad that he couldn't see his own back.

"Energy" (by Keri Hilson)

2009-06-28T17:50:00.006+09:00

It's been a long time. A long-awaited "The E.N.D." has come to record shops at last. This is Black Eyed Peas' first album in four years or so.

The title sounds like the quartet is breaking up with this "final" album released. Among members, will.i.am is well-known, successful producer as well as solo artist. Fergie also sold her first solo album "Dutchess" of some 6 million copies.

Reportedly, however, the E.N.D. stands for Energy Never Dies. So, does the title mean oil won't dry up? Or are they as interested in Toyota's Prius as was Leonardo DiCaprio? Or talking about renewable energy and Green New Deal?

Renewable Energy?!

Whatever their intention is, Black Eyed Peas, which is named after a soulfood, tastes very different from the previous albums. The first single, "Boom Boom Pow", was a shock. Many other songs in the album are also like techno, dance music. And a bit sounds like will.i.am's solo "Songs About Girls" (2007). On the other hand, songs "I Got That Feeling", "Alive" and "One Tribe" do have some traits from previous albums "Elephunk" and "Monkey Business". Traits of Energetic, organic, danceable hip-hop. So, the new album surely catch the attentions from old and new fans.

BEP's music is great, but I also like the group in that the members have diverse backgrounds: a Jamaican American, an Afro-Filipino, a Mexican-Native American and a white female vocalist. Such multiethnic backgrounds certainly fuel the group's energy to create a universal, contemporary pop music.

Such an energy never dies.

"When the Sunshine Comes" (by Kero One)

2009-06-28T16:44:00.006+09:00

Opening eyes is not hard in every single morning. Yet crawling out of a bed and taking the first step out of home are the hardest parts. These are common all over the world, but Being squeezed into a rush-hour commuter train is, HORRIBLE only if you live in Tokyo unfortunately. To many, morning ain't the end of nightmare. But, only the start of it. Real one.

Music might help you start a beautiful day.

"Good Morning" (by Kanye West)
My long-time morning alarm as well as a favorite promotion video.

"Shine" (by Laura Izibor)
The sound of piano and Laura's voice touch your eardrum softly.

"When the Sunshine Comes" (by Kero One)
The song will take you not to the downtown office but beach.

"Morning in Rio" (by Sergio Mendes)
Imagine yourself in Rio de Janeiro.

"Wake" (by Linkin Park)
The intro from LP's latest album expresses a lay of sunlight, morning agony and yawn... With the album, one can rock every single day.

Well, music ain't enough maybe. The best of best ways to jump-start a morning is to stop by a Starbucks shop and get a cup of coffee!! Then, you'll get awake from the five senses.

Morning Calm

2009-06-10T20:08:00.005+09:00

What a shame.

Lately I realized I've spent last four years or so not listening to Kero One. It is my regret. Deeeeep one.

I go to a Tower Records once a week, and check every single new HipHop album. Yet, his first collection did not draw my attention. I overlooked it perhaps because of my immaturity. Ain't mature enough for listening to this mellow jazzy HipHop.

But, now I had a lesson. Have grown up for not passing by his second, which came out this year. Kero One's second, "Early Believers", is a perfect BGM for beautiful, sunny weekend mornings. The songs are chill but heartwarming. It appears to me that he certainly has a heritage from the land of "the Morning Calm". "Early Believers" is a music of the Morning Calm.

According to the weather forecast, Tokyo got into the rainy season (梅雨) today. That gloomy, humid rainman is back to the city again, but thank God, I got Kero One this year. The Korean American's songs will dry the dampness up with refreshing air!!

The music, with a glass of Iced Coffee blend at Starbucks, guarantees a time for meditation.

"Easier to Run" (by Linkin Park)

2009-05-24T20:16:00.004+09:00

Nike Free Everyday +2

This new model from Nike is soft and light like socks. Definitely easier to run, and I even feel like I can fly!! Haven't yet run but taken just a walk. Perhaps start running after getting a Nike + iPod Sport Kit.

"Welcome to the Bay" (by Kero One)

2009-05-17T23:31:00.018+09:00

For Kero One, the Bay means San Francisco, but this Bay is the other side of Pacific Ocean, Yokohama.

I'm back, and so is African Festa, with 34 African embassies, 60 NGOs, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yokohama City.

One can get a free poster, buy African accessories or enjoy a live music concert

and street music performances here

and there,

Or get an African drum lesson.

But, wherever I am, can't start a day without a Starbucks coffee!! Here's one at Chinatown. (Oh, and Ethiopian embassy was selling its coffee, too.)

and Chinese supper. (I did have African cuisine too!!)

"Right Round" (by Flo Rida)

2009-05-17T23:14:00.009+09:00

you spin my head right round, right round

It's been a couple month since we moved in a new apartment, and slowly started purchasing new furniture for it, one by one like a ceiling fan in the picture above. My wife and I will cover all items of our long shopping list hopefully by the end of this year.

On the other hand, I'll keep some "Pandra's boxes" for this year's hot summer night thrill. (And I won't remember which items I enclosed in each box by then. )

Pandra's Boxes, or Panda's?

Anybody who want Korean cuisine or such a thrill are welcome.

Thanks, Mom

2009-05-10T01:11:00.000+09:00

Since its sweet, gospel-like mood, it ain't hard to imagine R&B has songs written for mom. "A Song for Mama" (by Boyz II Men), a soundtrack from the movie "Soul Food" (1997), is a perfect song. And K-Ci & Jojo's "Momma's Song" alike.

But, HipHop does have songs for mother, too. Kanye West's "Hey Mama" is a great example. Black Eyed Peas' "Hey Mama", a song famous for a TV commercial of iPod, and will.i.am's "I Got It From My Mama" aren't such. The song titles are a bit misleading.

Anyways, the bottom line is, everybody loves mom.

While You Were Sleeping

2009-05-06T21:29:00.003+09:00

Golden Week is over.

This year's GW has 5 consecutive holidays, incl. weekend, in a row. So, before the holidays begin, I bought a dozen books from Amazon.com. I know, it's a bit ambitious...

Well, here's how it turned out.
On the very first day, my parents visited my new aparment.
Then, I got a cold (not swine flu) for next couple sunny days.
Followed by rainy days. Period.
I've finished only one paperback, and been reading two more.

As watching Sandra Bullock's "While You Were Sleeping" (1995) this evening, I realized the holidays are over while I was sleeping. And here's my favorite quote from the movie. Lucy (Sandra Bullock)'s father said to his daughter,

"Life doesn't always turn out the way you plan."

CHINDIA

2009-05-04T21:35:00.004+09:00

The long-awaited "Slumdog Millionaire" has come to theaters in Japan. AT LAST!! The film was so powerful and energetic. As watching it, I really wanted to visit India again. This time to find stunning Latika (Freida Pinto)! :)

Interestingly, the rivalry between China and India seems present in motion pictures as well. Here in Tokyo "Red Cliff Part II" is competing against Slumdog for the top box office. John Woo is definitely my favorite director, but a single 2-hour movie is enough. I rather wait until the DVD box set will be on sale. And then watch the series comfortably at home.

Geopolitics, business and...

I prefer a pure love story (like Slumdog) to a war movie (like Red Cliff). Born as a Virgoan, it is written... Though I haven't watched the Chinese one, it seems like there are some remarkable features in each. Slumdog shows the contradictory (i.e. chaotic) situations in India: the rich and the poor, Islam and Hinduism, etc. Seemingly, on the other hand, there are no such things in Chinese films.

Plus, the violence of Slumdog somehow reminded me of that of Hong Kong (esp. John Woo's) movies. Hope it's not a heritage from the British colonialism, though. One definite difference is that Slumdog symbolizes Individualism while Red Cliff Collectivism. Am I making the comparison too simple?

The Global City

2009-05-04T20:17:00.004+09:00

Global city ranking 2009, Mercer's annual survey, was released last month. The two rankings of Quality of Living and Infrastructure are not only useful resources for business travellers and expats but also information for leisure travellers and students studying abroad, pride for city residents, and perhaps reference for bidding for the host city of the 2016 Olympic Games.

International Olympic Committee's Evaluation Commission has been visiting the four candidate cities, and making assessment. According to Mercer, however, Tokyo is best among the four. Japan's capital looks competitive given the similar results with London's. Tokyo is the 35th best city for living and the 12th for having good access to electricity, water availability, telephone, mail, public transport, traffic congestion and airport while London, the host city in 2012, is ranked at 38th and 8th respectively. Tokyo is followed by Chicago (44th and 28th each) and Madrid (48th and 43rd respectively).

Does the turnout indicate Rio de Janeiro have the least competence? Not quite. Last year's host, Beijing, is at the 113rd of the Quality of Living ranking. So, Rio de Janeiro still has a good chance. They will all meet in mid-June for briefing, and the final decision will be made on October 2, 2009 in Copenhagen. In other words, we have a plenty of time to speculate. Decided which real estate to buy?

T.I.A. (cont'd)

2009-04-14T22:02:00.001+09:00

AFRICAN FESTA 2009

When : Sat, May 16 (12:00 - 17:00) & Sun, May 17 (11:00 - 17:00)
Where : Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama

Here's the link to the official homepage, but what a shame. No English (or French) hompage again!!
http://www.africanfesta2009.com/

FYI, here're links to the pieces I posted last year.
African Festa 2008
African Festa: to be continued (to next year)

"T.I.A." (by K'naan)

2009-04-05T22:08:00.004+09:00

This is something new but also old.

K'naan has been just added to my favorite playlist. The album "Troubadour" is a mix of HipHop, Reggae, Rock and genuine African music. The songs remind me of those of Black Eyed Peas and of "classic" Fugees. But, the music also has a sense of traditional African music, a spice of Arabic and a smell of dust. His backgrounds draw my attention as well. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, he spent his childhood during the civil war, and fled the country to seek asylum in North America.

Yes, This Is Africa!! T.I.A.!!

By the way, African Festa 2009 will be held in Yokohama again on May 16 and 17.
This weekend's African Festival in Yokohama is a bit different in its programs and sponsors...

LOL

2009-04-05T21:39:00.003+09:00

You've gotta check this video out from YouTube.
I luv this!!
Flight Attendant doing raps!!

Great job.

"봄이여 오라" (by MC Sniper)

2009-04-05T18:18:00.008+09:00

キタ━━━━━━━━━━━━(゜∀゜)━━━━━━━━━━━━ッ!!!!
Spring has come to Tokyo.

Beautiful, snow-white cherry blossoms are in blooms here and there. Chidorigafuchi (千鳥ヶ淵), the north-western moat of the Imperial Palace is one of the most magnificent viewing spot in Tokyo.

By the way, "봄이여 오라" (Come unto Spring) was originally written by Yumi Matsutoya (松任谷由実), a Japanese pop queen, and later arranged by MC Sniper, a Korean HipHop musician.

Gimme a Break!!

2009-04-01T19:44:00.003+09:00

Oh my goodness, I've been to Kyoto, Hiroshima, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Seattle, India, Belgium, Italy, France and more.

Can you imangine all happened just in the past couple months since I started a nouvelle job?

It did!!
Today I just came back from Seoul. And I've gotta go to China pretty soon.

The job is pretty cool, but all I need is a (coffee) break!!

"I'll Be Missing You" (by Puff Daddy)

2009-03-07T23:45:00.004+09:00

Oh no. A Tully's, one of my favorite coffee shops in the town, is gone. Gone with the Winter. No notice is posted, so I have no clue whether it is permanent closing or temporary for renewal...

But, looks like the former more likely. Too shy to say good-bye?

In Kichijoji, Starbucks is such a dominant force. Within a radius of 1/2 km or so from the block where the Tully's located, there are 6 Starbucks stores.

"Hate That I Love You" (by Rihanna)

2009-03-03T22:22:00.003+09:00

Starbucks' instant coffee, VIA, is coming to some select stores in Seattle, Chicago and London... INSTANT COFFEE!! from Starbucks not from Nestlé.

My feeling is like, Rihanna's "Hate That I Love You" or Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On"!!

What's Next?

2009-02-16T20:57:00.004+09:00

Tuition to study for U.S. CPA exams, $5,000

Fee to take the exams, $800 plus

A cup of drip coffee to jumpstart my brain, $3

Friendship, support, love and self-esteem, PRICELESS

---

a Master Card?

Today my certificate has arrived at last. To be honest, it costed a lot more than I listed above. The whole application process was so cumbersome as well. I had been to a prep school for an year. It took another couple years to earn college credits of business and accounting to complete the State's educational requirement, which is equivalent of graduate school level. Then, needed my academic credits to be checked and certified. Every time I took an exam, I had to acquire State board's approval, book a testing center, flight and hotel. What is worse, with oil prices peaked last summer, had to pay that ridiculous, extra fuel surcharge.

So, how much is the value of the certificate I acquired after all? Is it the opportunity cost I gave up earning at my previous job last several months? Or an incremental salary I will earn from now on? Whatever the value is, this isn't a goal, but just a new beginning. How to use this "Master Card" is, up to me.

Now, what's next?

The Pursuit of Happiness

2009-02-11T22:00:00.008+09:00

A friend of mine told me the following quotation last week. (Something like this at best. My memory ain't so bad, I hope)

人は判断力を失い結婚し
Those who lose their minds get married
忍耐力を失い離婚し
Those who lose their temper get divorced, and
記憶力を失い再婚する
Those who lose their memory get married again

"Getting divorced is like changing a job" said Kazuyo Katsuma, an economist. When I first heard her analogy, I did not really buy it. As learning the opening quotation later, however, I realized there are some truths in it. That is, sound decision-making is very important at some life stages. So are patience and the humbleness to learn from the past failures.

These words are reminders to me. I had a dream. Working hard and getting busier, however, I lost it. To start a new job, I watched Will Smith's "Pursuit of Happiness", but it's more important to remember why I chose this job, and what I wanna do in the future.

My Bible

Last year I met a book: Jeffrey Sachs's "the End of Poverty". I remembered him as an "cold-hearted" economist who implemented so-called "shock therapy" to transform the post-communist Polish economy to market capitalism in 1990s. But, as reading the book, was surprised to learn that now he works for ending poverty in the world by initiating the UN Millennium Development Project, in which I really wanna join.

As meeting HR consultants and attending seminars of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and so forth, they all reminded me of the old feelings: the excitement during college and the reality of my African friends. Although I haven't gotten one this time, I won't give up. Everything that has happened to me only solidified my career vision.

I should admit I wasn't competitive enough. Hence, I have some lessons to be learned. The lessons that I haven't planned well, that I didn't keep studying for the career, and that I only sought the reasons why I can't do it rather than how I can. The new job ain't the one I really wanted to get, but I do believe it helps build up my career path, and in line with my dream.

So, if I lose myself again, remind me of watching "The Pursuit of Happiness" and reading "The End of Poverty" (and perhaps this piece of my blog as well).

---
btw, the friend who mentioned the first quote is getting married soon. Congrats!! It's funny that a soon-to-be bride says such words, but I guess it's just her way to conceal her joy and happiness. And I'm so positive that she and her husband will live happily ever after.

スタバカ日誌 - Daydream -

2009-02-11T21:34:00.007+09:00

So, are we gonna get the new breakfast deals of coffee and sandwich at 355 Japanese Yen ($3.95 x 90) in Tokyo starting next month as well?
"Starbucks Says Hello to a New Day With Pairings at $3.95"

If so, that would be so sweet, given that today's Tall Coffee costs at 340 Yen and Tall Caffè Latte at 370 Yen respectively!! Starbucks raised its beverages and foods by 10 to 20 Yen last July, by the way. Remember?

"Bittersweet Poetry" (by Kanye West feat. John Mayer)

2009-02-11T20:48:00.007+09:00

Valentine's Day is coming soon.

It seems to me that this annual event in Japan hasn't been so commercialized as much as Christmas. Perhaps it is because only commodities retailers can exploit are flower, card and chocolate. There are also some compilation records of sweet love songs released around this time of a year. But, as Forrest Gump's mother said, "Life is like a box of chocolate. You never know what you're gonna get." And you never know what you're getting is a piece, a whole box or nothing at all.

Hope for the best, but good to expect the worst as well.

So, what happens to those left out? Koreans have the Black Day. On April 14, those who spent unhappy Valentine's Day alone get together and eat a bowl of noodle with black bean sauce. If you aren't living in Korea, I recommend listening to Kanye West's latest album, "808s & Heartbreak", especially songs like "Hearless" and "Love Lockdown". Oh, and "Bittersweet Poetry" is a great song as well. Also, order a cup of espresso shot at Starbucks, or that of "bittersweet" Double Mocha (Mocha with an additional espresso shot) if espresso shot is too bitter. Happy couples won't need Caramel Macchiato and Honey Orange Latte, aren't they? Oh, these "sleepless in Tokyo" (NOT this one) folks won't need caffeine to stay awake in the first place!!

Happy Valentine's Day.

"Grammy Family" (by Consequence)

2009-02-11T20:18:00.001+09:00

This must be a proof that I'm good at predicting the unpredictable. Or that I just prefer catchy, pop music?

This year's Grammy Winners and Nominees from my collection

After the 51st Grammy Awards last Sunday, thinking 'bout purchasing the albums of Lil Wayne and Jazmine.

Sleepless in Tokyo (Not Seattle)

2009-02-08T14:30:00.009+09:00

Notice of Night Construction Work

Oh, no. They're coming back 2 work 2... a Sarah Palin and a Joe the Plumber.
Working from 8pm through 6am next week. Nice.

Back 2 Work

2009-02-07T18:38:00.010+09:00

It's been 2 weeks since I started a new job. To simply put, my job is to predict the unpredictable. It ain't fortune-telling, though! In other words, the mission of my company is, to promote international trade and investment by helping customers, mostly Japanese enterprises, manage political and commercial risks in international business.

c'est la vie. et les affaires aussi.

It's great to be working such a company when the world economy is in a once-in-a-century trouble and the importance of risk management is mounted more than ever. I haven't yet analyzed such risks as do my colleagues, but so far I have found more similarities than differences from my previous job. And my previous employer is one of the biggest customers.

After the first two weeks, I still have a lot to learn. Need more time and effort to enhance my expertise. What I have learned so far is how to cope with sleepiness. I've been getting back my acting skills as well. Wonder what the skills are for? Well, it's useful for pretending to be working hard! :)

Now I'm thinking to start learning tarot card or casino. :P
Any suggestions?

Still talking 'bout Steel

2009-02-07T18:26:00.007+09:00

The world has been keeping its eyes on those "Steelers" at the Capitol Hill who try to make the last minute touchdown by including a Buy-American (iron and steel) provision in its economic stimulus package. We'll wait and see whether they are as good as Pittsburgh Steelers that made it at last Sunday's Super Bowl. If the bill includes such a provision, other countries are most likely to retaliate with "Bye American". They are neither "Bestbuy" nor "Good-bye".

The shifts to protectionism is mounted all over the world. The increases in tariff and of government loan/guarantee are here and there. Professor Paul Krugman, a laureate of the latest Nobel prize in Economics, also discusses the benefits of "protectionism", but only when some specifications (contained, short-run one during a global liquidity trap) meet. The news reports from Davos in the past one week were colored by the criticisms on American capitalism for spreading the financial crisis.

Yet, fewer reports highlighted Putin's speech in his blame on the U.S. than in his remarks on the importance of economic liberalization. Interestingly enough, the premier emphasized the importance of free trade and so on. It's a bit self-contradictory while observing his country having increased its tariff on car imports and the state interventions in Sakhalin gas projects. Still, it's obvious the world needs market economy and the U.S. to come back with a solid, economic growth.

It's been a while since the Iron Maiden has gone. Now where is the "Iron Man" who save the world?

Fit for Office?!

2009-01-31T19:57:00.011+09:00

After a long, long coffee break, I'm back to work now.

Ever since I quit my job, Nikkei dropped by approx. 40%; Sony, Toyota and numerous, other companies announced thousands of jobcuts each. The unemployment in Japan has been up to 3 million, or by 0.5% to 4.4% last December. For those living in a country with unumployment rate of 6% or higher, the figure isn't that impressive, but this is the highest monthly jump in 41 years. Economic outlook is so dim that IMF has just lowered Japan's GDP growth rate in 2009 to -2.6%. Given such circumstances, I'm grateful to my employer for giving me this job opportunity.

I'm not as "fit for office" as Obama. From Day One, the new president of the U.S.A. immediately implemented his new policies by shutting down the Guantanamo Bay detention camp and working on $800 billion sitmulus package. On the other hand, I did nothing but greeting my new colleagues and reading some employee manuals on my first day. Still, I felt extremely exhausted. Hopefully, I'm fit to work physically like Obama's shirtless photo in Hawaii, though.

After only a week at a new office, it's hard to say I'm fit to the job, and able to get along with my colleagues (esp. my boss). At least the business is quite similar to my previous job, and the people are likable. I'm doing my best to be more polite and more respectful than usual. After all, one thing for sure: weekend's coffee break is, priceless even though such a break is far shorter than that long, long one.

Thank You for Reminding

2009-01-14T21:57:00.000+09:00

As a Japanese, I'm used to an earthquake. It's a part of our daily life. We have been trained how to escape and protect ourselves since six. But, this one is enough.

It was the last week of 2008 when a group of workers drilled and paved the nearby roads at day and night. A night! Every single night for a week!! Thanks to their hard work, our apartment was shaking and the windows vibrating. The shake and the noise of drilling sometimes woke me up at 3am.

As a descendant of patient samurais, I endured that, hoping for a happy, peaceful new year. I was wrong. They're back to my neighborhood again. A couple of days ago, a flyer was slipped into my mail box. It says they are laying a new underground water pipes. Drilling again!!

Bring in Da Noise

They are unwelcome Santa Clauses, coming back every year and doing similar work. A couple of years ago, the roads were paved neatly. Then, somebody else came to lay water pipes or something just in a year. So, the roads are a mess now. I wonder why they can't do all the work at once.

Bring in Da Bump

A civil servant once said all these constructions around this time of year has one specific purpose: spending the money to keep up with their budget. Otherwise, the budget will be cut next year.

Yet, this time it might have anothe objective: a reminder for us a week before Barack Obama's inauguration. George Bush is still in White House, but everyone's eyes are on Obama. John McCain was always (if not sometimes) in a top news story just until a couple of months ago. Now nobody wonder where and how Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber are. Well, here they are! The female mayor (no governor) of my city must be a wanna-be Sarah Palin with the same slogan "drill, drill, drill!!" Joe the plumber and his friends are her big supporters laying water pipes. Sadly, the mayor's initiative is neiher for profit-making nor for national security.

スタバカ日誌 - Bean Around -

2009-01-04T18:19:00.005+09:00

A friend of mine told me the other day that Starbucks' Christmas Blend is getting worse year by year. I totally agreed with her. Last month I tried not to order drip coffee of the blend. But, it's not the only problem. Seemingly baristas don't know how to brew good, tasty coffee lately (I'll discuss it later).

Now Christmas is over, and I assumed I would have no more problems with that lousy blend. Until next December at least. I was too optimistic. The blend is still around with a different label: "Holiday Blend". I haven't specifically checked it, but it tastes almost same with the awful Christmas Blend.

Last year we, Japanese, were shocked by such news reports that meat processors labelled a different meat and food packers changed expiration dates and origins. I'm not saying that the specialty coffee brewer is making the same fraud. But, I am just disappointed. The only good news for now is that Starbucks stopped playing all those Xmas songs.

スタバカ日誌 - Caffeine and the Effects -

2009-01-02T09:52:00.007+09:00

"Who the hell do you think I am?!"

Everybody at a coffee shop turned where the yell came from. A woman sat with her arms folded across her chest. She was staring at a man in front of her.

Perhaps it wasn't exactly what she said, but it seemed to me that's what she meant to say. She was blaming loudly on her fiancé that he gave her only a gift for her B Day and Xmas, and also that he booked their wedding without asking her schedule. In the end, the hysteric lady even mentioned he's got to cancel their wedding and to pay all the costs.

spitfire

I wanted to advise them, "why don't you drink a cup of coffee first?" Cold coffee tastes lousy. A drip of caffeine only makes this fabulous, stylish, gorgeous fashion model-like girl even more untouchable, but it does have some effect on her boyfriend to relieve his pain: the pain of heartbreak. Or they shouldn't come to a Starbucks shop in the first place. That's why it is dubbed "the third place" not a battle field. Caffeine only helped flame on her anger.

"Survivor" (by Destiny's Child)

2008-12-18T11:06:00.004+09:00

We still have two weeks left, but the past one year has been a full of surprises and changes. No one can blame on those - except economists and fortune-tellers - who predicted the would-be 2008 events (The 10 Worst Predictions in 2008, Foreign Policy). They ain't Nostradamus. But, it's even surprising we're now immune to such surprises as Lehman's bankruptcy, all the baliout packages to financial and possibly to auto industries, layoffs, volatile stock and oil prices, America's new president-elect, etc.

Personally, I had some changes and a surprise this year as well. I quit my job, and passed U.S. CPA exams at last. And surprisingly, I haven't found a job yet. Given today's economic conditions, it's not surprising, but I don't regret my decision. Rather, I feel lucky not to be working at a Titanic company, and even feel excting and fun to be exposed to the stormy ocean.

We shall overcome!!

Best Albums of the Year

2008-12-11T21:50:00.000+09:00

According to Digital Music Report 2008 of IFPI, an international music industry association, digital music accounted for 15% of music sales in 2007. This new business has been growing rapidly, up by 40% from the previous year. Well, yes, downloading music is easy, instant and convenient. Upon watching MTV or listening to radio, one can buy a song at any time, even at midnight. No one will be lost in a huge HMV.

Yet, CDs (not credit-default swaps!) could be an insurance. With my computer frozen, I lost hundreds of music files several times, and had to upload them. While it's economical to buy a specific, favorite song at iTunes Store, some CDs like listed below are worth buying.

"The DEY Has Come" (the DEY)
A good news for those devastated with the Fugees' breakup and patiently waiting for a new album of Black Eyed Peas. !Muchas Gracious! Can't name favorite tracks 'cause almost all the songs are grrreat!! But, "I Need You" (M3) and "And I Miss You" (M4) make me cry.

"Seeing Sounds" (N.E.R.D.)
Speechless. This is the state-of-the-art music. Don't know which genre it belongs to. Rock? HipHop? Whatever. The best is the best. "You Know What" (M11) is my most favorite track.

"Hard Candy" (Madonna)
This is the first Madonna album I've ever purchased in my life. Well, she's a great performer, but it's Pharrell and Kanye who are doin' a fantastic job!!

If the credit crunch somehow had an impact on your budget this year, here are some songs you should check out at iTunes or any other online music stores.

"Live Your Life" (by T.I. feat. Rihanna): O-Zone's "Dragostea Din Tei" ("Words Of Love" or "恋のマイアヒ") was reborn.

"Change" (by T-Pain feat. Akon & Diddy): This year's keyword! Eric Clapton wrote "Change the World", the original song, in 1999, but did he expect somebody would "change" (i.e. arrange) his song?

"We Made It" (by Busta Rhymes feat. Linkin Park): My anthem of this year.

Bonus track:
You can check this "激ヤバ (Dangerous)" mashup at YouTube.
吉幾三×Capsule×DaftPunk×BeastieBoys　StarrySky - IKZOLOGIC Remix

"Change" (by T-Pain feat. Akon & Diddy)

2008-12-02T21:34:00.006+09:00

I have "apple" allergies. My throat gets itchy when I eat an apple.

Can't scratch my throat

Also, I've barely used an Apple product like a Mac computer or an iPod. I've been a Catholic Sony user for long time. Having purchased an iPod Nano a couple of weeks ago, however, I decided to moonwalk away from Sony's "walkman" brand. I warned you, Sony.

Can't scratch. No turntable

Now, I am able to download a lot more choices of my favorite HipHop songs, music videos and enjoyable Podcasting stuff from iTunes Store. The software automatically download the album covers unlike I had to manually copy and paste all my collection while using Sony. Plus, many languages are diplayable on the screens. I really appreciate this because I don't have to translate and typewrite hundreds of Korean songs into Japanese or English titles.

Of course, I have to bear some costs. Given incompatible formats of Sony's and iPod's, I spent my weekends for uploading hundreds of CDs. Not surprisingly, iPod has a shorter life of the battery than that of Sony's. I have been struggling to appropriately tune the volume since it is a bit intuitive in turning up or down just by using the click wheel in a rotational manner. Last but not least, it looks so ordinary. It's a little sad to accept the fact that I ain't a "like.no.other" any longer.

But, as Obama says, it's time to "CHANGE", isn't it?

"We Made It" (by Linkin Park feat. Busta Rhymes)

2008-11-19T10:06:00.008+09:00

It has always made me nervous when I checked this online exam score inquiry. But, no more nervous day. I got my score today. At last. The score of Auditing and Attestation, the last section of U.S. Certified Public Accountant exams.

Because I've already passed the Examination on Rules of Professional Conduct, now I just need wait for my certificate to come, and get a new job.

This isn't neither my plan A nor B. When I quit my job last March, the original plan was to take (and pass) two sections of the exams respectively in May and July. Given my exam results last August, however, I changed my focus on finding a new job rather than on studying Auditing and Attestation, the section I failed.

But, what can I say? That's life.

Since it took longer than I expected, I feel a sense of relief rather than that of achievement. But, thanks a lot to my friends who studied together, advised and supported me. Also to Starbucks. The specialty coffee chain is my study room where I sometimes stay as long as 5 hours per day, and a cup of drip coffee always jumpstart my brain. And last but not least, my special thanks to my wife. You're my cheerleader and lighthouse.

Now, is anyone interested in offering me a good job?

Welcome Back

2008-11-18T18:27:00.007+09:00

Although "Akafuku (赤福)" is back on store shelves early this year, I finally got this box today.

sweet treat, no more trick

スタバカ日誌 - What the third places are for -

2008-11-18T18:02:00.007+09:00

Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks, envisioned his specialty coffee store as a "third place" where people spend most of their time besides their home and office. So at Starbucks, customers not only sip coffee but also read a book, enjoy conversation or study. If lucky, a pretty barista passes you a sample of new coffee or food, and have a little chat.

But, not all are coming to the third place for such purposes. A young college student came in to a store the other day. He was talking on the phone (I don't know how he ordered his coffee). He kept talking for all his 1/2 hour at the store. Even when he left.

For an Asian couple, the coffee chain is merely a meeting place with a roof and aroma. A couple of days ago, an Asian girl was seated without a cup of coffee. Later, her boyfriend arrived. They didn't order anything, but talked for a while, and were gone.

Only God knows if Howie expected such visitors to his coffee stores. But, if the store doesn't welcome such people, I insist Starbucks stop playing all the Christmas songs right now but rather play some pop music like Madonna's "Hang Up" and will.i.am's "Spending Money".

Cheers

2008-11-05T19:11:00.007+09:00

Having watched Barack Obama's victory speech on CNN, I walked down to a nearby Starbucks coffee shop. Unlike Starbucks in U.S.A., the Japanese arm serves no free drip coffee. But, it did offer an alternative: "Kenya Coffee" for today's coffee - I have no clue whether it did on purpose. Although I had to wait for several minutes to be brewed and prepared, I picked a cup of "Kenya Coffee" rather than that of "Christmas Blend". (We have a plenty of time for celebrating Christmas!!)

a new president, a new America,

a new paper cup, a new insulating sleeve

and

a new world?!

After the "bitter" 8 years, what will the new administration be like? I also wonder how long a Caramel-Macchiato-like honeymoon will last. For your information, Starbucks describes Kenyan Coffee such that "medium-bodied Kenya has layers of flavor, from black currant or blackberry to sweet, tropical fruit" and that "the coffee is prized for its bright and refreshing quality." It wasn't my favorite flavor, though. I rather prefer "Breakfast Blend", "Espresso Roast" and "Colombia".

"SouthSide" (by Common feat. Kanye West)

2008-10-31T22:25:00.003+09:00

Back to Chicago again.

The sky's so high.

The weather is windy and chilly, so I headed south. A bit.

Double Chi (Chinatown in Chi-City)

To my surprise, Obama color is less dominant than I expected.

ODD...

Rather, more Michelle, Michelle and Michelle.

A new biography of Michelle Obama

The city is colored more by autumn than by the Obama campaign.

Perfect autumn color

Drinkability of this water fountain? I'm sure it's not BudLight, though.

I also stopped by the University of Chicago to congratulate Dr. Nambu, one of this year's Nobel prize winners, but couldn't find him.

"Rise & Fall" (Craig David feat. Sting)

2008-10-29T21:41:00.004+09:00

Last Friday a piece of USA Today article provided me an eye-opening view for watching this year's World Series. Coincidentally, the rivalry of the World Series has some similarities with that of the U.S. presidential election next month (but in only a week now!).

Tampa Bay Rays's General Manager Andrew Friedman is 31 years old, and Manager Joe Maddon 54. Owner Stuart Sternberg, 48, and President Matt Silverman, 32, are both young and former investment bankers from Goldman Sachs, and Friedman, a former Bear Sterns analyst, it's no wonder this team is good at data analysis and scouting. Needless to say, they constantly use Blackberries.

On the other hand, the Philadelphia Phillies's management team is "old-school baseball guys" of General Manager Pat Gillick, 71, and Manager Charlie Manuel, 64. The Phillies was founded in 1883 while Rays in 1998.

All look familiar? Yes, the Phillies is just like John McCain, 72, and the Rays Barack Obama, 47. They even have a similar twist (read the article for the details) such that Obama appointed experienced, 65-year-old Joe Biden for his running mate while Sarah Palin, 44, for McCain's running mate.

Will the old-school guys survive as life expectancy gets higher? We will see those results as early as today or in a week, but this is a kind of dynamism America has, I believe. What about Japan? Well, its politics seems hopeless, but as appointing Tatsunori Hara, 50, for the manager, there is ray of light for the team Japan of the World Baseball Classic.

After all, as somebody said, baseball is national pastime. And hopefully international one.

Global Festa 2008

2008-10-05T20:20:00.008+09:00

Hope you didn't miss this year's Global Festa Japan at Hibiya Park.

Embassies, NGOs, international organizations and some CSR-conscious corporations - over 200 in total - were present, introducing their countries and activities, selling foods, drinks and souvenirs, or recruiting volunteers and job applicants. It's always fun to sneak around at such an event, but this year I feel very lucky to be there when a panel discussion was held.

It was a discussion of four panelists. They were:
Misako Konno, an actress and a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador
Masato Kitera, Director-General, International Cooperation Bureau from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Yukie Osa, a representative of Association for Aid and Relief Japan, a NGO, and
Nobuhiko Hanasato, a professor of Nagoya University

Introducing how JICA volunteers were helping the people in Africa, what the Japanese government is doing by holding TICAD and what NGO frontline is like, they discussed what and how Japanese can contribute for global good. The discussion was resourceful and insightful, but Ms. Osa's story was especially inspiring. She quit her job at an foreign financial institution to join AAR. Her salary was down by two thirds!! I can't make such a move, but the stories and discussion of "Fantastic Four" gave me an opportunity to think about how I can take part in an NGO activity and how to build my career.

I would like to thank all the four panelists, but above all, my big applause to an NHK anchor, Aiko Doden. As a moderator, she tossed insightful questions and guided sometimes-Möbius-loop-like discussion. Her job was splendid!!

a US$10 T-shirt for feeding North Korean refugees in China

For more details, check Life Funds for North Korean Refugees.

By the way, it was too bad that I wasn't qualified for this year's ODA monitor to Africa, which Ms. Konno also joined.

"Eat to Live" 2 (by Talib Kweli)

2008-10-02T20:44:00.003+09:00

Wow, so it turned out General Electric is a next dish for Warren Buffett.
$3billion.

But, it's not his "Last Supper", is it?
It seems too early to have a cup of coffee and dessert of the meal.

"How Bad Do U Want It" (by MC Sniper)

2008-09-27T18:08:00.004+09:00

It's old but new. I love this joke.

When your neighbour loses his job, it is called an economic slowdown.
When you lose your job, it is a recession.
But when an economist loses his job, it becomes a depression.

So, where are you guys at?

I read this joke at Economics focus.

"Eat to Live" (by Talib Kweli)

2008-09-25T22:50:00.007+09:00

According to my Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary,
"buffet" means:

a. a counter for refreshments
b. a restaurant operated as a public convenience
c. a meal set out on a buffet or table for ready access and informal service

Now it's Buffet time! (no "T" but maybe with some coffee?) Here comes a Takeru Kobayashi, the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest until he lost in 2007. Reportedly, Warren Buffett swallowed low-fat Goldman Sachs for $5 billion. So, what will be on his next dish?

"Eats, Shoots & Leaves"

2008-09-24T18:45:00.012+09:00

A couple of years ago, a business professor told not me but American students to read "Eats, Shoots & Leaves". It's a book about punctuation. It's one of the most common grammatical mistakes Americans make. Although I have to admit my English is lousy, however, I don't make such a mistake.

So, I haven't read the book, have no plan to read it and am not gonna write about it. Sorry, but if you're interested in the book, just check Amazon.com. I just like the title because it symbolizes how one can enjoy at the Showa Kinen Park, a national park in western Tokyo.

Eats

waiting patiently for the market to float

This little turtle (pictured above) reminded me of old Korean literature. The poem, 거북가, goes like this:

거북아, 거북아 머리를 내놔라
(A little turtle, a little one, get your head out of the shell)
내놓지 않으면 구워서 먹으리
(If you don't, I grill and eat ya!)

I was 17 years old or so when I learned this poem. Ever since, I've been wondering if turtle is edible...

Need FRB chairman's due care

Of course, we didn't eat turtle but beef, pork and vegetables!!

Shoots

Is market a mirror of economy?

With gardens, forests, fields, playgrounds and swimming pools, the 163-hectare park has plenty of photo shooting spots. The Japanese Garden is my favorite place in the park. Ooops, the picture above is upside down!

No more trick (until Halloween maybe). By playing sumo wrestling with the earth, I fixed the problem. Here you go. It's always good to have a different ponit of view, though.

museum?!

You can view this painting-like landscape at the Japanese Garden as well. Give yourself a time for meditation.

& Leaves

Exhausted...

The park closes at 5pm. Plan early to exit 'cause it sometimes take half an hour to get out of the park.

And REMEMBER, LADIES. Don't go shopping at Takashimaya or Isetan department store after enjoying conversation with nature (and your significant other) at the park. Never ever. Instead, by stopping by Krispy Kreme or Starbucks at Tachikawa, give your partner sweet treat. It has to come back to "eats". Life is karma.

By the way, the park is located at just 30 minutes from Shinjuku by train, and only JPY400 admission fee.

PS. Tomi, thanks for joining us yesterday. Hope you guys enjoyed.

Tsunami Warning

2008-09-10T21:38:00.002+09:00

Tsunami is coming. The tsunami of new album release by my favorite HipHop (or R&B) artists.

Be prepared.

Common's "Invincible Summer" in Sep 17
John Legend's "Evolver" in Oct 22
Beyonce's new album in Nov 12
Kanye West's "808’s & Heartbreak" in Dec 16
Reportedly Jay-Z has been recording for "Blueprint 3"

I'll be listening to the DEY for the time being.

But, what happened with Busta Rhymes's new album "Blessed"? I've been waiting for three months since the original release date!

スタバカ日誌　～"豆"知識～

2008-09-10T20:54:00.006+09:00

2～3年前から韓国で"된장녀 (テンジャンニョ)"という言葉が流行するようになったそうだ。直訳すると"味噌女"だけど、"みそっかす"にも通じるかも知れない。意味は変化しているようだが、スタバにハマる20～30代女性を指しているらしい。

ソイラテのように、エスプレッソと豆乳の相性は良い。コーヒーも元々豆だっただけに。そういえば八丁味噌を練り込んだパウンドケーキも一時期店頭で販売してたっけ。

東京でスタバに行くと外人が多いけど、大抵は欧米の人ばかりだった。でも、今年の夏ぐらいから韓国人をよく見かけるようになった。もちろん、以前からいたけど、急増した感じ。ちょっと前のウォン高から、円高ウォン安になったはずだけど、夏休みに遊びに来た人、或いは留学中の人たちだろうか。無防備に韓国語でおしゃべりしてるので、こっちもいつの間にか耳がダンボ。

조심하세요, 된장녀 여러분!! ㅋㅋ
気を付けてください、味噌女の皆さん!! (笑)

"Thank You" (by Boyz II Men)

2008-09-07T20:49:00.003+09:00

Bose II Man

読むクスリ

2008-09-06T16:31:00.006+09:00

近頃近所のカフェにハマっている。

7月に知人に教えてもらい、妻と一緒に行ってみたのだけど、ボサノバの流れる落ち着いた雰囲気の店で、ソファも多くゆったりできるので、夫婦揃って気に入ってしまった。日本（というか東京）にはこんなカフェあんまりないもんね。お客も地元の人ばかりだけど、オープンして間もないせいか、常連さんグループが幅を利かせていないところも良い。

ただ、2階と屋上のカフェ・スペースの内、屋上の方はまだ準備中らしく、未だ開放されていない。

私：　屋上用のテーブルとか椅子をまだ買ってないのかな。
妻：　それに照明とかカトリシンゴも必要なんじゃない。
私：　香取慎吾?!
妻：　うん、蚊に刺されるかも知れないし。

・・・蚊取り線香ね。確かに発音は似てるなあ。

「タモリのジャポニカロゴス」の「言いまつがい」やタモリ倶楽部の「空耳アワー」も笑えるけど、外国人の妻もなかなか面白い。しばらく腹を抱えて笑った。

座布団、一枚。

"One More Chance" (by will.i.am)

2008-08-29T09:17:00.006+09:00

Here comes the moment of truth. At last.

I got my last mid-July CPA exam results; I passed two exams, BEC and FAR, but failed AUD. Shame on me.

So, with REG last May, I got three credits in total. Now all I need is to pass AUD. And Professional Ethics for getting a certificate. But, I will do them after starting my new job. This is the priority.

AUD: Auditing & Attestation
BEC: Business Environment & Concepts
FAR: Financial Accounting & Reporting
REG: Regulation

PS. btw, the pv of "One More Chance" is pretty cool.