When I am not at work, I am working. Being the borderline workaholic that I am, I engage my free time in a valiant attempt to improve Japanese English abilities and line my pocket with a few more yen. On Monday and Tuesday nights, I teach a junior high school student who was fortunate enough to enjoy three weeks in Switzerland this summer participating in a summer camp.
With just three weeks of exposure to English, his ability and cofidence in the language increased dramatically. He is no longer afraid of making mistakes and actively attempts to expand his vocabulary and attempt new grammatical constructions. It is certainly refreshing for me since the majority of students are reserved and shy when I attempt to engage them in English conversation and are stumped sometimes by the most rudimentary of questions.
Unfortunately, this newfound confidence has created some friction amongst his classmates at school. Last night he recounted the story of fighting three boys who were upset over his English ability. According to my student, he is answering too many questions and speaking too much in class. Whether or not there are other factors involved, I cannot be sure but it is common for students who attempt to demonstrate their abilities to be shunned and ostracized by their classmates. Thus, most students will not volunteer an answer since it draws unwarranted attention to themselves. This perpetuates the teacher directed learning that dominates the classroom. The teacher stands at the front while the rest of the students "absorb" the information while staring "intently" at their notebook. Unfortunately, more often than not, absorb is really deflect and intently is more likely to be blankly.
Learning a language is a perfect subject for actively engaging the students. Unfortunately, it is often a struggle to involve the students in an interactive manner. In fact, a Japanese English teacher that I teach with recently lamented that he wished he taught at university since he could just lecture and not worry about class participation.
However, learning a language also requires that the students are not afraid to take risks and make mistakes. This can be very difficult in the Japanese classroom environment. Often the analogy is made to the nail that sticks up being hammered down. However, rather than the external force of the hammer, the classmates themselves pull the student back into the woodwork of conformity.
I can only hope that my student strives to improve his English while not adversely affecting his relationship with his peers. It is a delicate balance and Japanese schools are unfortunately littered with students who have been unable to conform sufficiently.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Long, long ago...
Joel recently mentioned in his blog about his thwarted attempt to register for the annual Japanese Language Proficiency Test held on the first Sunday of December. Although I do consider myself a touch more organized than my friend, I certainly emphathize with his plight. Despite the facade of high tech wizardry that surrounds Japan, much of what goes on behind the scenes in offices and governments harks back to scenes from Canadian offices circa the 1970's. The whole application process involves a lot of unnecessary aggravation.
First, one must find an application form which is not an easy task since they are not readily available. Last year, the closest bookstore in Oita that stocked the form (60km from where I live) had sold out of their allotment. So, in a pre-emptive move, I headed to the city of Kitakyushu to pick one up, using the rationale that the bigger city would have more forms and more locations. Alas, all their forms were gone. Disappointed but not defeated, I headed to another bookstore in Oita at a large shopping complex (home of the pet raccoon). Finally, I found the coveted application form although I did have to debate with the clerk for a few minutes over the deadline. He was sure that the application deadline had passed and that they had no more left. Fortunately, I persisted and after opening a few drawers, I was 500 yen poorer but in possession of the allusive form.
At first, I was a little miffed about having to pay for an application form. However, I do see the logic in trying to prevent people from casually picking up the form without any real intention of applying. The 500 yen probably provides enough of a deterent to the whimsical. Yet, the whole idea of having to locate a piece of paper and accompanying instructions at select stores throughout the country strikes me as antiquated. Given the pervasiveness of the internet, why not make the form available online so that potential applicants have easy access? This would have saved me and probably many others from the need to crisscross the prefecture in search of a form.
I was able to take advantage of my digital camera to produce the required picture for the application form. This is certainly more convenient than heading for the local photo studio as I had to do in the past. After carefully filling in the form, I headed to the post office where I had to fill in a money order, have the forms stamped, and sent away by registered mail. The process at the post office took approximately 15 minutes. Unlike Joel, I took some time between classes to attend to this business. In Innai, the post office is not open on weekends so I was unable to the experience the frustration of discovering that they don't do registered mail on a Sunday. After paying for the application form, the test fee, the money order fee, and the registered mail fee, the total price came to about 6,500 yen or about $80 CDN which is $20 more than the fee charged in Vancouver. In addition, I was able to download the form, write a cheque and send it off in the mail which was far more convenient and efficient than all the steps that I had to endure in Japan. Furthermore, the application deadline is September 27 rather than the September 12 date in Japan. Note to Joel, if your reading this, you can still take level 2 in Canada!
Japan does have a reputation for high tech and I am sure that international companies such as Honda and Sony have behind the scene operations that are efficient and modern. However, my town office still uses dot matrix printers and carbon paper to produce many of their documents. Intraoffice mail is not used and all memos are passed around in paper form where each member of the office stamps it with his personal seal. Hours are recorded with mechanical punch cards and piles of paper frequently avalanche onto my desk from the pulpy piles that periodically build on my coworkers desk. At schools, many teachers still employ word processors that are equivalent of electronic typewriters and many school newsletters are still written by hand. Student marks are submitted in paper form and the report cards are all carefully assembled by hand.
Admittedly, not everything modern is necessarily better. A handwritten newsletter feels more personal. Hardcopies of documents always feel a little more reassuring than an electronic representation. Sometimes, I do feel like I am living in the past when in Japan which is in direct opposition to the image portrayed in the media. I do realize that living in a small town probably exaceberates this feeling but registering for the test reminds me that even national level organizations still adhere to more traditional methods.
First, one must find an application form which is not an easy task since they are not readily available. Last year, the closest bookstore in Oita that stocked the form (60km from where I live) had sold out of their allotment. So, in a pre-emptive move, I headed to the city of Kitakyushu to pick one up, using the rationale that the bigger city would have more forms and more locations. Alas, all their forms were gone. Disappointed but not defeated, I headed to another bookstore in Oita at a large shopping complex (home of the pet raccoon). Finally, I found the coveted application form although I did have to debate with the clerk for a few minutes over the deadline. He was sure that the application deadline had passed and that they had no more left. Fortunately, I persisted and after opening a few drawers, I was 500 yen poorer but in possession of the allusive form.
At first, I was a little miffed about having to pay for an application form. However, I do see the logic in trying to prevent people from casually picking up the form without any real intention of applying. The 500 yen probably provides enough of a deterent to the whimsical. Yet, the whole idea of having to locate a piece of paper and accompanying instructions at select stores throughout the country strikes me as antiquated. Given the pervasiveness of the internet, why not make the form available online so that potential applicants have easy access? This would have saved me and probably many others from the need to crisscross the prefecture in search of a form.
I was able to take advantage of my digital camera to produce the required picture for the application form. This is certainly more convenient than heading for the local photo studio as I had to do in the past. After carefully filling in the form, I headed to the post office where I had to fill in a money order, have the forms stamped, and sent away by registered mail. The process at the post office took approximately 15 minutes. Unlike Joel, I took some time between classes to attend to this business. In Innai, the post office is not open on weekends so I was unable to the experience the frustration of discovering that they don't do registered mail on a Sunday. After paying for the application form, the test fee, the money order fee, and the registered mail fee, the total price came to about 6,500 yen or about $80 CDN which is $20 more than the fee charged in Vancouver. In addition, I was able to download the form, write a cheque and send it off in the mail which was far more convenient and efficient than all the steps that I had to endure in Japan. Furthermore, the application deadline is September 27 rather than the September 12 date in Japan. Note to Joel, if your reading this, you can still take level 2 in Canada!
Japan does have a reputation for high tech and I am sure that international companies such as Honda and Sony have behind the scene operations that are efficient and modern. However, my town office still uses dot matrix printers and carbon paper to produce many of their documents. Intraoffice mail is not used and all memos are passed around in paper form where each member of the office stamps it with his personal seal. Hours are recorded with mechanical punch cards and piles of paper frequently avalanche onto my desk from the pulpy piles that periodically build on my coworkers desk. At schools, many teachers still employ word processors that are equivalent of electronic typewriters and many school newsletters are still written by hand. Student marks are submitted in paper form and the report cards are all carefully assembled by hand.
Admittedly, not everything modern is necessarily better. A handwritten newsletter feels more personal. Hardcopies of documents always feel a little more reassuring than an electronic representation. Sometimes, I do feel like I am living in the past when in Japan which is in direct opposition to the image portrayed in the media. I do realize that living in a small town probably exaceberates this feeling but registering for the test reminds me that even national level organizations still adhere to more traditional methods.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Japanese Female Degree Holders
An article posted on Japan Today's website cites a recent OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) states that Japan possesses the lowest ratio of female degree holder's among the groups 30 members. Unfortunately, the article is rather sparse in specifics and I have been unable to find the original survery at the moment. However, I will venture a few personal observations on why Japan, a country that prides itself on its education system, possesses so few female degree holders.
Observation #1
Japan has a system of female junior colleges that offer 2 years of higher education. Unlike the college system in Canada which often acts as a stepping stone towards university, once the students graduate, they generally enter the workforce. From people I have met, they tend to focus on subjects such as child care, cooking, clerical skills, and languages. Thus, after graduating, they enter the workforce until they are married. Most of my female Japanese friends tend to work in offices doing basic accounting and clerical work at hospitals or offices. Once they find or are introduced to their husband, they often quit their jobs to focus on rearing children. Once the children enter the school system, they often return to the workforce in the same position as before. Thus, the junior college system helps to ensure that females do not gain the education necessary for advancement in the workplace.
Observation #2
From magazines to television, the objectification of women is rampant in Japanese society. Even on regular daytime shows, women parade around in bikinis to advertise products. Women's roles in variety shows seems primarily relegated to either a supporting role or giving looks of surprise and shock when they are exposed to something new. With few exceptions, women are in the background while the male host is in obvious control. Therefore, female viewers are exposed to very few role models who display the benefits of higher education and, instead, are shown that exuding cuteness and innocence is what is expected of them.
Observation#3
In my town office, all the important officals are male. For example, in the board of education with a staff of six including me, two are females. One, as expected, plays the role of the clerical worker, making copies and ensuring that our tea cups are always full of hot green tea. The other is the assistant to the section head. She is constantly busy, answering the phone, dealing with mountains of paperwork and all her other responsibilties. Her frenzied level of activity is in sharp contrast to the leisurely paced section chief. His mornings always begin with a carefully reading of the morning paper. It is often followed by checking out the catalogue of the latest product that he wants to purchase. Most tellingly, when 5 o'clock arrives, he is the first to punch his card and make a quick exit. The assistant, however, almost never leaves at 5 and on the odd occassion that she does, other people make sarcastic comments. From what I can perceive, despite enduring long hours and demonstrating ceaseless dedication, most females are never rewarded with promotion or increases in pay. Given this lack of recognition and chance for advancement, it is little wonder that many females are content with remaining in positions that offer comparable pay but do not require a huge sacrifice in their personal lives.
Obviously, these are just personal observations and lack any rigorous investigation. However, it is sad to see obviously talented and exceptional females being unable to fulfill their potential due to a system that does not reward female's for pursuing their education and careers. Obviously, there are exceptions and many Japanese females have made important contributions in a variety of fields. However, as the survey indicates, many Japanese females are denied the ability to fulfill their potential by a society that tends to relegate females to supporting roles and looking good on TV.
Observation #1
Japan has a system of female junior colleges that offer 2 years of higher education. Unlike the college system in Canada which often acts as a stepping stone towards university, once the students graduate, they generally enter the workforce. From people I have met, they tend to focus on subjects such as child care, cooking, clerical skills, and languages. Thus, after graduating, they enter the workforce until they are married. Most of my female Japanese friends tend to work in offices doing basic accounting and clerical work at hospitals or offices. Once they find or are introduced to their husband, they often quit their jobs to focus on rearing children. Once the children enter the school system, they often return to the workforce in the same position as before. Thus, the junior college system helps to ensure that females do not gain the education necessary for advancement in the workplace.
Observation #2
From magazines to television, the objectification of women is rampant in Japanese society. Even on regular daytime shows, women parade around in bikinis to advertise products. Women's roles in variety shows seems primarily relegated to either a supporting role or giving looks of surprise and shock when they are exposed to something new. With few exceptions, women are in the background while the male host is in obvious control. Therefore, female viewers are exposed to very few role models who display the benefits of higher education and, instead, are shown that exuding cuteness and innocence is what is expected of them.
Observation#3
In my town office, all the important officals are male. For example, in the board of education with a staff of six including me, two are females. One, as expected, plays the role of the clerical worker, making copies and ensuring that our tea cups are always full of hot green tea. The other is the assistant to the section head. She is constantly busy, answering the phone, dealing with mountains of paperwork and all her other responsibilties. Her frenzied level of activity is in sharp contrast to the leisurely paced section chief. His mornings always begin with a carefully reading of the morning paper. It is often followed by checking out the catalogue of the latest product that he wants to purchase. Most tellingly, when 5 o'clock arrives, he is the first to punch his card and make a quick exit. The assistant, however, almost never leaves at 5 and on the odd occassion that she does, other people make sarcastic comments. From what I can perceive, despite enduring long hours and demonstrating ceaseless dedication, most females are never rewarded with promotion or increases in pay. Given this lack of recognition and chance for advancement, it is little wonder that many females are content with remaining in positions that offer comparable pay but do not require a huge sacrifice in their personal lives.
Obviously, these are just personal observations and lack any rigorous investigation. However, it is sad to see obviously talented and exceptional females being unable to fulfill their potential due to a system that does not reward female's for pursuing their education and careers. Obviously, there are exceptions and many Japanese females have made important contributions in a variety of fields. However, as the survey indicates, many Japanese females are denied the ability to fulfill their potential by a society that tends to relegate females to supporting roles and looking good on TV.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Presidential War Records Part II
I don't usually watch TV at 4 o'clock on a Tuesday morning, but the howling winds of the typhoon prompted me to head downstairs and stuff a few plastic bags into the hood scoop of my car. After returning, I turned on the TV for a typhoon update. After verifying that the typhoon was indeed on course to batter my town, I switched to the satelitte channel where they were rebroadcasting an ABC news program "This Week" hosted by George Stephanopoulos. The discourse centred around the Republican Convention and focussed on using the Vietnam War Records as a central issue in the campaign.
Mr. Stephanopoulus interviewed Senator John McCain. Although I am not too familiar with the Senator, he continued to denounce the ads that attacked Senator Kerry's war record and asked for everyone to move on and put the events of 30 years ago behind and focus on the future. Later, a political strategist with the Bush campaign continued the same theme of how Bush is forward looking while Kerry continues to harp upon his past.
I do agree that the debate over presidential war records should merit only minor consideration when it comes to chosing the president. However, I cannot help but feel that the Bush campaign is again using dirty political tricks to discredit Senator Kerry while appearing to be "above the fray."
I recall reading, perhaps in Al Franken's book, about the political tricks employed by the Bush team during the 2000 election and during the transition. One trick was the insidious push-poll where pollsters would phone up potential voters and ask a hypothetical question. For example, they would ask whether they would be more or less likely to vote for Senator Kerry if he had lied about his war record. Although there is no basis in fact for the statement, the seed of doubt is planted and the voter may be inclined to believe it as true. Another trick was used during the transition between the Clinton and Bush administration. Rumours spread that the Democrats were vandalizing and damaging the White House in an attempt to thwart a smooth takeover. When asked about for more details or concrete evidence, the Bush team responded that they would not produce it because they did not want to involve themselves in dirty politics. They were, again, "above the fray". Both of these tactics allowed the Republicans to plant seeds of doubt and distrust in the mind's of voters and then portray themselves as holier and purer than their opponents by refusing to discuss the issue any further since they did not play such dirty political games.
The same strategy seems to be in operation now. After bringing up Mr. Kerry's war record, publicly questioning the validity of his decorations, accusing him of lying to receive his medals, the Republicans now want to move on before the discussion of Bush and Cheney's lack of war records becomes too heated. The damage to Senator Kerry's reputation has been done and now the Republicans want to portray Senator Kerry as someone fixated on the past and unable to focus on the future.
Whether or not Karl Rove and the Bush team was directly involved in the making of the ads that attacked Kerry's war record is a rather moot point. The ad was politically motivated and it worked to undermine the public's trust in Kerry. Now the situation is ripe for the Bush team to take advantage by denouncing the ads, giving the appearance of virtue. Furthermore, they are now able to criticize Kerry as a leader fixated on the past as he attempts to defend his past, while Bush (who conveniently doesn't discuss his war record) looks to the future and a war he cannot win.
Politics is a dirty game and the team that plays it the best is often the winner. Karl Rove and his team seem to be the most able to manipulate stories, twist the truth, and convince voters that Bush is the best person to lead the country while the Democrats seem to have trouble capitalizing on all the blunders and miscues that Bush and his handlers make.
May the best marketing team win!
Mr. Stephanopoulus interviewed Senator John McCain. Although I am not too familiar with the Senator, he continued to denounce the ads that attacked Senator Kerry's war record and asked for everyone to move on and put the events of 30 years ago behind and focus on the future. Later, a political strategist with the Bush campaign continued the same theme of how Bush is forward looking while Kerry continues to harp upon his past.
I do agree that the debate over presidential war records should merit only minor consideration when it comes to chosing the president. However, I cannot help but feel that the Bush campaign is again using dirty political tricks to discredit Senator Kerry while appearing to be "above the fray."
I recall reading, perhaps in Al Franken's book, about the political tricks employed by the Bush team during the 2000 election and during the transition. One trick was the insidious push-poll where pollsters would phone up potential voters and ask a hypothetical question. For example, they would ask whether they would be more or less likely to vote for Senator Kerry if he had lied about his war record. Although there is no basis in fact for the statement, the seed of doubt is planted and the voter may be inclined to believe it as true. Another trick was used during the transition between the Clinton and Bush administration. Rumours spread that the Democrats were vandalizing and damaging the White House in an attempt to thwart a smooth takeover. When asked about for more details or concrete evidence, the Bush team responded that they would not produce it because they did not want to involve themselves in dirty politics. They were, again, "above the fray". Both of these tactics allowed the Republicans to plant seeds of doubt and distrust in the mind's of voters and then portray themselves as holier and purer than their opponents by refusing to discuss the issue any further since they did not play such dirty political games.
The same strategy seems to be in operation now. After bringing up Mr. Kerry's war record, publicly questioning the validity of his decorations, accusing him of lying to receive his medals, the Republicans now want to move on before the discussion of Bush and Cheney's lack of war records becomes too heated. The damage to Senator Kerry's reputation has been done and now the Republicans want to portray Senator Kerry as someone fixated on the past and unable to focus on the future.
Whether or not Karl Rove and the Bush team was directly involved in the making of the ads that attacked Kerry's war record is a rather moot point. The ad was politically motivated and it worked to undermine the public's trust in Kerry. Now the situation is ripe for the Bush team to take advantage by denouncing the ads, giving the appearance of virtue. Furthermore, they are now able to criticize Kerry as a leader fixated on the past as he attempts to defend his past, while Bush (who conveniently doesn't discuss his war record) looks to the future and a war he cannot win.
Politics is a dirty game and the team that plays it the best is often the winner. Karl Rove and his team seem to be the most able to manipulate stories, twist the truth, and convince voters that Bush is the best person to lead the country while the Democrats seem to have trouble capitalizing on all the blunders and miscues that Bush and his handlers make.
May the best marketing team win!
Monday, September 06, 2004
My Pet Raccoon
On the weekend I visited Oita's Park Place, a medium sized retail-entertainment complex located near the Big-Eye Stadium about 20 minutes from downtown Oita City. Amongst the many shops is a pet store that often stocks rather unusual pets.
Last year I was surprised to see a praire dog sitting in a cage. I had never considered prairie dogs to be pets but then I originally thought ferrets to be unusual companions. However, after taking care of my neighbours two ferrets for about a month, their idiosyncrocies and playfulness endeared them to me. Bear and Muffin were affectionate, loved to be held (as long as your nose wasn't too close to Bear's face) and would actually chase my sister and I around the yard. When the owners returned, they were amazed at the change; the sheen of their fur, their improved personalities.
My family also acquired a particularly unique bird from a friend. A Red Lorry, the bird had been a gift to my friend's father. Although Laurel, as she became known, had all her physcial needs met, she was largely ignored and placed in a cage distinctly lacking in distractions. Consequently, she occupied most of her time making lots of ungodly noises. After a few weeks and many tears shed, Laurel gradually began to warm to us and become an integral part of our family. The most endearing trait is her ability to speak. Combined with her intelligence, she can almost engage in a simple conversation. Approaching her cage elicits a "hello" while a wave of the hand initiates a "bye-bye". Opening a cupboard causes her to cry out for a delicious cookie while giving her a kiss makes her whisper, "I love you." And, when you try to ignore her, she will ask in the sweetest voice, "What'cha doing?"
However, on Saturday, I was in for a little bit of a shock. Sitting in a cage priced at approximately $2000 CDN, was a あらいぐま which literally translates into a washing bear. This raccoon looked distraught as it paced back and forth, making whimpering sounds and occassionally stretching his paws through the bars. For me, raccoons had always been wild animals that visited at night in search of food. A neighbour who was fond of all animals, would feed a family nightly for many years. Every evening, the family would make its pilgrimage to the neighbour's back door, mounting the fence and trapezing along the top until it reached her yard. The family, always traveling in a well disciplined single file followed their route so religiously that a path was gradually worn into the lawn. Although the raccoons would approach the house without fear, they were never friendly and shied away from any contact with humans.
Certainly, raccoons are charming looking animals. Their colouring, especially the black band that covers their eyes, gives them a unique appearance. Their ability to manipulate objects with their paws gives them an almost human quality. Most importantly, the fuzziness of their fur endows them with an undeniable cute, cuddly factor.
Looking at a couple of internet sites, it quickly becomes apparent that raccoons do not make wonderful pets. Most sites recommend liability insurance, and strongly warn against keeping raccoons in captivity. Other issues include 3 to 4 months a year of increased aggressiveness during mating season, being particularly sloppy eaters due to the need to dip their food in water, and the threat of obesity as they require a specialized diet and ample exercise. Given that most Japanese live in an urban setting and lead busy lives, I cannot envision a raccoon living a happy existence inside a home.
My only hope is the pet store strongly cautions potential customers of the dangers and challenges that owning a raccoon entails. However, given its prominent location at the front of the store, I fear that the store will sell the animal to anyone with the money and the desire to have a unique pet.
Last year I was surprised to see a praire dog sitting in a cage. I had never considered prairie dogs to be pets but then I originally thought ferrets to be unusual companions. However, after taking care of my neighbours two ferrets for about a month, their idiosyncrocies and playfulness endeared them to me. Bear and Muffin were affectionate, loved to be held (as long as your nose wasn't too close to Bear's face) and would actually chase my sister and I around the yard. When the owners returned, they were amazed at the change; the sheen of their fur, their improved personalities.
My family also acquired a particularly unique bird from a friend. A Red Lorry, the bird had been a gift to my friend's father. Although Laurel, as she became known, had all her physcial needs met, she was largely ignored and placed in a cage distinctly lacking in distractions. Consequently, she occupied most of her time making lots of ungodly noises. After a few weeks and many tears shed, Laurel gradually began to warm to us and become an integral part of our family. The most endearing trait is her ability to speak. Combined with her intelligence, she can almost engage in a simple conversation. Approaching her cage elicits a "hello" while a wave of the hand initiates a "bye-bye". Opening a cupboard causes her to cry out for a delicious cookie while giving her a kiss makes her whisper, "I love you." And, when you try to ignore her, she will ask in the sweetest voice, "What'cha doing?"
However, on Saturday, I was in for a little bit of a shock. Sitting in a cage priced at approximately $2000 CDN, was a あらいぐま which literally translates into a washing bear. This raccoon looked distraught as it paced back and forth, making whimpering sounds and occassionally stretching his paws through the bars. For me, raccoons had always been wild animals that visited at night in search of food. A neighbour who was fond of all animals, would feed a family nightly for many years. Every evening, the family would make its pilgrimage to the neighbour's back door, mounting the fence and trapezing along the top until it reached her yard. The family, always traveling in a well disciplined single file followed their route so religiously that a path was gradually worn into the lawn. Although the raccoons would approach the house without fear, they were never friendly and shied away from any contact with humans.
Certainly, raccoons are charming looking animals. Their colouring, especially the black band that covers their eyes, gives them a unique appearance. Their ability to manipulate objects with their paws gives them an almost human quality. Most importantly, the fuzziness of their fur endows them with an undeniable cute, cuddly factor.
Looking at a couple of internet sites, it quickly becomes apparent that raccoons do not make wonderful pets. Most sites recommend liability insurance, and strongly warn against keeping raccoons in captivity. Other issues include 3 to 4 months a year of increased aggressiveness during mating season, being particularly sloppy eaters due to the need to dip their food in water, and the threat of obesity as they require a specialized diet and ample exercise. Given that most Japanese live in an urban setting and lead busy lives, I cannot envision a raccoon living a happy existence inside a home.
My only hope is the pet store strongly cautions potential customers of the dangers and challenges that owning a raccoon entails. However, given its prominent location at the front of the store, I fear that the store will sell the animal to anyone with the money and the desire to have a unique pet.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Japan's Nuclear Industry
Although Japan regularly records large monthly trade surpluses, approximately 80% of Japan's energy is foreign sourced making the country extremely vulnerable to fluctuations in the price and supply of oil. In an attempt to alleviate this dependency, Japan has embarked on an ambitious nuclear program. At present, 25% of Japan's electricity is produced by nuclear fission at 53 reactors throughout the country.
However, the industry has been plagued with a series of accidents in the recent years which have called into question the safety of these operations. The latest accident occurred on August 9th in Fukui prefecture. Although no radiation was released, four workers were killed when superheated steam burst from a pipe that had gradually deteriorated from an original thickness of 10mm to 0.6mm. In 1999, workers mixing uranium in buckets caused a release of radiation in the Tokaimura power plant north of Tokyo forcing the evacuation of local residents and resulting in the death of several employees.
Web surfing on this topic lead me to an interesting article posted by the BBC concerning Japan's "nuclear slaves" in 1999. According to the article, many non-technical jobs such as cleaning around the reactors are contracted out by the nuclear power company to sub-contractors. These sub-contractors frequently hire homeless or disadvantaged people, offering them wages that are higher than they would otherwise expect to receive. The workers are then subjected to dangerous working conditions and are not educated on the risks that they are taking. Since these people are homeless, they are seen as expendible and their health woes will largely go unnoticed. An official from The Japan Atomic Power Company noted that although the company follows the national safety standards, it does not involve itself in the hiring practices of its subcontractors nor does it track the health of these temporary workers.
Another article of interest I discovered concerns the safety and training issues that lead to the 1999 nuclear accident at Tokaimura which did result in a leak of radiation. The article highlights the saftey regulations that were ignored in the interests of cost cutting, the lack of training given to workers, and the attempts to keep the accident as quiet as possible by ignoring reporting procedures and failing to give timely evacuation orders to surrounding residents.
When I lived in Miyagi, my homestay father worked at the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant located on the Pacific Coast approximately 450km north of Tokyo. I was able to take a tour of the plant and I did come away impressed with the apparent cleanliness and efficiency of the plant. However, I realize appearances can be deceiving and I don't pretend to have any expertise in evaluating nuclear power safety. What actually goes on behind the scenes and what the conditions were inside the other reactors, I will never know. However, given what I have read, my jokes about my homestay father glowing and mysteriously being able to turn on electrical appliances may not be as far-fetched as I hoped. All I can be thankful for is that there are no nuclear power plants located close to my town. Click here to see where the closest nuclear power plant to you is located.
However, the industry has been plagued with a series of accidents in the recent years which have called into question the safety of these operations. The latest accident occurred on August 9th in Fukui prefecture. Although no radiation was released, four workers were killed when superheated steam burst from a pipe that had gradually deteriorated from an original thickness of 10mm to 0.6mm. In 1999, workers mixing uranium in buckets caused a release of radiation in the Tokaimura power plant north of Tokyo forcing the evacuation of local residents and resulting in the death of several employees.
Web surfing on this topic lead me to an interesting article posted by the BBC concerning Japan's "nuclear slaves" in 1999. According to the article, many non-technical jobs such as cleaning around the reactors are contracted out by the nuclear power company to sub-contractors. These sub-contractors frequently hire homeless or disadvantaged people, offering them wages that are higher than they would otherwise expect to receive. The workers are then subjected to dangerous working conditions and are not educated on the risks that they are taking. Since these people are homeless, they are seen as expendible and their health woes will largely go unnoticed. An official from The Japan Atomic Power Company noted that although the company follows the national safety standards, it does not involve itself in the hiring practices of its subcontractors nor does it track the health of these temporary workers.
Another article of interest I discovered concerns the safety and training issues that lead to the 1999 nuclear accident at Tokaimura which did result in a leak of radiation. The article highlights the saftey regulations that were ignored in the interests of cost cutting, the lack of training given to workers, and the attempts to keep the accident as quiet as possible by ignoring reporting procedures and failing to give timely evacuation orders to surrounding residents.
When I lived in Miyagi, my homestay father worked at the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant located on the Pacific Coast approximately 450km north of Tokyo. I was able to take a tour of the plant and I did come away impressed with the apparent cleanliness and efficiency of the plant. However, I realize appearances can be deceiving and I don't pretend to have any expertise in evaluating nuclear power safety. What actually goes on behind the scenes and what the conditions were inside the other reactors, I will never know. However, given what I have read, my jokes about my homestay father glowing and mysteriously being able to turn on electrical appliances may not be as far-fetched as I hoped. All I can be thankful for is that there are no nuclear power plants located close to my town. Click here to see where the closest nuclear power plant to you is located.
Another Typhoon
As #18 approaches Kyushu, I could understand if readers begin to feel that I have some unnatural fixation on this natural phenomenon. Certainly, I have mentioned typhoons repeatedly over the past month but that is because this year's typhoon season has been particularly severe.
Usually, only two or three typhoons per year actually reach land. Last year, I do not recall any typhoons approaching my town of Innai. Most vere off harmlessly into the Pacific causing little disruption to the main islands of Japan. This year, however, six have already landed and tomorrow's typhoon will mark the seventh. Furthermore, #19 appears to be headed towards Japan as well although it will not likely hit Kyushu.
As I speak, it is raining quite heavily and the winds are gusting; a sure sign that the typhoon is approaching. When I get home tonight, I will stuff a plastic bag in the hood scoop of my car to prevent a repeat of last week's damage to my car's spark plug. I am also considering taping a sign to my steering wheel to remind me of the bag's presence. I am sure that melted, burnt plastic covering my engine would be a greater evil than a little bit of water...
Usually, only two or three typhoons per year actually reach land. Last year, I do not recall any typhoons approaching my town of Innai. Most vere off harmlessly into the Pacific causing little disruption to the main islands of Japan. This year, however, six have already landed and tomorrow's typhoon will mark the seventh. Furthermore, #19 appears to be headed towards Japan as well although it will not likely hit Kyushu.
As I speak, it is raining quite heavily and the winds are gusting; a sure sign that the typhoon is approaching. When I get home tonight, I will stuff a plastic bag in the hood scoop of my car to prevent a repeat of last week's damage to my car's spark plug. I am also considering taping a sign to my steering wheel to remind me of the bag's presence. I am sure that melted, burnt plastic covering my engine would be a greater evil than a little bit of water...
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