National
NRA makes new reactor safety regimen official
The Nuclear Regulation Authority officially approves new safety requirements for reactors aimed at preventing disasters like the catastrophe at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant.
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Feb 4, 2013
Tokyo: Are you better or worse off than this time last year?
by Mark Buckton
For me personally, early 2012 and the same period this year are much the same all-round as far as work, private life and everything else goes. No big differences. But I will change my job later this year, so that's something to look forward ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Jan 28, 2013
Tokyo: Do you think teachers should be allowed to dish out corporal punishment?
by Mark Buckton
"I don't see any benefit in corporal punishment, whether at the hands of teachers or parents."
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Jan 22, 2013
Tokyo: What do you think of AKB48's no-love-life clause?
by Mark Buckton
Chris Glenn Radio DJ / talent, 40s (Australian) I can understand their handlers want to keep the girls potentially available, just as I’m sure they want their stable to concentrate on their performances, not boys. It works to prevent any scandals too, while maintaining ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Jan 14, 2013
Niigata/Nagano: Should Japan make all of its highways free or is the present toll system fair?
by Bryan Baier
Rikiya Sakurai Student, 20s (Japanese) If tolls were eliminated, gasoline and car taxes would have to go up to make up the difference. At the moment the economy is bad and not everyone can afford to pay the extra taxes. Once it gets better, ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Jan 8, 2013
Tokyo: What will you remember most about 2012?
by Mark Buckton
Tomomi Morita Waitress, 21 (Japanese) I attended my coming of age ceremony, which was a big event for me, even though I actually turned 20 the year before. I wore a kimono, and after the ceremony near where I live I went to Senso-ji ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Jan 1, 2013
Osaka: What are your hopes for yourself, Japan and the world in 2013?
by Ray Franklin
Kuniko Sano Housewife, 69 (Japanese) I argue with my husband a lot, so I hope that diminishes next year! And I hope everyone stays healthy, especially my four grandkids and new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, since he previously quit for health reasons. I worry ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Dec 18, 2012
Tokyo: What does Christmas mean to you?
by Mark Buckton
George Ianus Rocket science Ph.D., 29 (Romania) For me it is a case of family — and snow. It’s a time to remember your home and family. Now, we are all in different parts of the world but, in my mind’s eye, I can ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Dec 11, 2012
Tokyo: What action do you want to see from Shintaro Ishihara's successor as Tokyo governor?
by Mark Buckton
Daniel Dumas English instructor, 53 (American) The first thing I’d like to see is a rethink of policy regarding bicycle transportation. The use of bicycles should be encouraged and more parking areas should be created. As we learned on 3/11, bicycles can be very ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Dec 4, 2012
Okinawa: What should be done about the recent incidents involving off-duty U.S. servicemen in Okinawa?
by Michael Bradley
Eva Wyatt Student, 28 (American) I think that something should be done to prevent further incidents (such as the alleged Oct. 16 rape of a Japanese woman by two U.S. servicemen and Nov. 2 home intrusion and assault). At the same time, as the ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Nov 27, 2012
Fukuoka: What should be the next prime minister's top three priorities?
by Mark Buckton
Ian Ruxton, 56 Kitakyushu resident (British) Send Self-Defense Forces right now to defend the Senkaku Islands and build on them, taking a leaf out of South Korea’s book; repair and restore good relations with the U.S., which have dipped recently; and encourage more Japanese ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Nov 20, 2012
Tokyo: What do you think of Shintaro Ishihara's decision to give up running the capital and start a new national party? Would you vote for him?
by Mark Buckton
Kohei Yoshimura Salesman, 27 (Japanese) He did shirk his responsibility as governor of Tokyo but he has big ideas on how to improve the national government and Japan. If he waited until the end of his term as governor he would be too old, ...
Voices | VIEWS FROM THE STREET Nov 13, 2012
Kamakura, Kanagawa: What is your ideal pet?
by Charles Lewis
Doi Real estate agent, 28 (Japanese) I think a dog would be the ideal pet. I’ve never had a dog, but if I was going to get one, I think I would want a big dog. I am big so a big dog would ...