Tom Wah, 42Computer analyst (Hong Kong)All companies have the right to set certain rules about the way employees look. However, a ban on beards is going too far. If a worker keeps it trimmed and tidy, then that should be enough. Samantha Shitamichi, 38Translator ...

Elise Ferreira Translator (Dutch) Learning English allows people to travel the world and enjoy other cultures more. Language schools are useful, but with the way the schools are now, private lessons may be a better way for students to reach their goals. Jonas Ronneguard, 23 Language student ...

Phil MacKenzie Engineer, 47 (English) I like the communal way of eating, so I'd like to see more Japanese food overseas, like yakitori and shabu shabu. It's a fun and friendly way to eat a meal. Aaron Rideau Student, 29 (American) Having more drift cars in the ...

Jen Lehman Administrator, 38 (Australian) I stayed in a Buddhist temple in Mount Koya. It was authentic and peaceful. It snowed overnight, so I could see a beautiful snow-covered garden in the morning. Brad Aldridge Computer technician, 28 (American) I went to a punk show — C.J. Ramone's. The ...

Matt Symes Teacher, 30 (Australian) People who have lived in Japan for many years, paid taxes and may even have raised families here should be allowed to vote on changes which benefit their lives through public policy. Eriko Yamashita Graphic designer, 31 (Japanese) I think permanent residents should have ...

Eriko Matsu Office worker (Japan) The population will have decreased, as less people are marrying and having children these days. It's too expensive to raise kids in Tokyo because of the bad economy. Jason Goodier, 32 Teacher (Canadian) I see taxes and service rates going up to help the ...

Joanne Kirkman, 54 Artist (American) I'm an artist, but I don't know much about Japanese calligraphy, so I'd like to learn how to do it. I'm going to take lessons. I bought some ink and brushes in Nara. Ben Grantham, 27 Teacher (English)I want to save money ...

Lily Brenda, 17 Exchange student (American) They are pretty loud sometimes — always hugging each other and playing together like children. It's hard to hang out with them after school because they're so busy. Takanori Arata, 40 Accountant (Japanese) They are less motivated than my generation was at their ...

Midori Tsunekawa, 59 Housewife (Japanese)Tourist organizations in every prefecture should offer free or low-cost English-speaking guides. They could show visitors around and help them experience Japan, while teaching them about our culture and customs. Masaru Tateyama, 52 Director We need to offer better deals for foreigners. It's ...

Tomoaki Hara, 28 Government official The air in winter is really dry and irritates my throat. I have to be careful so I don't get a sore throat. I have a humidifier at home to keep moisture in the air. Yasuyo Okumoto, 36 Aid worker I usually don't have ...