Melanie Burton - The Japan Times

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Melanie Burton

For Melanie Burton's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Apr 24, 2023

Australia needs green energy policy response quickly, Fortescue exec says

Australia needs to match energy policies being unfurled by other countries to make the most of its green energy advantage, the head of Fortescue Metals Group's energy unit has said.

Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC

Aug 3, 2021

Financial firms develop plan for early closure of Asian coal plants

The proposal offers a potentially workable model, and early talks with Asian governments and multilateral banks are promising, sources said.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Dec 24, 2019

How rare earth shocks lifted an upstart Australian mining company

Sprawled across a spent volcano on the remote edge of the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia, the Mount Weld mine seems a world away from the U.S.-China trade war.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Mar 21, 2006

What will you take with you when you leave Japan?

Marc Bell Teacher, 32 I would bring my address book so I could keep in contact with people, which means there is never a final farewell. Also, I would bring back my keitai. It's a symbol of Japan's power -- how they can use Western technology and make it better than we do.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Mar 14, 2006

Where do you go to check for news on Japan?

Gabrielle Kennedy Journalist, 35 I check all the newspapers using the nexuslexus search engine. For regular papers, I read the Sydney Morning Herald and the Guardian. The only Japanese magazine I read is Casa Brutus. They often have a translated feature.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Mar 7, 2006

If you were to donate to charity, what kind of charity deserves your hard-earned dosh?

A. Walsh Teacher, 35 I would probably donate to some homeless guy in Ueno Park. It's more direct and the money doesn't have to go through all the people like charities do. I know that it's going to make some difference to him.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Feb 28, 2006

Do you support adoption rights for gay couples?

Christian Butzek ALT, 27 There are a lot of bad two-parent hetero families People say kids should be raised in a "normal environment," but I'm not sure what that is. If two gay people are going to do a good job then I have no problems with it.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Feb 21, 2006

Does Takafumi Horie deserve everything that he's getting?

Jon Bro Student, 23 It wasn't right. What Horie was supposed to show to investors, he lied about, and probably the same things have been going on in a lot of places. In America, he would probably be going to jail, but for Japan, I can't say.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Feb 14, 2006

Is there a nationalist resurgence in the air?

Gwen Loubes Architect, 24 I live in China and from over there, Japan doesn't seem so nationalistic. The Chinese all support the Chinese government and follow all the rules. They're very nationalistic. I think China is a bit envious of Japan.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Feb 7, 2006

Was casting Chinese actresses in "Memoirs of a Geisha (Sayuri)" a blunder?

Josh Chua Student, 20 In Hollywood, it's common for an actor of a certain ethnicity to play a character of another ethnicity. I don't think Scots were in uproar over Mel Gibson in "Braveheart." If anything, it says more about a lack of Japanese actors.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jan 31, 2006

What are some the weirdest things you have eaten?

Richard Allen Banker, 33 I've eaten the still-warm heart of a goat. I ate that in Kenya. It was quite disturbing. It was salty and it had lumpy bits. It was really more of a tick-that-box experience than anything else. I probably wouldn't do it again.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jan 24, 2006

What steps should we take to assist the integration of Japan's foreign population?

Yukiko TakahashiTeacher, 31 Ward offices do organize language lessons, but they need to advertise it more. If foreigners can speak the language better, it will be better for communication. Foreigners need to learn the culture more to be accepted.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jan 17, 2006

Is the popularity of "Hard Gay"on tv a help or hindrance?

Shane Rice Marketer, 24 I think that it's OK. I think it's light-hearted, fun and not really too serious. People aren't too threatened by it and don't feel like they have to have much of an opinion on it, as opposed to having it shoved in their faces.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jan 10, 2006

What are the best and worst things about Japan?

Constantine Von Frogstein Intern, 29 I hate that the people don't lift their feet when they walk. The sound! I hate the sound! The vending machines are the best things about Japan. I don't care much about beer or cigarettes, but the corn soup is cool.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Jan 3, 2006

What books would make the best gift for a friend?

Steve Morin Bookshop operator, 27 'Kitchen Confidential' by Anthony Bourdain. It would be a good holiday read. I would buy it for any foodie friend because you see all the good points and bad points of the industry. It's more positive on balance, but it's still an expose of sorts.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Dec 27, 2005

What's the worst job you've done?

Laurent Pelozuelo Entomologist, 33 The worst job I ever had was working as a cleaner at a nuclear power plant in France. I had to go around collecting rubbish. I didn't have to wear special clothes or anything. There was no risk of contamination -- I hope.

COMMUNITY / Issues / THE ZEIT GIST

Dec 27, 2005

Finding a job after Japan

Rachel spent 3 1/2 years in Tokyo working for one of the big five conversation schools, before returning to the U.S. and working for the same company as a recruiter up and down the West Coast of the U.S.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Dec 20, 2005

How do you deal with missing Christmas dinner?

Katherine Stuart Teacher, 23 The other day, I went to a British pub with some friends and we ordered a turkey. We were all so excited that we ate it all, and then they brought another one and we ate that too. It was-all-you-can-eat. I think they made a loss on us.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Dec 13, 2005

What is your purpose of studying Japanese?

Stuart Kirby Teacher, 30 My main reason for studying Japanese is to understand my karate sensei when he's yelling at me, and, obviously, if you're going to live here a while, then you're missing out on a lot by not studying Japanese.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET

Dec 6, 2005

How do you ease the hangover pain?

Chisako Ambiru Editor, 23 I drink as much water as possible and take half a day off, if it's during the week. On the weekend I sleep in and have a big breakfast. I take multivitamins everyday, but I definitely need them when I have a hangover.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.

For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on

By Lance Henderstein

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Vol. 34: Tokyo, a vanguard city for sustainability

Vol. 34: Tokyo, a vanguard city for sustainability

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