In recent columns I explored purchasing English-friendly computers in Japan. Here is a little more information submitted by a reader who thinks it will be useful for those needing extended language capabilities for their computers, but first he has something to say about agreements, both local and international, that limit a borderless flow of trade.

He tells us that despite all the talk about globalization, few companies practice what they preach either domestically or internationally. He points out that Apple Macs are the best at doing languages but that you can't buy a Spanish operating system in the second largest Spanish-speaking city in the world, Los Angeles, because of agreements giving distributors exclusive rights to designated areas. Then he adds the good news for Apple users: a readily available but not generally publicized software addition. Apple's OS 9 now includes all the language kits that used to cost about 14,000 yen each. Now you can run Japanese, Korean, Cyrillic, Chinese and Indian on a Mac using either an English or Japanese OS.

The same gentleman points out that when I mentioned the big Mac -- that's computers, not fast food -- trade show a few weeks ago at Makuhari Messe, I should have warned you to take earplugs, not just to the MacWorld show but to any trade show in Japan. "The Japanese love noise and trade shows have become screaming matches among exhibitors who try to drown out each other with their loudspeakers. Conversation with an exhibitor is just about impossible." Perhaps it is designed to prevent secret deals.

It must have been a difficult day because he goes on to say a few words about one of our leading fast food outlets: "While (unnamed) designs seats to be uncomfortable so that customers don't linger too long, they still allow smoking in the shops in Japan and people sit and smoke and nurse one cup of coffee for hours. It drives nonsmokers away and takes up seat space."

Perhaps he can use the book I am recommending to another reader, Japan Health Handbook by Meredith Enman Maruyama, Louise Picon Shimizu and Nancy Smith Tsurumaki, all nurses, published by Kodansha, ISBN 4-7700-1838-X, 2,300 yen. It will prove to be a good reference book for everyone. A woman wants to have fluoride treatments for her son's teeth but has not been able to find anyone to do it. She asks why it is not generally available here. The handbook tells us that fluoride can be applied to the teeth at public health centers (see the schedule printed in your local health news bulletin) and at pediatric dentists, both for a fee.

They explain that fluoridated water is not a part of preventive dental care in Japan. The Japanese, they say, have never accepted the addition of fluoride to the water to prevent cavities because of worries of unknown long-term side effects and a philosophy of not forcing people to take an unwanted medication. All drinking water in Japan is treated so that it contains no more than 0.8 ppm. Depending on the area, the fluoride content of drinking water may be very low or up to 0.8 ppm in areas near natural hotsprings. In comparison, the United States has set a maximum limit of 4 ppm, recommending between 0.7 and 1.2 ppm. In Britain, opinion is still divided over whether addition is beneficial while the Netherlands and Germany have banned the practice. Oral fluoride tablets are not available. Fluoride (fusso) toothpaste (W and W by Lion, G.U.M. by Sunstar and Clinica DFC by Lion) is widely available. Colgate is sometimes available. Foods such as soybeans, miso, fish (small shrimp, shellfish, etc.), seaweed, coffee and tea contain small amounts of natural fluoride.

The book is equally helpful on just about any question regarding health that you may have. There was one omission. Stress!!!

One of my most useful booklets is a Zip-code Directory for Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka and Kobe. A lot of people don't even seem to know their own. This will help them, and you, when you only have the first three digits of the now seven-digit code, or none at all. Order from Windows Inc., a publishing and communications company and a leader in the field of videoconferencing, by calling (03) 3669-4471. Call Hunter Brumfield for your next conference call.