Following are responses to "Arudou's Alien Almanac" by Debito Arudou (Just Be Cause, Jan. 4):

I enjoy reading The Japan Times online very much, and look forward to the news almost every day. It's reported in a well-written and seemingly unbiased manner. Which is why it has always puzzled me why Mr. Debito Arudou continues to be published.

I read his articles in the hope that he can carry a balanced view of Japan and see it for both its pros and cons, rather than just his own constant victimization. And indeed, his latest article, "Arudou's Alien Almanac: 2010," seemed to be doing that. While laced with caustic words, he seemed to be reporting news backed up by evidence.