The Japan that Can Beat China
I decided to print this from the Shukan Post (Weekly Post) because it seems like the English-language media only print what he says out of context. While I don’t agree with the man, he does have some provocative things to say that make it obvious why he’s so popular. Take a look:
Foreign Relations, The Economy, Territories — How long can Japan stand being the country that everyone dumps on? Continue reading A Very Special New Year Interview with Your Friend Ishihara Shintaro
Day: January 17, 2005
Bizarre Email
I got this inexplicable email. It sure wasn’t intended for me, but doesn’t exactly appear to be spam. If it’s some kind of phishing scam, I just don’t understand how. I include the email address it came from, so if anyone wants to contact this person, feel free.
谭 明飚
Dear Sir/Madam
I am a international student who come from China and last time returned
China,have been transient in Seoul Incheon International Airport by ASINANA
AIRLINES.However,when I chek out,the staff of your airport doubt about my
passport and defined my passport is artifical.After than they were detain
me!!Keep me in a room over 10hours!taken freedom from me and confine me in
the room!Such rude it is unbeliveable!!!but it was happened in your
airport!
As the result,I returne to China spent my holiday,after then I comeing New
Zealand for my study,without any trouble with my passport and my status!!!I
am a chinese,No any doubt about that!!
Iam sure that you will agree that this is most unsatisfactory
situation.However there is not any apologize from you airport!!!
I wish to make complaint and request your pay me!!Pay my time and spirit,it
was hurt me deeply!!
My name is TAN MINGBIAO
Paeeport Number GO3671006
Flight Number OZ608 from AUCKLAND to Seoul incheon
Flight Number OZ325 from Seoul to GUILIN
Flight Number OZ370 from GUANGZHON to Seoul
Flight Number OZ607 from Seoul to AUCKLAND
I look forward to hearing from you soon!!
TAN MINGBIAO
27/11/2004
By the way,your staff’english is badly,I mean need more training,because
this is an international airport!!!
Japanese Woodblock Prints Changing the World
A friend and I recently attended an exhibit at the Smithsonian of some guy’s collection of Late 19th- Mid-20th century Japanese woodblock prints, or Hanga.
It turns out that at the Japanese National Museum in Tokyo they were running a similar exhibit at the same time. I didn’t check it out but it was probably a different collection of prints.
Anyway here (thanks to FG for the link) is an article describing the boom that Japanese art experienced at the end of the 19th century and how it influenced Van Gogh. Here is something he wrote to his sister whilst in the grip of madness:
Theo wrote that he offered you Japanese woodblock prints. That is certainly the best way to understand which direction the light and colorful painting has taken. Here I need no Japanese woodblock prints, because I am here in Japan. This is why I only have to open my eyes and paint the impressions that I receive.
Currently in America there is kind of a Japanese culture boom as well, except mostly in children’s entertainment rather than art. Perhaps, like the Japonisme boom of 100 years ago, this won’t be permanent but the best work resulting from it will leave a lasting effect on pop culture.