Beer and Qantas and Pontiffs, oh my!?

Almost a month has passed since I flew the coop and bailed on my life in the Land of the Rising Sun, which has made the about page of my blog slightly inaccurate, and I find myself behind a teachers desk teaching children of various backgrounds, shapes, sizes, but perhaps the most stark difference between students, and indeed various classes is motivation, or in some cases lack thereof. It is frustrating due to the fact that laziness in the western world is reaching epidemic proportions; I myself am far from innocent. I would be more understanding if they made some kind of effort, and frustrated by this are put off learning, or something which follows some kind of reason or logic, but a couple of weeks teaching has taught neither logic nor reason work against a child who thinks shouting louder will gain more attention or constant repetition will wear me down; I have siblings too, and my patience has grown exponentially living away from home.

That being said, the support fellow staff have given me has been excellent. Many times have I been asked whether my ’rounds’ have put me off teaching or alternatively made me want to teach. In all honesty, it hasn’t changed my opinion either way, but at least now I know for certain that I CAN teach, irrespective of whether or not it is what I finally end up doing. It is fun though; both hearing stories and telling them – to those who will listen that is.

In the week before my return home, ‘pilgrims’ from respective parishes all across the globe gathered in various parts of Australia, before eventually converging on Sydney with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. While I am a Catholic, and on the whole was pleased with the way people conducted themselves during the period. That being said, laws were passed in Sydney making it il

legal to ‘annoy’ pilgrims making the trip down under. I believe

that laws are designed to protect, and am against those that restrict freedoms such as free speech. Thankfully the judicial system agreed and allowed those who had something to say to the Church for their voice to be heard. While speaking in the interest of God, the Church is an institution of man and therefore fallible. That’s my take, condensed into a sentence. Naturally Zealots both for and against Catholicism will have a bone to pick with me, but unless the bait to buy into the argumnent is something intelligent, then I am not going to buy into it. Oh, and I’m not the only one who thinks Ratzinger looks like Palpatine; especially in the latter, and by latter I mean chronologically earlier (?) Star Wars Episodes I-III

Qantas has been in damage control in more ways than one as two emergency landings in the space of a week have brought outsourcing of maintenance work under fire, while commending the actions of both passenger and flight staff in preventing fatalities. As the cabin on QF30 from Hong Kong to Melbourne began to depressurise, pilot and crew kept their cool as the plane made an emergency landing in Manila, with passengers awestruck at the gaping hole in the side of their ship. I found it slightly ironic as I had just travelled to Melbourne, using Qantas, and had one of the best experiences of my life. Despite many trips between Japan and Australia, this was the first time that I had ever flown business class. The only down side of the trip was that there was no good movie to watch on the flight, but as I had been shouted drinks by the bartenders at my local watering holes the night before, I was too tired anyway. The service was excellent (I mean on any flight I have ever taken, it has always been good, but this blew it away, and I don’t think it was just because I was flying business class. Though that may have been the case) the food was delicious (first three course meal I’ve had since my formal in the last year of high school) and the reclining features of the chair meant I could just lay bakc and relax, without having to think about the person behind me (though I’m used to being able to relax sitting upright). Yet despite my enjoyable experience, the safety record touted by the Rain Man has fallen into disrepute after a landing bay door refused to close, just days after the near death experience for those onboard flight QF30.

Finally to close my blog, I will begin doing beer reviews after being able to taste the ever expanding variety available ‘down under’. While there are a number of microbreweries i n Japan (which is a miracle considering their constricting liquor production laws – another argument for another time) I only got to go to one, and drink from three, of which one was not up to scratch. But rather than Japanese beer, I will write about a few I managed to find in the local area.

The first of these is Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, which I found at a bottle shop along Glenhuntly Rd. A rich, bold taste with a sweet aftertaste, and a nutty roasted smell. Not much bitterness, which depending on my mood is either what I’m looking for, or what will stay in the fridge.

All in all a good stout, but with a name like that it is to be expected. Then again, not as good as I expected. I’d give it a 3 out of 5.

The next on my list is Kokanee Glacier Beer, which apparently is the beer of B.C. The reason this screamed at me from the shelf is that despite playing hockey for three years, I have not been to Canada, but much more sacrilegious is the fact that I have not even had a Canadian beer…shame on me. That is, until now. An incredibly pale lager, so much so that one would be forgiven for thinking it was another liquid. But aesthetics aside, it is full flavoured, and yet light, and would seem to be a good summer beer. So the label is kinda lost on me. One of the better lagers I have drank. 3.5 out of 5

Final drink to critique is Mt Macedon Ale from
the Holgate Brewhouse in the country of Victoria. Out of the local brews, it seemed kind of isolated, and therefore perfect to report on as I would like to go brewery by brewery from now on when reporting brews. At least that’s the plan. An excellent tasting pale ale, no flaws. Label says Vienna malt and American hops, and the taste is almost on par with Samuel Adams, one of my personal favourites, despite the unpatriotic nature of that choice. 4 out of 5.

Hopefully from now on I can mix it up with a report and a review on a more regular basis. On the horizon I can promise reviews of local brews to perhaps interest the more outgoing traveller, as well as a wrap up of my first experience classroom teaching, followed up by news from Japan. On a personal note, my 2 cubic metres of stuff arrives in the country next week, including…my hockey gear!!!!! I don’t think I will feel whole until I get them back.

Plane and pope pictures are copyrighted by Reuters.

Sorry, paragraphs screwed up at some point in my post, and so the second half is a mess.

Jis Iz Yakyu!

I should really find something else to write about, but this time I believe I am justified in doing so. The title is from the broken English of a number managers and commentators alike, generally used in situations where anything that can happen, has happened. In fact, phrases like ‘This is baseball’ or ‘This is Koshien!’ do suffer slightly from overuse, but the drama going on at the same time is generally  enough to make up for it.

Manager extraordinaire, Katsuya Nomura used the phrase after being unable to describe how his team had come back from a four run deficit against the Yakult Swallows, back when he was leading the Hanshin Tigers, to score 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th (Miracle at Koshien, in Japanese) Usually impeccable backstop for the Swallows, the recently retired and last playing manager in the NPB, Atsuya Furuta made a fatal error, enabling the amazing comeback.

Another case where the phrase appeared was in the final game of the Pacific League in 1989, a double header, with the pennant at stake. Since this game and the events surrounding it have been made into novels here in Japan (10.19, Japanese) , I am not going to go into it, as there is no way I could give in the telling it deserves in a simple blog. Needless to say the drama of it had the announcers going into hysteria, and the media had to change their scheduling across the board, as the generally unpopular Pacific League was the focus of the day.

I am going to use the phrase today not out of a dramatic need, but rather emotional. It’s rare that I’ll find a human interest story worth writing about here in Japan, but I did yesterday, although I had to wait till today for the source to be uploaded (…lame)

(photo courtesy of the Asahi Shimbun)

Sae Takagi was chosen by the Wakayama High School Baseball Federation to pitch the opening pitch of the regional tournament. For the National tournament, they usually bring in someone who has made a notable contribution to society as well as having ties to baseball (I can remember an astronaut doing it a couple years back). What makes Sae unique, is that she is blind. In her letter to the Federation, she wrote that she wants to prove that there are those struggling to the top of their respective fields irrespective of their ‘impairments’ (障害＝しょうがい) . The article [1] mentions that she is quite active in sports, including finishing 1st is a national swimming event for disabled persons in the butterfly, and 2nd in the freestyle. It also mentions how she takes part in a variant of softball for blind people, although she will be throwing overhand for the first time, as in ‘Grand Softball’ the pitching motion requires bouncing 3 times before reaching home plate, so as to enable the batters to locater the ball (as opposed to blind variations of cricket which involve a bell within the ball). Her goal is to have her throw make it without bouncing, and hopefully she pulls it off.

[1] http://www.asahi.com/kansai/sports/news/OSK200806220075.html

*Flash* Rokko’s Oishi Water not so oishi

Yet again I have avoided writing about the Japanese supreme court, partly through laziness, and partly because I want to get it right when I actually do write about it. Headlines this morning confirm a sneaking suspicion I have had for quite some time – Every day in Japan is a slow news day. This is not a dig – It is a reflection of how safe a society it is. Okay, here’s some criticism – the news panel shows don’t talk about anything of consequence; all they seem to do is shake the honeypot. Back on topic though – Today, the Japanese Fair Trade Commission (公正取引委員会、こうせいとりひきいいんかい）released a statement they would seek a warning for false labelling from House Foods Corporation [1]. On the front page of this mornings Asahi Shimbun, there was a headline with 「六甲水　ミネラル不足」, which loosely comes to “Mineral water lacking minerals”, which is probably the second funniest thing I’ve seen on the front of a Japanese newspaper (the funniest goes to “Cannabis being sold at College”, after students at Kansai University were arrested in regards to drug trafficking on campus [2] – in case the irony is lost on anyone Japanese reading this article, one would be more surprised to find a University in the West which DIDN’T have marijuana available)

The main reason this made it to the front page is because it is only the latest in a seemingly never-ending string of food related scandals, centering on the repackaging/relabelling of them. Japan’s food market was rocked by the BSE outbreak in North America, leading to an increase in customer concern in regards to food safety standards. While the testing of imports is stringent, customer faith in foreign produce has waned over the past decade due to BSE as well as the ‘poison Gyoza’ incident [3]. Whereas cost would have been a deciding factor in the past, origin of the produce now weighs heavily on the average housewife’s mind. But this was thrown into disrepute as many manufacturers had relabelled international food as domestic product (more important than the alleged quality of domestic Japanese produce, prices are also higher due to the higher costs involved)

The other article which garnered a lot of area on the front page was about Yoshiharu Habu, the reknowed shogi player earning another accolade. To be perfectly honest I scoffed a little when I first saw it, but honestly, considering how much sports features in a western newspaper, honouring someone who uses their brain to make a living, in what is considered to be one of the greatest games of the mind, deserves more respect than some gaijin chuckling to himself. In fact, due to the comic 81 Diver (ハチワン・ダイバー）I’ve been trying to get into it, but Shogi still makes little to no sense.

Another item of interest was while researching this topic I stumbled upon Japan Today, a site offering forums to comment on Japan news, etc. but I couldn’t help but admire the myriad of Japan cynics like myself; seeing this inspired me to update my links to other sites.

[1] http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/ftc-warns-house-foods-over-mislabeled-bottled-water

[2] http://www.wasedajuku.com/wasemaga/unipro-note/2008/05/post_113.html

[3] http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/FR/FEAT/poison_gyoza/

Who’s Randy Bass?

When I started writing this blog, I figured that I would update it on a weekly basis, changing topics from week to week, and cycling through them. A month later, and I find myself guilty of being lazy, among other flaws. So to get back on track, I will take the relatively easy task of reporting on how the perennial B-Class team of the 90′s that was the Hanshin Tigers is on course for what could possibly be their most successful year on record. With only 59 games completed for the Tigers, they have amassed an incredible 40 wins, and despite a few minor hiccups in the bullpen, most notably the ‘J’ in the JFK, Jeff Williams throwing out his shoulder (pun kinda intended) it seems that this years Tigers are the real deal.

To set the scene, we go back to 1985: petrol prices were reasonable, ‘beer’ in Japan meant
beer, and not some shoddy methyl/ethyl alcohol induced sparkling poison, and the Hanshin Tigers had fallen from being the Kyojin-gun’s main rival to just being another team they belted around. The Hiroshima Carp had gone from being the joke of the Central league to a powerhouse throughout the decade. But no one could predict how the season would begin for the Tigers in their first regular season series against the Giants at home. The away pitcher that day for the Giants would be Hiromi Makihara, notable for pitching a perfect game later in his career, but it would be his performance in this game that would be most remembered. After storming from behind to win 10-2 the previous match, the Tigers were again in trouble, down 1-3 in the bottom of the 7th. With 2 on, Randy Bass, batting 3rd in the line up sent the ball sailing into the black scoreboard, only to have Masayuki Kakefu and Akinobu Okada (Current Hanshin Manager) repeat the feat. This game is often referred to as being the catalyst behind the Tigers breaking a 21 year title drought, only to have to endure another reign of mediocrity. (see The Curse of the Colonel) Ironically, Makihara, the losing pitcher posted relatively good numbers against the Tigers, going 38-10.

For many Hanshin fans the team of 85 is the strongest in the teams history, Mayumi leading off and the cleanup trio of Bass, Kakefu, Okada powering them to a Japan series victory over the up and coming Seibu Lions, who’s prowess as a pitching powerhouse was just about to begin.

People who grew up in the days when Hanshin weren’t very good would relate to me that it was Hanshin’s mediocrity that endured them; not so many people would go for the Giants if they didn’t win all the time – Hanshin’s fan base is strong win, lose or (sigh) draw. When they did win the pennant it was something to get excited about – something worth jumping into rivers over. I remember going to Buffaloes games at the Osaka Dome (or whatever they call it now) and finding that many who went to matches were just Hanshin fans who couldn’t get a seat at Koshien (which makes me wonder if Yankees fans would go to Shea Stadium for the same reason?)

Next I plan to write something on the controversial issue of children of Filipino women having their previously denied right to Japanese citizenship overturned by the Supreme Court – a landmark decision, as it is only the 8th time that law has been ruled unconstitutional. Also, I will keep looking into the progress of the Kansai teams in the NPB, while paralleling moments in the history of it.

Interesting week

Taxes going up, politicians going down, and myself riding a wave of ecstasy and depression. Due to a rut I seemed to have run myself into, I am currently working two jobs, and study, my main reason for coming to Japan in the first place has taken a major back seat. One of my jobs is delivering papers, which is a major source of concern for those who hold me dear; my day begins just before 3am, which is when I arrive at the store and wait for the papers to arrive, stuff them with adds, tie them to my scooter, and then run up and down the commission housing where I deliver the papers. It gives me a good chance to catch at least the first page of the news; I used to have a subscription, but found that I rarely had the time to read it. So here are some of the more interesting snippets from this weeks news.

Due Process(適正手続[てきせいてつづき]）

The Osaka high court upheld the not guilty verdict of two people found guilty of assaulting a judge, based on the fact that their confessions were given under duress. For a country notorious for its questionable interrogation tactics, to the point where they have even drawn ire from Amnesty International, this is a major win for human rights in Japan, and hopefully a step towards more effective police work in one of the safest countries in the world.

Police seem to have to much free time on there hands in this country; as do many office workers. While the first is definitely a good thing, the latter is a case of this country working harder where they should be working smarter; then again I am guilty of this too, to the point of blowout on occasion

Petrol tax reintroduced – Record High Prices expected

The petrol tax that expired last month will be reintroduced as ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP, 自由民主党[じゆうみんしゅとう]) under Prime Minister (内閣総理大臣[ないかくそうりだいじん], note that this only refers to the Japanese prime minister, with the generic term being 首相[しゅしょう]) Yasuo Fukuda pushed through legislation for the levy on petrol to be reintroduced, as the various oppostion parties abstained the vote. Prices look to hit upwards of ¥160, with drivers heading to the pumps to stock up.

Politics in Japan still defies my understanding; the ruling party has been in control on and off for the past 60 years, despite leading the country into recession, scandal after scandal, ineffective social security systems and increasing the working poor. The apathy of the general public appalls me. Everyone complains, but when it comes voting time nothing happens.

By-Election Victory for Democratic Party of Japan

The LDP’s main opposition, the Democratic Part of Japan (民主党[みんしゅとう]) won a comfortable victory after approval polls hit lows of 25% for the ruling camp. This comes after nationwide backlash from amendments to the pension/health care system, with deductions made directly from the pension payments causing confusion due to the lack of prior explanation.

My advice to anyone contemplating retirement here: set up a superannuation fund with a bank outside the country

J-League umpire verbally abuses player

I don’t like soccer, but the irony of this incident caused to be on the front of the baseball dominated sports tabloids yesterday. Anyway, the umpire obviously didn’t want any back chat so he said 死ね、黙れ respectively. Now, due to Japan’s lack of swear words, you could roughly translate it as saying to go get f*cked, and now there will be a hearing looking into all of it. Yuichi Nishimura, the umpire in question has been known to make mistakes in the past, but this probably takes the cake, even though he says he may have been misheard saying something else…

It is Golden week, and despite receiving my scholarship and two paychecks, the former has vanished along with two months of overdue rent, while the latter will disappear on new hockey gear, the monthly bills and keeping myself alive, and more importantly, reasonable happy.

I finally went on the ferris wheel at HEP 5.

Long overdue step into the blogging world

For quite some time I had played with the idea of writing a blog…but was held back by certain fears. One of them is that it would be some kind of boring diary, with simple entries of no interest to the common man, but seeing I don’t have the patience to maintain a daily diary, that fear is slightly unfounded. Another is that it would quickly deteriorate into a rant, full of spite and malice as I am an angry, single white male living in Japan. But while this is slightly more likely than the former (and slightly more entertaining) I have also learned to a certain degree to be the bigger man; fools exist everywhere, and listening to them only makes me more foolish. Change happens slowly in the Land of the Rising Sun…to try and force it is futile and tiring, but not in vain, and I respect those who try, although I have lost patience in trying. My final fear is linked to my current occupation at the moment; writing. That’s right, I don’t want someone ripping off my intellectual property (Japanese ちてきざいさん – 知的財産) So in spite of the fact I did at one stage want to write prose and poetry to a certain extent here, on the internet, I will refrain from doing so, and limit myself to speculation about news, life, politics, law and sport (I am an angry white male, after all)

But who am I? Who is Andrewfx51? More importantly, who cares? In ‘Sound of the Music’ style, I am 22 going on 23, and at the end of the year, I will have spent a quarter of my life here, in Japan. I have experienced the highs and lows of the typical expatriate, and have come to a number of conclusions, which I will probably add to over time:
1. As much as I love Japan, I could not spend my whole life here
2. People who think they could, probably either
a) haven’t lived here
b) haven’t lived here long
c) cannot communicate, and therefore don’t know what people are saying.
That’s about all I feel like writing about now. This rant could easily continue at a later date, so I’ll let it simmer in the back of my mind, and save it for another day.
Andrew is my first name, fx are my middle names initials, and 51 is the number I have worn for sports for the past few years. And yes, it’s because of Ichiro rather than Randy Johnson.

I was brought up in your typical middle class, double income family, and despite working one and sometimes two minimum wage jobs, my political beliefs lie right of centre. Due to my upbringing, I have more of a rapport with the common law system, although the Japanese Continental system appeals to me a great deal in theory; it’s in practice where it breaks down. I am a Catholic, but am not devout, and have a great deal of respect for Buddhism, however my ignorance about other religions forces me to reserve comment about them at this time. To quote cult movie ‘The Boondock Saints (日本語　処刑人［しょけいにん］) “Do not kill. Do not rape. Do not steal. These are principles which every man of every faith can embrace”. That’s my take on religion. As for sport, I haven’t followed a particular team in any sport since the Kintetsu Buffaloes folded, formerly of the Pacific League of Nippon Pro Baseball. Their 2001 pennant winning season was nothing short of miraculous: going from the cellar the previous year to 1st place, winning despite having the worst ERA, The home run derby between Norihiro Nakamura and ‘Tuffy’ Rhodes hitting over 100 homeruns between the pair of them, accounting for half of the teams total, ‘Tuffy’ equalling Sadaharu Oh’s NPB record of 55 HR’s despite none of the Japanese pitchers throwing anything in the strike zone towards the end, Matsuzaka giving up the 55th HR, the fateful pennant clinching match (below)

only to lose the Japan series in true Buffaloes fashion. *sigh*

Enough nostalgia for now. Hopefully you, the reader, may gain some kind of insight into whatever topic I discuss, and hopefully gain some knowledge in this sea of misinformation that is the internet