Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has started on October 24, 2006.
It was quite late, compare to other advanced nations.
1997 : Singapore
1999 : Netherlands, United Kingdom, Hong Kong
2000 : Switzerland, Spain
2001 : Denmark, Australia, Sweden, Norway
2002 : Italy, Belgium, Germany, Ireland
2003 : France, United States
2004 : South Korea, Greece, Austria
2005 : Taiwan
2006 : Japan
Needless to say, this enables to change the service provider without changing the phone number.
Since mobile phone users will be mobile too, each service provider try to improve their services, and as a result, it will lead to the activation of the business world.
Among the three service providers in Japan, Softbank (formerly Vodafone) took the biggest action on October 23, 2006 and on October 26, 2006.
They announced an unexpected rate plan.
First, they have launched a new system, namely "Blue Plan" and "Orange Plan", which is very similar to that of NTT Docomo and au by KDDI respectively, and even more, 210 Yen cheaper than both.
When the other companies have made a price cut as a countermeasures, Softbank will follow it within 24 hours.
Then the "Unexpected Discount", which allows both Call and Messaging (Mailing) to be 0 Yen.
But there are exceptions.
Call will be free only if both the caller and receiver are Softbank users, and when the call between 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM exceeded 200 minutes a month, the excess will not be included in "free".
For messaging, it's free only if both the sender and receiver are Softbank users.
Actually, Call to the other providers became comparatively expensive, but Softbank says that usually, people call often only with 1 or 2 people, thus when both becomes Softbank users, then the call to the other providers become irrelevant.
They also made another announcement on October 26, 2006, that all the models are 0 Yen.
It is actually 0 Yen only if the subscriber joins the "New Super Bonus".
The cost for the model is paid in 24 times installment together with monthly bills, but "New Super Bonus" gives discount of exactly the same amount for the installment. moreover, some brand new models are not totally covered with the discount.
However, once you're in "New Super Bonus", it's not easy to get out of it.
Since the payment is done in installment, When you're out, you must pay all the remaining balance.
Thus, it is practically required to join for 27 months continuously. (3 months are added, since payment will start from the 4th month.)
Well, I can surmise that this is a countermeasure against SIM Unlocking.
These "unexpected" changes shook Japan.
As the MNP starts, so many people rushed to Softbank to subscribe.
There were movement too in Docomo and au, but Softbank was incomparably crowded.
And on this weekend, Softbank experienced system down twice, due to the "unexpected" number of people subscribing.
As it was broadcasted, it inevitably became a promotion to it.
When I read the comments in the internet, majority criticize Softbank that it's dirty trick.
They say, Softbank collects subscribers first, make a situation that makes harder to unsubscribe, and increase the rate.
This scenario is already proven, when Softbank entered broadband business on 2000.
But I appreciate what Softbank brought, although some people suffered from their trick, it influenced the whole business world, and eventually triggered for the price competition, followed by price slashing.
Nowadays, Japan is one of the nation which provides cheap broadband connection.
Can I expect the same thing for the mobile phone world?
Or will there be another "unexpected" action?
October 30, 2006
September 09, 2006
SIM Unlock.
The group of Chinese people were arrested in Japan last week.
They unlock SIM of the cellphones in Japan, and reselled them in China.
This news remained obscure, and soon wll be forgotten by people.
Actually, SIM Unlock is NOT a crime in Japan.
Instead, reselling the cellphones which was SIM Unlocked is a crime.
But what's behind this news is the irregularity of the cellphone market in Japan.
Buying cellphone itself and making contract to the cellphone company (buying SIM card) are separate things in most of the countries in the world.
And people understand them so.
In this business model, the price of the unit becomes expensive, but the charge to the cellphone company can be kept cheap.
Especially, prepaid plan doesn't have any basic charge.
But it's different in Japan.
Selling the unit has a rebate of 44,000 Yen per unit from cellphone company, which allows customers to buy cellphone in very cheap price or free.
However, the basic charge and the charge for a call is expensive, in compensation for the rebate.
This compensation allows to make up the rebate in about 2 years or less.
Thus, the customers are paying more than reasonable price to the cellphone company.
I recommend to change the model every 2 years.
And prepaid cellphones are not popular in Japan, or even prepaid cellphones are disappearing.
Government and cellphone companies explain that it's a prevention from the criminals to use the cellphone which the owner can't be identified.
Nevertheless, it's better not to expect any of a "cheap" cellphone in Japan.
Only the unit.
That is the reason why SIM unlocking and reselling can become a business, although it's illegal.
They unlock SIM of the cellphones in Japan, and reselled them in China.
This news remained obscure, and soon wll be forgotten by people.
Actually, SIM Unlock is NOT a crime in Japan.
Instead, reselling the cellphones which was SIM Unlocked is a crime.
But what's behind this news is the irregularity of the cellphone market in Japan.
Buying cellphone itself and making contract to the cellphone company (buying SIM card) are separate things in most of the countries in the world.
And people understand them so.
In this business model, the price of the unit becomes expensive, but the charge to the cellphone company can be kept cheap.
Especially, prepaid plan doesn't have any basic charge.
But it's different in Japan.
Selling the unit has a rebate of 44,000 Yen per unit from cellphone company, which allows customers to buy cellphone in very cheap price or free.
However, the basic charge and the charge for a call is expensive, in compensation for the rebate.
This compensation allows to make up the rebate in about 2 years or less.
Thus, the customers are paying more than reasonable price to the cellphone company.
I recommend to change the model every 2 years.
And prepaid cellphones are not popular in Japan, or even prepaid cellphones are disappearing.
Government and cellphone companies explain that it's a prevention from the criminals to use the cellphone which the owner can't be identified.
Nevertheless, it's better not to expect any of a "cheap" cellphone in Japan.
Only the unit.
That is the reason why SIM unlocking and reselling can become a business, although it's illegal.
August 15, 2006
Urban Malfunction.
It was second largest power failure in Tokyo.
1.4 Million households were influenced.
Several trains and subways halted, and together with blackouts of traffic lights, caused disorder in commuting.
The cause was very simple and improbable mistake.
A crane ship was plying with its crane up.
It was a wide river with few bridges, and the crew had forgotten of the existence of a power line acrossing the river.
Unfortunately, it was a part of a power line which is near to the power plant, thus the power failure became large in scale and took 3 hours to restore completely.
It was lucky that many people went to the provinces to make family visits during Bon.
It could have been much worse.
Tokyo Stock Exchange was also influenced, that the system to compute Nikkei index was in a fuctional disorder.
Amazingly, in spite of the presence of the unrest, the market continued advance.
The incident clearly brought out the weakness of megapolis.
I'm afraid if Tokyo will be the next target of terrorists.
1.4 Million households were influenced.
Several trains and subways halted, and together with blackouts of traffic lights, caused disorder in commuting.
The cause was very simple and improbable mistake.
A crane ship was plying with its crane up.
It was a wide river with few bridges, and the crew had forgotten of the existence of a power line acrossing the river.
Unfortunately, it was a part of a power line which is near to the power plant, thus the power failure became large in scale and took 3 hours to restore completely.
It was lucky that many people went to the provinces to make family visits during Bon.
It could have been much worse.
Tokyo Stock Exchange was also influenced, that the system to compute Nikkei index was in a fuctional disorder.
Amazingly, in spite of the presence of the unrest, the market continued advance.
The incident clearly brought out the weakness of megapolis.
I'm afraid if Tokyo will be the next target of terrorists.
July 30, 2006
Chaos of Anonymity.
2ch is one of the most famous bulletin board in Japan.
It is well known for it's anonymity, and sometimes it causes some troubles.
The beginning was a scandal of an entertainer.
This became a big news, and many people were talking about him in many places, including internet.
Some video clips were uploaded on YouTube, and soon they became the most accessed video clips.
They attracted the interests of foreigners.
I don't know if it was because they didn't understand Japanese or what, but some foreigners made contemptuous comments, such as "Jap".
"jpwipf" uploaded a video clip, to warn not to use those curse words to those people.
One of a "channeler" found this video clip, and paid attention.
Unfortunately, most of Japanese don't understand English, and they were only able to catch the emphasized curse words he is saying.
This misunderstanding, together with part of channelers who bear malice, caused chaos in 2ch.
The video clip of "jpwipf" was filled with offensive comments.
There were also few people who spoke loud about the misunderstanding and the correct translation.
But their words were ignored, and the offense has escalated.
"shoujohino", the American who understands Japanese, uploaded a video clip saying stop disputing.
Sad to say, her video clip was also attacked by malicious channelers.
She did nothing wrong, but some narrow-minded channelers envied her happiness.
This is the summary of a recent trouble.
I'm sad.
Not just because there were channelers who lowers the dignity of Japanese.
But also because of the 2ch as a whole.
Anonymity protects personal data and privacy.
But at the same time, anonymity is also an excuse from the responsibilities.
An excused from the responsibilities is also a beginning of disorder.
Just like people tend to commit crimes in the absence of police. (or more?)
Another problem is that there are many channelers who are NEET.
And finally, I'm sad that there are many poor minded people.
Why are there many people who can't accept something differ from them?
It is well known for it's anonymity, and sometimes it causes some troubles.
The beginning was a scandal of an entertainer.
This became a big news, and many people were talking about him in many places, including internet.
Some video clips were uploaded on YouTube, and soon they became the most accessed video clips.
They attracted the interests of foreigners.
I don't know if it was because they didn't understand Japanese or what, but some foreigners made contemptuous comments, such as "Jap".
"jpwipf" uploaded a video clip, to warn not to use those curse words to those people.
One of a "channeler" found this video clip, and paid attention.
Unfortunately, most of Japanese don't understand English, and they were only able to catch the emphasized curse words he is saying.
This misunderstanding, together with part of channelers who bear malice, caused chaos in 2ch.
The video clip of "jpwipf" was filled with offensive comments.
There were also few people who spoke loud about the misunderstanding and the correct translation.
But their words were ignored, and the offense has escalated.
"shoujohino", the American who understands Japanese, uploaded a video clip saying stop disputing.
Sad to say, her video clip was also attacked by malicious channelers.
She did nothing wrong, but some narrow-minded channelers envied her happiness.
This is the summary of a recent trouble.
I'm sad.
Not just because there were channelers who lowers the dignity of Japanese.
But also because of the 2ch as a whole.
Anonymity protects personal data and privacy.
But at the same time, anonymity is also an excuse from the responsibilities.
An excused from the responsibilities is also a beginning of disorder.
Just like people tend to commit crimes in the absence of police. (or more?)
Another problem is that there are many channelers who are NEET.
And finally, I'm sad that there are many poor minded people.
Why are there many people who can't accept something differ from them?
June 29, 2006
Personal Data.
"The Act for Protection of Computer Processed Personal Data Held by Administrative Organs" was enforced since April 2005.
And yet, so much personal data are still leaking.
Winny may be the biggest cause, but not the only cause.
These personal data are usually sold to groups of swindlers.
I was surprised that they buy personal data as cheap as "50 yen per name".
They use personal data to send fake direct mails or call for "pay-into-fraud".
On the other hand, some "Administrative Organs" overly protect personal data.
What I most eccentric is that "Local governments refuses to furnish personal data of senior citizens living alone who needs help in the case of disaster to the local welfare commissioners".
Recently, Schindler refused to open the list of customers to the public, when their elevators made accidents.
Isn't something wrong?
And yet, so much personal data are still leaking.
Winny may be the biggest cause, but not the only cause.
These personal data are usually sold to groups of swindlers.
I was surprised that they buy personal data as cheap as "50 yen per name".
They use personal data to send fake direct mails or call for "pay-into-fraud".
On the other hand, some "Administrative Organs" overly protect personal data.
What I most eccentric is that "Local governments refuses to furnish personal data of senior citizens living alone who needs help in the case of disaster to the local welfare commissioners".
Recently, Schindler refused to open the list of customers to the public, when their elevators made accidents.
Isn't something wrong?
June 09, 2006
Dispute.
How many of you knew that Japan have territorial issues?
Yes, we have.
Not only one, but four. (so far, I know)
1. Takeshima (or Dokdo), dispute with Korea
Perhaps this is the most complicated one of the four.
And also, perhaps the dispute which most arouses public opinions is this one.
Right now, this small island on Sea of Japan is under the control of Korean arm force.
Japan is protesting it as an unlawful occupation.
This is both a historical problem and political problem at the same time.
But Japan tries to solve this problem only on the side of possession.
As well as, Korea has a tendency to take this issue as mere a historical problem.
Why can't we refer it to International Court of Justice, on the Hague, Netherlands?
Well, Japan is trying to suit.
There are Koreans who also say that "If Japan insists that it is a territory of Japan, we should fight on the court. And when Japan wins, it is yours."
But Korean Government doesn't respond to it.
I believe Korea must respond to it, and fight on the court, fair and square.
For Korea too, for declaring itself as an advanced nation.
And we should solve this problem quickly as possible.
I don't hate Koreans, and I don't want other Japanese to hate Koreans.
National sentiment of hatred is useless at all.
This is for national interests of both nations and for stabilization of Far East.
2. Senkaku Shoto (or Diaoyutai Islands), dispute with China and Taiwan
Another difficult issue, but much simpler than the first one.
This is originally a territory of Japan ever since, but both People's Republic of China and Republic of China insisted that it's their territory on 1971, when the potential of lucrative gas fields was confirmed.
Thus, Japanese Government doesn't admit the existence of territorial issue for this.
By the way, it was under control of United States until 1972, on the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese control.
China also insists that most part of East China Sea is under their Exclusive Economic Zone.
It is stated that when the EEZ of 200 nautical miles of two or more countries overlap, it will be depended on continantal shelf.
When those countries lie on different continental shelves, the boundary is the limit of continental shelves.
When those countries lie on the same continental shelf, the boundary is the median line of the coast of those countries.
Japan insist that Okinawa is on the same continental shelf, and Japan-China median line must be the boundary.
China insist that Okinawa is on another continental shelf, and Okinawa Trough must be the boundary.
Who is right?
Well, the answer is already here.
Prof. Kimura of Ryukyu University on Okinawa made studies about Okinawa Trough, and reached to the conclusion that It has no oceanic crust.
It means that Okinawa is on the same continental shelf.
But China ignores this study, and continuing on developing for gas fields, just 5km away from the boundary.
Yes, we can't deny the possibility that the gas fields are lying across the boundary.
China is trying to steal natural resources of Japan.
I don't want to hate Chinese, so I tell to Chinese government to STOP IT!
3. Hoppo ryodo (or Kuril Islands), with Russia
This was originally a territory of Japan, but occupied by USSR on the end of World War II.
On Sanfrancisco Treaty, Japan agreed to renounce Chishima Islands (Kuril Islands) except Etorofu and Kunashiri Islands.
But USSR Continued on occupying, together with Shikotan and Habomai Islands, until now as Russia.
4. Okinotorishima
Actually, this is not a territorial dispute with any other countries.
This coral in the middle of Philippine Sea has two islands, Kita-kojima and Higashi-kojima, with the area together of 8.0 sq.m. only.
But it provides EEZ of about 400,000 sq.km.
The problem is that China insists on 2004 that These two islands are merely "rocks", which can't have EEZ.
China wants to make a oceanic research near this area, probably for military purpose.
Moreover, these islands are under crisis of being sinked, caused by Global Warming.
Thus, Japanese government protects it's shore with concrete blocks and tetrapods, and planning to build a lighthouse, in order to turn down the insistence of China.
I just wish that these disputes will be solved peacefully.
Yes, we have.
Not only one, but four. (so far, I know)
1. Takeshima (or Dokdo), dispute with Korea
Perhaps this is the most complicated one of the four.
And also, perhaps the dispute which most arouses public opinions is this one.
Right now, this small island on Sea of Japan is under the control of Korean arm force.
Japan is protesting it as an unlawful occupation.
This is both a historical problem and political problem at the same time.
But Japan tries to solve this problem only on the side of possession.
As well as, Korea has a tendency to take this issue as mere a historical problem.
Why can't we refer it to International Court of Justice, on the Hague, Netherlands?
Well, Japan is trying to suit.
There are Koreans who also say that "If Japan insists that it is a territory of Japan, we should fight on the court. And when Japan wins, it is yours."
But Korean Government doesn't respond to it.
I believe Korea must respond to it, and fight on the court, fair and square.
For Korea too, for declaring itself as an advanced nation.
And we should solve this problem quickly as possible.
I don't hate Koreans, and I don't want other Japanese to hate Koreans.
National sentiment of hatred is useless at all.
This is for national interests of both nations and for stabilization of Far East.
2. Senkaku Shoto (or Diaoyutai Islands), dispute with China and Taiwan
Another difficult issue, but much simpler than the first one.
This is originally a territory of Japan ever since, but both People's Republic of China and Republic of China insisted that it's their territory on 1971, when the potential of lucrative gas fields was confirmed.
Thus, Japanese Government doesn't admit the existence of territorial issue for this.
By the way, it was under control of United States until 1972, on the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese control.
China also insists that most part of East China Sea is under their Exclusive Economic Zone.
It is stated that when the EEZ of 200 nautical miles of two or more countries overlap, it will be depended on continantal shelf.
When those countries lie on different continental shelves, the boundary is the limit of continental shelves.
When those countries lie on the same continental shelf, the boundary is the median line of the coast of those countries.
Japan insist that Okinawa is on the same continental shelf, and Japan-China median line must be the boundary.
China insist that Okinawa is on another continental shelf, and Okinawa Trough must be the boundary.
Who is right?
Well, the answer is already here.
Prof. Kimura of Ryukyu University on Okinawa made studies about Okinawa Trough, and reached to the conclusion that It has no oceanic crust.
It means that Okinawa is on the same continental shelf.
But China ignores this study, and continuing on developing for gas fields, just 5km away from the boundary.
Yes, we can't deny the possibility that the gas fields are lying across the boundary.
China is trying to steal natural resources of Japan.
I don't want to hate Chinese, so I tell to Chinese government to STOP IT!
3. Hoppo ryodo (or Kuril Islands), with Russia
This was originally a territory of Japan, but occupied by USSR on the end of World War II.
On Sanfrancisco Treaty, Japan agreed to renounce Chishima Islands (Kuril Islands) except Etorofu and Kunashiri Islands.
But USSR Continued on occupying, together with Shikotan and Habomai Islands, until now as Russia.
4. Okinotorishima
Actually, this is not a territorial dispute with any other countries.
This coral in the middle of Philippine Sea has two islands, Kita-kojima and Higashi-kojima, with the area together of 8.0 sq.m. only.
But it provides EEZ of about 400,000 sq.km.
The problem is that China insists on 2004 that These two islands are merely "rocks", which can't have EEZ.
China wants to make a oceanic research near this area, probably for military purpose.
Moreover, these islands are under crisis of being sinked, caused by Global Warming.
Thus, Japanese government protects it's shore with concrete blocks and tetrapods, and planning to build a lighthouse, in order to turn down the insistence of China.
I just wish that these disputes will be solved peacefully.
May 17, 2006
Virtual Water.
Virtual Water.
Is Japan importing water?
The answer may be yes and no.
We aren't importing water itself directly. (excluding the small amount of importation of foreign mineral water)
But we are importing it indirectly.
We import argicultural products.
And waters are consumed in farming.
We can save an amount of water which might have been used for farming the argicultural products which we are importing.
Thus, we are importing water virtually.
This is also applicable to other products we are importing, or exporting.
This idea was proposed by Prof. Anthony Allan of London University.
Generally, Argicultural products consumes more water than industrial products.
Japan is importing more virtual water than exporting it.
The amount of virtual water we are importing is 64 Billion metric tons per annum.
While the amount of water consumed in Japan is 87 Billion metric tons per annum, including 13 Billion metric tons per annum used for industry.
Japan is one of the rare countries which have abuntand water resources, and yet importing virtual water.
This will certainly lead to a disproportion of water resources in the world, and a war might be outbroken.
People were always disputing with water and food.
Is Japan importing water?
The answer may be yes and no.
We aren't importing water itself directly. (excluding the small amount of importation of foreign mineral water)
But we are importing it indirectly.
We import argicultural products.
And waters are consumed in farming.
We can save an amount of water which might have been used for farming the argicultural products which we are importing.
Thus, we are importing water virtually.
This is also applicable to other products we are importing, or exporting.
This idea was proposed by Prof. Anthony Allan of London University.
Generally, Argicultural products consumes more water than industrial products.
Japan is importing more virtual water than exporting it.
The amount of virtual water we are importing is 64 Billion metric tons per annum.
While the amount of water consumed in Japan is 87 Billion metric tons per annum, including 13 Billion metric tons per annum used for industry.
Japan is one of the rare countries which have abuntand water resources, and yet importing virtual water.
This will certainly lead to a disproportion of water resources in the world, and a war might be outbroken.
People were always disputing with water and food.
April 11, 2006
Airports.
There are 2 airports which had newly opened in Japan.
One is Kobe Airport, which had opened on February 16. Another is New Kita-Kyushu Airport, which had opened on March 16.
Both of them are on "Airport Island", which are artificial islands, to dissolve noise pollution, or to avoid collision with wild birds.
This is the mode of airports in Japan, since Kansai International Airport was opened on 1994.
But at the same time, airports are getting farther.
For example, Narita Airport is about 60km apart from Tokyo, and it takes more than 1hr.
Well, new airports are constructed nearer to the city center, which are usually connected with trains.
Kobe Airport is just 16 minutes away from Sannomiya, Kobe.
The real problem may be having many small airports.
Long runway is necessary for arrival and departure of a Jumbo Jet, but most of the airports have short runways, like 3000m or 2500m, and Narita Airport is the only airport with a runway of 4000m.
Hanshin area, which includes Osaka and Kobe, have 3 airports with the radius of 25km, which are Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport and Kobe Airport.
All international lines are operating on Kansai International Airport, but since this is quite far from the city center, domestic lines are more in favor of arriving and departing from either Osaka International Airport or Kobe Airport.
Too much was paid for the construction fee.
And we are the one who is gonna pay for it, which is called "tax".
I doubt if we really need that much airports.
One is Kobe Airport, which had opened on February 16. Another is New Kita-Kyushu Airport, which had opened on March 16.
Both of them are on "Airport Island", which are artificial islands, to dissolve noise pollution, or to avoid collision with wild birds.
This is the mode of airports in Japan, since Kansai International Airport was opened on 1994.
But at the same time, airports are getting farther.
For example, Narita Airport is about 60km apart from Tokyo, and it takes more than 1hr.
Well, new airports are constructed nearer to the city center, which are usually connected with trains.
Kobe Airport is just 16 minutes away from Sannomiya, Kobe.
The real problem may be having many small airports.
Long runway is necessary for arrival and departure of a Jumbo Jet, but most of the airports have short runways, like 3000m or 2500m, and Narita Airport is the only airport with a runway of 4000m.
Hanshin area, which includes Osaka and Kobe, have 3 airports with the radius of 25km, which are Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport and Kobe Airport.
All international lines are operating on Kansai International Airport, but since this is quite far from the city center, domestic lines are more in favor of arriving and departing from either Osaka International Airport or Kobe Airport.
Too much was paid for the construction fee.
And we are the one who is gonna pay for it, which is called "tax".
I doubt if we really need that much airports.
March 16, 2006
Winny.
It is a Peer-to-peer(P2P) software.
It enables to share specific files directly with innumerable anonymous people, without the presence of any server.
Not only winny, but also any other P2P software are very convenient for people who wish to make illegal sharing of files with copyright, especially in musics or movies.
Since these softwares secure anonymity, police have difficulty in specifying who made illegal sharings.
Actually, there are arrested people with a suspicion of illegal sharing of files, but they were specified with external factor, such as announcement of illegal sharing in bulletin board or blog.
Kaneko, the one who made winny, was arrested too, on suspicion of "aiding and abetting an infringement of copyright".
Winny users are rapidly increasing, which is said to be about 600,000 to 1 million. (it is difficult to determine, because of it's anonymity.)
But are they really secured?
Unfortunately, I have to answer "NO!".
A group of virus called "Antinny" were made and scattered through winny.
These virus allows "any" files on PC to be shared, or in other words, it makes disclosure.
Since when the PC is infected, the user can't choose the files to share, thus the information leak.
And this is becoming a serious problems in Japan.
- from City Hall, about personal information of citizens
- from Post Office, about delivery of mails
- from Hospital, about diagnoses of patients
- from TV Station, about personal information of casts in a TV Program
- from Police, about criminal investigations and the criminals
- from Prison, about prisoners
- from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, about inspection of Nuclear Power Plant
- from Airline Company, about PIN number for entering restricted areas
- from Self Defense Force, about personal information of soldiers and 'classified' materials
And many more were leaked.
Those workers brought home the secret information, and copied to private PCs which use winny to continue their work.
As a property of winny, once the file is shared, it goes around the world semipermanently and never can be deleted, unless to delete all the data of winny users.
Even Koizumi warned nation not to use winny, especially in public service.
It is unusual that the government warns nation to restrain in using a particular software.
But do they really understand what is the problem?
Winny is not a virus.
These leakages may have been prevented, if the system of information management was thoroughgoing.
The real problem may be "bringing home the secret information".
Antinny practically have a property of punishment against an infringement of copyright.
Hence, there are some internet users who sneers to the infected ones rather than sympathize them.
But on the other side, Mass Media reports about these leakage of information day after day, but consistently reports the infected ones as "victims", and never touch the other side that they may be invaders who made illegal downloading.
Even the police, who have determined the existence of winny as illegal and arrested Kaneko, were using winny too.
But they will never be focused, neither by Mass Media nor the government.
Moreover, Antinny were widespread since 2004 and it's danger was recognized on earlier time, and there is a case that the victim accused the user of responsibility and developed to the demand of compensation for damages trial, but these are ignored.
By the way, Kaneko said in his seminar that he can rewrite the program of winny to prevent scattering of virus, but he is restricted by police to update.
Well, I think police should recognize the importance of updating software.
Updating is a battle against bugs and virus, and stopping it means allowing it to be an easy target.
In fact, some people say that arresting Kaneko was wrong decision.
We should be aware of vulnerability of computer.
Who had ever thought that a software made by a single person may lead a nation to a crisis in military way?
It enables to share specific files directly with innumerable anonymous people, without the presence of any server.
Not only winny, but also any other P2P software are very convenient for people who wish to make illegal sharing of files with copyright, especially in musics or movies.
Since these softwares secure anonymity, police have difficulty in specifying who made illegal sharings.
Actually, there are arrested people with a suspicion of illegal sharing of files, but they were specified with external factor, such as announcement of illegal sharing in bulletin board or blog.
Kaneko, the one who made winny, was arrested too, on suspicion of "aiding and abetting an infringement of copyright".
Winny users are rapidly increasing, which is said to be about 600,000 to 1 million. (it is difficult to determine, because of it's anonymity.)
But are they really secured?
Unfortunately, I have to answer "NO!".
A group of virus called "Antinny" were made and scattered through winny.
These virus allows "any" files on PC to be shared, or in other words, it makes disclosure.
Since when the PC is infected, the user can't choose the files to share, thus the information leak.
And this is becoming a serious problems in Japan.
- from City Hall, about personal information of citizens
- from Post Office, about delivery of mails
- from Hospital, about diagnoses of patients
- from TV Station, about personal information of casts in a TV Program
- from Police, about criminal investigations and the criminals
- from Prison, about prisoners
- from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, about inspection of Nuclear Power Plant
- from Airline Company, about PIN number for entering restricted areas
- from Self Defense Force, about personal information of soldiers and 'classified' materials
And many more were leaked.
Those workers brought home the secret information, and copied to private PCs which use winny to continue their work.
As a property of winny, once the file is shared, it goes around the world semipermanently and never can be deleted, unless to delete all the data of winny users.
Even Koizumi warned nation not to use winny, especially in public service.
It is unusual that the government warns nation to restrain in using a particular software.
But do they really understand what is the problem?
Winny is not a virus.
These leakages may have been prevented, if the system of information management was thoroughgoing.
The real problem may be "bringing home the secret information".
Antinny practically have a property of punishment against an infringement of copyright.
Hence, there are some internet users who sneers to the infected ones rather than sympathize them.
But on the other side, Mass Media reports about these leakage of information day after day, but consistently reports the infected ones as "victims", and never touch the other side that they may be invaders who made illegal downloading.
Even the police, who have determined the existence of winny as illegal and arrested Kaneko, were using winny too.
But they will never be focused, neither by Mass Media nor the government.
Moreover, Antinny were widespread since 2004 and it's danger was recognized on earlier time, and there is a case that the victim accused the user of responsibility and developed to the demand of compensation for damages trial, but these are ignored.
By the way, Kaneko said in his seminar that he can rewrite the program of winny to prevent scattering of virus, but he is restricted by police to update.
Well, I think police should recognize the importance of updating software.
Updating is a battle against bugs and virus, and stopping it means allowing it to be an easy target.
In fact, some people say that arresting Kaneko was wrong decision.
We should be aware of vulnerability of computer.
Who had ever thought that a software made by a single person may lead a nation to a crisis in military way?
March 10, 2006
Quantitative Relaxation.
5 Years ago, Japan was in danger of going into bad cycle of depression and deflation.
Usually, in this situation, central bank or any responsible organization lowers the official discount rate, or the bank rate.
But this strategy was not appicable in this case, since the official discount rate of Japan was already almost zero.
Hence, the central bank made an "abnormal" decision to restrain itself from controlling the economy by the official discount rate, and increased the currency to be appeared on the market, or "Ultra Easing Monetary Policy".
This has continued for 5 years, and just today, it was cancelled.
Economy of Japan is now escaped from the depression.
They say that "zero-interest" will be continued for a mean time, but eventually, the official discount rate will increase.
Usually, in this situation, central bank or any responsible organization lowers the official discount rate, or the bank rate.
But this strategy was not appicable in this case, since the official discount rate of Japan was already almost zero.
Hence, the central bank made an "abnormal" decision to restrain itself from controlling the economy by the official discount rate, and increased the currency to be appeared on the market, or "Ultra Easing Monetary Policy".
This has continued for 5 years, and just today, it was cancelled.
Economy of Japan is now escaped from the depression.
They say that "zero-interest" will be continued for a mean time, but eventually, the official discount rate will increase.
March 02, 2006
Environmental Disruption and Collapse of Civilization.
I guess you have studied in school about the lost civilizations, like Mayan or Aztecan.
But then, did you know that most of the lost civilizations are caused by Environmental Disruption?
1. Civilization develops.
2. Wealth grows.
3. Population grows.
4. To maintain the standard of life, Natural resources are exploited.
5. Environment becomes naturally unrecoverable.
6. Natural resources are exhausted.
7. Civilization collapses.
These steps were repeated over the centuries.
Especially WATER was essential in life, and when body-of-water is once polluted, it's very difficult to recover, thus people had to move from one place to another.
Another may be ecocide, usually by too much hunting, bringing non-adoptable introduced species, overgrazing, or deforestation.
And especially deforestation is grave.
As you know, largest desert in the world is Sahara desert, in Northern Africa.
The southern boundary of Sahara desert is called "Sahel", but this desert is growing toward south, 5km every year.
Once the surface is exposed due to deforestation or any other causes, erosion takes place either by rain or wind.
Barren terrain is hardly recovered.
Moreover, forest can keep some amount of water in soil, but Barren soil can't.
This makes landslide easier to occur.
On other hand, There are many uneducated people who thinks "trees come up spontaneously".
They don't have an idea of afforestation.
Perhaps educating them about afforestation while planting trees will be more effective for stopping desertification than simply planting trees.
And of course, we have to prevent from repeating the steps of collapse of civilization.
But then, did you know that most of the lost civilizations are caused by Environmental Disruption?
1. Civilization develops.
2. Wealth grows.
3. Population grows.
4. To maintain the standard of life, Natural resources are exploited.
5. Environment becomes naturally unrecoverable.
6. Natural resources are exhausted.
7. Civilization collapses.
These steps were repeated over the centuries.
Especially WATER was essential in life, and when body-of-water is once polluted, it's very difficult to recover, thus people had to move from one place to another.
Another may be ecocide, usually by too much hunting, bringing non-adoptable introduced species, overgrazing, or deforestation.
And especially deforestation is grave.
As you know, largest desert in the world is Sahara desert, in Northern Africa.
The southern boundary of Sahara desert is called "Sahel", but this desert is growing toward south, 5km every year.
Once the surface is exposed due to deforestation or any other causes, erosion takes place either by rain or wind.
Barren terrain is hardly recovered.
Moreover, forest can keep some amount of water in soil, but Barren soil can't.
This makes landslide easier to occur.
On other hand, There are many uneducated people who thinks "trees come up spontaneously".
They don't have an idea of afforestation.
Perhaps educating them about afforestation while planting trees will be more effective for stopping desertification than simply planting trees.
And of course, we have to prevent from repeating the steps of collapse of civilization.
February 16, 2006
Valentine chocolate.
February 14 is an important celebration for lovers.
But did you know that the culture of "giving chocolate" did origin from Japan (and Korea too)? ^_^
(perhaps there were people who gave chocolate even before, but that was not a culture.)
Originally, Japanese tradition defined that confession of love must be done from a man to a woman, otherwise the woman who confessed love is labeled "a shrew" or "scolding".
But on 1960's, when the imported culture of "Valentines day" diffused all over Japan, confectionery companies directed attention to it.
They promoted that "valentines day is the only day when women can confess their love to men, together with giving chocolate", and it was successful.
in 1980's, the concept of "chocolate-in-duty" was introduced.
This is given to the "loved" ones, but not in romantic way. (i.e. family, relatives, classmates, teachers, etc.)
And this allowed women to give chocolate without being shy.
Of course, those confectionery companies increased the sales even more.
And the tradition of "White day" on March 14 too, this time men returns chocolate or other confectioneries to women, showing gratitude, and answering if he loves her too or not. (this is too complicated, so let me omit.)
(By the way, Korea has celebration of couples on 14th day of every month.)
Don't worry, women who confess love is no longer treated as "a shrew" or "scolding" anymore.
Anyway this day is a good day for "the ones who love chocolate".
Thanks for everybody who gave me chocolate, whether it is "chocolate-in-duty" or not.
Mmmmm...
But did you know that the culture of "giving chocolate" did origin from Japan (and Korea too)? ^_^
(perhaps there were people who gave chocolate even before, but that was not a culture.)
Originally, Japanese tradition defined that confession of love must be done from a man to a woman, otherwise the woman who confessed love is labeled "a shrew" or "scolding".
But on 1960's, when the imported culture of "Valentines day" diffused all over Japan, confectionery companies directed attention to it.
They promoted that "valentines day is the only day when women can confess their love to men, together with giving chocolate", and it was successful.
in 1980's, the concept of "chocolate-in-duty" was introduced.
This is given to the "loved" ones, but not in romantic way. (i.e. family, relatives, classmates, teachers, etc.)
And this allowed women to give chocolate without being shy.
Of course, those confectionery companies increased the sales even more.
And the tradition of "White day" on March 14 too, this time men returns chocolate or other confectioneries to women, showing gratitude, and answering if he loves her too or not. (this is too complicated, so let me omit.)
(By the way, Korea has celebration of couples on 14th day of every month.)
Don't worry, women who confess love is no longer treated as "a shrew" or "scolding" anymore.
Anyway this day is a good day for "the ones who love chocolate".
Thanks for everybody who gave me chocolate, whether it is "chocolate-in-duty" or not.
Mmmmm...
January 30, 2006
Cellphone.
Go shopping and buy something.
Ride on a train or airplane.
Surf internet.
Watch TV.
Download music or games.
Chat using messenger.
Of course I'm talking about cellphone.
There are so many services available (tempting).
So far, the latest service added on cellphones I know is "credit card".
There was already a service of "prepaid card", which can be used at convenience stores, train or airplane tickets, etc.
It just had a critical weakness, that "it requires to charge money first", while credit card doesn't require, it just charges directly to a bank account.
But the service I like most are camera and dictionary.
Furthermore, most of the computers don't have camera, do yours have!? ^_^
I don't want to pay extra money, when I can keep them cheaper.
I pay fix price to an internet provider every month, so why use cellphone to surf, download or chat?
Watching TV doesn't cost money, but it consumes battery quickly.
Nevertheless, primary use of cellphone is to CALL.
Mail or SMS could follow, but are the other functions necessary?
Answer may depend on everybody, but at least I don't need them.
I can't deny that "simple phones" are good sellers, especially for matured people.
Cellphone companies supply where there are demands.
Oh, I forgot to mention about the service "number portability".
Even when people change cellphone companies, they'll still have the same number for their SIM card.
This service will begin from this coming November.
Just be careful not to lose your cellphone!
It's a treasure box of personal information.
Ride on a train or airplane.
Surf internet.
Watch TV.
Download music or games.
Chat using messenger.
Of course I'm talking about cellphone.
There are so many services available (tempting).
So far, the latest service added on cellphones I know is "credit card".
There was already a service of "prepaid card", which can be used at convenience stores, train or airplane tickets, etc.
It just had a critical weakness, that "it requires to charge money first", while credit card doesn't require, it just charges directly to a bank account.
But the service I like most are camera and dictionary.
Furthermore, most of the computers don't have camera, do yours have!? ^_^
I don't want to pay extra money, when I can keep them cheaper.
I pay fix price to an internet provider every month, so why use cellphone to surf, download or chat?
Watching TV doesn't cost money, but it consumes battery quickly.
Nevertheless, primary use of cellphone is to CALL.
Mail or SMS could follow, but are the other functions necessary?
Answer may depend on everybody, but at least I don't need them.
I can't deny that "simple phones" are good sellers, especially for matured people.
Cellphone companies supply where there are demands.
Oh, I forgot to mention about the service "number portability".
Even when people change cellphone companies, they'll still have the same number for their SIM card.
This service will begin from this coming November.
Just be careful not to lose your cellphone!
It's a treasure box of personal information.
January 24, 2006
Livedoor Shock.
1 week has passed since authorities raided Livedoor,
Suspicion is fraudulent practices and spreading false information about its business practices.
It was on October 2004, when Livedoor Marketing, one of the subsidiary companies of Livedoor, announced to acquire Moneylife.
However, Moneylife was substantially affiliated with Livedoor on June 2004, through several funds.
It means Moneylife was under the control of Livedoor even before the acquisition.
Investors weren't informed so.
They just knew about the acquisition, and bought Moneylife stocks.
But since all the stocks were under the control of Livedoor, "nobody" sold, and the stock prices skyrocketed.
Acquisition was done in stock deal, and it is legal.
Livedoor issued new stocks, and exchanged with Moneylife stocks.
But after exchanging, the fund who got Livedoor stocks sold in market, and returned the profit to Livedoor.
The time when Acquisition of Moneylife was done exactly matches the time when Livedoor had given it's name for new entry in Baseball.
These are their alchemy.
They continued M&A to keep on growing, nevertheless IT companies are unsubstantial.
They thought this "secret formula" will never be known in public.
But they were wrong.
This news shook the economy of Japan.
Nikkei had dropped 6% in just two days, with an across-the-board fall in prices.
Livedoor was well known as one of the winning companies, as well as Horie was well known as a man who rises to greatness in turbulent times of IT.
But our expectations were betrayed.
Of course, Livedoor stocks had dropped too.
It was 696 yen on January 16, but it's 176 yen today.
Even more, it might be unlisted from stock market, which will damage the stockholders even more.
Political world was also shocked.
Koizumi, who supported Horie during the election, said that "Laws must be followed strictly at any times", and also that "I consider this problem as irrelevant from the last election."
Fuji TV canceled business tie-up with Livedoor.
Hieda, the chairman of Fuji TV, said that "We are unrelated to this matter. It was done on 2004, right?"
They have the whole world against them.
Even if they are innocent or not guilty, customers are certainly moving to other companies, and lawsuit by stockholders will be waiting.
Moreover, Livedoor is now under crisis of being acquired by some other companies.
Book-value Per Share (BPS) of Livedoor stocks are 184 yen, while the price is 176 yen, as I said before.
They have a cash of 95.7 Billion yen (apprx. 830 Million US Dollars), while liabilities with interest are just 8.7 Billion yen (apprx. 76 Million US Dollars).
It is a "profitable purchase".
Most probably, Horie traced similar path with Oda Nobunaga or Sakamoto Ryoma, the national heroes of Japan.
They rose to greatness in turbulent times as well, from nothing but merely with their abilities.
They had innovative ideas, vitality, initiatives, and strong will to stand on the top of the world.
They are also misunderstood or hated by majority, who can't follow their ideas.
And finally, since they hurried too much, Oda and Sakamoto were assassinated.
Livedoor shock is purely a good news for me, as always.
It gave me an opportunity to buy most stocks in discounted prices.
I can't thank enough. ^_^
Finally, it is inevitable for Horie to quit president,
since he was arrested yesterday.
Suspicion is fraudulent practices and spreading false information about its business practices.
It was on October 2004, when Livedoor Marketing, one of the subsidiary companies of Livedoor, announced to acquire Moneylife.
However, Moneylife was substantially affiliated with Livedoor on June 2004, through several funds.
It means Moneylife was under the control of Livedoor even before the acquisition.
Investors weren't informed so.
They just knew about the acquisition, and bought Moneylife stocks.
But since all the stocks were under the control of Livedoor, "nobody" sold, and the stock prices skyrocketed.
Acquisition was done in stock deal, and it is legal.
Livedoor issued new stocks, and exchanged with Moneylife stocks.
But after exchanging, the fund who got Livedoor stocks sold in market, and returned the profit to Livedoor.
The time when Acquisition of Moneylife was done exactly matches the time when Livedoor had given it's name for new entry in Baseball.
These are their alchemy.
They continued M&A to keep on growing, nevertheless IT companies are unsubstantial.
They thought this "secret formula" will never be known in public.
But they were wrong.
This news shook the economy of Japan.
Nikkei had dropped 6% in just two days, with an across-the-board fall in prices.
Livedoor was well known as one of the winning companies, as well as Horie was well known as a man who rises to greatness in turbulent times of IT.
But our expectations were betrayed.
Of course, Livedoor stocks had dropped too.
It was 696 yen on January 16, but it's 176 yen today.
Even more, it might be unlisted from stock market, which will damage the stockholders even more.
Political world was also shocked.
Koizumi, who supported Horie during the election, said that "Laws must be followed strictly at any times", and also that "I consider this problem as irrelevant from the last election."
Fuji TV canceled business tie-up with Livedoor.
Hieda, the chairman of Fuji TV, said that "We are unrelated to this matter. It was done on 2004, right?"
They have the whole world against them.
Even if they are innocent or not guilty, customers are certainly moving to other companies, and lawsuit by stockholders will be waiting.
Moreover, Livedoor is now under crisis of being acquired by some other companies.
Book-value Per Share (BPS) of Livedoor stocks are 184 yen, while the price is 176 yen, as I said before.
They have a cash of 95.7 Billion yen (apprx. 830 Million US Dollars), while liabilities with interest are just 8.7 Billion yen (apprx. 76 Million US Dollars).
It is a "profitable purchase".
Most probably, Horie traced similar path with Oda Nobunaga or Sakamoto Ryoma, the national heroes of Japan.
They rose to greatness in turbulent times as well, from nothing but merely with their abilities.
They had innovative ideas, vitality, initiatives, and strong will to stand on the top of the world.
They are also misunderstood or hated by majority, who can't follow their ideas.
And finally, since they hurried too much, Oda and Sakamoto were assassinated.
Livedoor shock is purely a good news for me, as always.
It gave me an opportunity to buy most stocks in discounted prices.
I can't thank enough. ^_^
Finally, it is inevitable for Horie to quit president,
since he was arrested yesterday.
Column: Horie aphorisms.
June 30, 2004
"Why don't you take us seriously? We have a cash of 51.2 Billion yen."
- When Kintetsu refused Livedoor to purchase the baseball team.
September 27, 2004
"I was raised in a family with cheap salary. Budget of parents and ability of children are unrelated. There must be many children who can't develop their abilities due to family finances."
- In a column of newspaper, titled "My opinion of education reformation".
October 2004
"Managers is better the younger. He can think quickly, moreover he has physical strength."
- In an interview of journalists.
January 24, 2005
"To forestall Yahoo, I can't wait banks at a loss."
- In an announcement conference of establishing an internet bank together with Saikyo Bank.
March 4, 2005
"The journalism what all of you think was necessary during the times when there was no internet, but no longer necessary."
- In an interview of journalists.
March 8, 2005
"Within an assumption. This is a big game for us, and we work on a plan carefully."
- When The TOB of Nippon Broadcast stocks by Fuji TV was concluded.
July 8, 2005
"Society must consider the disparity society."
- In a lecture held in Aichi Expo.
September 6, 2005
"I have a sense of incongruity about the constitution begins on stating 'The royal family is a symbol of Japan'. It is not changed, perhaps because they are afraid of rightists."
- In a lecture held in Japan Foreign Correspondent Association.
October 11, 2005
"I will be entering in space business in two years."
- In a lecture held in Tokyo.
December 25, 2005
"I worked hard in my business thinking of stockholders for 10 years."
- In a general meeting of stockholders, when stockholders critisized proposal for continuing non-dividend paying.
"Why don't you take us seriously? We have a cash of 51.2 Billion yen."
- When Kintetsu refused Livedoor to purchase the baseball team.
September 27, 2004
"I was raised in a family with cheap salary. Budget of parents and ability of children are unrelated. There must be many children who can't develop their abilities due to family finances."
- In a column of newspaper, titled "My opinion of education reformation".
October 2004
"Managers is better the younger. He can think quickly, moreover he has physical strength."
- In an interview of journalists.
January 24, 2005
"To forestall Yahoo, I can't wait banks at a loss."
- In an announcement conference of establishing an internet bank together with Saikyo Bank.
March 4, 2005
"The journalism what all of you think was necessary during the times when there was no internet, but no longer necessary."
- In an interview of journalists.
March 8, 2005
"Within an assumption. This is a big game for us, and we work on a plan carefully."
- When The TOB of Nippon Broadcast stocks by Fuji TV was concluded.
July 8, 2005
"Society must consider the disparity society."
- In a lecture held in Aichi Expo.
September 6, 2005
"I have a sense of incongruity about the constitution begins on stating 'The royal family is a symbol of Japan'. It is not changed, perhaps because they are afraid of rightists."
- In a lecture held in Japan Foreign Correspondent Association.
October 11, 2005
"I will be entering in space business in two years."
- In a lecture held in Tokyo.
December 25, 2005
"I worked hard in my business thinking of stockholders for 10 years."
- In a general meeting of stockholders, when stockholders critisized proposal for continuing non-dividend paying.
January 18, 2006
Snow damage.
Just like many other cities in northern part of Japan, one of the feature of Akita city is Snow fest.
It began on 1976, and they continued it every year, even the amount of snow was too little for having a fest.
But this year, they had to decide to discontinue this year, due to the too much snow.
They were not able to secure the planned site, which became the place to dump snow.
Heavy snowfalls made new records in many places in Japan.
An accumulation of snow deeper than the average height of Japanese was rare, but not anymore.
Government can't promote "Warm-biz" extensively.
Winter clothes are selling well, but perhaps not just because of "Warm-biz".
Snowplows are always in operation.
And yet, there are still isolated regions, since snow cuts off traffic on the highway.
Even worse news is that most of the people living in these areas are advanced age.
And snow is causing casualties.
This abnormal weather is caused by the unusual snow in Himalayas.
In fact, New Delhi in India recorded freezing temperature, and many people froze to death in Kashmir.
Will the next winter be like this too?
I don't think so, Unusually cold winter usually doesn't come successively.
But I can say that there will be a winter even colder than this year in few years.
Why?
Because the scientific analysis says that as the ice sheets in polar regions melt, climate in whole world will be more unstable.
Global Warming caused by economic activities of humankind is finally returning a vast amount of economic loss.
It began on 1976, and they continued it every year, even the amount of snow was too little for having a fest.
But this year, they had to decide to discontinue this year, due to the too much snow.
They were not able to secure the planned site, which became the place to dump snow.
Heavy snowfalls made new records in many places in Japan.
An accumulation of snow deeper than the average height of Japanese was rare, but not anymore.
Government can't promote "Warm-biz" extensively.
Winter clothes are selling well, but perhaps not just because of "Warm-biz".
Snowplows are always in operation.
And yet, there are still isolated regions, since snow cuts off traffic on the highway.
Even worse news is that most of the people living in these areas are advanced age.
And snow is causing casualties.
This abnormal weather is caused by the unusual snow in Himalayas.
In fact, New Delhi in India recorded freezing temperature, and many people froze to death in Kashmir.
Will the next winter be like this too?
I don't think so, Unusually cold winter usually doesn't come successively.
But I can say that there will be a winter even colder than this year in few years.
Why?
Because the scientific analysis says that as the ice sheets in polar regions melt, climate in whole world will be more unstable.
Global Warming caused by economic activities of humankind is finally returning a vast amount of economic loss.
January 10, 2006
A coming-of-age ceremony.
Last January 9 was the Coming-of-Age Day.
This holiday is "weird", it moves every year since it is stated as "second Monday of January".
I remember in my childhood that Coming-of-Age Day was fixed on January 15.
In Japan, "new adults" are celebrated in the age of 20.
This celebration is one of the few chances to be dressed in a gorgeous kimono as one's best clothes, which became rare nowadays.
But there are so many "new adults" who don't go to this ceremony.
Some even don't have self-awareness that they became adults.
Don't you think this has some connection with the problem about NEET?
But on the other hand, there are new adults who struggle for becoming rich.
Perhaps some people like Horie inspired them, or is the bright forecasts for the economy which encourages them?
Whoever they are, this is a good opportunity to thank our parents for bringing us up.
And remember, we, the youth, are the one who is responsible for the future of this nation.
This holiday is "weird", it moves every year since it is stated as "second Monday of January".
I remember in my childhood that Coming-of-Age Day was fixed on January 15.
In Japan, "new adults" are celebrated in the age of 20.
This celebration is one of the few chances to be dressed in a gorgeous kimono as one's best clothes, which became rare nowadays.
But there are so many "new adults" who don't go to this ceremony.
Some even don't have self-awareness that they became adults.
Don't you think this has some connection with the problem about NEET?
But on the other hand, there are new adults who struggle for becoming rich.
Perhaps some people like Horie inspired them, or is the bright forecasts for the economy which encourages them?
Whoever they are, this is a good opportunity to thank our parents for bringing us up.
And remember, we, the youth, are the one who is responsible for the future of this nation.
