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Aftermath of Civil Servants’ Money Wasting Jun. 15
In Japan, civil servants’ wasting of money has long been an issue. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Professor MUTA Tomeo, author of “Aftermath of Civil Servants Money Wasting,” about the situation. ...
Before Long the US and Japan Will be Socialist Countries!
In the middle of the global depression, a new book titled “USA Will be a Socialist Country within 30 Years,” written by a young American doctor of economics, is soon to be published. The book has attracted the interest of economic scholars around the world. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed the author, Blovia WILD. ...
Interrogation Prejudice for Molesting Women
This spring the Supreme Court reversed a verdict of guilty for a university professor who had been charged with obscenity after he was accused of molesting a woman. It became big news as a false accusation case. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Mr. KOIDE Yoshito, the author of “Interrogation Prejudice for Molesting Women.” ...
Eco Car Subsidy will Solve the Income Gap Society Issue
As part of a policy to stimulate the economy, the Japanese government announced a plan to offer a maximum 250,000 yen subsidy to those who purchase eco cars. The “Sneering at the Rich Association,” who we have interviewed before, is closely monitoring this policy. Hiragana Times CIA once again interviewed Mr. KANEHIRA Kouhei, president of the association, to find out why. ...
Special Remedy for Information Leakage Plots
A secretary of Democratic Party leader OZAWA Ichiro, potentially the next prime minister, was arrested and indicted for accepting political donations from illegal sources. Many people think there is political intent behind the incident since an arrest in such a case is unusual and because a general election is expected to take place soon. In addition, it is said the prosecutors have frequently leaked investigation information to the media. ...
Kanji will Disappear from the Japanese Language
Prime Minister ASO’s frequent misreading of kanji at the Diet has made people laugh, but it seems the Japanese’s ability to read and write kanji is deteriorating recently. In the midst of this, the book “The Japanese Language in the Global Age” by YOKOGAKI Yuzo, a professor of the Japanese language who advocates the disuse of kanji, will be published soon. Hiragana Times CIA took the lead in interviewing him. ...
NY Tribunal will Persecute Global Depression Perpetrators
The global depression that started with American sub-prime loans in 2008 is said to be the worst in a century. Who is to blame? Now a special committee consisting of the countries suffering from the depression is secretly investigating the crimes. Hiragana Times CIA gained information from a member of the committee. ...
Is it a Sin for a Woman to be too Beautiful?
In Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, there is a woman known as the “overly beautiful city council member.” Because of her beauty, many media have covered her and she has released a DVD featuring herself. However, she created a fuss when the head of her support organization told the media he was planning to sue her. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Mr. HENMI Tadashi, president of the Beautiful Women Study Society, ...
Common Habits of Successful People in Downfal
Music Producer KOMURO Tetsuya was arrested in November 2008 for attempting a 500-million-yen fraud. He swept over the Japanese music scene in the ‘90s and it is said his annual income was 2 billion yen. Many Japanese were shocked by the news. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Dr. HITOTOKI Noboru, an authority on human studies who is researching the glory and failure of life. ...
Free Media will Bury the “Facts” of the News!
These days people can access news with free media such as the Internet and free TV and papers. However, Professor HIROI Denkichi, an authority on the media warns that the trend could create a big problem that may even lead to the collapse of democracy. ...
Don’t Worry if the Japanese Prime Minister Quits in a Year!
The last two Japanese prime ministers both suddenly resigned after almost only a year in power. Hiragana Times CIA talked about this abnormal situation with Professor Eva GREEN, a prominent British political critic. ...
Behind the Vandalizing of World Heritage Sites
A scandal occurred in February 2008 in which female Japanese college students drew graffiti on the wall of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Italian historian Professor BITERUBO about the matter. ...
Construction Plan for “Death Row Land”
Japan has long been regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, but in recent years heinous crimes are on the increase. While the voices calling for the death penalty against such criminals are getting louder, there is strong opposition to executions. In the middle of all this, a civil group suggests the construction of “Death Row Land.” Hiragana Times CIA interviewed the director, SARASHINA Kaito. ...
Hidden Intention Requiring Japanese Language Proficiency for Staying in Japan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to give advantageous treatment to foreigners who have higher knowledge of the Japanese language in their application for entry and stay in Japan. Regarding the governments aim of introducing this system, Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Professor OHURA Yuuzou, an expert in Japanese language education. ...
The Holding of the Olympic Games Annually will Bring Peace to the World!?
There is no end to conflict in the world. However, the NPO Citizen’s World Peace Conference has written a report saying the Olympic Games should be held every year in order to help achieve world peace. Next month they are going to announce it formally, but Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Mr. OHIRA Kazuhira, a representative of the association ahead of the announcement. ...
The Generation that Experience the Biggest Changes in Human History
A sensational book written by Professor SUETSUGU Nozomu, a well-known historian and futurologist in Japan, will be soon published. The title of the book is “The generation that experience the biggest changes in human history.” Hiragana Times CIA interviewed the author himself to find out more. ...
Epoch-making Idea to Solve the Japan’s Pension Problem
In 2007, the sloppy management of pensions by the Social Insurance Agency was discovered. The government promised that they would check up on 50 million unidentified pension accounts by the end of March 2008. However, this will be extremely difficult to accomplish. Many people are disgusted at their irresponsible government officials. ...
A Politician Grading Guide Book will be on Sale Soon
The “Michelin Guide Tokyo 2008” was published for the first time in Japan, and all 120,000 copies sold out within four days. This book was later reprinted and has been selling very well. In Japan there is a tendency for people to rank everything from sightseeing spots to movies. Now a guide book for grading politicians is being produced. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed the chief editor KANESAKI Shinichi. ...
Let’s Learn the Other Side of Japanese Apolog ies
In 2007, cases of the dishonest practice of changing freshness dates on food products by leading food companies and renowned brands including Fujiya, Shiroi Koibito, Akafuku and Kitcho were uncovered one after another. This has now become a big issue. What is going on behind the scenes? Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Professor HIKAGE Masateru, a leading expert in dishonest trading. ...
A “Sneering at the Rich Movement” Has Emerged in Japan’s Income Gap Society
It was once said in Japan that 100 million Japanese belonged to the middle class, but now, annual income differentials are widening among Japanese. The National Tax Administration Agency announced that the average annual income for 2006 has dropped again, as it has for the last nine consecutive years, and that after a 21 years interval there are again more than 10 million people whose annual income is less than two million yen. ...
Your Piece of Work can be a Masterpiece!
In Japan, autumn is also called “art autumn” and it is the time when people honor great pieces of work including paintings and literature. Honored works will gain a reputed position, and consequently their creators will enjoy fame. Every writer is desperate to win awards. Soon, a book called “Prize Winning Tricks,” which casts suspicion on the way these prizes are awarded, will go on sale. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Mr. GOKOU Matsuo, an author and representative of the Awarded Works Examination Institute (Japan). ...
The “Don’t Go on a Diet!” Diet
Diets are again booming in Japan. In particular, one of the more popular weightloss programs is the army-style exercise program, “Billy’s Boot Camp” from America. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Professor TAINAKA Keiko to learn more about the reality of dieting. ...
The Threat of the World’s Largest Religion
Religion has been the cause of many conflicts around the world including, some say, the current war in Iraq. However, Professor MUNEMOTO Shinji, an expert in studies of religious conflicts, warns that a real religious war has already started. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed the professor, who is scheduled to publish a book “The Threat of the World’s Largest Religion” soon. ...
Why are Japanese Women so Beautiful?
At the Miss Universe 2007, a Japanese representative was selected as the most beautiful woman in the world. Last year, a Japanese representative reached the second place in the contest. Coincidently, Dr. J. HYDE, who is well known worldwide for his studies into beauty, wrote a book to be published soon titled “Why are Japanese Women so Beautiful?” Hiragana Times CIA carried out an urgent interview with him. ...
Battle for Securing Brides in Asia has Started!
The number of international marriages continues to rise in Japan. At present, one in 20 couples, including one out of 10 couples in Tokyo, is in an international marriage. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Professor UJIIE Tamotsu, an expert in international marriages, to learn how this trend will influence Japan. ...
Insurance Companies Only Want Excellent Customers
Many cases of nonpayment by insurance companies have recently come to light in Japan. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed business insurance expert Mr. URANO Tadashi, who is also the director of “Association of Medical Victims,” about the situation. ...
New Facility to Prevent Sex Crimes for Public Officials Opens
Lately, the number of sex crimes including molesting and peeping that have been committed by public officials including policemen, teachers and civil servants has been increasing. Hiragana Times has recently obtained information that a facility to prevent sex crimes for public officials is going to be discretely opened in Tokyo early next year. This facility will be run by an extra-departmental organization. To learn more, Hiragana Times interviewed the manager, TAKAI Mamoru. ...
Labor Caste System has Started in Japan
Recently, a tanka (a short Japanese poem) written by famous Japanese poet ISHIKAWA Takuboku (1886~1912), has become increasingly quoted: "Working, working hard, but my living, still hasn't improved, I gaze my hands." This poem fits the situation of the growing number of "working poor" in Japan. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Dr. THREADBEAR, who is an expert on Japan's working poor problem. ...
Fabricated TV Programs are Extremely Healthy
Recently, a TV program was broadcast that created a strong reaction among the public. The program introduced people who said they could lose weight by eating natto, fermented soybeans, but later, it was discovered that the producers had fabricated the content and subsequently the TV company was forced to cancel the program. ...
Japanese will Never Start a War!
On January 9, 2007 the Japanese Defense Agency was upgraded to a Ministry of Defense, while in the previous year, the Basic Educational Law, which included the “patriotism clause,” was also passed. These developments are very closely related to recent changes in the security situation around Japan that has included China’s military expansion and North Korea’s nuclear armament. ...
Study of World History is Nonsense!
Recently, a very serious issue has been discovered in which 540 high schools (approximately 10%) nationwide had neglected to teach their students world history, which is a compulsory subject. Since 84,000 third grade students are now not able to graduate, the government has decided to let students undergo 70 hours of extra lessons to make up for the error. ...
Consumer Loan Interest is Too Low!
A consumer loan institution reform plan is now being discussed in the Diet. This plan proposes the lowering of interest rates charged by moneylenders, however, some tricks can be observed behind the scenes. ...
Contents of Sensational Book “Fake Leaders”
Japan now has a new Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. On this occasion, a new book called “Fake Leaders” written by Dr. Ernesto REED, a writer well-known for his studies into the lives of leaders, is now drawing attention worldwide. ...
Who is the Real Winner?
Japan has changed from being a relatively equal society into an American-style society where the law of the jungle rules and the difference between incomes of the rich and poor is bigger than ever. ...
Mankind’s Downfall will Start This Century!
The dramatic effects of climate change are now taking place around the world. British doctor Charles MANSFIELD, an authority in geophysics, warns that mankind will not be able to adapt quickly enough to changes to the earth, if this trend continues. ...
The Strong Make All the Rules!
The first WBC (World Baseball Classic) held in the USA in March ended happily for Japan as they became the champions. On the other hand, the WBC created a big fuss thanks to misjudgments by the umpires. ...
TV station for weak and downtrodden people to be launched soon, but ...
As the “Livedoor scandal” was unfolding, it was pointed out that the media, in particular TV stations, that had described Horiemon as a hero, played a significant role in the scandal. Under these circumstances, “Weak People’s TV,” a unique internet TV broadcasting company specializing in news and reports from the perspectives of weak people, is now being established. ...
Invention of the Century — ”DNA Recombination”? Can it Stop Wars?
In the past 2,000 years, human beings, who are gifted with wisdom, have brought civilization to many fields, but they still cannot stop wars, even in the 21st century. Now, a secret study about how recombining DNA can protect people from war is being carried out by an international network of DNA experts. ...
"Japanese Tricks Dictionary" to go on sale soon?
A new type of dictionary for non-Japanese called the "Japanese Tricks Dictionary" will soon be going on sale. This dictionary highlights the many tricks used by Japanese organizations and businesses, along with illustrations to aid easy understanding. This dictionary will play an important role in helping people learn the truth about what goes on behind the scenes in Japan. ...
'Japanese are the easiest people to take in
Only a small number of books, movies and designer brand goods become best-sellers. However, it is not well known that masterminds are creating these hot-selling items behind the scenes. They never appear out in front, but in actuality, they greatly influence the daily lives of millions of citizens. ...
'Fortune-Teller' Provides for Him that Trusts
In Japan fortune-telling is undergoing a boom, especially among women. Nearly every TV station broadcasts the fortune of the day along with the morning weather forecast, and there are regular fortune-telling programs as well. Almost all womens magazines have a fortune-telling section, and feature stories about fortune-telling are available nearly every month. ...
Will the Corruption of Public Office Ever End?
It has been disclosed that local governments, including the Osaka City Hall, have been paying unlawful benefits to their personnel. In addition to their receiving higher on-average salaries than private company staff, City Hall staff had been offered various benefits such as uniform allowances for their suits, an allowance for unpleasant work - ie. ...
The Dictators Museum- A New Sightseeing Spot in Tokyo
The world's first dictators museum will open soon in Tokyo. Here, dictators of modern times will be displayed along with photos and evidence of how they oppressed people. The museum is sure to become a major topic of conversation as Tokyo's new sightseeing spot. ...
A University Which Meets the Desires of Young People will Soon Open!
March is graduation season in Japan. Some universities will not meet their quota for new students because the number of children in Japan is decreasing. Universities are now facing difficult times financially since they cannot receive subsidies from the government these years. ...
Any Woman will say "Yes!"
February 14 is St. Valentine's Day. Last year the Korean TV drama "Winter Sonata" became a boom among Japanese women and pure love has now been revalued in Japan. The CIA interviewed Professor Chateley, a world famous love psychologist, about love and the "Winter Sonata" boom. ...
Is Offering Money to the Gods Bribery?
It is a traditional custom that Japanese people visit shrines and temples at the beginning of the New Years period and make a wish to the gods. Can gods make their wishes come true? Hiragana Times CIA recently successfully contacted a Japanese god thanks to a top secret, ultra high technology communication device. ...
The Less Talent, The More Happiness - Interview With a Former Great Actress
She was a beautiful actress who was once in the spotlight. She appeared in movies and on TV and led a fantastic private life that included having love affairs with many celebrities. Although she is now retired and stays away from the mass media, she recently allowed Hiragana Times CIA to interview her. ...
The Destiny of Human Beings
Hiragana Times recently interviewed Dr. Richard DARWIN, descendant of Charles Darwin, famed for his theory of evolution. Dr. Darwin is now writing a sensational book "The Future of Species" which will be published soon. ...
The Greedy King
Several years ago, an anonymous story called "The Greedy King" was circulated among people living under a dictator. The story said . ...
When you look at your face in the mirror after taking off your thick make-up...
The current national pension issue in Japan has disclosed the fact that almost everyone is cunning and indulgent, including politicians and journalists. On this occasion, the Hiragana Times CIA asked professionals in each field about their true view of their occupation. ...
