Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2011

THE BEST OF THE WORST?

Regarding “Listening to Nature” (The Last Word, Apr 7): I think the “youth” (or lack thereof) meme has been beaten to death, and I’m not convinced that immigration is the solution for Japan. Rather, I think the country would be best served by making use of its greatest and most underused resource—women.—jeffrey*

One of the best Last Words I’ve ever read (mind you a lot of them are poor). Anyhow, well done. Good points, good argument, well written.—tonysmyth*

One of the few things correct in CB Liddell’s drivel is that he is an art editor. Many of his arguments have cause and effect reversed. The Japan earthquake caused worldwide GDP to fall 0.25%. The Indonesian and Chilean earthquakes had NO effect—but both countries have high growth & birth rates! Emerging economy growth rates are higher but GDP is by default much lower. As economies grow, birth rates fall, and the changing age of the population changes spending habits moving to an added-value consumer society. People over 40 account for a much larger proportion of GDP per capita than those below 20, negating your entire argument. Since 1980 the yen has appreciated 350%. That is not the sign of a weak economy, but rather a sign of your ignorance. Go back to “Art” school—you suck at economics.—phness*

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HELP! THE PARANOIDS ARE AFTER ME

Regarding “An Inexcusable Truth” (The Last Word, Mar 18): Japan’s drug laws are not “US-imposed”. There is no historical evidence that the US made Japan enact these laws. These laws were an international trend in the ’30s and ’40s. Japan is a democracy and is responsible for its own laws.—kevcham*

I just submitted your name, Clay Jarvis, to the authorities. Expect a visit from the J-police (FYI: you will be presumed guilty until proven guilty).—kawaiipineapple*

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AND FINALLY…

At the risk of sounding pedantic, please can you change your style guide to stop your journalists from using the word “federal” in reference to the Japanese “national” or “central” government? These terms are not synonymous. Japan—unlike the US, Canada and Australia—is not a federation: there are no states, provinces or other sub-national divisions with independent law-making powers, and hence no federal level of government. Otherwise, I continue to enjoy your magazine every week!—Joel Rheuben

*Via the Metropolis comment threads