Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2011

Monsters Ink

Regarding “Armand Vaquer” (Q&A, January 7): To us Godzilla fans, The Monster Movie Fan’s Guide to Japan is an interesting [book]. I, too, wondered where all the beautiful scenes were shot. Now I can find them. I saw Godzilla when it was a first run here in the States. That movie certainly has influenced many people into pursuing careers in paleontology. And, of course, to a 5-year-old, it was the best fun around.—rranta*

How about a guide to more relevant and current Japanese horror movies like Sadako’s well and the wooded lodges built over its location [from Ring]; the Juon house; the house/neighborhood of Kuchisaki Onna (slash mouth woman); etc., etc.? I would buy that one.—KaptainKichigai*

Dreams coming true

Regarding “Living Dreams” (Global Village, December 17): Hats off to the NPO Living Dreams for its efforts on behalf of Japanese orphans. It’s shocking, as the article states, that these kids are still so marginalized in this day and age. During my ten-plus years in Japan, I’ve looked on with great pride as the younger generation turns its back on such petty attitudes from their parents or grandparents. Let’s hope, for the sake of the children, that this continues.—Dwight Freeney

This is one of the most encouraging stories I have read here in a long time. What is kind of sad, though, is that it took an expat to do something for these kids.

Slightly off topic, but there is an orphanage and shelter for homeless people connected to the (Catholic) kindergarten my son attends. They are well staffed, but unfortunately chronically underfunded. This year they asked for donations from the parents of kindergarten kids to help give these people a brighter Christmas. The kindergarten has about 180 kids and most are well-off. Most parents take their kids to school in an Audi or Mercedes or Lexus. One mum even takes her kid to school in a Ferrari. So how much did they manage to collect over a two-month period from the kindergarten mums? ¥60,000. Pretty stingy, if you ask me. And that is the problem with much of society—apathy towards others.—papasmurfinjapan*

Friends of mine—a lovely Japanese couple—have been doing volunteer work at a shelter/orphanage for years. They grew quite attached to a little orphaned girl, and she came to their house for special visits, Christmas, etc. The couple decided they’d like to adopt her.

BUT the girl’s aunt (who had next to nothing to do with the child, but who was the closest adult relative) refused permission—because she couldn’t stand the thought of her living with “other blood.” She wouldn’t take the girl in herself, but preferred her to be institutionalized rather than brought up by strangers. Just cruel.—browny1*

Vegan Japanese

Regarding Kansha (“Body & Soul,” January 7): Elizabeth Andoh’s new cookbook stresses using every edible part of our food and leaving minimal waste—a concept that will become increasingly important in the coming years. With the world population projected to reach 9 billion by 2044 and climate change already a reality, food shortages will impact almost everyone. We will eventually need to face the consequences of the excesses we enjoy today. Japan has always been mindful of environmental conservation—whether it’s Cool Biz, ultra-small homes or macrobiotic diets. It’s commendable that an expat would write a cookbook on this topic so that Japanese ideas about conservation can be accessible to English readers. I wish all cookbooks had such a noble cause.—Anonymous

*via Japan Today

Metropolis wants to hear from you. To send your comments, . Note that letters may be edited for length and clarity.