Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2012

a sign of old rage

Regarding “Rage No More” (The Last Word, Feb 24): Very funny and well-written article. But some parts are not true. The job I got back home was ten times greater than the futility of teaching English. Opportunities, creativity, entrepreneurship, and having a future were all better once I got up the courage to go back home. Unless you’re one of a lucky few, long-term life in Japan is just… tofu.—goodwillhunting

Thank you for this article! I’m incredibly tired of hearing foreigners moan about Japan. I’ve lived in the US and Europe for years and can safely say that living in Japan is the best. It’s a beautiful place filled with respectful, polite people. How we as foreigners find ways to complain about the minor details, I’m never sure. If you don’t like it, go home. Thanks again!—slipping

This article points out some truths but really is a bit, well, contradictory, don’t ya think? Sounds like you’re going from Japan rage to home rage. Let’s face it, some people, wherever they are, isolate what sucks and then obsess over it.—Kevin

No sense whingeing. In Japan, I’ve had a great job, made new friends, met the love of my life (miss ya, Rie). Japan has been good to me, and to most people who come here to live and work.—Jason L Broomes

POPPIN’ OFF

Regarding “Can’t Stop the K-Pop” (The Last Word, Feb 17): Originality is really a difficult thing to find these days. It’s only a matter of time for people, even in South Korea, to lose interest.—Subgeta Juan 

Definitely agree. Is J-pop even in the running?—@peachpencil

K-pop has taken over, esp with collab from popular US artists. It comes as no surprise. #PoorJpop—@chmijo

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE

Regarding “White Smoke” (Restaurant Review, Feb 17): Went and was surprised at how dry the meat was, not much smoke taste or in fact any flavor. Wine was good but expensive. I only went on this recommendation and ended up very disappointed.—mark s

HD-ARRGH

Regarding “Photo of the Day,”: You know, that would have been a remarkable shot if you hadn’t played with the processing. Now it’s completely artificial looking as if you’ve layered two different shots rather inexpertly.—Jeffrey

Jeffrey obviously has a problem with HDR—but most of us think it actually represents the scene more like our eyes and brains really see it. It’s best not to have such a narrow vision of art.—Fang Ke