Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2011
WORTH RATE STATISTICS
Regarding “Birth Complications” (The Last Word, Nov 18): I wanted to offer my praise [to writer Michaela Kelly] for a very well-written piece on Japan’s TFR [total fertility rate]. A few years ago, I penned an article on this for The Japan Times (meturl.com/tfr). The topic led me to an abundance of data requiring enormous time to process. I assume Metropolis readers will not be flooding the inbox with messages about this article, but I want to assure you that at least one reader truly appreciates your insight.—Michael Hassett
REVENGE OF THE EWS II
Regarding “Call of the Styled” (Feature, Nov 4): I suppose this article was an attempt at humor. Unfortunately, it comes across as a petty, and somewhat mean, piece of fluff. With a bit of thought and work, [writer Ulrica] Marshall could have written a more meaningful article from the perspective of the women, many with extraordinarily varied backgrounds, who have chosen to live in Tokyo. This article took the easy path—regurgitating a longstanding, unflattering stereotype—and as a result, failed miserably.—RJ
Many of these expat wives were merely regular wives back in their home country. I have met these women at various times, only to be snubbed the next time we meet in the street. —mishina
I am a fitness expert and have personal experience of many EWs. This is the most honest description I have seen. Bravo! Don’t let them get you down Ulrica! What’s next?—andreas22
Brilliant! So true. My husband wants to come back in his next life as an expat wife. Excellent writing.—nkoritz
ANONYMOUS WANTS TO BE KNOWN
Let’s hear it in Metropolis for the people who volunteer or donate to disaster funds for no other reason than the goodness of their hearts. The “sly-jin” putting up webpages saying “Look at me, I donated, I volunteered,” are inferring some kind of stardom status. Disgusting! So come on, Met, give a voice to “The Unknown Volunteer/Donator.” Let’s show Japan there are still foreigners who have dignity and respect for this country.—“The Unknown Volunteer”
TWITTERIFIC
I won free tixs to this: http://meturl.com/ota Thanks @MetropolisTokyo !!! Now I get to see a different side of #Tokyo—@305Asia
@MetropolisTokyo many thanks for selecting my photo as picture of the day 🙂 metropolis.co.jp/features/photo-of-the-day—@losojosdeella
@MetropolisTokyo My firm blocks Google Docs as do many other = ppl can’t do your Survey—@good_people
@good_people Just “Do it at home” as they say on the Metro campaign!—@MetropolisTokyo
@MetropolisTokyo I & a growing demographic spend little time on a comp. at home & want to do things when they can!—@good_people
GROUP OF THE WEEK
Wine tasting, cheese tasting and cooking group
Learn about wines & cooking with a native teacher and speak English, French or Japanese in a friendly, international atmosphere. Enjoyable, interesting and cultural wine tasting and coking classes for everybody.—
http://meturl.com/winecheesecook
Join the Metropolis Community at http://metropolis.co.jp/community
