Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2011
SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT
Re: “Public Enemy #1” (Feature, Oct 7): No mention of the HOSPITAL costs further down the road from ailing smokers. The Japanese government should be deeply ashamed for sacrificing the health of its people for a few yen, most of which are counterbalanced by the extended costs in the big picture.—darthmiffy
“Nonsmoking” areas in Japan are a complete joke. I went to a Subway a few years ago that was one large open room with about 20 tables in the smoking area, and four lined up against the wall with “No Smoking” signs on the tables. Luckily there was only one smoker in the restaurant, sitting in the far corner. But can you imagine 100 smokers puffing away while ten poor nonsmokers sit along the walk? Japan, you stink!—marcello
Japanese-language nationwide database of places to eat and drink where a nonsmoking policy exists, to varying degrees of effectiveness. Invaluable resource. Vote with your pocket and support these places. www.kinen-style.com—Woody
Being vegan, many of the vegetarian restaurants either have outside smoking, or no smoking. Smoking at health food restaurants confuses me the most. Also—smoking in front of small children? Do people not think? I am convinced that the Japanese government/culture plays down the dangers of smoking. When it’s extremely necessary due to my allergies, my Japanese boyfriend will be “rude” and ask people not to smoke in our face.—Andy George
REIMAGINE THIS
Re: “Reimagining Japan” (Book Review, Oct 7): Actually, I was thinking that there are at least a half dozen contributors, Sanger near the top of the list, who really don’t know *&$%-all about Japan and should never have been included. When Sanger was NYT Tokyo bureau chief back in the early ’90s he did nothing but embarrass himself. The inclusion of people like Howard Schultz, Thomas “the Mustache of Understanding” Friedman and Tyler Brule—the latter knowing Japan no more than a very well-heeled tourist with a hobby business—is insulting and bizarre.—Jeff Huffman
READ MY SHIRT, NO NEW TAXES
Re: “Street Literature” (The Last Word, Sep 30): Glad to know I’m not the only one who does this and just can’t help myself!—Ian
Worn by an elementary school student:
I HAVE THE BEST BOOBS ON THE WORLD!
20-year-old guy: LET’S GET PANDA!!!
—Charltzy
This is why I look for t-shirts that have no slogan, no words, no advertising and no logo. Surprisingly hard to find. Why do we think t-shirts always have to say something? My dress shirts don’t say anything. And why do t-shirt makers expect us to pay for a shirt that advertises THEIR brand? This was a good article.—Kevin
GROUP OF THE WEEK
Hablamos Español—Japanese x Spanish Exchange
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