Comments on: Few participate in 2008 Yamanote Halloween Train http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/ Japan News Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:24:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Dai-Cast 86 - The Final pt. 2 at tiltyhouse.com http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-273424 Dai-Cast 86 - The Final pt. 2 at tiltyhouse.com Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:37:13 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-273424 [...] Few decide to take part in the Yamanote Halloween Train - japanprobe.com [...] [...] Few decide to take part in the Yamanote Halloween Train – japanprobe.com [...]

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: ponta http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-258722 ponta Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:26:56 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-258722 It is not okay for Japanese people to talk loudly, puke, perv, stare, sneeze / cough (without covering their mouth) , wipe snot everywhere, stand on you, push you, ect and if they planed the party colloctively every year on the train, and actually had the party, getting drunk, talking loudly to gaijin in the language that those gaijin didn't understnad, acting as if the passengers who rode on their train but didn't want to participate in the party are silly, the police would be sure to come to regulate it. It is not okay for Japanese people to talk loudly, puke, perv, stare, sneeze / cough (without covering their mouth) , wipe snot everywhere, stand on you, push you, ect and if they planed the party colloctively every year on the train, and actually had the party, getting drunk, talking loudly to gaijin in the language that those gaijin didn’t understnad, acting as if the passengers who rode on their train but didn’t want to participate in the party are silly, the police would be sure to come to regulate it.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: andifoundmine http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-258683 andifoundmine Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:06:32 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-258683 and i found mine named jax143! i happen to agree with tommy, its all ok for Japanese people to talk loudly, puke, perv, stare, sneeze / cough (without covering their mouth) , wipe snot everywhere, stand on you, push you, ect. but the min. a bunch of gaijins f*ck up they send like 1000 cops to intimidate and arrest (if they are lucky). i think the majority of Japanese people are still racist but a true form of racialism because they don't care about color or creed just that your not Japanese therefore you're a 3rd class citizen. i know ill get flamed for these comments but im just sick of these "you live in japan so you should do what the Japanese do, or tell you to do" crowd. don't get me wrong i love Japanese people and i adore japan but i am a foreigner living in japan not living in japan to be Japanese. however the yamanote line party does seem a little bit stupid and it now because of the bad press gives the po po a really big excuse to jail and deport once a year. im sure we can come up with a better venue folks. so ill sit here and wait for the arty farty peeps to start flaming ;-P laterz and i found mine named jax143! i happen to agree with tommy, its all ok for Japanese people to talk loudly, puke, perv, stare, sneeze / cough (without covering their mouth) , wipe snot everywhere, stand on you, push you, ect. but the min. a bunch of gaijins f*ck up they send like 1000 cops to intimidate and arrest (if they are lucky). i think the majority of Japanese people are still racist but a true form of racialism because they don’t care about color or creed just that your not Japanese therefore you’re a 3rd class citizen. i know ill get flamed for these comments but im just sick of these “you live in japan so you should do what the Japanese do, or tell you to do” crowd. don’t get me wrong i love Japanese people and i adore japan but i am a foreigner living in japan not living in japan to be Japanese.

however the yamanote line party does seem a little bit stupid and it now because of the bad press gives the po po a really big excuse to jail and deport once a year. im sure we can come up with a better venue folks.

so ill sit here and wait for the arty farty peeps to start flaming ;-P

laterz

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: International press discovers Yamanote Halloween train | Japan Probe http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-256342 International press discovers Yamanote Halloween train | Japan Probe Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:15:07 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-256342 [...] may turn out that last Saturday’s sparsely attended “party” was this year’s event, and the Associated Press won’t have any material for follow-up [...] [...] may turn out that last Saturday’s sparsely attended “party” was this year’s event, and the Associated Press won’t have any material for follow-up [...]

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: nico http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-256225 nico Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:53:35 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-256225 Drunk in public, yelling on streets, maybe going naked - all points to particular part of society.... They are (do) 1. low income 2. not very well educated 3. read tabloids 4. not cultured (list goes on) well, you know what sort of people I'm talking about. So-called "losers" or "working class" or better said, "underclass". Drunk in public, yelling on streets, maybe going naked – all points to particular part of society…. They are (do)
1. low income
2. not very well educated
3. read tabloids
4. not cultured
(list goes on)
well, you know what sort of people I’m talking about. So-called “losers” or “working class” or better said, “underclass”.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: momonga http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-256132 momonga Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:09:48 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-256132 Here are some nice Halloween costumes from Japan. I had a good laugh! http://www.cracked.com/article_16734_35-most-insane-halloween-costumes-from-around-world.html Here are some nice Halloween costumes from Japan. I had a good laugh!
http://www.cracked.com/article_16734_35-most-insane-halloween-costumes-from-around-world.html

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: mountainsoutofmolehills http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-255796 mountainsoutofmolehills Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:28:40 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-255796 Hate to burst some bubbles here but the halloween train was a success for all those invovled. We were given rockstar treatment in the form of police protection, our very own stalking fans, and photographers who snapped away feverishly especially when we got off and they formed a half-circle to get a celebrity-like photo splash. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-jNaKHVnTw Hate to burst some bubbles here but the halloween train was a success for all those invovled. We were given rockstar treatment in the form of police protection, our very own stalking fans, and photographers who snapped away feverishly especially when we got off and they formed a half-circle to get a celebrity-like photo splash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-jNaKHVnTw

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Me http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-255553 Me Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:54:48 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-255553 Yamanote Halloween was fun until 2006. Unfortunatelly few idiots, last year, could create such a bad reputation for the party by removing lamps and being naked inside the carriage. The party goers should have arrested these idiots and handed them to the policemen that are in the stations during the event. Yamanote Halloween was fun until 2006. Unfortunatelly few idiots, last year, could create such a bad reputation for the party by removing lamps and being naked inside the carriage. The party goers should have arrested these idiots and handed them to the policemen that are in the stations during the event.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: LB http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-/#comment-255474 LB Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:21:00 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-255474 Well there was no agriculture 20,000 years ago, so we can drop those dates as irrelevant. But basically, you supported what I was attempting to say: Halloween has its origins in Celtic traditions, and the Celts lived in what is now Ireland, the UK and to a lesser extent coastal Northern Europe (particularly Normandy and the Basque region of Spain). Halloween was brought to America by the Irish in the 19th Century, where for some reason it took off and became a huge commercial event. Perhaps people wanted another, earlier, autumn end-of-month holiday before Thanksgiving, who knows. There are other, ancient, autumnal or harvest-related holidays in Continental Europe (Mardi Gras and Mexico's Day of the Dead are offshoots of some of them), but they are not "Halloween". Well there was no agriculture 20,000 years ago, so we can drop those dates as irrelevant. But basically, you supported what I was attempting to say: Halloween has its origins in Celtic traditions, and the Celts lived in what is now Ireland, the UK and to a lesser extent coastal Northern Europe (particularly Normandy and the Basque region of Spain).

Halloween was brought to America by the Irish in the 19th Century, where for some reason it took off and became a huge commercial event. Perhaps people wanted another, earlier, autumn end-of-month holiday before Thanksgiving, who knows. There are other, ancient, autumnal or harvest-related holidays in Continental Europe (Mardi Gras and Mexico’s Day of the Dead are offshoots of some of them), but they are not “Halloween”.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: ponta http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-/#comment-255331 ponta Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:55:35 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-255331 Interesting Interesting

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: LB http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-255058 LB Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:55:31 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-255058 Well, it is slowly spreading on the Continent: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2004/nf20041026_4845_db089.htm Still a "new" phenomenon, and it has a lot of competition. But yeah, it is still more-or-less a British/Irish/American thing. Well, it is slowly spreading on the Continent: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2004/nf20041026_4845_db089.htm

Still a “new” phenomenon, and it has a lot of competition. But yeah, it is still more-or-less a British/Irish/American thing.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: ponta http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-255054 ponta Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:49:08 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-255054 <blockquote>A big problem is that you are allowed to drink on the train in Japan,</blockquote> The fact that you find a few people drinking on the train does not mean people are allowed to drink on the train.

A big problem is that you are allowed to drink on the train in Japan,

The fact that you find a few people drinking on the train does not mean people are allowed to drink on the train.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: phauna http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-255041 phauna Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:43:23 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-255041 A big problem is that you are allowed to drink on the train in Japan, so there can be a party. In Australia, you can't, so no parties. Wearing halloween clothes on the train and being happily talkative is no problem at all. A big problem is that you are allowed to drink on the train in Japan, so there can be a party. In Australia, you can’t, so no parties.

Wearing halloween clothes on the train and being happily talkative is no problem at all.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Eddie http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-255034 Eddie Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:13:52 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-255034 I agree. I agree.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Momonga http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254935 Momonga Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:39:35 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254935 Let's imagine this: Christmas for the orthodox chirch is on Jan7th. What will happen if about 50 Russians, Ukrainians and all the others jump on that day on one of the busiest subway lines in NY and have party, even without drinking. A large group of Indian immigrants decide to celebrate the Independance day with group dance Bollywood style on the place mentioned above. About 50 Mexicans meet their Haloween, the day of the dead with party on the same line? The list goes on. Besides, Halloween is a holiday which concerns only a small part of nations. It is not celebrated in continental Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa...So I guess it does not concern the majority of foreigners in Japan either. I guess some bored people will just have to find another way to get rid of their boredom. Let’s imagine this:
Christmas for the orthodox chirch is on Jan7th. What will happen if about 50 Russians, Ukrainians and all the others jump on that day on one of the busiest subway lines in NY and have party, even without drinking.
A large group of Indian immigrants decide to celebrate the Independance day with group dance Bollywood style on the place mentioned above.
About 50 Mexicans meet their Haloween, the day of the dead with party on the same line?
The list goes on.
Besides, Halloween is a holiday which concerns only a small part of nations. It is not celebrated in continental Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa…So I guess it does not concern the majority of foreigners in Japan either. I guess some bored people will just have to find another way to get rid of their boredom.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: marinaliteyears http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254867 marinaliteyears Sun, 26 Oct 2008 22:24:32 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254867 Thats the best Joker i've seen :3 Thats the best Joker i’ve seen :3

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Cali http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254855 Cali Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:48:15 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254855 Thank fuck it worked, we're sick and tried of all idiots wrecking everything for ordinary people for the sake of a stupid, meaningless Yankee tradition. Thank fuck it worked, we’re sick and tried of all idiots wrecking everything for ordinary people for the sake of a stupid, meaningless Yankee tradition.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: doinkies http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254815 doinkies Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:57:32 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254815 Some 2ch boards have a lot more rude racists than others, it's why I stay away from most of the news boards there. I agree with the 2chers complaining about this that these people should not be throwing parties on public trains, but I don't support the ones who go around 2ch and other sites trolling and posting hatespeech because of it. Some 2ch boards have a lot more rude racists than others, it’s why I stay away from most of the news boards there. I agree with the 2chers complaining about this that these people should not be throwing parties on public trains, but I don’t support the ones who go around 2ch and other sites trolling and posting hatespeech because of it.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: ahondara http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254782 ahondara Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:51:52 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254782 Go to pub. Do not mass paty in public transportation. It is just what I say. Xenophobia ? Ha!, sorry it's word is not effective already. I know most foreigners in japan are l o s e r s in your homeland. They export poisonous meats, poisnous money, poisnous people. Go to pub. Do not mass paty in public transportation. It is just what I say.
Xenophobia ? Ha!, sorry it’s word is not effective already.
I know most foreigners in japan are l o s e r s in your homeland.
They export poisonous meats, poisnous money, poisnous people.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: ahondara http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254781 ahondara Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:50:14 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254781 Go to pub. Do not mass paty in public transportation. It is just what I say. Xenophobia? Ha!, sorry it's word is not effective already.I know most foreigners in japan are losers in your homeland. They export poisonous meats, poisnous money, poisnous people. Go to pub. Do not mass paty in public transportation. It is just what I say.
Xenophobia? Ha!, sorry it’s word is not effective already.I know most foreigners in japan are losers in your homeland. They export poisonous meats, poisnous money, poisnous people.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Jason http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254775 Jason Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:30:12 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254775 I've never joined a Yamanote Halloween party, but I always thought the concept was pretty cool. It would be too bad if it got ruined by the actions of some ignant people last year, especially if it really is a 20-year old tradition. I like the concept of it because it adds life and randomness to an otherwise mundane city with little spontaneity. If street culture around Harajuke station and Yoyogi Park is the extent of it, that's not very random as it's the same exact groups every week and nothing that daring really. I think it would be cool to walk onto a train and see it filled with Japanese dressed up in samurai era garb, or something similar. A nice bit of character for the city. I’ve never joined a Yamanote Halloween party, but I always thought the concept was pretty cool. It would be too bad if it got ruined by the actions of some ignant people last year, especially if it really is a 20-year old tradition.

I like the concept of it because it adds life and randomness to an otherwise mundane city with little spontaneity. If street culture around Harajuke station and Yoyogi Park is the extent of it, that’s not very random as it’s the same exact groups every week and nothing that daring really.

I think it would be cool to walk onto a train and see it filled with Japanese dressed up in samurai era garb, or something similar. A nice bit of character for the city.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Jax143 http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254766 Jax143 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:22:53 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254766 "It should be great to take pictures of salary men who are reading porn on the train, or taking pictures of old japanese men who are drinking beer in the train . Gaijins maners are rude ? At least its not worth then japanese people . 2ch sucks" -Tommy I was expecting one idiot who would complain of "discrimination" against gaijins, especially when they are doing the things people will hate. And i found my idiot named Tommy. “It should be great to take pictures of salary men who are reading porn on the train, or taking pictures of old japanese men who are drinking beer in the train .
Gaijins maners are rude ? At least its not worth then japanese people .
2ch sucks”
-Tommy

I was expecting one idiot who would complain of “discrimination” against gaijins, especially when they are doing the things people will hate. And i found my idiot named Tommy.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: LOD http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254762 LOD Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:20:07 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254762 I don't think they do it all the time, at least not in Tokyo. They often answer on the phone saying "Sorry, but now I'm on a train (so let's cut it out now)". Well, so they do talk on the phone, but decidely less than a minute. What they do all the time is sending/reading text messages. Maybe the situation is different in other pats of Japan, though. I don’t think they do it all the time, at least not in Tokyo. They often answer on the phone saying “Sorry, but now I’m on a train (so let’s cut it out now)”. Well, so they do talk on the phone, but decidely less than a minute. What they do all the time is sending/reading text messages. Maybe the situation is different in other pats of Japan, though.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: LOD http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254760 LOD Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:18:59 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254760 <cite>2ch sucks</cite> Because they ruined your party? Kinda wake reason if you ask me. Many of them are rude racists, undoubtedly, but their reason for getting angry, in this case, has more points. 2ch sucks
Because they ruined your party? Kinda wake reason if you ask me. Many of them are rude racists, undoubtedly, but their reason for getting angry, in this case, has more points.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Eddie http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254735 Eddie Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:10:31 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254735 It's only ever white people who turn up to the extremely wack Yamanote train party. Funny that. It’s only ever white people who turn up to the extremely wack Yamanote train party.

Funny that.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Tommy http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254724 Tommy Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:50:35 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254724 It should be great to take pictures of salary men who are reading porn on the train, or taking pictures of old japanese men who are drinking beer in the train . Gaijins maners are rude ? At least its not worth then japanese people . 2ch sucks It should be great to take pictures of salary men who are reading porn on the train, or taking pictures of old japanese men who are drinking beer in the train .
Gaijins maners are rude ? At least its not worth then japanese people .
2ch sucks

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Bob http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254722 Bob Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:37:34 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254722 Japanese saying: "When in Rome, do as the Japanese do." Japanese saying:

“When in Rome, do as the Japanese do.”

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Level3 http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254698 Level3 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:59:48 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254698 10 points for the correct answer. 10 points for the correct answer.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Level3 http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254697 Level3 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:58:01 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254697 Has ANYONE ever actually died of cell-phone-induced pacemaker malfunction? I tried searching some academic databases, but turned up nothing. Of course, that doesn't prove it never happens, but if it never happens, how can we know, since there are so rarely scholarly papers written about things that DON'T happen. Has ANYONE ever actually died of cell-phone-induced pacemaker malfunction? I tried searching some academic databases, but turned up nothing. Of course, that doesn’t prove it never happens, but if it never happens, how can we know, since there are so rarely scholarly papers written about things that DON’T happen.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: one http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254664 one Sun, 26 Oct 2008 09:00:27 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254664 It's a rule not a law. Modern pacemakers used in western medicine no longer have the interference problem. The bigger issue is why is japan still using outdated medical methods and equipment. It’s a rule not a law. Modern pacemakers used in western medicine no longer have the interference problem. The bigger issue is why is japan still using outdated medical methods and equipment.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: LB http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254635 LB Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:06:11 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254635 "Have you ever wondered why in Japan it is considered rude to speak on the phone on trains?" Actually, there were two groups who pushed for cell-phone use on trains to be banned. One group was doctors and those with pacemakers - cell-phone signals at close range could possibly (so they say, anyway...) interfere with a pacemaker. The other group was made of busybody obachans who were upset because they could only eavesdrop on half the conversation. ;-) “Have you ever wondered why in Japan it is considered rude to speak on the phone on trains?”

Actually, there were two groups who pushed for cell-phone use on trains to be banned. One group was doctors and those with pacemakers – cell-phone signals at close range could possibly (so they say, anyway…) interfere with a pacemaker.

The other group was made of busybody obachans who were upset because they could only eavesdrop on half the conversation. ;-)

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: doinkies http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254634 doinkies Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:04:36 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254634 I agree, Alex. (I also agree with the post you made on your blog about the Halloween train.) And after what happened last year, I can definitely see why there would be more police around this time... I agree, Alex. (I also agree with the post you made on your blog about the Halloween train.)

And after what happened last year, I can definitely see why there would be more police around this time…

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: LB http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254631 LB Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:02:49 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254631 "What they are essentially expressing is, “It’s OK where I’m from, so I’m going to apply the mores of my own country to this one, and this society will need to adapt around me.”" Except the thing is, I can't think of anywhere where it would be allowable to actually have the party <i>in the train</i>. Use the train as transportation to and from the party, yes. Having the party on the street, perhaps. But using public transportation (not pre-reserved "party trains" or "party buses") as the actual venue? Somehow I don't think that would fly anywhere. So basically it is a bunch of obnoxious brats trying to do something they couldn't do at home, and doing it precisely <i>because</i> it would be unacceptable at home, but in someone <i>else's</i> home? Hey, that's just find and dandy! And screw 'em if they don't like it, the party-poopers! No, I don't think "ethnocentrism" is the right word, exactly. By the way, I'm loving the "Well it isn't illegal..." arguments of these twerps. It may not be <i>illegal</i>, but it neither is it <i>acceptable</i>. If they really believe that if something is not illegal that it is therefore OK to do, then they shouldn't mind my pissing on their leg if I catch one of them in a toilet somewhere, right? I mean, it isn't <i>illegal</i> to piss on the guy standing next to you at the urinals, now is it? “What they are essentially expressing is, “It’s OK where I’m from, so I’m going to apply the mores of my own country to this one, and this society will need to adapt around me.””

Except the thing is, I can’t think of anywhere where it would be allowable to actually have the party in the train. Use the train as transportation to and from the party, yes. Having the party on the street, perhaps. But using public transportation (not pre-reserved “party trains” or “party buses”) as the actual venue? Somehow I don’t think that would fly anywhere.

So basically it is a bunch of obnoxious brats trying to do something they couldn’t do at home, and doing it precisely because it would be unacceptable at home, but in someone else’s home? Hey, that’s just find and dandy! And screw ‘em if they don’t like it, the party-poopers!

No, I don’t think “ethnocentrism” is the right word, exactly.

By the way, I’m loving the “Well it isn’t illegal…” arguments of these twerps. It may not be illegal, but it neither is it acceptable. If they really believe that if something is not illegal that it is therefore OK to do, then they shouldn’t mind my pissing on their leg if I catch one of them in a toilet somewhere, right? I mean, it isn’t illegal to piss on the guy standing next to you at the urinals, now is it?

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: onceuponatime http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254630 onceuponatime Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:02:16 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254630 i am happy to hear that the idiots - from any country including japan - were not out causing embarassing trouble. but - by the way - i don`t think the japanese think it is rude to talk on the phone on trains - see them do it all the time. i am happy to hear that the idiots – from any country including japan – were not out causing embarassing trouble.

but – by the way – i don`t think the japanese think it is rude to talk on the phone on trains – see them do it all the time.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Alex http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254617 Alex Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:45:34 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254617 Like I mentioned in the last post, it's ethnocentric. What they are essentially expressing is, "It's OK where I'm from, so I'm going to apply the mores of my own country to this one, and <i>this</i> society will need to adapt around <i>me</i>." Like I mentioned in the last post, it’s ethnocentric.

What they are essentially expressing is, “It’s OK where I’m from, so I’m going to apply the mores of my own country to this one, and this society will need to adapt around me.”

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Jordan http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254612 Jordan Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:34:22 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254612 Yeah, this is where the whole "oblivious to other cultural norms" problem comes around. These folks just don't get it. Yeah, this is where the whole “oblivious to other cultural norms” problem comes around. These folks just don’t get it.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: ダビ http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254609 ダビ Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:18:32 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254609 There definitely _is_ something wrong with being "a little bit noisy" on the train. Especially in Japan. Have you ever wondered why in Japan it is considered rude to speak on the phone on trains? There definitely _is_ something wrong with being “a little bit noisy” on the train. Especially in Japan. Have you ever wondered why in Japan it is considered rude to speak on the phone on trains?

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Alex http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254606 Alex Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:11:10 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254606 That's actually a very good point. That’s actually a very good point.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Jordan http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254603 Jordan Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:00:46 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254603 HAHAHA. ZING! HAHAHA. ZING!

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Thatguy http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254591 Thatguy Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:59:13 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254591 I've gone out to Shinjuku in the last few years and last night was a farce. Coming into Shinjuku from Ikebukuro we could see a group of around 15-20 police officers in uniform grouped around where the 6th car would stop. On the otherwise quiet platform there was a tight group of people, many Japanese people with DSLR or video cameras taking photos of something. I walked over to take a look and there was maybe 15 or so people in costume talking, waiting for the train. At just past 9pm an officer brought over the white placards and they lined up along the edge of the platform holding them up and periodically turning them around (they had English on one side, Japanese on the other). Around 9:15 people moved onto the train, along with their 2ch paparazzi brigade. At Harajuku, Shibuya and Ebisu there were large groups of police officers (at Ebisu I counted 12 uniformed officers, 3 plains clothes officers, and possibly 2 more), but considering that these people were merely riding the train and not being violent or causing any damage to the train, they simply stood there (and remained there for at least 15minutes after the train left). The halloween train previous to 2006 has always been just a bit of fun with simple rules - don't do anything stupid. There is nothing illegal/wrong with being in costume on a train - but it might annoy someone. There is nothing illegal/wrong with drinking on the train - hell, thats pretty normal here (and there is no law regarding alcohol consumption in public places). There is nothing illegal/wrong with being a little noisy on the train. But I found the actions of some people last year - in particular leaving rubbish on the train, being destructive (technically they unscrewed an overhead light), and some idiot who was running around naked - have really put a bad light on an underground event that has quietly been going on since the 1970's. I've also found the reactions and actions of certain people from 2ch and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police to be offensive and radical. I saw police officers pulling up foreigners and Japanese in costume to question and warn them. I saw many Japanese people with cameras getting into peoples faces taking photos. I didn't have my camera, but it was a real circus last night. In all the years this has been going on there has never been any injuries or (with the exception of last year) there has never been any damage or negative side effects. The event has always been like a flash mob, when its all over there is nothing left to tell we were there. In the end the reason why this year was such a fizzle is because after last years stupidity people are disenchanted, there is too much attention and stupidity for what is supposed to be some fairly quiet fun. On top of that is that there was not really any organisation this year - a single blog post a week out from the date, or an event on facebook does not hack it. As for the 31st, thats just a club event. I’ve gone out to Shinjuku in the last few years and last night was a farce.

Coming into Shinjuku from Ikebukuro we could see a group of around 15-20 police officers in uniform grouped around where the 6th car would stop. On the otherwise quiet platform there was a tight group of people, many Japanese people with DSLR or video cameras taking photos of something. I walked over to take a look and there was maybe 15 or so people in costume talking, waiting for the train. At just past 9pm an officer brought over the white placards and they lined up along the edge of the platform holding them up and periodically turning them around (they had English on one side, Japanese on the other). Around 9:15 people moved onto the train, along with their 2ch paparazzi brigade.

At Harajuku, Shibuya and Ebisu there were large groups of police officers (at Ebisu I counted 12 uniformed officers, 3 plains clothes officers, and possibly 2 more), but considering that these people were merely riding the train and not being violent or causing any damage to the train, they simply stood there (and remained there for at least 15minutes after the train left).

The halloween train previous to 2006 has always been just a bit of fun with simple rules – don’t do anything stupid. There is nothing illegal/wrong with being in costume on a train – but it might annoy someone. There is nothing illegal/wrong with drinking on the train – hell, thats pretty normal here (and there is no law regarding alcohol consumption in public places). There is nothing illegal/wrong with being a little noisy on the train.

But I found the actions of some people last year – in particular leaving rubbish on the train, being destructive (technically they unscrewed an overhead light), and some idiot who was running around naked – have really put a bad light on an underground event that has quietly been going on since the 1970’s.

I’ve also found the reactions and actions of certain people from 2ch and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police to be offensive and radical. I saw police officers pulling up foreigners and Japanese in costume to question and warn them. I saw many Japanese people with cameras getting into peoples faces taking photos. I didn’t have my camera, but it was a real circus last night.

In all the years this has been going on there has never been any injuries or (with the exception of last year) there has never been any damage or negative side effects. The event has always been like a flash mob, when its all over there is nothing left to tell we were there.

In the end the reason why this year was such a fizzle is because after last years stupidity people are disenchanted, there is too much attention and stupidity for what is supposed to be some fairly quiet fun. On top of that is that there was not really any organisation this year – a single blog post a week out from the date, or an event on facebook does not hack it. As for the 31st, thats just a club event.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: sod http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254589 sod Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:48:56 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254589 it was quiet because all the nova teachers went home! LOL it was quiet because all the nova teachers went home! LOL

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Jarvik7 http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254584 Jarvik7 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:35:26 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254584 Telling from the invites I've been getting on facebook, there is no Osaka event this year. They are doing some alternate things instead. Telling from the invites I’ve been getting on facebook, there is no Osaka event this year. They are doing some alternate things instead.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: D-san http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254582 D-san Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:27:18 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254582 Makes more sense to me to do it at a club. Free entrance to Ageha? I'm IN! Makes more sense to me to do it at a club. Free entrance to Ageha? I’m IN!

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Ben http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254575 Ben Sun, 26 Oct 2008 04:59:33 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254575 Honestly the whole idea strikes me as stupid - I spend enough time on the trains, why would i want to do so in costume with a bunch of drunk gaijin who make a bad name for gaijin by priding themselves on being obnoxious? Not to mention that getting in trouble over here can mean instant deportation, regardless of the offense. I think I'll keep my work visa and sacrifice a drunken train ride, thanks. Honestly the whole idea strikes me as stupid – I spend enough time on the trains, why would i want to do so in costume with a bunch of drunk gaijin who make a bad name for gaijin by priding themselves on being obnoxious?

Not to mention that getting in trouble over here can mean instant deportation, regardless of the offense. I think I’ll keep my work visa and sacrifice a drunken train ride, thanks.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: me http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254563 me Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:50:20 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254563 Those policemen must have been bored. Those policemen must have been bored.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Colin http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254557 Colin Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:27:44 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254557 Thank god Thank god

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: feitclub http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254543 feitclub Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:28:56 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254543 I wonder if any Osaka Loop Line event will manifest itself. I've already received the usual warnings not to go, which suggests SOMEBODY will. I wonder if any Osaka Loop Line event will manifest itself. I’ve already received the usual warnings not to go, which suggests SOMEBODY will.

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: www.japansoc.com http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/10/26/few-participate-in-2008-yamanote-halloween-train/comment-page-1/#comment-254537 www.japansoc.com Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:11:01 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=6868#comment-254537 <strong>Few participate in 2008 Yamanote Halloween Train ...</strong> Hardly anyone showed up for last night's Yamanote Halloween Train.... Few participate in 2008 Yamanote Halloween Train …

Hardly anyone showed up for last night’s Yamanote Halloween Train….

Rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]>