Archive for January, 2009

Sumo is flourishing in Bulgaria

Reuters on how the success of Bulgarian sumo wrestler Kotooshu in Japan has made sumo a very popular sport in his mother country:

“There’s an enormous interest in sumo among teenagers,“ added Petar Stoyanov, the man known as The Chief in Bulgaria. “Last month, I went to see a youth tournament with 137 competitors, most of them aged between 14 and 16.

“Naturally, they became enthusiastic about our sport after the success of Kotooshu and the remaining top wrestlers but that’s not all.

“They’re attracted by sumo because it’s a very fair sport. There are no controversial referee’s decisions and everything is decided in the ring.“
[...]
“It’s not so difficult if you begin to train when you’re a kid,“ he said. “You get used to the strict regime and then you’ll be a disciplined man, a man who has learned to observe the rules and who respects the hierarchy.“

Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov came Japan last week to kick off a “Year of Japan-Danube Friendship.” During the visit, he attended a sumo tournament, where he was able to see Kotooshu in action.

Meanwhile, the Bulgarian press reports that Kotooshu has thrown his support behind a sister city project that plans to build a replica of a medieval Bulgarian fortress in Kyoto.

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What do the Movers and Shakers of the Japanonets do when They Gather?

Why they play rock-paper-scissors of course! This being an event organized by Danny Choo, the prize up for grabs was of course anime figurines. The first get together was back in September, and Danny just got some good shots and details about it posted on his site. See if you recognize any of these people (yours truly is hiding in there as well).

Now we are going to have a second gathering (or CGM night, as the organizers are calling it). It’s sure to be an event of epic proportions, and I will try to report on the happenings somewhere; even I may have a special project to discuss with others there; I’ll let you know if it’s not secret. Speaking of which, I made a special video about the last party. It’s kind of “let’s not let Clay use sharp tools” level reporting, irreverent, and filled with ramble, but if you are so inclined, see it below:

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Aso speaks to Obama

Prime Minister Taro Aso has finally been able to have a chat with President Barack Obama:

The two leaders had a 10-minute telephone conversation this morning, pledging to cooperate on the economic crisis, the global war on terrorism, and the North Korean abduction issue. Aso spoke in English the entire time and did not need an interpreter. (Look forward to some “yes he can” [speak English] jokes on this evening’s news broadcasts.)

Since taking office last week, Obama has spoken to quite a few world leaders. Taro Aso was 15th on his list (6th in the G8), but the 1st East Asian leader to speak with the new president.

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Smile Scan

FTV news takes a look at Omron’s Smile Scan system:

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Neighbors lose legal battle against unsightly house

The Tokyo District Court has thrown out a lawsuit filed by residents of an upscale neighborhood who were horrified by manga artist Kazuo Umezu’s red-and-white striped house:

“The coloring does catch the eye of those living around it, but it can’t be said it destroys the harmony of the landscape,” the judge said.

Umezu, who listened to the ruling wearing a red-and-white horizontal striped tie, indicated he was happy with the decision.

“I received a favorable result, and I feel that spring has come a little early. I think time will solve things (with the local residents),” he said.

A March 2008 Japan Probe poll found that nearly 70% of readers found Umezu’s house to be “not ugly,” so only about 30% of you should be disappointed by the court’s ruling.

[via AltJapan]

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Japanese navy will join anti-piracy patrols

The Japanese government has finally ordered the MSDF prepare for deployment off Somalia:

Tokyo plans first to send ships under an existing marine security law, which only permits the navy to protect Japanese ships, or those carrying Japanese crew or cargo. Kyodo news agency said ships could depart as early as March.

To dodge possible criticism from other countries whose ships are patrolling the area, the government is also considering a new law to enable it to protect non-Japanese vessels and broaden the scope for using weapons beyond self-defence.

Opposition parties don’t seem very warm to the idea of creating a new law to allow the MSDF to actually protect non-Japanese ships from pirate attacks, so it is unclear if the desired new law will ever become a reality.

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