Comments on: The Akihabara Killing Spree

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By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:41:58 +0000

billywest: A really nice way to end the debate :) Thanks – you have a pretty similar attitude to mine

By: billywest

billywest — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:33:31 +0000

One final thing I’d like to say (a little late, I know) is that in no way would I ever compare “Eastern” and “Western” values. And, nobody can deny that society in Japan runs smoothly for the most part, so implying that so-called western values are better is just ridiculous. As a westerner, having an opinion about the way things are in eastern countries often draws a lot of criticism, especially from other westerners. I focus on Japan problems not because I think my home country is better than Japan; it’s because I live in Japan and love it here. It hurts my head to think of the numerous problems with my home country and wouldn’t for a minute think things should be done exactly that way here.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:21:48 +0000

Lynsey: Reguarding the last part of your comment, I actually sighed when I read they’d shut down pedestrian paradise. It’s a useless, quickly put together and rushed plan… pretty spot on for the government. :(

By: lynsey

lynsey — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:51:15 +0000

Well, not that I’m an expert on these things but I partly agree with billywest that mental illness is an issue that needs to be seriously address. While I don’t necessarily agree with the causes that he has expressed I do agree that the taboo on mental ilness as well as a societal pressure to hide such ilness is a huge factor in contributing to these “attacks.” There definatly needs to be a more open approach, coupled with a serious effort by the goverment/NGO’s to set up some form of help for people who are suffering, often in silence in Japan.
However, after hearing about the latest set of attacks on young men in London it seems like it is definately not only Japan that is suffereing from these crimes. We should not be implying that our “western values and ways” are better than those of those in Japan.
The scary thing is that we could be caught up in one of these attacks wherever we are. Getting run over by a track unexpectedly is not something you can fight against either.

PS I also dont think that by abolishing the pedestrianised area of Akihabara will stop this happening again- a severe case of “shit we have to do something” syndrome the Tokyo goverment I fear…

By: Digger

Digger — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:43:49 +0000

Too sad! I agree that these internet posts should be taken seriously…every time. Even if a bunch of people just start posting crap like that to get attention, they should always be reported and investigated. I’d be curious to know the rate of increase in Japan’s crime rate. I know it really getting higher, but I’d like to know the spread of things. This is awful.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:23:06 +0000

billywest: One thing I’d like to see is the return of Home Economics classes to Japanese High Schools. Back in the 80s, all students were taught how to cook, look after kids, balance finances and so on. Now they aren’t, despite it being hugely effective and successful, simply because other countries don’t have those mandatory subjects. Such a shame.

By: billywest

billywest — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:59:24 +0000

Right, Mike. More open public forums and discussions of the issues on a large level are what’s needed. In no way, should copying America, or any other country for that matter, be advocated.

Of course, change that’s in line with Japanese culture, customs, and values is what’s needed. So, there’s no real need for outside influence anyway. The problems I’ve listed are ones that many Japanese people are concerned about. I would not be arrogant enough to believe I had the solution, or could even come up with one. What frustrates me is seeing so many people here concerned about such issues, but not even thinking a little bit about how to effect any kind of change. That along with the old men who are leading people in all areas of government preaching that things shouldn’t change and there should actually be a reversion to the so-called good old days.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:08:16 +0000

billywest: I agree that change would be a welcome thing, but what exactly do you suggest? I mean, it’s not really logical to say ‘Just copy America!’ because that’s what they did with the education system, which is in shambles right now. You can’t just “convince parents” of things and expect the changes to happen with 100% success.

I think a better approach would be to bring things out into the public forum – rather than instructing the Japanese public to change, the government needs to support those who do. Certain businesses these days forbid their employees to work rediculous hours – perhaps schools could start refusing students who attent Jukus, or something.

By: billywest

billywest — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:05:40 +0000

Mike, it’s not about any group or governmental body making a magic announcement; Come on, be a little creative here. You have people being worked to death (karoshi). You have insane numbers of kids being forced to attend jukus (cram schools) or English conversation schools by their parents and having very little time to be, well, kids. At the adult level, you have highly talented young people working life-draining amounts of overtime often while being stifled by superiors who’ve earned their positions not necessarily because of ability, but time put into the company. And a lot of fathers spend little or no time with their families because of late hours or frequent transfers to various parts of the country.

There’s no simple solution, but a change in attitudes and more forward thinking will bring about more open-mindedness about mental illness and the factors that cause it. Every society should be concerned with these issues. And, to be fair, things have been slowly changing here. Families are starting to be seen as more important than work by many younger men. Also, companies are starting to rethink their policies regarding excessive unpaid overtime, and even the competition to enter high-level universities is not as stiff as it was a few years ago due to the declining birthrate. Hopefully, in the near future, those jukus that make tons of money each year by convincing parents that their kids will fall behind if they don’t spend 2 – 4 extra hours outside of school each day in another school, will start to go out of business.