I got back to Japan on Saturday evening, and at the moment I am looking out of the window from my office. All I can say is that Autumn seems to have arrived, though it’s still in it’s early stages. Basically, there are now leaves on the ground, but the majority of trees are still on the green side. I wonder how long it will be before we get the true beautiful colours of a Japanese Autumn. I’m kinda hoping that we’ll get some Yellow and Red trees going before we leave Japan, but given that it still feels quite warm I’m not getting my hopes up. A shame really, because the colours of Autumn and Spring in Japan are some of the best.

Ahh well. Things are still in progress with regards to the move back to the UK. Now that I’ve finally got back from Oz, I was able to get Yuko’s visa application submitted (they needed my passport as well). The good thing about it means that it will not be possible for me to travel anywhere now on business trips…. which is a good thing since the change in travel regulations at my company (my company got brought by a larger one, and the parent company’s travel department leaves a lot to be desired).

Anyway, a round up of things I’ve seen around the net

Japan

First, a little write up about one of the somewhat dodgier parts of Japanese society. It was good to read though in this story that other Japanese people complained about the content of the TV show.

To lighten the mood, there here’s something I found which just goes to show I’m speaking with the ‘right accent’ in Japan (well, I would be if I wasn’t a married man already…..)

Peak Fish

This was a somewhat disturbing story. Although the title was somewhat sensationalist, I think an issue like this deserves to be. I think this is another story just going to show that quite simply there are too many people on the planet. There were some interesting comments over on the BBC “Have your say” section….. some, worryingly seem to think that religion is the answer to this problem!
First, we have the Christian response…
“When Jesus was on the Earth He produced enough fish and bread for nine thousand people from just 12 loaves and a few small fish. Obviously the answer to the shortages on Earth must be His return so let us all pray for that.”
Riiiiiiiiiiiight.

Now, since we can’t have that kinda thing, we have a Muslim who thought he should put his thoughts in, since (as far as he is concerned, his religion is the right one).
“My message to Mr Ben Bradshah is that 2048 is far far away.Till then eat and enjoy fish food as long as you please.Fishermen should also continue with their activities without any worries.The world has been created by the Allah. He will protect his seas. He has promised to provide food to every one.He has been doing it for thousand years and he will still do it till final day.So,don’t worry.Allah is great.”

Ho hum!!!

As the immortal Private Frasier said…. “We’re doomed….. doomed!”

European Blackouts

These were pretty worrying stories over the weekend too. BBC Links here and here.