Yep, those are today’s topics
Japan
Our man in Osaka has discovered a rather interesting Gate Phenomenon.
In more Japan related findings on the net, Japan Probe has dug up some comments regarding ‘how adult like’ are Japanese 18 year olds. (In Japan, there is dicussion about lowering the voting age from 20 to 18). Some of the comments from foreigners interviewed on Japanese TV were a little harsh.
The way I would put it is that sometimes young Japanese adults tend to be somewhat naive. Mind you, some people of the same age in the UK would be lacking in knowledge, except here it seems to be ‘arrogant ignorance’ rather than ‘naivety’… if that makes any sense???!!!
Finally, in Japan related browsing, Sushicam once again has some cracking photographs… this time some Sumo ones.
Rising Waters
Cracking site I found, showing the impact on coastal regions due to sea level rises.
In the event of a 14m rise, looks like half of Cardiff would be under water. A 6 metre rise would be mean things getting pretty dodgy for my folks and sister 
Makes you think about the 50m rise that’s predicted in the ‘it’s all gone completely up shit creek’ scenario of Global Warming and Polar Ice Melt predictions. (I seem to recall, that would require a 6 degree mean temperature increase).
Actually, got quite interesting that system, because I had a look at Tokyo and surrounding areas as well. A rather big 10m rise would have resulted in our old house in Japan being next to a rather large coastal estuary! (The Edo river having got a lot bigger).
:)