Sequel in June 2018

Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Tariff war has begun

Donald Trump is beginning to take charge of several nations. Japan is also faced with raised tax for aluminum and iron. Shinzo Abe seems not willing to counter Trump's provocation at present.


Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Osaka earthquake

The influence of the earthquake is lower compared to past ones, fortunately. Osaka had not encountered earthquakes os such a magnitude for centuries. I guess citizens were so scared.


Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Trump and Kim, a historic meeting

The historic deal ended with Kim's triumph, many people believe. Trump seems indifferent to the content of the deal. He has changed his concern to trade war. On the other hand, the conversation with Kim was approved by US citizens who are not biased to either party.

Legal battle is over between Apple and Samsung

Apple and Samsung have been making legal conflicts for a decade. And recently, the lawsuits seem to be over.

The court battle began with Apple's appeal claiming Samsung had copied the design of iPhone. Finally, Samsung had to pay a considerable amount of money to Apple. The exact deal is not clarified.

Apple could not win the conflict, according to the media. Actually, Apple gained some compensation for infringing on intellectual property. But it failed to shut Samsung's products out from the market. Also, the profit from the lawsuit did not match the total cost, guessing the media.

The New York Times Apple and Samsung End Smartphone Patent Wars

Apple's spokesperson said that it intended to protect the innovation accomplished by Apple itself. But if so, Apple could have proceeded more instead of being exhausted by the longitudinal legal battles. The situation is same in Samsung. Apple's policy to promote the innovation might lead to inhibit innovation, ironically.

AI smells your disease

In recent, there are many fields in which artificial intelligence is expected to be utilized. Among them, medical practice attracts the attention of researchers for its importance.

Medical diagnosis has exclusively relied on physician's decision. If a perfect AI program is born, this scheme would not be changed because only a human can be responsible for the outcome of a person's life. Instead, AI will be a strong tool for helping the decision making of a physician.

Diagnostic tools are developed one after another. Nowadays, only a single plot of blood is necessary to diagnose several kinds of disease such as cancers. Furthermore, a smell of the breath can provide much information such as identifying Helicobacter pylori.

And in the near future, a machine with AI will be able to analyze the substances included in the human breath. It will enable to diagnose several diseases in the early stage.

The Conversation: AI is acquiring a sense of smell that can detect illnesses in human breath

It has been said that the smell of human is a key to precise diagnoses. And I guess some legendary physicians in the past could diagnose the patients at a glance with sensing some smells or atmosphere, even if they are not conscious. AI will replace such an instinct of human doctors.

Tariff war has begun

Donald Trump's exclusive "America First" policy has caused several arguments. China, Russia, and the EU seem to be involved in the economic war.

A spokesperson for Brown-Foreman said the price of Jack Daniel would be raised by 10% due to the tariffs set by Trump and the EU. In reality, the EU made a retaliation for the Trump's policy with enhancing the tariffs on some American products. There are other several categories of goods influenced by the amendment of tariff standards.

Independent: Jack Daniel’s price to jump 10% thanks to Trump’s trade war, whiskey maker warns

Free trade is an absolute condition for each partner to make a win-win relationship, according to economists who have an ideology of libertarian. But their thought is criticized by other researchers. The main reason is that free trade will widen the inequality of each nation. Thus, some nations will profit from its original resource and others will be exploited. It is warned that industries in the nations inferior to others will perish by free trade.

Knowing this, Donald Trump is willing to protect the domestic industries with a high level of tariff. But, his policy will be disadvantageous for people who could buy foreign products for the lower cost.

After all, the tariff is no good in a longitudinal point of view, in my opinion. I wonder how does Trump feel about the shape of the US after a decade.

Saudi permit women to drive a car

Saudi Arabia has finally permitted women to drive a car.

Women's right is strictly restricted in Saudi Arabia, as well as many nations in the Middle East. Prohibiting driving had been a symbol of suppression of women's rights.

Quartz: The end of Saudi Arabia’s ban on women driving is about economics, not equality

 In recent, Saudi's crown prince led by the king is eager to change the form of the nation. Its primary goal is to soften the dependence on the oil money. Saudi Arabia has been benefitted by enormous oil buried in the ground for a long time. But, the oil is not limitless. Also, air pollution and global warming are argued as a cause of utilization of oil. Therefore, Saudi Arabia has to commit new industrial revolution.

Women's right is not directly associated with this issue. But, women's inclusion in the industry will raise the economic potential for Saudi Arabia. This is the main reason for Saudi's recent rapid policy changing, I guess.

Anyway, guaranteed women's right in Saudi is welcomed. I expect the current administration to proceed with the reform.

A case of cow beyond the border

Penka, a cow, attracted public attention recently. It wandered to cross the border between Bulgaria and Servia. The EU legislation planned to kill the cow. But the public movement to save Penka emerged.

At last, Penka could avoid the death sentence, and it will be returned to its own farm.

Reuters: Penka the Bulgarian cow escapes death sentence after international outcry

I am not sure about the news in detail. To be honest, however, I am not glad to hear about the decision. First, who is responsible for Penka's wandering?  It seems not a wild cow. Second, it will return to be a livestock as surviving this trouble. Its life is exploited by the human regardless of the process. What do activists of animal protection think about this fact? And at last, does going across beyond the border deserves the death sentence for animals? I think this rule is ridiculous.

Watching World Cup is allowed at work in Germany?

The World Cup soccer fascinates us so much. Also in Japan, many people are eager to watch TV broadcasting even at midnight.

In Germany, more than a third of bosses allows subordinates to watch TV during the work, according to a survey conducted by the German University of Hohenheim.

Aawest.com: Germany: 38% of Bosses Allow Employees to Watch World Cup at Work

This percentage is higher by four points than the previous World Cup.

I was rather surprised to know a university conducted such a unique survey.

No more Miss America in the swimwear

Miss America contest declared to withdraw swimwear competition, according to the media.

Miss America organization has conducted a contest in which candidates make an exposure wearing a swimsuit. It attracts the audience, mainly men, because the bodyline of candidates is visible in the swimwear.

But it was criticized as the commissioner made a judge with an excessive emphasize of physical appearance. The organization is planning to introduce a presentation competition instead of swimwear seeing.

The Washington Post: Miss America eliminates swimsuit competition and won’t judge contestants on physical appearance

To be honest, I am indifferent to Miss America, or other beauty contests. I do not criticize any competitors and organizers. Physical cuteness is no more an alignment of a human. It is important, but not decisive.

A presentation competition sounds good. However, I think its value is far from the original concept of Miss America, though I am not sure about its history.

On the other hand, I wonder why its name is "Miss America." It is not bad if a married woman wins the representative of the US, I believe.

Japan is eager to realize self-driving cars by 2020

Auto driving cars are expected to be common in the next era, though some incidents have been reported. Tesla and some other famous companies are engaged to conduct experiments on the public road.

Japan is also willing to realize the society with self-driving cars. In Japan, elder drivers are increasing as the aging proceeds. Though not many elder drivers are risky, fatal accidents caused by elder drivers are recently focused.

Also, Japan will face the Olympic game in 2020. The government is planning to renew the structures of cities in Japan.

Reuters: Japan looks to launch driverless car system in Tokyo by 2020

In my sense, it is difficult to realize self-driving cars by 2020 in Japan. Since Japan lands are narrow, there are many complicated roadways. Thus, Japan is a tough region for an AI to drive a car.

Nonetheless, I expect the future in which most persons need not take the wheel in the car.

Microplastics issue

Plastics are material which is artificially made by the human. They are quite stable and easy to be processed. Therefore, we have utilized massive plastic objects in the modern era.

However, the chemical stability of plastics is a problem. There are few bacteria which can discompose plastic objects in the natural setting. Thus, plastics remain perpetually at the place. It is the reason the pollution of plastics is frequently discussed recently.

Surprisingly, and also, unfortunately, we eat microplastics every day. There are microplastics spread not only in the sea but also all over the world. The human is at the top of the food chain. It means that plastics any creatures ate are to be taken in the human body.

The Conversation: You’re eating microplastics in ways you don’t even realise

It sounds terrible to know that plastics will occupy our body. But, the influence of plastics we take is still uncertain. Theoretically, plastics we took is evacuated. Therefore, researchers claim the adverse effect of the plastics we unconsciously take in the current situation is ignorable. However, the situation is changing. The more plastics float on the sea, the more risks of environmental issues arise. Considering the sustainability of the global environment, we should stop excessively relying on artificial materials which are hardly discomposed.

Osaka earthquake

On June 18th, Japan was struck by an earthquake again.

It occurred in the morning. Osaka, a metropolis located in the western area of Japan encountered an earthquake whose magnitude recorded 5.3.

Although massive destruction did not emerge, several buildings were damaged. Three people were killed by this disaster, and over 200 were injured. The victims included a schoolchild who was crashed by a corrupted wall.

NEWS24: Three dead, 200 hurt as strong quake jolts Japan's Osaka

It was fortunate that tsunami was not brought by the earthquake. If a tidal wave had attacked Osaka bay, a large number of people would have been victimized.

Japan is an earthquake-rich country. And it is ironic that this disaster may be smaller than that many researchers prospect in the future. Tokai region is estimated to be struck by a gigantic earthquake within next some decades. We have to be aware of the risk.

Three step model of treating eating disorder

Eating disorder is a mental disorder which is one of the most difficult to treat. Patients with an eating disorder often take their lives by the disease, mainly due to extreme malnutrition or lethal arrhythmia caused by imbalanced minerals.

The cause of the eating disorder is still under discussion. It is highly likely that some diet-oriented cultures contribute to developing an eating disorder. On the other hand, some genetic factors are also suggested to influence the onset of the disease.

Anyway, normalized diet is essential to overcome the eating disorder. Withdrawing inappropriate dieting is the first step, as the article below mentions.

The Conversation: Eating disorders are hard to overcome, but ditching diets is crucial

However, it is not an easy task for patients to adhere to the direction of the therapist. They are suffering from fear of gaining weight and perfectionism. In most cases, a direct order to drop out the diet fails to be realized by the patient.

Therefore, a step-by-step approach is crucial for successful treatment. First, the therapist has to listen to the patient's voice for an adequate term.  Actually, patients with low body weight often have memory deficiency, and they fail to memorize the suggestions of the therapist. Establishing the patient-therapist relationship should be prioritized in any cases unless the physical status of the patient is critical.

The second step is behavior modification. The goal is to omit improper diet. But to accomplish healthy dieting, patients should be guided with emotional understanding. A series of behavioral experiments is effective to change the behavior. For example, if a patient identifies her body weight did not change after drinking a cup of milk additionally, her fear of loss of the control will be mitigated.

The third step is enhancing self-esteem, as the article says. Lowered self-esteem is usually associated with excessive concern about the body image. Patients should learn that they can be efficacious regardless of their body shape. But, this stage is located at almost the last in the ladder of treating the eating disorder.

Mental health issues in youth and elderly

Mental health care is one issue of great importance regardless of each region. Since good mental health is essential for humans to take good performance, promoting mental health is highly associated with productivity of the society.

However, where we should take the priority is various in each society. In Japan, aging is a serious issue. According to the raised mean age of the community, more citizens are suffering from dementia. On the other hand, there are few people with dementia in developing countries. It is similar in some European countries because they are not eager to prolong the lifespan compared to Japanese people.

Instead, mental health issues in youth are focused in recent years. Professionals in the UK suggest young people should be centered.

The Guardian: Young people can be champions of change in mental health care

One of the reasons is the high risk of criminalization of youths with mental health troubles, I believe. Many people can access mental health practitioners only when the police intervene in their acts. In general, young people feel difficult to suppress their aggressive thought. And they hardly admit their mental health is troubled. As a result, youths with mental disorders are highly likely to be involved in crimes.

The situation is similar in Japan. But in Japan, I frequently see older people with mental disorders arrested. The structure of the population in Japan is far different from other nations. I believe mental health in elder people should be prioritized in Japan.

Gay worker's glass ceiling

You may know the words "glass ceiling," meaning that women hardly can be promoted in the company. It is symbolic words suggesting discrimination against women. Then, how about sexual minorities?

The result is obvious: gay men workers are also suffering from the glass ceiling. Although they are likely to become a supervisor, most gay workers are placed at the lowest level of job hierarchy.

The Washington Post: ‘The gay glass ceiling’: Researchers find gay men are frozen out of top management spots

This fact results from a gigantic survey in the UK. The participants include more than 6,000 of sexual minorities. I believe that the sample size is enough to be trusted.

It is widely known that Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, is a gay. But the situation that this fact is spread with the curiosity of listers suggests that it is rare for gays to become the top of a company.

Google's second app approved in China

Google launched an app in China, secondary following Google Translator.

Reuters: Google launches second app in China, woos top smartphone market

This app is a China-specific version of Files Go, a storage management tool for smartphones.

Google's apps had been almost entirely banned in China since it refused to accept censorship of China government. As a result, you cannot see Google search, nor G-mail in China.

Google's ideology is "the world should become more searchable." It is completely against Chinese policy. Thus, it is quite natural that China behaves hostile against Google. On the other hand, China's market is too big to be ignored by Google as a company. Therefore, Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, made several negotiations with Chinese authority in recent.

Google Translator and File management software are quite common apps. Residents in China had been not able to utilize such services due to China's exclusive policy. It is a serious disadvantage for them, in my sense. Openness is crucial in the modern world even if it will sacrifice the stability of your society, I believe.

Medical cost unpaid by foreign patients?

Japan government is considering to restrict foreigners to reenter Japan when they have unpaid medical fees in the past visit.

The Japan News: Visitors who ditch medical fees to be barred from reentering Japan

Recently, the situation of unpaid medical fees by foreign patients was surveyed in Japan. According to the media, some serious cases were found in which a large amount of the cost was still compensated.

Therefore, the government is planning to check the medical history of foreigners at the immigration office. When the unpaid fee was identified, he or she will not be permitted to re-enter Japan.

I hardly understand this policy, to be honest. Indeed, foreign patients often cause troubles in a hospital, partially because they have no medical insurance valid in Japan. Since almost all Japanese patients are subjected to the national health insurance, medical practitioners are not familiar with dealing with patients without health insurance. Most hospitals do not have individual divisions to collect the unpaid medical fees.

On the other hand, I am not sure about the impact of unpaid fees by foreigners on the financial situation of each hospital. Some media emphasize the cases in which a significant amount of cost cannot be compensated. But, there are few foreign patients themselves. Also, there are many Japanese patients who are not willing to pay the medical fee responsible to the patients (usually 30% of the total medical cost. 70% is covered by the insurance.)

In addition, foreign people who taking medical service in Japan accidentally are likely to be relatively poor. Regardless of the ways, it is difficult to take money from poor people.

Therefore, I think quite doubtful that the cost to investigate the medical history of all foreigner visiting Japan match the effect of improved rate of collecting medical fees from foreign patients.

In recent, some Japanese are indulged to attack weaker people, such as elderly and pensioners, to manage their negative emotion. I am afraid that Japan will become more hostile to aliens.

Terahaku, a service offering Buddhist temple as an accommodation launched

The situation of hotel business industry has dramatically changed in recent years. The rise of AirBnB may have the strongest impact. At the same time, several websites started to offer the information in which many hotels are compared in their cost and quality. Thus, accommodation business has become competitive more than ever before.

In Japan, hotel business legislation was amended recently. People planning to offer a bed to travelers have to register their information to get the permission of the business. Instead, individual houses and other types of accommodations are accepted as a subject of the hotel business.

And recently, Buddhist temples seem to enter the competition. Waka, a China-based company managing hotel reservation services, built Terahaku, an accommodation matching service. "Tera" means temple, and "haku" means stay. Thus, Terahaku lists up many Buddhist temples which offer the stay.

South China Morning Post: Japanese company Waka to launch Buddhist temple-stay website as spiritual answer to Airbnb

There are many foreign travelers in Japan. Some of them are interested in traditional Japanese cultures such as samurai and Buddhist priests. For them, stay nights at a Buddhist temple is a splendid experience.

I myself, stayed a night at an old castle in Germany. I felt fantastic then as if I had been a knight in the middle age.

On the other hand, there are already several temples which offer the bed and dinner, called Shukubo. Their services are excellent, as well as luxury hotels, in my experience. I am doubtful if temples newly started to offer hotel service will match them.

Trump and Kim, a historic meeting

Yesterday was a historic day in the 21st century. Donald Trump, the US President, and Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, made a meeting in Singapore. It is for the first time for the tops of the two nations to conduct a  summit.

BBC: Trump Kim summit: US and North Korean leaders hold historic talks

Before the meeting, Trump took an action to shake Kim. Responding to Kim's provocative comment, he declared the cancelation of the summit. Kim had to bow toward Trump to make him reconsider to carry out the summit. Thus, Trump seemed to be advantageous before the summit.

Considering the contents of the agreement in the summit, however, North Korea gained several fruits. First, the US promised not to destroy the current administration of North Korea as far as mutual conversation is continuous. Second, they promised to drop nuclear weapons out from the Korean Peninsula. But there is no time limit set on the agreement. Trump admitted that it would be difficult to accomplish the complete denuclearization of North Korea. And third, for Kim, meeting with the top of the US itself will be counted as a great achievement, whereas it is not so much admired for Trump.

After the meeting, Trump commented that the US would continue the economic sanction against North Korea for a while. It means that Trump could not withdraw good conditions enough from North Korea. In my sense, Kim was victorious in this meeting, if there is a winner.

Low birth rate and populism

Whereas the world population is still increasing, many developed nations have encountered the era of decline. The birth rate is decreasing in each country, as well aging is proceeding.

Continuous low birth rate affects the structure of the society. The most problematic issue is the decrease of working population. Young people have to support elders who cannot work. The more seniors per youths, the more burden working people need to share.

It is an undeniable fact about population issues. However, there are other issues of consideration regarding adverse effect of aging society.

For example, some researchers claim that low birth rate will encourage populism.

The Atlantic: A Surprising Reason to Worry About Low Birth Rates

According to the writer of this article above, we will rely on immigrants as labors when the population decreases. And the increase of immigrants will rise populism. But, it seems not the only reason why populism rises in nations with a low birth rate. Reduced opportunity to contact with young people can be associated with the rise of populism.

I am not sure the author's claim is correct. Populism rises in any nations occasionally regardless of the eras and situations. To begin with, the definition of populism is still unclear.

On the other hand, it is true that solitude and exclusive attitude can be the base of populism. Most populists only keep an eye to the very close region around them. Many conversations with various people whose ideology and background differ from each other will keep you distant from populism.

Killing zombie companies discussed in China

Nowadays, capitalism is overwhelming the most regions of the world. Companies gathering money are successful while others are to perish.

But there are several exemptions. Many big companies and banks are deemed too big to be crashed. In general, bad companies should be bankrupted for maintaining the appropriate economic tide. But, after the case of corruption of Lehman Brothers, we noticed that crashing a big company will be accompanied with intolerable pain. As a result, national funds tend to rescue these companies even if it seems to be unfair.

The situation is similar in China, no matter than Japan. Recently, researchers say China needs a company-killer for purifying the market.

South China Morning Post: China needs independent bankruptcy courts to kill off ‘zombie’ firms, legal expert says

Zombie companies exploit the productivity of the industry itself for its inefficient process of survival. They get rid of the potential of smaller companies some of which will become innovative. Therefore, bad companies should be killed.

On the other hand, any bad companies have some employees. For them, the company is the only safeguard. Especially in a nation in which fluidity of employment is not guaranteed, such as Japan, bankrupt of the employer may suggest the ruin of many employees.

Also in this sense, diversity is essential for sustainability. Hesitating to change can be critical for a person and company, as well as nations.

Trump kicks G7 trade agreement

Donald Trump, the US President, tweeted that he would not approve the commitment of the G7 conference.

Reuters: Trump torpedoes G7 effort to ease trade spat, threatens auto tariffs

Trump participated in the G7 discussion but left early for attending the summit with North Korea. At last, G7 made a declaration in which easing the barrier against free trade is one of the missions in the international collaboration.

Trump has an ideology "America Frist" as the leader of the US. He wants to protect the advantage of domestic industries. Therefore, he is willing to keep a high level of tariff. Thus, he cannot accept the global commitment to lower the tariff because of his stance.

On the other hand, the US is gradually becoming isolated in the international society. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, seems to be ready to confront Trump's challenge.

Japan, South Korea, and China make a deal for 5G

Japan, South Korea, and China agreed to reduce international roaming fee.

Pulse: Korea, Japan, China agree to cooperate on 5G standard, cut roaming fees

The three leaders of each nation's ministry of industry made progressive discussion recently, to perform highly effective adoption of the 5G standard which is expected to be spread in the next generation of telecommunication.

This deal seems to have been done targetting the success of Tokyo Olympic in 2020 and Beijing Olympic in 2022. Many travelers will come to watch the performance of world-famous athletes. And for most travelers, whether their smartphone works functionally with low cost will crucially affect the level of satisfaction in their stay in abroad.

Japan, South Korea, and China shares complicated mutual relationship. Japan is conflicting with each nation in land issues. Also, there are historical issues in these nations. South Korea is facing a difficult decision between China and the US which is the better ally.

Anyway, this kind of business deal will soften the tension between nations. I hope more travelers will go across these nations with ease and happiness.

Deprived sleep by shift-time work

Yesterday, I wrote there are many controversies about optimal sleeping habit. However, there are also some things with no more room for discussion. For example, shift-time working is harmful.

Some people have to be awake working for all-night. They fall asleep in the morning. And the next night, they get prepared for the work again. Police, guards, medical practitioners, and shoppers working in 24-hours stores are included in this kind of jobs.

Growing evidence suggests shift-time working adversely affect the physical health. In Europe, an immature death of a shift-time worker can be certified as an industrial accident.

Financial Times: Night shift: the dangers of working around the clock

However, shift-time working is necessary for maintaining our society. There are many people calling for the help of physicians and police. But, a few people who are relatively poor are engaged in such works. In my opinion, shift-time work should be more shared by many people, especially young and vital ones. And they should be adequately rewarded. Stricter regulation for shift-time work should also proceed.

Does weekend nap compensate weekday overwake?

I read some literature regarding sleep recently. Sleep science has been studied for more than a century. However, there are many controversies about how to take good sleep.

Even the best duration of sleep in a day is still under argument. It is highly likely that less than six hours of sleep will do damage to your health. But, whether seven hours is adequate is uncertain. Some researchers claim eight hours sleep is required. The benefit and harm of oversleeping are also under discussion.

A recent study suggested the possibility that snoozing on the weekend can compensate the lack of sleep in the weekdays. After investigating a total of 38,000 Swedish people's sleep history, the researchers concluded that people taking one or two hours napping on weekend had the mortality as same as people with good regular sleep.

The Washington Post: Sleeping in on the weekends can compensate for lack of sleep during the week, study suggests

To be honest, I am skeptical of this outcome. I do not believe that only a few hours of extra-sleep can substitute regular sleep. I am scared that many businesspersons believe this result to reduce regular sleep on weekdays. Perhaps, the shortage of sleep cannot be a single reason for mortality. There is a hypothesis that the worst influence of shortened sleep is to cripple the immunology system in the body. Then, weekend snoozers may take some behaviors to activate their immunology systems, such as good cuisine and physical exercise.

Occupation list of psychopaths

Some people have difficulty to be compassionate to other's suffering. They tend to utilize other people deliberately and even exploit others. Indeed, they are likely to commit crimes. These people are called psychopaths.

According to many studies, psychopaths exist in every community with a certain proportion. And it is not true all of them become a criminal. Some psychopaths are successful in the society, called "successful psychopath."

Then, what kind of occupations are suitable for psychopaths? It is strange at a glance, but quite an important question. If a psychopath takes a social role instead of harming others in the society, it becomes more safe and functional.

Oxford University reported a list of occupation psychopaths are likely to take.

The Conversation: The preferred jobs of serial killers and psychopaths

The list includes:
CEO or business executive
Lawyer
Media personality
Salesperson
Surgeon
Journalist or news anchor
Police officer
Religious official
Chef
Miscellaneous civil servant (military, city council, corrections, etc.)

I am not sure about the exactness of this list. But it is certain the contents of the list depends on the culture in each society. For example, a police officer is unlikely to be suitable for psychopaths in Japan, I believe. Japanese police officers are demanded to obey their boss with a strict warship. There are no police officers to receive a bribe.

On the other hand, some Japanese politicians look psychopathic, I think. It may be the same in other nations.

Women's claim and right in Japan

In general, Japanese women are likely to be discriminated in the society. Recently, some media report cases of sexual abuse by famous people.

Recently in the US, "me too" movement emerged after a case of sexual discrimination. But, similar idea seems not be spread in Japan.

‘The dinosaurs are dying out’: why the #MeToo meteorite needs to crash down on Japan like in South Korea

In my opinion, Japanese women are divided into three groups. The first has a very traditional ideology. They believe in obeying the order of their husband. And they tend to discriminate working women.  Some of them notice that their lifestyle is nonfunctional because of husband's inappropriate behaviors. They tend to suffer in changing their sense of partnership. Also, the situation in Japan for working mother is very tough. Therefore, many women cannot leave from their violent or arrogant husband. Of course, there are many couples in which mutual relationship continue with love and respect for whole life.

The second group is activists. They claim such traditional thoughts compromise women's right. Some of them become a politician or a leader of women's empowerment. Unfortunately, I think they lack a good role model of activists in Japan. They often act as same as men who abuse women. Some of them are too hostile to others and claim their damage excessively. As a result, they seldom win the reputation of mass majority.

And the third group is others. In recent, only a few people belong to the second group. And the first type is declining. After all, the majority of women are indifferent to their position in Japan unless it influences on their life such as gender discrimination in a job interview.

In my sense, this dividing structure makes it difficult for women to act for women's right. There is no incentive for the first group to make changes. And now, many rich women belong to the first group. On the other hand, poor women who are discriminated has limited power to claim their right.

I myself, believe men and women should legally be equal though there are several differences such as physical strength. At the same time, if I were going to dinner with a woman, I would be willing to pay. It is not discriminating women but a gentlemen's manners. Some men are opposed to this idea.

The world is changing. Traditional idea binding women in Japan will perish soon. While respect to some extent such tradition, the desire of women who want to be free from traditional ideology should also be approved.

Deadpool2: Revenge and redemption

I saw Deadpool2 on cinema yesterday. I misidentified to have bought an MX 4D ticket. But actually this film was not done in 3D.

Deadpool is a strange hero. He has no heroic ideas and is willing to act rude behaviors based on his crazy and irresponsible attitude.

But the first scene of this film is the suicide of Deadpool. Since there are some nonsense suicidal acts in this film series, I was not surprised to see that Deadpool separated into several pieces.

In reality, however, Deadpool had a great trauma, to choose to end his life up. He fails to commit suicide, and compensate his previous life. And the theme of this film is how Deadpool overcomes his regret.

In the previous film, Deadpool was motivated by the desire to revenge the apparent enemy. But in Deadpool2, he has to decide what to do according to his own idea. He is encouraged by Colossus to join in X-Men. But he dislikes the rule of X-Men not to kill anyone. As a result, he was exiled from X-Men. Also, he failed to save a mutant boy.

In the latter part of this film, he decides to stop the boy from deliberate murder. It is to deny his past ideology in which all enemies should be dead. Thus, Deadpool makes progress in his personality.

The action scenes are not so attractive. Instead, Deadpool2 is more than a joke movie.

Personal Rating: 3 (fair)

You can use a restroom without any purchase in Starbucks

Starbucks, a coffee care giant, declared it allows any customers to use a toilet and a seat regardless of making any purchases there.

The Straits Times: New policy at Starbucks in US: People can sit and use toilets without buying anything

Previously, buying a cup of coffee has been needed to take a seat in the cafe. I think it is a common sense because occupying a chair is a burden for the store.

This policy was changed some weeks after a case in which a Philadelphia Starbucks store called the police since two black men took seats before purchasing anything. The men seemed to have planned to make a business meeting after joining some counterparts.

Although I am not sure about the situation, calling the police to free riders is inappropriate unless some violence or threatening occurred. The reaction of the shopper might be deemed as racism. Thus, this decision seems to be done to protect the reputation of Starbucks.

On the other hand, using a toilet is often essential for travelers. I have some opportunities to use a restroom in a McDonald's or Starbucks. And occasionally, I have no appetite, or no money, to spend there. The new policy of Starbucks is quite helpful.

Discriminating tweet after taking drugs

Roseanne Barr, an actress in the US, made a problematic tweet. It included racial discrimination against former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett.

Her reckless act caused a rapid response. American Broadcasting Company, a leading TV company, decided to terminate a program Barr was playing the heroine. ABC commented that her tweet was so inappropriate that ABC would no more share the values with her.

After the case, Barr explained that she tweeted under the influence of Ambien, a sleeping pill.

Unfortunately, her excuse ignited further disagreement among respondents. Sanofi, the pharmaceutical company which made Ambien responded as racism had never reported as an adverse effect of Sanofi products.

B2C: Ambien Maker Responds to Roseanne Barr: ‘Racism Is Not a Known Side Effect of Any Sanofi Medication’

In a scientific view, it is possible that we say or write absurd things which are far more our original ideology when drugs profoundly influence us. In this sense, Barr's excuse has a tip of rationality.

However, it is another thing how do people feel about her explanation.

Drunken people often rude behaviors. But they are usually blamed for failing to control themselves. In general, you should not act anything after taking a sleeping pill. All kind of sleeping pills can cause delirium. It is that I always tell all of my patients. Even if the content of the tweet was far from her ideology, she could not be irresponsible because she must use sleeping pills properly.

Italy's political situation remains chaotic

Italy's political situation is in movement.

In the latest general election conducted in March 2018, the center-right association composed of some conservative parties were advantageous. But, MoVimento 5 Stelle, or the Five Stars, won the most seats as a party.

Sergio Mattarella, the President of Italy, had difficulty in designating the new Prime Minister because any ideas of coalition administrations were not realized. As a result, Italy experienced a political vacancy for three months. Even reelection was considered.

Recently, Lega, or the League, which belonged to the center-right association and MoViment 5 Stelle agreed to be joined to form a coalition government. Accepting it, the President nominated Giuseppe Conte as the Prime Minister. However, the President did not approve Conte's plan to adopt Paolo Savona as the Economy Minister. Paolo Savona is skeptical to the EU, while the President seems not to support this idea. It is not surprising that the President's decline ignited the anger of the members of Lega and MoViment 5 Stelle.

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After all, Conte abandoned to form a new administration. The President designated Carlo Cottarelli as the Prime Minister, as the next move. Cottareli is an ex-IMF director and has a policy of austerity. However, his rising was not supported by Lega and MoViment 5 Stelle. They nominated Conte again.

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Regardless of the resolution, it is highly likely that a general election will be held soon. And it will be a judgment whether Italy shall remain the Eurozone.

In recent years, I often hear similar situations in which two different ideologies are strictly competitive. The UK decided to withdraw from the EU by only a few percentages of votes. Germany is walking on a very narrow path. It is possible that some grand nations will split themselves into clusters. The existence of nations is now under discussion.