Now that the Abe era is over, it has become clear that it was an interesting period. Many usually hidden aspects of Japan were brought to the surface while he was in power. It is amazing to see, as a German who has lived in Japan for nine years, how much effort is needed to attain a clear view of Japan's history.

Abe in August said, "it is important to make the 21st century a brighter period for people worldwide," a sentiment that I agree with. Our views, however, are based on different history lessons. I hope that the Japanese are not once again falling back to sleep and that (after the political demise of Abe) they take this opportunity to confront their past in a frank manner. This would have a positive impact on the international community.

It was welcoming to see a story about how Japanese women, such as actress Yu Aoi, play a more important role in advertising local cosmetics maker Shiseido.

I have felt strange about how Western models or actresses have been introducing new clothes, lingerie and cosmetics made in Japan as well as imported products.

Since even local fashion products are advertised by foreigners, I cannot imagine whether they will suit me. However, thanks to such an article, we Japanese can be more proud of ourselves. In the near future, I hope many Japanese women will prefer the "cool" of Aoi rather than the "cute" of characters like Hello Kitty.

One of my favorite things is to wake up in the morning and read The Japan Times Weekly with a fresh cup of coffee and a cheese and tomato bagel.

I feel as if I am in a continental cafe when I do this. I can't travel overseas because I have a 2-year-old naughty son, so the Weekly helps me to briefly escape. How about other readers When and where do you read the Weekly?

It seems like the first time an English native speaker is in charge of the editor's notes. Since Mr. Richard Smart began writing the editor's notes, the Weekly's political stance has been very clear, and it's very interesting.

The Weekly monitors politics and other matters in and outside Japan, and I usually agree with the newspaper's stance. I especially enjoyed the editor's notes on the Aug. 4 issue that began with the phrase "Congratulations to Japan in moving closer to democracy" and the Sept. 8 issue's comments about the 2008 presidential election campaign in the United States.

On Sept. 15 the Weekly featured Body Shop founder Anita Roddick's obituary on the front page. It reminded me of how I went to buy Body Shop soap in San Francisco about 10 years ago. Since then, Body Shop has expanded at an amazing pace. I believe a large part of Body Shop's success was due to the "green" image it promoted. Roddick truly was a pioneer. May she rest in peace.

The Japan Times Weekly: October 6, 2007
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