It's a great shame that most Japanese don't pay much attention to the Ainu. When I read the Dec. 8 article "Hip-hop and dance help spread awareness of Ainu tradition," I was greatly impressed by the Ainu Rebels and their activities. They incorporate modern music into their traditional Ainu culture so that they might appeal to us. I earnestly hope that their efforts will make Japan more aware of the cultural crisis the Ainu people are going through.

On the policy to obligate foreigners to register fingerprints upon entering Japan, I feel that it is totally understandable that many are angry at it. But it is difficult to tell uninvited visitors from normal visitors and the issue really gives us a headache. While I feel the policy is extreme, it is unavoidable to take such measures to ensure safety.

The articles I enjoy the most in the Weekly are those with an original angle or articles on topics that are usually not covered in the mainstream Japanese media. I use straight-news articles for practicing my English, but pages such as Commentary, which frequently print interesting pieces, are the pages that really appeal to me. The Dec. 1 Commentary, "Japan's creaking relations with the United States," for example, was a good read, teaching me that distinctly "American" way of seeing things, although the topic itself was nothing new.

Also, it was through the Weekly that I first found out about the whole Darfur issue. Things like this don't usually get full coverage in Japanese newspapers. They seem to focus more on news that is somehow related to Japan. That's why I expect interesting foreign news and features from the Weekly.

It was very encouraging to read about the benefits from linked satellites. Thanks to the fine job of a freelancer the death toll of the recent storm in Bangladesh was reduced considerably though not yet satisfactorily. It would be even more encouraging if all the developed, economically stable countries would gather to discuss natural disaster prevention measures, and spend money on that rather than always focusing on wars and weapons. This is of course a rather naive thought and yet, if generosity would overtake greed in this world, we would be one step closer to a utopia.

The world saw two big allies of U.S. President George W. Bush, Australian Prime Minister John Howard and British Prime Minister Tony Blair resign this year. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also made a surprise resignation.

Richard Smart's phrase "good riddance" gave me a strong impression. I suppose he will use the phrase when Bush leaves office. Who will Mr. Smart give the phrase to next year? It may yet be too soon for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

The Japan Times Weekly: December 15, 2007
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