All articles by Randy Poehlman
Randy Poehlman on April 6, 2010 3 Comments
China executes Japanese senior citizen
Editor's Pick, Politics
New Chinese ambassador to Tokyo will improve relations
Randy Poehlman — March 1, 2010 0 Comments
Cheng Yonghua kicked-off a new diplomatic mission to Tokyo this morning. The new Ambassador arrived on Sunday and will be busy from the beginning. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is planning on making an official state visit to Japan in the spring. The announcement of Cheng as Beijing’s representative to Japan is expected, in some ways to bridge the divide between the two major economies of Asia.
Politics
Japanese police getting slightly more proactive
Randy Poehlman — February 22, 2010 0 Comments
This documentation initiative is a welcome step in community safety, and can only help one of the world’s safest nations. If the strategy is adhered to and implemented effectively then the result will likely slightly lower an already low crime rate. It is a step in the right direction and should be followed with more moves towards an increased focus on crime prevention and a pro-active focus.
Editor's Pick, Media, Social Policy
Japan’s PM enters the Twitterocracy
Randy Poehlman — February 15, 2010 1 Comment
Hatoyama has broken out into the digital realm with power and with panache, well sort of. His start into Twitter and blogs and generally increasing his on line persona has come later than it should have, but none-the-less, he is the first Japanese politician to embrace the new tools at his disposal in any notable manner
Media
Foreigners shouldn’t vote in Japan
Randy Poehlman — January 31, 2010 2 Comments
It is my contention that in order to vote in any country, you should follow the legal avenues to become a citizen of such a country and not be voting from the outside in. Although these Korean citizens and a great deal of other nationalities currently reside in Japan on a full time, permanent basis they should not be voting in Japanese elections, be they local or national
Politics
Unpaid overtime is killing McDonald’s managers
Randy Poehlman — January 21, 2010 0 Comments
Many McDonald’s managers estimate that they spend roughly 80 hours per month engaged in unpaid overtime. The fact that McDonald’s has been expecting managers to work 80 hours unpaid overtime for the past number of years is astonishing. This policy has led to lawsuits and deaths, but still McDonald’s Japan expects far too much out of their managers and their policies have obviously changed little. The company has been able to escape with little more than a slap on the hand, despite the fact that karoshi deaths continue to plague the corporate giant.
Politics
Financial irregularities threaten Hatoyama and Ozawa
Randy Poehlman — January 17, 2010 0 Comments
Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa are under constant criticism by the Japanese media, regarding some allegedly sketchy financial deals and some questionable election funding. The continued probes are limiting the ability of the Democrats to govern effectively.
Politics
International parents on edge in Japan
Randy Poehlman — January 11, 2010 0 Comments
The custody of children in cases of international divorce is a growing issue that needs to be addressed and dealt with according to international standards. In a globalized environment, states must act with good-will towards one another and provide assurances that international norms will be respected. Having said this, Japan needs to sign the Hague Convention without delay, and put an end to these lingering issues of custody and visitation
Politics
Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party need to modernise to stand a chance
Randy Poehlman — January 10, 2010 1 Comment
The Liberal Democrats will not be returning to power, unless they restructure internally and provide some direction for the country.
Editor's Pick, Politics
Japanese PM engaged in delicate balancing act between Asia and the US
Randy Poehlman — January 7, 2010 0 Comments
It is obvious to many that the tide is shifting to a world increasingly run by Asian powers, but the shift will be a gradual one and will place Japan on a tight-rope for the near future. Japan has remained strong economically by being a relative mute power and Hatoyama’s policy of strong statements and proposals on both sides of the fence will take a more balanced effort than he has currently provided. Domestically, Hatoyama can move away from American dominance, and remain popular at home. This of course will directly impact the defence of Japan and also could have economic consequences. Moving to a more pronounced role in Asian politics is dangerous long-term for Japan as the history of relations between Japan and China, and Japan and Korea suggests. One thing is clear; Hatoyama is engaged in a delicate balancing act, due to his Asian-centric statements and his countries commitments to American agreements.
Politics
Junk-producing China set to surpass Japan in 2010
Randy Poehlman — January 4, 2010 5 Comments
Japan might be overtaken by China in 2010 as the second biggest economy based on GDP, but in all the areas that matter, China continues to be a third world country, producing the world’s dollar store bargains
Economics, Editor's Pick
Tracing Food: Why Japan has the right idea on meat production
Randy Poehlman — January 3, 2010 12 Comments
North America needs to move in the direction Japan has regarding traceability of food sources, specifically meat. The big American food suppliers might be a touch more trust worthy if they were willing to offer all relevant information on animal products at the touch of a button.
