Happy New Year 2015! あけましておめでとうございます！

(Revised Jan 1, 2015)

Well the year 2014, with all its ups and downs, has ended. Thank god! It was a difficult year for me. I hope that it was a good year for you. 

View of Mt. Fuji from Isehara taken on the morning of Dec. 31, 2014

2015 is the the Year of the Sheep in the Chinese Calendar. It is said about the sheep:

"I am a passive onlooker 

I let bygones be bygones 

Goodness brings me fortune 

I believe in the human race 

I understand the meaning of giving 

My cup is never empty 

I am loyal and just and in others I trust 

I am the sheep"

I wish that you and your family have a safe and healthy New Year's holiday. 

May all your dreams come true in 2015. 

God bless you and yours with health and prosperity.

Economic Illiteracy and How Japan is Responsible for the Destruction of the Western Economies

The things that get printed in the Western press about Japan never ceases to amaze me. The most recent article that made me smirk and roll my eyes came out on the Washington Post Blog the other day...  I guess there's a good reason that articles like this make it to a blog and not the actual newspaper; maybe someone is paying attention at the editorial desk at the Washington Post after all...

Get this: The story claims that Japanese people not having sex is going to be responsible for the destruction of the western economies.

That's right. Because the Japanese do not have enough sex (trust they do - they pay for it), and therefore they don't have enough children, this supposedly will result in the collapse of the western world economies. This article is currently doing the Internet rounds and I have been asked to comment many times. So, since my comment is the same every time, I thought I'd save myself some effort and just blog my response to this. My response is below the article quote... So, first, kindly, read a bit on this interesting economic theory.

From the Washington Post Blog: Japan’s sexual apathy is endangering the global economy:

Because Japanese people aren't having kids – which is both partially a product of, and perhaps driven by some of the same factors as, their relative disinterest in sex or sexual relationships – the population is shrinking. It's shrinking very, very fast. The Japanese population dropped by 212,000 people last year, the largest decrease on record. The birth rate is still falling, with only 1.03 million live births last year, a record low and dramatic decrease from 1.21 million the year before... 

This isn't just bad because it means the Japanese economy will have fewer workers and thus be less productive. It's setting up an economic time bomb that will go off before long... For any economy to stay healthy, there need to be enough taxpayers to support all the retirees. But Japan's population is shrinking and aging simultaneously, which means that the number of old people is skyrocketing just as the base of taxpayers shrinks.

Here is my response to this article: 

1) Japan is too crowded as it is. Japan is the size of California yet it supports a population that is 1/2 the size of the US population. 

2) Who cares about the world economy? I don't. I am worried about my own and my immediate family; I don't give a rat's ass about the USA or the EU or people living 6000 miles on the other side of the earth. 

3) Here's my vote for Idiot Statist Quote from the article: "For any economy to stay healthy, there need to be enough taxpayers to support all the retirees." Why? What kind of economic theory is this? Why should I pay taxes to support people I don't even know? (All the while the government takes a cut off the top). And why should other people pay to support me? What happened to individual responsibility? Why is the government even in the business of social security? The government should serve one function and one function only (if that): To protect the nation from foreign invasion. Where in the constitution of Japan or the USA does it say that the government should run a retirement Ponzi scheme (or run national parks, roads, airport security, farm production, dictate how large colas can be at fast food restaurants, what you can and cannot eat or drink, etc...) If big government were the answer to our problems, then the Soviet Union would have been a very successful nation. But it wasn't. 

We don't need more taxpayers; we need to shrink the government (and its out of control spending) and get it out of the health insurance business, the food safety business, the retirement fund ponzi business, the business of "Morality Police" (gambling, drugs, prostitution), giving tax monies to foreign governments in foreign aid, on and on and on.... Phase out Social welfare programs and cut government spending.... If we do so (we won't) then this population "problem" and lessening tax revenues are no longer a problem. Problem solved!

PS: History shows that the government built on fiat currency and deficit spending will out spend revenues in every case; Increasing revenues will only serve to prolong the inevitable collapse of this corrupt fiat Ponzi scheme that we have built today. The sooner the Japanese (and USA) government collapse into bankruptcy and new management takes over, the sooner we can try to make a system that can be sustained; it's obvious to anyone paying attention that this system is NOT sustainable. 

We have been mortgaging our children's and our children's children's future for decades. This shit has got to stop. "What cannot continue, won't." (Can't remember who said that!) 

This photo is not from the Washington Post Blog. These are some girls I took a photo of in Osaka at Nanba station (I think it was). If you like this photo, please use as you wish (Credit Mike in Tokyo Rogers, please!) 

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NOTES: So, you say you want these people taking care of your welfare and your life and your families well-being?! You have got to be kidding me!

And while I am railing on government over-reach, you folks know that right now there is a butter shortage in Japan? That's right. It's hard to find, and if you do find it, it's being rationed to one block per customer.

Yes, I do have butter. I always keep extra on hand. I have to; after three years in a row of not having butter because of shortages (and being a guy that likes to cook and bake) I decided not to get short handed again.

The world's third largest economy and we can't keep butter on the shelves? And this has happened now for 3 years in a row. Why is that? Because the morons running the government control milk and butter production. 

These assholes can't even handle making butter and people want them to control their lives and health and the nation's prosperity???? 

Incredible!

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For an easy to read and simple to understand explanation of how the economy works, may I recommend: Henry Hazlitt - Economics in One Lesson

WTF? New Year's (Shin Nen Kai) Party! 新年会パーティー

What the Funday on InterFM is having a New Year's Party! （新年会！）

Inter FMの人気番組WTF(What the Funday?)が2015年1月26日月曜日に開催する新年会パーティーのプロ­モビデオ！

What the Funday? Every Sunday morning 8 am ~ 11 am InterFM. Listen on Radiko live here: www.radiko.jp

What the Funday? on InterFM webpage:  http://www.interfm.co.jp/wtf/

What the Funday on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhattheFunday76.1

The Internet, the Handicapped and the Future of Production

Santa went to visit some children and their moms at the biggest Kids hospital in Kansai the other day. He received lots of warm thanks from people. He does appreciate it.

Read more here: Santa Visits Children at Osaka's Largest Children's Hospital 

Santa goes to visit these children's hospitals every year. But do not think that he does these things because he is a good person. That's not it at all. He does it because it is a small way to payback for all the bad things he did in his life; it is a sort of retribution. 

I do these things, as Santa, for just a few days a year, because of my own feelings of guilt. I do it for me; because I am selfish. Don't think I do it because I am a good person.

I think I could go to do these volunteer things everyday for the next 100 years and I'd still be in serious arrears in the payback column. I did lots of bad things that I regret and always will regret. I spent much of my 20s and 30s doing as I wished, not caring for other people; I spent that time creating bad karma.

Then my 3rd daughter was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

I saw lots of things during that time. Of course, it changed my life. I was a bastard before that happened (still am now, but maybe, not so bad... I hope.) But today, my wife and children, and especially my daughter - who miraculously recovered and is now a university student, inspire me to work to be an honest and good person.

It's not easy.

Now a university student

This brings me to today's post....

I saw a great short presentation by James Corbett. James runs the "Corbett Report" from Osaka and spoke about how communication has evolved.

He started with a pen and said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." But he also gave a short history lesson. Did you know that phrase started at least in the 7th century, and it wasn't said back then that the "Pen is mightier" (as there were no pens in the 7th century), the saying was "Words are mightier than the sword." People knew, even back then, that words and ideas could change the world.

James then went on to discuss the printing press and the internet and how, by use of the internet, anyone, even you or me, have the power now to reach out to millions and millions of people just like the ultra wealthy who own TV and radio stations! Because of the internet, individuals like you or me are not bottlenecked because there are only a few TV channels and because the costs of running a TV channel run into the tens of millions of dollars. The internet allows us to spread our ideas to the world and the costs are within grasp of most people and even children. It is truly a revolution that is the biggest communications revolution since Gutenberg's printing press. There is a link below to James Corbett's video presentation below. Check it if you have time!

This might not seem so earth shaking to you and it is probably obvious to everyone (except people like me)... 

And, several months back, it got me thinking about a new business idea. An idea that I am now propping up with some friends. It is an idea that will allow us to run a business and to help a few handicapped people to get a job and help them to earn a living. Because I think working is fun and making money is a great way to build positivity in ones life and help them have a dream and a good self-image and worth.

On that note, I was chatting with a friend of mine an hour or so ago. He surprised me when he wrote:

"I'm disabled and do not even have a keyboard for my computer. I use voice recognition software, and merely talk to my computer and it types what I want to say. The problem with that is... typographical errors! This small text box on Facebook messaging is my nemesis. Lots of typos... At this point in my life, I don't mind being disabled. I do enjoy saying what's on my mind, however."

I am so impressed by this. Well done! 

Because of how the internet has changed communication and the way labor can be sent far away from the office to be completed....Some partners and I have come up with an idea that also uses the concept that workers need not be in the office to do their jobs; they can do them at home! We have come up with an idea that can give jobs to a few handicapped people who can do skilled work from their keyboard, at their desk, in their own home, and earn a fair wage and make money. 

It has dawned upon me that the internet boom will help the handicapped immensely to work and earn a living; they don't need to ever leave home! Our new idea and technology will not only drive a profit, it will help society.

We have come up with an idea for a company and called it, "Robot 55." I cannot divulge too much information as to what the company does just yet. I can say that it is in a creative field and involves art, design and video. So someone with a good design sense or training in that field, would be perfect!

The new company will launch on January 5 and, at this time, and I can say that I am now looking for candidates who can work at home, are handicapped, are native Japanese speakers and have at least a high school level education. The candidates must also have a relatively new Apple computer (our software runs only on Apple). English ability a plus but not needed.

If you know someone who fits that bill, have them write to me and send their bio to me at mikeintokyo2004@gmail.com   

Last Note: 

Over these last 7 years or so, I have been working with many start-up companies. I have come to the conclusion that there is a fundamental problem with the way many of the people who start up companies think: They all state the goal is IPO. Then they work solely for that purpose: the purpose of making lots of money in order to go public.

Making lots of money is good. But it shouldn't be the primary goal of your life or even your company. The primary goal of life is happiness (I think); the primary goal of the company should be something like; to make people happy. Or; to make society a better place; or to create a better life. 

You see, if the goals are to make people happy or to make society a better place, etc., and then if the company succeeds at doing so; THEN THE MONEY WILL NATURALLY FOLLOW! It also is impossible to gauge the value of doing a job that makes one happy and contented; jobs that cause stress, worry and unhappiness are everywhere and a dime a dozen.

To make the primary goal of "Making money" isn't good because we can make money cheating people, taking advantage of them or just plain treating them like shit.... Which lots of people in management do.

This new company "Robot 55" has two primary goals: "To help society" and "To have fun." In fact, our company motto is "Let's Have Fun!"

If you know anyone, who is disabled, but can use a computer and has an Apple machine (with some design background) is a fun person, native Japanese speaker, and wants a part time job they can do at home, have them contact me! mikeintokyo2004@gmail.com

Until then, you have a Great New Year!

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See James Corbett's video here: The net is mightier than the sword | James Corbett | TEDxGroningen 

Santa Visits Children at Osaka's Largest Children's Hospital

Today, Santa went to the Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health to see the kids and bring some Christmas cheer! (That hospital is huge!) 

Some kids and moms were ecstatic... Some little kids, as usual, freaked out! Merry Christmas! 今日、サンタクロースが大阪府立母子保健総合医療センターに遊びに行きました！子供達！早く元気に出して退院して！来年、皆のうちでサンタとあいましょう！

A Super Giant Massive "Thank you!" to Santa's assistants and to all the nurses and doctors who do a fine job day in and day out! 

May all your dreams, and the dreams of the children and their mothers and fathers, come true in 2015!

If you'd like to volunteer or learn more, check: 

http://www.nanbyonet.or.jp/ 

(Sorry. In Japanese language only.)

WTF? "What the Funday" Shinenkai - Free New Year's Party!

Hey! WTF? (What the Funday?) is having another concert! But this one is so special, and it is at the beginning of the year, that we're not calling it a concert. We're calling it a "Shinenkai" (New Year's Party!) And it is free (of course) but you need to have an invitation to get in!

Definition of Shinenkai on Wikipedia:

"A shinnenkai (Japanese 新年会, literally "new year gathering") is the Japanese tradition of welcoming the arrival of the New Year, usually by the drinking of alcohol. A shinnenkai is generally held among co-workers or friends in January. Like the many festivals (matsuri) and celebrations that the Japanese are known for, a shinnenkai is their way of getting together to celebrate a new year and to make promises to each other to do their best for this year while wishing each other good luck and fortune..."

WTF? Party of the Year!

This is the first Premium Event of 2015 

and only 250 people will be invited! 

This year's WTF? "What the Funday" on InterFM Shinenkai party features and awesome lineup of Japan's best Punk and Retro bands:

The Neatbeats! The 50 Kaitenz! The Privates!

You definitely want to be at this show. This lineup is awesome and we could have made this a regular concert, selling tickets for $50 each and filled a 1000 capacity venue! But no! This is a Premium Event and only 250 people will be invited! 

Imagine that, some of Japan's best bands and you can basically be standing on their toes as they perform! 

The WTF? Shinenkai party and it's free (if you have aforementioned invitation!) How do you get an invitation? Send and email to: "WTF? Shinenkai! New Year's Party!" wtf@interfm.jp and you might win! 

(Oh, and come "Like" our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/WhattheFunday76.1?)

Just to let you check out how awesome this line up is, here's some videos:

The Privates - Drive All Night (Come "Like" their FB account!)

The 50 Kaitenz - Hey! They Were on TV! (Come "Like" their FB account!)

                The Neatbeats - Snakey Baby  (Come "Like" their FB account!)

Besides these great bands, the drinks will be a dirt cheap ¥500 each (about $5) not to mention the house special which is about $3 cocktails (it is, after all, a New Year's party, Japan style!) And with free entrance with an invitation, it will be the party of the year! Also, Furukawa Taro and me, Mike Rogers, will be hosting the ceremonies.... Who knows? Perhaps rock star and famous person extraordinaire George Williams just might show up!

So, don't miss the coolest show of 2015!!!! The InterFM WTF? "What the Funday" Shinenkai 2015!

Be there!

Be Skeptical of Everything!

You need to be skeptical of everything. 

As I always say: "80% of everything you see on TV is bullshit. The other 20% are commercials."

I remember in my university days, getting high constantly at the dorms because, what else was there to do? There was this guy named Tim there at the time. I thought Tim was some sort of brain damage; he certainly looked a bit crazy with his always messed up curly hair... Kind of like what that Peanuts character Pigpen would have looked like as a university student... Tim looked and acted crazy; but, since he was harmless, and also liked Punk Rock, we let him hang around.

One day, while I was in a very, er, "enlightened mood," Tim walked up to me, and in a very serious and stern manner looked me straight in the eyes, pointed at me, and said, "Everything.... you..... know...... is..... wrong!" Then he smirked, paused, turned around and walked away.

Like I said, I thought he was crazy, but not dangerous crazy. It confused me at first, but then I laughed at him... Nutcase!

Hell, who would guess that 40 years later, I'd realize that the guy was right?

At that time, I believed the history books at school and the stuff on TV... But, I'll be damned, Tim was right; it was all wrong.

Now, after reading books and doing some research on my own (rather than being told what to think at school) I know the truth about FDR and Pearl Harbor.... I know the Lusitania was carrying arms... Most definitely the Israelis attacked the USS Liberty, Kennedy was killed in a conspiracy and I don't believe Oswald acted alone... 

And I definitely do not believe Bush or Obama have a brain… OK. That last one is a joke. They both have a brain: they have someone else assigned to do their thinking for them. 

The moon landing though? Walking on the moon? 1969? 45 years ago? Sure. I believe that one too! 

Lessee... The moon is about 225,000 miles away. The Int'l Space Station is 200 miles in orbit and today the USA doesn't have the ability to send a rocket there! Think about that! 

So we're supposed to believe that the USA sent a manned rocket to the moon, 225,000 miles away and back nearly 50 years ago but we can't send a rocket up 200 miles to the International Space station today? Hmmm? How does that work? 

OK, let's play a mind game! Imagine it's 1904. A few people have designed cars with the internal combustion engine and they construct them... Most of these cars can do about 18 miles an hour. They even have races against horses to see which is faster! 

One day, though, some of these car designers say that they have a new car that goes over 1500 miles per hour! They even have pictures and witnesses to claim that they saw it do so! These witnesses were there! 

But then, poof! As quick as it appeared, it disappears.... No sign of the car ever again. It just vanishes leaving no trace… 

50 years later and no one ever saw that car again. It's disappeared, poof, kaput, vanished, vaporized, extinct, gone; no old body chassis to examine at the museum, no parts, no engine, no tires, no driver. 

Nothing. 

Oh, and the old photos of the car have been lost forever. So, I'm still supposed to, though, believe that this car existed?

1904 Rolls Royce. Incredible! 

This car drove to the moon and back! Can you believe it?

You need to be skeptical of everything. 

As I always say: "80% of everything you see on TV is bullshit. The other 20% are commercials."