Thread: Japan is CRAZY.

I have no clue if the media is as bad in Japan but here in the USA they will seize upon something like this and blow it way out of proportion. With the 24 hour news cycle they have to keep their ratings up and sensationalize everything. So they create a panic and when the omelet really hits the fan it will be like the boy who cried wolf and no one will listen.

That prinicipal has brought dishonor to his family and his country!

Sepuku is the only choice for him.

Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

That prinicipal has brought dishonor to his family and his country!

Sepuku is the only choice for him.

If you dig Samurai movies one of the best ever made is "Hara Kiri" . If you haven't seen it do yourself a favor and check it out.

Sorry Jimmy, the best samurai movie eve made (or rather, best 3 samurai movies ever made) is the "Musashi Miyamoto/Samurai" trilogy with The Man Mifune. That, and Yojimbo--again, Mifune rocking' the crusty old samuri bit.

And yes, it is the media. Total tailspin over here...Every day, total saturation with "New Form Influenza". God help us if anyone dies from it...They could very well call for a quarantine of the whole country.

My company is on 'High-Alert' with a week's worth of masks and hand disinfectant for each staff already on hand.

Try going out and buy a mask in a drug or convenience store. Nada!

It is a little bit like when BSE cases were more prevalent in the news. I was working for the Japanese government in Canada in 2005 and 2006 and was in the middle of much of the activities that were taking place in Alberta. Japanese officials and I were visiting farmers, ranchers, slaughter houses, government test facilities... etc. Japan tests every single cow for BSE. The same standard is not to be seen elsewhere. There are ranchers who do. But most don't.

I wouldn't be surprised if mandatory flu tests were implemented to all returnees or visitors to Japan if things escalate.

Originally Posted by ZethLent

I was at the doctor yesterday with my son who picked up a cold bug at playschool and was running a high fever. I thought it would be a given that he would do a flu test. The doctor on the other hand said that that would be premature and that we should just keep the fever down with normal medicines. I was asked by the pharmacist what my son's fever was, (without thinking) I told him and he freaked out!! "Did he get tested!!" I wanted to say give me a break. Instead I said the doctor says it isn't necessary. I don't think he held the same opinion though.

I'm sorry to hear about your son, I hope he's feeling better...

And wow...a doctor with sense! Who'd of thunk it! I actually saw one on TV this morning saying "This flu isn't any worse than the typical flu virus." Maybe people will start listening?

Originally Posted by ZethLent

I have already been asked if I am 'ok', in other word do I feel like I may have flu like symptoms. Strictly on account that I am a foreigner (even though I am a permanent resident and haven't left Japan for nearly three years) a stigma is lightly on me because I am Canadian who is a visual minority here. I just keep a low profile and answer cordially when concern is directed at me or my family.

Without a doubt. The company I work for has already said that if anyone leaves the country, when they come back their clients have requested that EVERYONE be placed in a three day quarantine before coming back to work. This is only for foreign employees, of course.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

Indeed, good films. Mifune had to be the one of the greatest actors in his time.

He really was great. Not Takuya Kimura great....but great.

Actually, though, I think Mifune might very well be the best actor Japan's produced. fantastic guy, kinda like Clint Eastwood with the whole pigeonholing thing hiding real talent.

The principal of the school where the flu was first found has announced he will resign and apologized in public. The parents of the infected children are being harassed and people are demanding that they apologize to the public.

This is over reacting, in my estimation. If Japan was a developing country with few medical and prescription drug facilities I would be worried, but as with Jim I too find much of this over reacting a little tiresome.