Random Japan

HERE WE GO AGAIN

• Just five months after its inception, the Nuclear Regulation Authority has already fired a senior official for having an “inappropriate exchange” with the operator of a nuclear power plant.
• Meanwhile, a high-ranking official at the land ministry (the parliamentary secretary for reconstruction, if you must know) mysteriously resigned, allegedly over “a relationship with a woman.” Can’t have that!
• Researchers at the environment ministry believe there may be a connection between the March 11 megaquake and a magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Hokkaido last month that caused blackouts and highway closures.
• It was reported that officials at the National Police Agency are making an effort to develop better aging-prediction technology out of concerns that “the faces of people on police wanted posters end up looking markedly different from fugitives.”

stats

• 14Percent of Japanese internet users who have just one password for all their online accounts, according to antivirus software company Trend Micro
• 9,028Number of telephone conversations wiretapped by Japanese police last year, according to the government
• 200Number of crimes that pickpocket Takayuki Okaniwa, 43, confessed to committing during the past four months, after his arrest in January

“Miracle Ball” Ensures You Will Bend it Like Beckham Every Time

by Michelle

From Bandai, makers of such products as iPhone underpants and half dog, half smartphone hybrids comes a “miracle ball” that allows even the worst soccer player to put some spin on their shot.

Officially sold under the name “BuredaMaster Blur Ball” and “BuredaMaster Bending Ball,” these special soccer balls will be on sale at the end of March for 2,100 yen (US$22.44) each. The “BuredaMaster Blur Ball” contains an 120 gram weigh that is adhered to one side of the ball. When kicked from below with a chopping motion, the ball will not spin, allowing players to perform a no-spin shot.

These Bones Are
God Like

Dead
And Loving It

These Tears
Where Not Joyful 

NATIONAL

PM2.5 sandstorms to reach Tokyo

BLOOMBERG

Sandstorms from northern China and Mongolia are forecast to reach Tokyo this weekend, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Yellow desert dust from China’s northwestern provinces and Mongolia will reach Tokyo at about 3 a.m. Saturday and remain until Sunday morning, according to the agency’s website. Visibility in the Japanese capital will be reduced to 10 km from 40 km at normal levels, the agency said.