Tidbits
JAPAN TRAVELER MERGED WITH GLOBAL VILLAGE MEDIA in May, which publishes the Guide to Jobs in Japan and upcoming Guide to Foreign Firms in Japan. The magazine has subsequently gone through small transformation with the addition of job listings and classified ads. We hope you will enjoy the new layout and additional information.
BEEN WONDERING WHY JAL (Japan Air Lines) seems always to cost more than the others? Asahi Newspaper says JAL Òshowered sokaiya and gangsters with special treatmentÓ and gave them deep discount coupons belonging to the shareholders, this to the tune of 500 million yen. The paper also quotes a JAL executive as stating ÒThe history of JALÕs connection with underground groups is long and deep.Ó In addition to this, the tax people claim JAL is on the hot seat over hiding a slush fund of 1.3 billion yen from tax authorities. Meanwhile, JAL pilots have voted to refuse, in times of military crisis, to fly any military related cargos.
LANGUAGE TEACHERS may be interested to know that dates and speakers have been announced for the upcoming JALT conference in Gunma Prefecture. Dial 03-3837-1630 for all details.
LET'S SWING! The Tokyo Swing Dance Society (NPO) sponsors many events, some with free lessons. Contact 03-5237-9999 or www.impetus. ne.jp for all the details.
OOPS! Last issueÕs Australia story was made difficult to read due to the map in the background. Our apologies to you and to Australian travel writer, Heather Farish. Sometimes mistakes happen.
MISSED THE LAST EARTHQUAKE? Now in Shinagawa at the Disaster Prevention Center you can experience a quake of 6 on the Shindo scale in their 3D theatre. Free Admission too!
BRITISH AIRWAYS, suffering from its worst financial loss in six years, has announced a planned 38 billion yen upgrade in business class. The major change will be seats that convert into beds.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK is the West Park Cafe in Akasaka Mitsuke at Tokyo Plaza. Serving California cuisine, their wide array of dishes are in the medium price catagory.
Also new is Cross Beat Steak House in Odiva (Aomi Sation) where a full course wonÕt set you back too far by Tokyo standards. Be prepared to wait in line however.
Our vote for the best deal is the Tuesday steak special at the Tavern restaurant in Meguro (3779-0280). Less than ´1,000 yen brings you a great tasting steak with baked potato and vegetable.
SPECIAL
FEATURE
Human Rights Falling
Through the Cracks in Japan
Japan "Justice" Ministry tearing Japanese children apart from gaijin dad