Personal? Not really. Shinjuku, one of the more famous areas of Japan, is my first stop (a book store with a large English section and Starbucks being the main draws for me). In the day time, many parts of Tokyo move very quickly but sometimes lack what some would consider a pulse or any kind of substantial human interaction. Despite the noise, it is quiet... despite the hustle, there is no bustle. A study some years ago showed that the Japanese, especially Tokyoites, walk faster than the people of any of the other countries also surveyed, including the USA, Taiwan, the U.K., Indonesia and Italy. On average, the Japanese covered 100 feet (about 30 meters) in 20.7 seconds, beating the second place British by a full .9 seconds and the Americans by a whopping 1.8 seconds. Of course many cities are hectic and lack warmth, but Tokyo is the epitome of urban impersonality and speedy walkers. My hedge goes here: Tokyo is a big place and there are many areas that are vastly different than Shinjuku. Apparently, the Japanese would do well to slow down a bit and maybe visit a few more personal's services. The country will soon face a crisis as the birth rate slows and the more mature element of the population holds on longer and longer, the so-called "greying of Japan." The government does recognize this problem and is doing its best to turn the tide. The birth control pill has been held up for approval for almost a decade, leaving many women with the option of abortion, a very common form of birth control in Japan. However, when the anti-impotence drug Viagra was submitted for approval, it was rushed through in a speedy few month's time. Women's group's protests of this disparity has seemingly turned the tide for the approval of the pill. There could be another legitimate, environmentally friendly reason for this double standard, other than the obvious. One of the reasons cited by politicians for the long wait for birth control approval: the urine of women on the pill may add to the disruption of the environment and reduce crop sizes. |
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Copyright © 1999 by Ed Kaspar |