https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2...vator-use.html

I wish I could say this sort of thing surprises me, but it's sadly predictable. The "no intent to offend/discriminate" card gets played and the Japanese media moves on. This excuse is used for casual racism in Japan unceasingly and it's very tiresome. These are not children were talking about but adults who have no excuse not to know better.

"If Japan moves forward with its proposed military spending, it will have the world’s third-largest defense budget in the coming years"

I had no idea it would be so large.

https://apnews.com/article/shinzo-ab...1d97ff61f92fa7

Russia expels Japanese consul.

https://www.reuters.com/world/russia...es-2022-09-26/

Some think it might be in retaliation for Japan announcing an end to the sale of chemicals that can be used in weapons production.

https://apnews.com/article/russia-uk...ec58f0ca5fd2af

Could it be time for a stenka?

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https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2...right-eye.html

Emperor Emeritus had surgery in his right eye for cataract.

Japan launches military buildup with public support.

https://www.reuters.com/world/japan-...ns-2022-10-18/

https://twitter.com/mrjeffu/status/1655064786248531968

There's a fringe group called the New Japanese People's Movement. It launched a protest against casinos in Osaka a few weeks ago because it's a Jewish plot.

Group is led by former NHK party leader Kurokawa Atsuhiko. His conspiracies about "foreign interference" made the rounds for a while, but he's considered fringe.