This comparison will be snappy quick and simple. Japan just
doesn't stand a chance against the USA in the beer arena.
Japanese Beer is Too Expensive
Japan does make some great-tasting beer, but unfortunately
tobacco-loving Japanese politicians decided to tax the crap out of
it,
building a massive barrier to my regular beer enjoyment (unless you're paying). Beer
isn't
good for you, but cigarettes make a much more appropriate taxation
target. Cigarettes are both bad for you and annoy others
around
you. Beer at least doesn't give off carcinogenic fumes.
I
digress.
To skirt the beer tax and improve sales, Japanese brewers release
cheap
Most foreigners interested in working in Japan's entertainment industry have heard or will hear of the agency known as Inagawa Motoko (aka IMO). It's one of the largest, if not the largest talent agency specializing solely in foreign talent. But this does not mean it's respectable or professionally managed. In fact, the reality is quite the opposite.
In writing this I hope to expose this sham of an agency for what it really is--a den of common thieves. Furthermore, it is my wish that others sharing my plight may join my crusade to spread the word about these con artists. Ultimately, my goal is total shutdown of their unethical business practices--which equates to their entire business model. If nothing else, I want the public made aware before more unsuspecting foreigners are
During my recent trip back to the States, I engaged in an engaging
conversation with a learned compatriot, the staunchly patriotic
father of one of my best friends. I bragged about my enjoyment
of the current strong yen / weak dollar situation. I am a rich
man in my home country--almost as rich as Scrooge McDuck from "Duck
Tales." As such, I spoiled myself with flower pedal walkways,
palm leaf fan-downs, direct-to-mouth grape feedings, and many a
decadent shopping spree during my visit. I even bought a pony!
My learned compatriot asserted that the dollar is not weak.
How can it be when a single dollar purchases 78 yen? Meeting
the first person not to be
I admit that I'm an anal person. I'm never late, obsessively
tidy, impeccably organized, and borderline OCD. I'm not
without vices, however. I drink rum like a pirate and am sadly
addicted to nori potato chips. Getting back to the
point--maybe the reason Japan and I click so well is because it's
just as anal as I am. Take their airports, for example...
NRT to LAX
Departing Narita airport I embarked for my hometown of Los
Angeles. ANA's internet check-in was a godsend, and Narita's
attached shopping paradise made short work of killing the mounds of
spare time I inevitably allow myself. The most pertinent perk
for me, though, was the immigration line. As you'd expect, it
was long; but it moved faster than a Shinkansen high on the finest
Colombian coffee. Every single
