FYI
It’s finals week at my university, so I’ll be a little sparse with the posts this week. That is, if these tests don’t kill me first. Argh.
Besides that, here’s something interesting – the possibility that a 外人 (gai-jin) might get to have a say in Japanese government!
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20061211a2.html
Let’s pray this doesn’t happen. Gaijin should only be allowed to do two things in Japan – act as scapegoats for crime, and embarrass themselves as “talent” on TV.
EDIT: Make sure to read the comment section for a couple important points regarding this story, which Garrett from TPR was kind enough to point out.
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Stuntman’s wife, back-alley mattress / wrath of addicts / underwater, second language / mathematics
Anthony Bianchi is not technically 外人 – he’s a naturalized Japanese citizen. While his election would be a first for a mayor, it’s less momentous than the election of the DPJ’s Finnish-born Marutei Tsurunen to the Diet or the decision of small towns to allow permanent residents, who actually are foreigners, to vote in local elections.
If Bianchi is elected, it will mark a greater tolerance for people who look and act different, but it is no kind of legal milestone.
True, true. I do think it’s a good sign, despite it’s lack of legal weight. And you’re correct with the 外人 point, unfortunately, I don’t think that particular technicality factors into what (Japanese) people actually call him. I could be wrong, though. At least, I hope so.