From The Times
November 5, 2007
Comic-book heroine turns tables on men in Japanese workplace
Leo Lewis, Asia Business Correspondent
A well-educated, chain-smoking, occasionally foul-mouthed comic-book character has become a heroine for millions of Japanese women who are battling for recognition in the country’s male-dominated workplace.
Through her exploits, women have begun to see how, perhaps, they might overturn decades of gender inequality and chip away at one of Japan’s most frequently decried statistics – that, across all industries, only 10 per cent of managers are female.
To succeed in her working life, Hiroko Matsukata, a fictional magazine news editor, deploys a range of arts that her fans are quickly adopting themselves. The 28-year-old is sweet when she needs to be and flint-hearted when threatened. She is even able to control her use of Japanese, suddenly dropping the niceties of speech traditionally expected of women when she needs male colleagues to take her seriously.
But her most powerful weapon has turned out to be a controversial one: when work gets tough and her male bosses pile on the pressure, she flicks on her psychological “Man Switch” and is transformed into a career-focused, success-driven typhoon of productivity.
“Absolutely, women need a Man Switch,” Moyoco Anno, the 36-year-old creator of the comic, says. “It doesn’t imply that men are superior to women, but that people need to understand better the differences of how men and women behave in the workplace and use that.”
For decades the Japanese comic industry has done a roaring trade in cartoons that chronicle the miseries and triumphs of the salaryman. Anno’s comic is a deliberate role reversal. The mould-breaking comic, Hataraki Man (Working Man), tracks the agonising day-to-day trials of a woman trying to balance the modern desire for a career with the dead weight of traditional Japanese social values. It has become so popular that it has been made into an animated cartoon for girls and a prime-time television drama for women.
Hiroko’s adventures have also become the basis of a bestselling lifestyle guide for the modern working woman, teaching the art of remaining feminine during the fight for equality and showing how to cope with truculent bosses, difficult coworkers and unsupportive partners.
The Japanese Government has said that it wants 30 per cent of all managerial and leadership positions to be filled by women by 2020, which would require tens of thousands of real-life Hirokos.
But Anno argues that her comic is about much more than just the art of succeeding in a male-dominated work culture. Japan, she says, is a serial waster of both female and male talent. Part of the message of Hataraki Man, she says, is to highlight what she believes is one of the worst problems afflicting Japan – that the desire for a lazier, more comfortable lifestyle has gone too far.
She says: “The traditional virtue of Japan was that people took everything very seriously. As those traditions have been eroded, the quality of Japanese work has been downgraded.” She notes that women are in a strong position to capitalise on this changing atmosphere.
The adventures of Hiroko Matsukata have captivated women at a critical juncture: even the Government acknowledges that some of its demographic problems, such as the rapid ageing of society, can be solved only by redrawing the gender balance within Japan Inc. About 70 per cent of women quit their jobs when they become pregnant and most do not return to work for at least 15 years. According to research by Goldman Sachs, even a modest change in Japanese society – the addition of 2.6 million women to the workforce – would have a huge impact, raising long-term GDP growth from existing forecasts of 1.2 per cent to 1.5 per cent.
Another day at the office, Hatakari Man-style
It is another hectic day at the magazine for Hiroko Matsukata as she inches her way painfully to the top despite impossible colleagues and a messy personal life. Already there have been tears, stand-up office rows and endless cigarettes. Suddenly, the boss orders a massive feature on the Foreign Minister. She breathes deeply and focuses. “Work mode – on!!” she thinks. “Man Switch – DEPLOY”. Her eyes burst open and a surge of energy washes over her. Laser-focused, she works through the night, ignoring all distractions until the work is done.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
An Endless Stream
There's a half-thought in me which I wanted to say, express thyself...but another nagging feeling telling thyself not to do so for I may be thinking too much about certain stuffs which may lead to well, an unwanted expectation.
How should I begin saying this man? My thoughts are all in a mess, except for the side of me which thinks about work...work...work. Nothing but immense article writing, story searching and listening to friends and citizens voice their own thoughts and opinions to divert thy feelings away from the subtle topic of romance and companionship.
Loving someone is a tough task, especially for the female, not unless the opposite gender she sets her eyes on willingly acknowledges his feelings for her. In that respect, there was someone whom I once(?) admired from afar, pined for his heart and cried for the feelings bottled inside me.
All because he captured thy heart with his inner charm. And on a personal note, I know its rather hard for thyself to fall for someone.
And another two whom I'm specially close with the other to relate with him.
But the worst thing was confession. For now, at least I know, I just want to cry...but ridiculously on Chinese New Year! My only fear now, is loosing my good friend to this issue.
The tears just starts pouring, like an endless stream.
How should I begin saying this man? My thoughts are all in a mess, except for the side of me which thinks about work...work...work. Nothing but immense article writing, story searching and listening to friends and citizens voice their own thoughts and opinions to divert thy feelings away from the subtle topic of romance and companionship.
Loving someone is a tough task, especially for the female, not unless the opposite gender she sets her eyes on willingly acknowledges his feelings for her. In that respect, there was someone whom I once(?) admired from afar, pined for his heart and cried for the feelings bottled inside me.
All because he captured thy heart with his inner charm. And on a personal note, I know its rather hard for thyself to fall for someone.
And another two whom I'm specially close with the other to relate with him.
But the worst thing was confession. For now, at least I know, I just want to cry...but ridiculously on Chinese New Year! My only fear now, is loosing my good friend to this issue.
The tears just starts pouring, like an endless stream.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
A Sneek Peak into Your Say 2
SINGAPORE, 26th January:-
The year of the Ox is significant with prosperity through sheer hard work and fortitude.
And it is also a significant year for Singaporeans to strive hard at work during this turbulent year and cut back on their slacks as the weight of the global economic crisis looms across the region like a heavy rain cloud.
Now, let us take a quick look into the various responses garnered from the ground while Tan Wen Hui gets herself connected with the her fellow citizens on their take for the fiscal year 2009.
1. Adel Choo
Age: 23
Occupation: Sales Merchandiser
Qn1. What are your new year resoultions?
Adel: I hope to save more money, lose the bulge on my tummy and also, do well in my studies. Yup, that's about it.
Qn2. Given your current lifestyle as of 2008, what are the differences do you wish to see in yourself for the yr 2009?
Adel: I think...the biggest difference would be im back to my studies! And so it would be a more hectic lifestyle i guess and also, more disciplined as well.
2. Ng Weiqian
Age: 26
Occupation: Student
Qn1. What are your new year resoultions?
Weiqian: I'm hoping for better luck, especially in my studies...
Qn2. Given your current lifestyle as of 2008, what are the differences do you wish to see in yourself for the yr 2009?
Weiqian: Hmm...to become handsome, so as to make me feel much better!
Qn3. Lets' hear, what's your current and also, future perceptions of this economic crisis?
Weiqian: Hmm...this crisis as predicted will go on at least the 3rd quarter then we will see changes, as for a 180 deg turn about, shall see how obama deals abt it. But I still object towards his idea of printing more notes.
Qn4. How has the current crisis affected your family and personal lifestyle asofar?
Weiqian: In terms of wages cut from both my parents.
3. Yvonne Tan
Age: 23
Occupation: Student
Qn1. What are your new year resoultions?
Yvonne: Well, make the best out of everything!
Qn2. Given your current lifestyle as of 2008, what are the differences do you wish to see in yourself for the yr 2009?
Yvonne: (Just like Weiqian in this aspect) I want to try get a 180 degree change of myself, like learning to be patient and trying to correct my stubborness.
Qn3. Lets' hear, what's your current and also, future perceptions of this economic crisis?
Yvonne: I'm not part of the economy.. yet so.. can't really comment much.
Qn4. How has the current crisis affected your family and personal lifestyle asofar?
Yvonne: Oh wow, that's gonna be a long answer, but...if you're talking about the bailout package, most middle class family's won't even feel it. the gov won't help smes, which is what my mum's coy is, so she won't feel it. business will suffer if people don't buy things, but she doesn't depend on that, so she doesn't feel it. if it's all business as usual, and my expenses doesn't go up, things will get better. i'm about to go find a job soon since I've just graduated, so earning a salary would mean that i'll be easing the financial burden on her.
Qn5. How would you rate your family's current income?
Yvonne: In between fairly poor and mid range? it's not a stable thing since my mum's doing a business with no capital.
TAN WEN HUI
P.S. For more juices, do join in the questionable debate here by posting your thoughts, opinions and comments. Don't feel shy to do so!
The year of the Ox is significant with prosperity through sheer hard work and fortitude.
And it is also a significant year for Singaporeans to strive hard at work during this turbulent year and cut back on their slacks as the weight of the global economic crisis looms across the region like a heavy rain cloud.
Now, let us take a quick look into the various responses garnered from the ground while Tan Wen Hui gets herself connected with the her fellow citizens on their take for the fiscal year 2009.
1. Adel Choo
Age: 23
Occupation: Sales Merchandiser
Qn1. What are your new year resoultions?
Adel: I hope to save more money, lose the bulge on my tummy and also, do well in my studies. Yup, that's about it.
Qn2. Given your current lifestyle as of 2008, what are the differences do you wish to see in yourself for the yr 2009?
Adel: I think...the biggest difference would be im back to my studies! And so it would be a more hectic lifestyle i guess and also, more disciplined as well.
2. Ng Weiqian
Age: 26
Occupation: Student
Qn1. What are your new year resoultions?
Weiqian: I'm hoping for better luck, especially in my studies...
Qn2. Given your current lifestyle as of 2008, what are the differences do you wish to see in yourself for the yr 2009?
Weiqian: Hmm...to become handsome, so as to make me feel much better!
Qn3. Lets' hear, what's your current and also, future perceptions of this economic crisis?
Weiqian: Hmm...this crisis as predicted will go on at least the 3rd quarter then we will see changes, as for a 180 deg turn about, shall see how obama deals abt it. But I still object towards his idea of printing more notes.
Qn4. How has the current crisis affected your family and personal lifestyle asofar?
Weiqian: In terms of wages cut from both my parents.
3. Yvonne Tan
Age: 23
Occupation: Student
Qn1. What are your new year resoultions?
Yvonne: Well, make the best out of everything!
Qn2. Given your current lifestyle as of 2008, what are the differences do you wish to see in yourself for the yr 2009?
Yvonne: (Just like Weiqian in this aspect) I want to try get a 180 degree change of myself, like learning to be patient and trying to correct my stubborness.
Qn3. Lets' hear, what's your current and also, future perceptions of this economic crisis?
Yvonne: I'm not part of the economy.. yet so.. can't really comment much.
Qn4. How has the current crisis affected your family and personal lifestyle asofar?
Yvonne: Oh wow, that's gonna be a long answer, but...if you're talking about the bailout package, most middle class family's won't even feel it. the gov won't help smes, which is what my mum's coy is, so she won't feel it. business will suffer if people don't buy things, but she doesn't depend on that, so she doesn't feel it. if it's all business as usual, and my expenses doesn't go up, things will get better. i'm about to go find a job soon since I've just graduated, so earning a salary would mean that i'll be easing the financial burden on her.
Qn5. How would you rate your family's current income?
Yvonne: In between fairly poor and mid range? it's not a stable thing since my mum's doing a business with no capital.
TAN WEN HUI
P.S. For more juices, do join in the questionable debate here by posting your thoughts, opinions and comments. Don't feel shy to do so!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Panic.
New Year's approaching, in just four day's time.
.
.
.
.
.
And I've not gotten my outfits ready yet!
Nevermind about that, for I'm still thinking of how to escape NY visiting without getting no ang pows.
And brainstorming on my cap of 4 stories/week!!!
Life's Crazy.
.
.
.
.
.
And I've not gotten my outfits ready yet!
Nevermind about that, for I'm still thinking of how to escape NY visiting without getting no ang pows.
And brainstorming on my cap of 4 stories/week!!!
Life's Crazy.
Memory Boosters, Yes? You Decide.
An individual's memory decreases along with the coming of age.
And as Singapore prepares herself to face an aging population, modern medical and scientific technological advancements are paving the way for miracles to work - especially in the field of geriatric neurology - to help maintain her current pool of skilled and experienced individuals to drive her economy forward.
In a recent article published by the Daily Telegraph in London, an unlisted drug originally designed to help treat Alzheimer's could well be adapted and licensed for sale in a weaker form within the next few years for the purpose of boosting one's memory.
The drug, which was reported to have 'cognitive-enhancing effects', is aimed at treating patients with age-related memory loss.
Indeed, this is something which Singaporeans of all ages could expect to look forward to.
Dr Steven Ferris, a neurologist and former committee member of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) welcomed the move.
"My view is that one could gain approval provided you showed the drugs to be effective and safe. It could be a huge market."
However, question remains about the safety and effectiveness of these engineered drugs in light of the Quetiapine saga four years back after scientific journal reports found that the drug, which was largely used to treat Alzheimer's, did actually worsened a patient's illness by speeding up the rate of declination.
Currently in Britain, there is anecdotal evidence that mind-improving drugs are already being consumed by healthy users despite being warned of the possible risks of high blood pressure and alike, following continual consumption.
Provigil, used to treat narcolepsy, is being taken by some students to help keep them awake while Adderall XD and Ritalin, both of which are used in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, are being used to help promote concentration.
Alex Dino
And as Singapore prepares herself to face an aging population, modern medical and scientific technological advancements are paving the way for miracles to work - especially in the field of geriatric neurology - to help maintain her current pool of skilled and experienced individuals to drive her economy forward.
In a recent article published by the Daily Telegraph in London, an unlisted drug originally designed to help treat Alzheimer's could well be adapted and licensed for sale in a weaker form within the next few years for the purpose of boosting one's memory.
The drug, which was reported to have 'cognitive-enhancing effects', is aimed at treating patients with age-related memory loss.
Indeed, this is something which Singaporeans of all ages could expect to look forward to.
Dr Steven Ferris, a neurologist and former committee member of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) welcomed the move.
"My view is that one could gain approval provided you showed the drugs to be effective and safe. It could be a huge market."
However, question remains about the safety and effectiveness of these engineered drugs in light of the Quetiapine saga four years back after scientific journal reports found that the drug, which was largely used to treat Alzheimer's, did actually worsened a patient's illness by speeding up the rate of declination.
Currently in Britain, there is anecdotal evidence that mind-improving drugs are already being consumed by healthy users despite being warned of the possible risks of high blood pressure and alike, following continual consumption.
Provigil, used to treat narcolepsy, is being taken by some students to help keep them awake while Adderall XD and Ritalin, both of which are used in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, are being used to help promote concentration.
Alex Dino
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Breaking News - Casted Off To Their Fate
Photo Credits: The Straits Times Online
It was an ugly scene comparable to that of Cao Cao's nasty action in Red Cliff 2, where the Prime Minister casted off some of his 100 odd Typhoid-inflicted lifeless soldiers into the waters as a form of mental attack to weaken his enemy's morale before launching a surprise attack on them.
Today, this act was enacted out by the Thai navy, whose government is currently under fire by human rights groups, including the United Nations, for recently setting sail some 300 plus Burmese migrants after allegedly arresting them for a brief moment before sending them off to meet their makers on open barges quipped with two sacks of rice and four barrels of water.
The only differences were that the people on board these barges are well alive and that they are migrants of a deprived state in search of a better livelihood in foreign land.
It is not known for how long were these migrants held in captivity, though reports fueled by Bloomberg, ABC News and other major online news networks alike mentioned that these migrants were hauled to shore and brutally treated by Thai navy officials before being cast off, again.
To date, Thailand has reportedly detained more than a thousand Rohingyahian boat-refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar during the past month.
At least 300 of these people were thought to be lost at sea while some 100 migrants were reportedly rescued on the Andaman Islands of India after drifting at sea for two weeks.
A total of 4 deaths was reported after a boat capsized.
Similarly, Indonesian authorities reportedly rescued a group of 193 boat-refugees - Burmese Rohingya and Bangladeshis -who landed on Sabang Island in Aceh province on January 7.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters on Sunday (Jan 18, 09) of his meeting with human rights groups to discuss the alleged violations as more reports of ill-treatment of these migrants by their security forces began to emerge.
Hailing from repressed Myanmar, these group of Rohingyahs - a native muslim minority of Myanmar - were subjected to various forms of repression by the ruling Junta and denied citizenship rights in their country of origin.
Over the years, some fled their country to neighboring Bangladeshi but were later sent back, only to face more hardships.
For more reports and updates, please visit:-
1. http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-37510720090118?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
2. http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_327734.html
3. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=a9Lzj3pOBOIg&refer=asia
4. http://www.mizzima.com/news/regional/1566-thailand-should-stop-pushing-refugees-back-to-sea-ri.html
Alex Dino
*Sources are listed as above from the following links.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Heavy Sigh
First, there was a photographer.
Then, there was a ghey.
Next, a lazy paramedic.
And, there's you...
*But I'm too afraid to confront my own feelings. I'm way too scared to enter a relationship...how I wished, I were a guy.
*Sighs Heavily Away*
Its easy blogging about it...*and for my friends to see it, so to advice me on it*.
But still, I dunno...:(
Time slips by quickly, like the minutes of a minute hand.
And so is this tangible topic I'm blogging about.
Then, there was a ghey.
Next, a lazy paramedic.
And, there's you...
*But I'm too afraid to confront my own feelings. I'm way too scared to enter a relationship...how I wished, I were a guy.
*Sighs Heavily Away*
Its easy blogging about it...*and for my friends to see it, so to advice me on it*.
But still, I dunno...:(
Time slips by quickly, like the minutes of a minute hand.
And so is this tangible topic I'm blogging about.
Monday, January 12, 2009
A good reason to cringe and panic. But no.
The long awaited reply from a magazine house has finally arrived.
Scheduled interview is on Wednesday...hopefully could get through this hurdle.
And all my articles have yet to be printed out.
Oh noes!!!
Scheduled interview is on Wednesday...hopefully could get through this hurdle.
And all my articles have yet to be printed out.
Oh noes!!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wraps for the wee hours
4:00 a.m.
Not the usual douse of Technorati music at this ungodly hour, rather, to mask away tracks and internet imprints I've created through poly-tickle writing.
After all, I AM a DEMOCRATIC citizen and I have automatic rights to FOS.
Getting tired, though. And managing two blogs is indeed, tiring.
Remedy: Take down the other and bring all posts here.
Oh, juzmytwocents is ranked the 11th blog on a Google search for 'Le Cordon Beu'. Amazing!
Alex NEEDS a shot of tequila.
Not the usual douse of Technorati music at this ungodly hour, rather, to mask away tracks and internet imprints I've created through poly-tickle writing.
After all, I AM a DEMOCRATIC citizen and I have automatic rights to FOS.
Getting tired, though. And managing two blogs is indeed, tiring.
Remedy: Take down the other and bring all posts here.
Oh, juzmytwocents is ranked the 11th blog on a Google search for 'Le Cordon Beu'. Amazing!
Alex NEEDS a shot of tequila.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Hataraki Man
If there's one word to describe Hataraki Man, I say it should be "Realistic!" *Now, that's also including the punctuation mark behind the adjective to express my excitement towards this anime/drama series.*
Recently, I've been plauged with boredom and too much time to spare, so on a fine Friday afternoon, I had to look for a long lost friend to spend my day chatting to. And of course, I've gotten this drama series off her lappy which she downloaded back in Melbourne - after showing me what this series was like back at her home.
Matsukata's ME, for real! And its damn f***ing scary to see your reflection getting down HARD AT WORK.
Jeez, but cupid is still playing stupid 'round me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3ADnTLSo3E&NR=1
Recently, I've been plauged with boredom and too much time to spare, so on a fine Friday afternoon, I had to look for a long lost friend to spend my day chatting to. And of course, I've gotten this drama series off her lappy which she downloaded back in Melbourne - after showing me what this series was like back at her home.
Matsukata's ME, for real! And its damn f***ing scary to see your reflection getting down HARD AT WORK.
Jeez, but cupid is still playing stupid 'round me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3ADnTLSo3E&NR=1
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