November 2016

27 Nov

Creepy Hands

by Jeremy Chance

If you want a bizarre sexual experience, one place to find it is on a Tokyo peak hour train.

I know, because I have had occasional unsolicited experiences. This phenomenon led to the creation of “woman only” carriages during peak periods of travel. It involves people steadfastly avoiding eye contact, while trying to read books or smart phones in impossibly tight circumstances.

What happens?

18 Nov

I’m Throwing Trump Out of My Life – Why Don’t You?

by Jeremy Chance

Tokyo. November 10th. 2016.

First thing every morning, I head for the toilet.

I want to reduce my weight (guess how?).

After my toilet, I head for the bathroom. Once I jump on the scales and register my weight, it’s all over for the day. That number is today’s benchmark. It governs my eating behaviour for the day. I’ve noticed that when I keep my weight at around 79kg, I think better. I act more. I am more often in a lighter mood…

14 Nov

How I Used Trump To Find My Heart Again

by Jeremy Chance

Tokyo. November 9th. 2016.

I am watching the election slowly confirm Trump’s ascendency to the Presidency of the United States, when Skype rudely interrupts my despair.

It’s my 17 year old daughter calling from Australia…

“Daddy, I’m scared.”

What can I say to her?

My conclusion surprises even me. We cannot, must not, condemn those who voted for him, as we all suffer from the same condition that led to this unexpected outcome.

Anger, despair, rage belong to all of us.

07 Nov

How Japanese Always Manage To Say Yes

by Jeremy Chance

Of course Japanese say no, but the way they say no, it sounds like yes.

Recently, a good friend of mine in the States was having a terrible time with his boss. His boss was lazy, and kept putting all the responsibility of his projects on to my friend, while retaining his veto power.

Bad situation: trying to separate power from responsibility.

If things went south – guess who got the blame? I gave my friend a bit of advice out of the Japanese handbook. Here’s what you do…