Recently we have noticed how even Japanese struggle with their own language.  Often Japanese need an open dictionary when they are writing a personal letter.  Also few can write with confidence apart from the tools on their computer. Then we saw this headline: “Japan PM’s reading blunders spark study spree.”  This is an amusing article on how even the Japanese Prime Minister goofs up in the language.  The article also highlights the difficult of the Japanese language even for Japanese people.  It also shows how shameful it is when you do goof.  So pray for us that we may not look as bad.To read the copyrighted article please click here. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/04/asia/AS-Japan-Reading-Japanese.php

After a driving a while at breakneck speeds I kept saying to myself, I know this road. This is a street racing game in the middle of the night down the Tokyo Expressways. We crossed the rainbow bridge, and drove through the tunnels by Hanada Airport. I knew every curve, every exit, every tunnel, and every bridge having driven it many times. This time I was flying through downtown Tokyo with my foot on floor at 220 km (137 mph) in a yellow Porsche (Tim could get his Nissan to go faster).

Usually you learn the game, never before had I known the game from intimate experience.

Besides playing a game there was one thing very unusual. First, driving a Porsche will never happen, end of that. Second, even though it is illegal to drive at that speed, due to the density of traffic you could never drive that fast in downtown Tokyo. Usually traffic is backed up, nearly round the clock, over 30 to 60 minutes. Traffic jams are normal and should be expected. Driving at the speed limit, not to mention exceeding it tremendously, is always a hope and a dream, never a reality, except in video games. Third, the cost was also different. Tolls for the Tokyo Expressway are about $7, but you also pay other tolls to get there. This game just less than $1.

It was fun but the adage, “don’t try this at home” certainly applies.