Dan

At a previous job I was responsible for video editing, filming, setting up microphones, mixing and audio equipment for concerts and events. It was a good job and I enjoyed it. But it meant I lacked focus on a particular area. It taught me a lot though.

Submitted some other articles for publishing and planning, which will hopefully be up soon. Possibly another book review. I enjoy the writing - it gives me a chance to highlight things I like and care about. But I worry I’m getting away from translating and graphic design too much.

I’m not a prolific coder, but I did some assembler back in the day. Bugs can happen so easily, so it irritates me when a user is blamed for something when they’ve exhausted their options, or are told that a computer system bug can’t be used as reason for a failure (!)

The most concerning thing about all these recent hacks that have made news in Japan is the corporate culture of these IT firms not wanting to change things. They’ll just shift the blame to their clients.

Number crunching: Borrowing by big AI companies From the new Private Eye, out now.

A friend of mine visiting from the UK 3D-printed this excellent Count Binface model for me. I need to take him on a tour of Tokyo. 😊

Chaos in Washington The new Private Eye is out now.

The whole podcast is as great as ever but from the 31:50 mark Ian Hislop reflects on his 40 years of editing Private Eye. Well worth a watch or listen. My only regret was not subscribing to the magazine earlier. youtu.be/1qGGbnZvbyE

“We know that’s what our parents will be doing now we’re gone,” agreed all the freshers. From the new Private Eye, in shops now.

JUST ANNOUNCED. Post Mortem: The Post Office Horizon IT Scandal - in conversation with Private Eye’s @rbrooks45.bsky.social Wilton's Music Hall, London E1 Tue 12 Jan 2027, 7.30pm ➡️ More info: wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/pos...

Not a great week in Japan for the sheer number of cyberattacks it has seen and the amount of data stolen.

More companies have now reported being hit, including Rakuten and watch maker Citizen. In some cases, usernames, encrypted passwords and personal information have been compromised.

It is an absolute disgrace that Fujitsu to this day haven’t compensated Post Office victims and their families. The company is now trying to push AI “business decision making” software. Frightening. global.fujitsu/en-global/pr...

Recently spent time with volunteers helping people affected by flooding in Chiba Prefecture. One of the things I love about my job is trying to highlight things you feel passionate about, or supporting people who you feel have done something remarkable.

A couple of people reached out to me about Japan’s changes to requirements for foreigners to renew their visas and to apply for permanent residency. I’m still unclear about a few things. For me, it may make it more difficult to continue living in Japan based on some of the requirements.

Mummy From the Private Eye archive.

As well as the much-needed humour, the other reason I love getting Private Eye is even when international shipping causes it to be over 2 weeks late, the content is still very much relevant.

Firmware update bricks AI refrigerators. Insanity. I wish dumb devices would be a thing again. arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026...

Yep. There’s no good guy in the war of words.

Sometimes you read a story and think, I hope all involved in the situation lose. One side saying they’re made to look like a complete arsehole. You don’t need what was published for that.

Harper Collins has today announced their latest children’s book The Billionaire Writer and the World’s Worst Publishers. From the new Private Eye, in shops now.

Japanese can be very difficult to translate when wanting to keep the nuance of the original material. So-called “catch copy” (think English slogans, like Nike’s Just Do It) are the most challenging at times. We always try to confirm with the original source when we can. Not always easy to, though.

After horrific events in Teesside, mayor Ben Houchen blamed “drugs trade”. Yet he gave the security contract at Teesside freeport to a co whose “managing director” was still serving 11 year sentence for organised drugs crime - despite having been told this- see @privateeyenews.bsky.social for story

Why should record donations to Reform worry us? Look at the US, where the 2010 Citizens United ruling opened the door to unlimited outside spending through super PACs, and elections now cost billions. ➡️ Watch Page 94, the Private Eye podcast: youtu.be/GqNXMniIPMQ

One of my favourite podcasts, which along with the magazine gives you a laugh amidst the crazy news cycle which you can’t escape from, especially in a newspaper newsroom!

Number crunching: Graduate vacancies From the new Private Eye, out now.

When creating the business pages, I can no longer read the very small numbers in the Japanese financial pages. Seems it’s time to get some reading glasses. How my eyes have lasted this long is beyond me.

This is why spacing is important.

Lots of nice places along Route 356 which starts in Kashiwa city and takes you to the Pacific coast in Choshi. Takes you through Abiko, Inzai, Narita, Katori and other cities. A nice route to drive.

Kids are back at school today, so came back to one of my favourite places to chill. These pics are older but the vibe always stays the same.

Always wanted to learn and play the piano, so taking my first step tonight. Putting our electric piano to good use as well.

Even the Yomiuri are cautioning over the new PR requirements. japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/editorial/yo...

For those who say it’s still cheaper than other countries, that may be true, but salaries do not match. The raises are definitely going to cause problems long-term.

The dramatic hike in visa fees is also a reaction to when populist parties make a dent in election results of the main parties. It’s why you can never overlook them and why they shouldn’t be ignored.

Private Eye subscription renewed. Working in a newsroom, even in Japan, it provides us with the laugh we need to get through the week, along with some stellar reporting. And with some of the topics we have to cover, the satire hits the mark a lot!

These companies want us to trust their systems, especially in AI. Yet regulation and protection is being pulled back. It shoold be going the other way.

I only hope the right people are eventually prosecuted. When reviewing the book I delved into a lot of the evidence laid out in the inquiry videos. The composure and dignity shown by the sub-postmasters is just incredible considering their suffering and the attitudes of those responsible.

Spent the last two days travelling around parts of Chiba affected by last week’s heavy rains. Was with a friend who always volunteers to help during theee kinds of incidents. Hats off to all those who provide assistance to those who need it.

I will never tire of the bullet train.

Taking the bullet train up to Akita Prefecture for a short break. My son’s first trip on one.