Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Hoka Nobasho

Why Are Foreigners No Longer Welcome in Japan?

Hoka Nobasho — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 04:16:37 +0800

[YOUTUBE]6RFVNq6CZwM?si=etxdcDnl3_MDpr_d[/YOUTUBE]

Meet Sanseitō: The Rising Voice

Hoka Nobasho — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 03:55:57 +0800

[YOUTUBE]Yk4_kATX--w?si=zk9Ze3NOK2xlOoU-[/YOUTUBE]

Meet Sanseitō: The Rising Voice for a Stronger, Independent Japan

In recent years, Japan has faced numerous challenges: a stagnant economy, declining birthrate, increasing reliance on foreign labor, and globalized policy decisions that seem disconnected from the needs of everyday citizens.

Amid all this, a new political movement is gaining attention fast: Sanseitō (参政党).

What is Sanseitō?

Sanseitō, which means "Party for Participatory Politics," was founded in 2020 with a mission to give ordinary Japanese people a genuine voice in politics. Unlike traditional parties that often serve entrenched interests, Sanseitō is powered by grassroots supporters and focuses on transparency, national pride, and personal responsibility for the country’s future.

Their motto is simple: "Let’s create Japan together."

Why Are More Japanese Turning to Sanseitō?

Many people feel that the major political parties no longer represent the will of the people. Sanseitō is gaining support from those who are:

Frustrated by top-down politics and bureaucratic control

Concerned about Japan’s sovereignty, cultural identity, and traditional values

Tired of seeing foreign influence shape domestic policies, especially in education, economy, and health

Sanseitō stands for:

Constitutional reform to restore Japan’s self-governance

Food safety and health sovereignty, including skepticism toward mass pharmaceutical lobbying

Economic revival through local industry, innovation, and self-sufficiency

Common-sense immigration policies that prioritize national stability while respecting harmony

A Fresh Alternative for Young Voters

Sanseitō is especially popular with younger voters who feel shut out by the political establishment. Its strong presence on YouTube and other social media platforms makes political discussion more open and accessible. The party encourages citizen participation and informed discussion, instead of passive voting.

Misunderstood by Critics

As with any rising movement, Sanseitō has drawn criticism from media and foreign observers. But supporters argue that standing up for national interests and cultural integrity does not mean exclusion or hate.

They believe that "loving your country and protecting its future" should not be controversial. For Sanseitō, it’s about restoring a sense of community, unity, and responsibility that has long been missing from Japanese politics.

What’s Next?

Sanseitō has already secured a seat in the House of Councillors. With momentum continuing to build, the party may soon become a serious force in Japanese politics.

If you believe in national pride, common-sense governance, and giving the people a real say in their country’s future, Sanseitō is a movement worth watching.

Want to know more?

Official website: https://www.sanseito.jp

Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanseito

Magic the Gathering community

Hoka Nobasho — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:49:20 +0800

ANy Magic the Gathering community in KL, or maybe like a Malaysian discord server where Malaysians hang out and organise meetups and games?

Debunking the "Mamak Waiter Memory" Myth

Hoka Nobasho — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:35:50 +0800

You’ve heard it before: “Wah, mamak waiters got super memory, no need to write down order one!” But here’s the truth:

Smaller Mamak, smaller Accuracy If you're not at a high-traffic, well-trained spot, your complex order is definitely going to get mangled. Especially if you order multiple of the same item with slight variations (e.g., "2 maggi goreng, satu tambah pedas, satu kurang masin"). Expect something to get lost.

Phrasing Matters, a Lot Saying “Give me 2 teh tarik, one with limau” is basically code for confusion. That “one with” phrase doesn't register cleanly in the mamak mental processing system. They’re more used to:“Satu teh tarik biasa. Satu teh tarik limau.” Think like Manglish. Each item = one distinct packet in the brain.

Standard Bahasa Works, surprisingly If you speak proper Bahasa Melayu (like, textbook Dewan Bahasa standard), your odds improve. But only if the waiter actually understands it. Some Indian-Muslim staff, especially if they speak mainly Tamil + Manglish, might not process formal BM smoothly. In such cases, better to switch to street-style Malay or Manglish.

The Silent Loophole: How Japan’s

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

"JAP LANGUAGE USEFUL PHRASES"

Hoka Nobasho — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:00:48 +0800

[YOUTUBE]_NHpSaa-UmE?si=r8jfwilMVB7YJ_D_[/YOUTUBE]

Japanese man Mapped an Entire Country ON FOOT

Hoka Nobasho — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:02:29 +0800

In an age before satellites, GPS, or even steam-powered travel, one man quite literally put Japan on the map — with nothing but his feet, a surveying kit, and a relentless will. That man was Inō Tadataka, and his story remains one of the most impressive feats of human determination and scientific rigor in world history.

Mapping a Nation — On Foot
Inō Tadataka wasn’t born into greatness. He was a merchant by trade and only turned to science and surveying after retiring at the age of 50 — a time when most people would be settling into a quiet life. But Tadataka wasn’t most people. Obsessed with astronomy and geography, he studied Western methods of surveying under the guidance of prominent scholars of the Edo period.

When the government refused to fund his idea to create a complete map of Japan, Tadataka didn’t give up — he began walking the country himself. Over 17 years, he undertook 10 major surveying expeditions, walking over 35,000 kilometers (that’s nearly the Earth's circumference), and meticulously recording every coastline, river, and mountain he encountered.

Eventually, the Tokugawa shogunate realized just how precise and valuable his work was. They offered him official backing, funding, and a team of assistants. His final maps — completed posthumously by his students — were so accurate that they remained Japan’s official maps for nearly a century. Foreign powers such as the United States and Great Britain even used them when approaching or attacking Japanese shores.

How Does This Compare Globally?
Let’s put Inō Tadataka’s achievement in context.

In Europe, countries like France and the UK had large-scale government-backed mapping projects, such as the Ordnance Survey in Britain, which began in the late 18th century. These were massive institutional efforts, often requiring dozens or hundreds of personnel, horses, and equipment, funded by military or royal decree.

In the United States, major surveying projects like the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806) were federally funded, with significant logistical support from the government. Even then, those projects focused on specific territories, not the entire country.

The famous Cassini family in France produced detailed maps over multiple generations, using complex triangulation — but again, with royal sponsorship and a well-funded infrastructure.

Now contrast that with Inō Tadataka — who started alone, without a cent from the government, and on foot. His maps weren’t just artful guesses. They used rigorous measurement and triangulation techniques that rivaled Western efforts of the time. And he started at age 50, when most men of his era would have long retired.

Why It Matters
Inō Tadataka’s story isn’t just a footnote in Japanese history — it’s a reminder of what individual vision, grit, and passion can accomplish. In a world where most great national projects required the full might of the state, one man mapped an entire nation with little more than determination and a pair of walking sandals.

His maps helped lay the foundation for Japan’s modernization in the 19th century. They served military, educational, and navigational purposes. And they proved that scientific achievement isn’t always born in royal courts or government halls — sometimes, it begins with a man on a road, a notebook in hand, and a dream that refuses to die.

The Silent Loophole: How Japan’s

Hoka Nobasho — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:22:42 +0800

Japan’s “Business Manager” visa was designed with good intentions. Aimed at attracting international entrepreneurs and investors, it allows foreign nationals to live in Japan if they establish and manage a business with an investment of at least five million yen. But behind this welcoming facade lies a growing problem — the system is being abused.

Abuse Behind the Scenes
In July 2025, The Asahi Shimbun reported the arrest of a Sri Lankan man accused of operating a fake car dealership for the sole purpose of helping others fraudulently obtain Business Manager visas. The investigation uncovered that the business was non-operational and used only to secure legal residency status in Japan. This case is one of many, reflecting the vulnerability of the visa system to manipulation.

Source: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15889903

Other cases, mainly reported in Japanese media and online platforms, reveal similar abuses. On note.com, a Japanese blogging platform, a post titled 「ペーパーカンパニー設立で滞在目的に利用」 (“Using Paper Companies for Residency Purposes”) details how some wealthy Chinese nationals establish shell companies that exist only on paper. These businesses fulfill the legal capital and office requirements but never conduct real operations. In many cases, applicants rely on immigration agents who offer complete "visa packages," including pre-written business plans and shared office addresses.

Source: https://note.com/thomasmor/n/nf05977c8982f

A Tokyo-based administrative lawyer also referenced a case from 2019 (originally reported by Nikkei) in which over 50 shell companies were registered at a single Tokyo address. These companies were used by more than 80 applicants to obtain visas fraudulently. These findings suggest systemic exploitation made possible through legal gray zones and weak oversight.

In addition, a Reddit discussion on r/JapanFinance features mixed perspectives. Some users argue that the visa is difficult to abuse due to stringent checks. However, others describe influencers and online personalities using questionable businesses, such as streaming or content creation, as a basis for their visa applications.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanFinance/comme...s_manager_visa/

Political Response and Public Sentiment
Public trust in Japan’s immigration system is beginning to erode. Politicians such as Uryū Hirano have called for sweeping reforms, including stronger application screening, physical inspections of businesses, and legal penalties for fraudulent applicants. She argues that this is not just an immigration issue but a matter of national security.

For many critics, the concern is not about opposing immigration but about ensuring the integrity of the system. Allowing backdoor entry through fake businesses not only undermines Japan’s immigration laws but also disadvantages genuine entrepreneurs who follow the rules.

The Bigger Picture
Education and employment pressures in countries like China further fuel this trend. A recent Japanese news segment aired by TV Asahi reported that many wealthy Chinese families view Japan as a safe and easy alternative to their own country’s hyper-competitive systems. According to the report, only 33.5% of Chinese university entrance exam takers advance to four-year universities, and just 45.4% of new graduates secure job offers.

The broadcast questioned whether many of these families are relocating to Japan using questionable means, including Business Manager visas. It described this migration trend as “the ultimate one-shot gamble” for the wealthy elite.

Conclusion
While Japan rightly seeks to globalize and modernize its economy, the Business Manager visa in its current form has become a weak point in its immigration framework. Evidence shows that the system is being manipulated by individuals who have no intention of contributing to Japan’s economy or society.

Unless stricter enforcement and verification measures are implemented, Japan risks becoming a haven for residency-by-deception — a situation that undermines both the law and public trust.

Uryū Hirano: The Young Patriot Confronting

Hoka Nobasho — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:33:13 +0800

In a political landscape often dominated by tradition, age, and compromise, one name has emerged as a bold voice of conviction: Uryū Hirano (平野雨龍). At just 31 years old, Hirano stands out not only for her youth and traditional kimono attire but for the unwavering message she brings to Japan's national conversation: Japan is under quiet threat, and it is time to wake up.

A Personal Journey Shaped by Resilience

Hirano's path to politics is as unique as it is inspiring. Born Suzuko Hirano in Chiba Prefecture, she overcame a traumatic childhood marked by abuse. Rather than let this define her, she used it as a source of inner strength. Reclaiming her identity, she legally changed her name to "Uryū," a poetic and powerful choice that signifies renewal and resolve. Her early years as a kimono model and practitioner of traditional arts (tea ceremony, flower arranging, and the Ainu flute) gave her a deep appreciation for Japanese culture—a culture she now seeks to protect.

From Hong Kong to Tokyo: A Voice for Sovereignty

Hirano's activism took root during the 2019 Hong Kong protests. As one of the few Japanese citizens to publicly stand in solidarity with Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, she gained recognition for her boldness and compassion. Appearing in traditional attire, she bridged cultural reverence with political clarity. Her experiences there were pivotal. What she saw was a warning: how a powerful nation could erode freedom not through tanks, but through influence, money, and legislation.

Sounding the Alarm on China's Growing Presence

Hirano's campaign centers around a message many are beginning to take seriously: China is not just a neighboring country; it is actively shaping Japan's future through immigration, economic infiltration, and influence operations. She warns of a "quiet invasion," where strategic land near Self-Defense Force bases and key infrastructure is quietly purchased by Chinese capital. She highlights how loopholes in the visa and naturalization systems allow individuals with questionable loyalties to take root in Japan.

Far from conspiracy, these concerns reflect real-world patterns seen globally. Hirano simply dares to speak them aloud. Her advocacy is not anti-Chinese—it is pro-Japanese. She believes Japan has the right to defend its sovereignty, just as any nation does.

A Platform Rooted in National Integrity

Hirano's policy proposals are clear and concrete:

Tighten visas and immigration to ensure national security, especially by closing abuses of the "business manager" visa.

Regulate foreign land ownership, especially near sensitive areas like water sources and military facilities.

Reform the naturalization system to prioritize cultural assimilation and loyalty.

Enact a national anti-espionage law, bringing Japan in line with other G7 nations.

Support Uyghur and Hong Kong human rights, aligning Japan with democratic values worldwide.

Encourage economic independence by boycotting forced-labor products and prioritizing domestic industry.

These are not extremist views—they are sober assessments in a time of shifting geopolitical tides.

A Modern Patriot for a New Generation

What makes Hirano remarkable is not just her stance but her style. She does not hide behind party machines. She finances her campaign through grassroots donations and volunteers. She delivers street speeches in kimono, embodying both Japan's past and its future. She engages with youth through social media, emphasizing both tradition and innovation.

For a nation searching for renewed identity and confidence, Hirano offers a rare combination: cultural grace, personal resilience, and political fearlessness.

Conclusion

In Uryū Hirano, Japan may have found not only a principled defender of its sovereignty but a symbol of what civic courage can look like in the 21st century. Her message is simple yet powerful: Japan belongs to its people, and its future must be protected with eyes wide open.

Whether or not she wins a seat in the Diet, she has already accomplished something rare—she has stirred the hearts of a generation who, like her, believe it is time to stand up and speak out.

団結前夜 / YOS-MAG, 輪入道, 十影 & Metis

Hoka Nobasho — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 01:42:52 +0800

[YOUTUBE]pQ6MLXiOwI8?si=jzr3G7_laVxy15AM[/YOUTUBE]

Looking for air-conditioned, 24/7 cyber cafes

Hoka Nobasho — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 18:26:36 +0800

Any 24/7 cyber cafes that still exists in KL?

What do you guys think about creating a thread

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

Can Japanese Speakers Read Chinese?

Hoka Nobasho — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:13:39 +0800

[YOUTUBE]v2jw85SS3p4?si=QneMBv1PaFMxlZoe[/YOUTUBE]

Compared to Mandarin, Cantonese is actually closer

Hoka Nobasho — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:26:51 +0800

Compared to Mandarin, Cantonese is actually closer to how Ancient China speaks

[YOUTUBE]tTpLcTigixs?si=NsOf7DmZVvNoHJEa[/YOUTUBE]

Dragon Quest meets Final Fantasy

Hoka Nobasho — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:06:05 +0800

[YOUTUBE]Y2pjXeChsFs?si=ISeo9hLL5EYApqiz[/YOUTUBE]

Dragon Ball Girls rapping

Hoka Nobasho — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:50:54 +0800

[YOUTUBE]SvfZGfWdV2M?si=sbPvaPtgaiy7Ehky[/YOUTUBE]

Jackie Chan singing in Japanese

Hoka Nobasho — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:37:18 +0800

[YOUTUBE]rG0GdoUS3-w?si=mOUiL0DalDD1fMoJ[/YOUTUBE]

What do you guys think about creating a thread

Hoka Nobasho — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:26:19 +0800

What do you guys think about creating a thread where you can practice chatting in Japanese? Please also provide your reason for your choice

Did anyone notice the fake/random Japanese

Hoka Nobasho — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 22:54:46 +0800

I sear, every single Japanese restaurants in Malaysia I know it's Chinese owned, but my question is why do they keep using random Japanese and fake Japanese words?

For example, take a look at this Japanese restaurant in Malaysia:

For starters, there's edamame followed by 「のが起動しましょう！」- “Let’s activate the の!” (what??)

And this one found in a Malaysian stationery:

A big wording「ボールペン」(ballpen) is written on the product. But where's the ballpen?

Some other examples include some of the wording I see in many Japanese restaurants that I highly suspected is opened by Chinese, used a lot of weird or fake Japanese. For example, Sushi Zanmai in Malaysia is written like this: 寿司三昧. But the original Sushi Zanmai in Japan is written completely in Japanese script like this: すしざんまい. In fact, すしざんまい, ther original one in Japan is so popular they even put a status of the Japanese owner outside in front of the entrance of their restaurant (just like the one you see in KFC with Colonel Sanders). But the Sushi Zanmai in Malaysia? Non-existent?

Even on your T-shirts! I saw a lot of people wearing their "Japanese style" T-shirts like damn gaya like that, but when you read the Japanese words on the shirts? They're all random nonsense!

Why Genshin Impact is not called "Yuánshén Impact"

Hoka Nobasho — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 22:07:58 +0800

This is the Chinese wiki with the original Chinese title of the game: 原神 (https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8E%9F%E7%A5%9E)

By right, 原神 should be read as "Yuánshén" in Mandarin, but for some reason, they decided to use the Japanese pronunciation "genshin", why?