This has been weighing on my mind for a while, and I've been trying to formulate a post in my mind to discuss the weight of the word "Jap" but I kept putting it off. I feel that I must write about it now before I hesitate yet again.

Many people use this word primarily in its harmless original context, to shorten the word "Japanese" into "Jap". However, after World War II, this word means something quite different, especially to Japanese-Americans.

After the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, there grew an intense anti-Japanese sentiment in the United States. Many white Americans posted banners on their stores to "keep Japs out" and spread propaganda messages against the Japanese, posting exaggerated comical representations of the Japanese people. American soldiers referred to them simply as "the Japs" and used that word to facilitate killing this group of people. During this time the word was used as a weapon to oppress the Japanese people living in the United States.

( images )

One infamous event in United States' history was the Japanese Internment camps in 1942 where Japanese people were rounded up into designated areas. Even United States-born people of Japanese descent and others who are only part Japanese (even Korean-Americans, since Korea was occupied at one point by the Japanese) were rounded up. People who had nothing to do with the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor were thrown together and ostracized by the people they may have even supported previously.

This wasn't meant to be a lecture on why people are bad for using the word "Jap" but to spread the knowledge about how this word can carry quite negative connotations to certain people. I realize that most people who I talk to about it had no idea about this, so I'm hoping that by posting this more people will learn about the meaning of this word. So if you were to shorten the word "Japanese" please use abbreviations such as "jp" or "jpn". And please know to be especially careful when speaking to Japanese-Americans because this group of people are most badly hurt by this word. In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, according to their dictionaries this word is considered as "derogatory" and "offensive".

For more information:

The word "Jap"

Anti-Japanese sentiment

Japanese-American internment

And if you have had no idea and used this word in the past, please do not feel bad about it. As long as you know now, right?

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge to be a drama in January

HOMG!!! ANY IDEAS FOR A POTENTIAL CAST? *runs around the room flailing*

BTW if you haven't read the manga yet I'll give you general character descriptions so you can participate too XD

( Main characters )

Wiki's full description of the mains

All of these actors would have to appear at least to be high school students and have really good comedic timing if it plans to match up to the original. And I'm guessing little romance unless they REALLY twist the plot around. Although I'd honestly love to see them shooting in random directions and not going anywhere like it appears in the manga XDXD

Oh and happy belated birthdays jixie_the_pixie and Ryo XDXD

In case you didn't catch it on Eden yet:



I'm considering uploading it when I find it as well...maybe XD

In an attempt to post in between the two birthdays (but possibly failing?) I want to wish a biiiiig happy birthday to chimericalyours and fromyesterday *glomps*

Ani: I always love reading on your insights about your own life and fandom and kind of going through your journey with you to find yourself. It's also incredibly fun to chat about musicals since I don't have too many people to flail about that stuff with XD I'm glad you got better!!

Judu: You are always very kind and you reach out to me continuously and I really appreciate it. You have an honest and humble interest in Yasu and fandom and it's always nice to hear your earnest opinions on everything. I wish you the best and I hope you get to do what you want on your birthday and not have to do the run around with your family XDXD

YAAAYYYY!!!

PS: According to this post, Uchi was listed as #9 for Best Jeanist and listed as a member of Kanjani8!!! <3<3<3

PPS: Have you guys caught My Girl, ROMES, Tokyo DOGS, and/or Untouchable? Those are my dramas to check out this season and I haven't seen any of them yet XD I have heard a few of your opinions but I'm wondering what you all think. Thanks!!!! Also if you found another gem I haven't caught yet I'd like to hear that too ;) So far I've only seen parts of the first eps of twdramas Momo Love and Autumn's Concerto :D

Happy birthday Hydee! I hope you have a magnificent birthday. Thanks for having been there for me all of this time...it's been greatly appreciated <3 I hope everything turns out well for you. Good luck!

Also I hate saying this since I guess if I were cut I'd hate to be announced on a public post...? But I will be cutting some old journals/people who I don't talk to much anymore. But I have gotten along with all of you at one point and I do like you guys so if you still want to stay on my lj after I cut you, please PM me and I'll add you back on. A lot of it is just me assuming that you won't want me anymore XD

Love ya f-list!!

PS: If you wanted to cut me and I haven't yet, feel free to cut me as well :) Unless I'm rather attached to you, then I may beg for your forgiveness XD

Happy birthday Toma! A few years ago nobody would have guessed you would be where you are at now: 2 movies on the horizon, in leading roles in movies and dramas, and a drama in the getsukyuu spot. And of course, his incredible popularity. Congratulations and I wish you the best in the future!

By the way... OMG KIMI NI TODOKE ANIME:



More info here. OMG YAAY! I'll be like this when Kaichou wa Maid-sama anime comes out as well I'm sure XDXDXD

EDIT: Episode 1 RAW up Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Alsoooo

( General Single Info )

Lots of stuff to look forward to <3

関ジャニ∞ ニューシングル「急☆上☆Show!!」2009年11月4日（水）発売
ニューシングルはビッグバンドをフィーチャーした関ジャニ∞ならではのアッパーチューンな近未来ロックンロール！！
カップリングには、夏のツアー「TOUR 2∞9 PUZZLE」京セラドーム大阪公演で収録したファンのコーラスが入った楽曲「ひとつのうた」を収録。
詳細は決定次第お知らせします。

-from Teichiku site

Rock and roll eh? We'll see about that XD And hooray for extra DVD coverage!!

I hope Yasu's influenza A isn't H1N1 0_o

Ohkura on next BiDan cover woooooot!

Happy birthday to nekokonneko and michannosekai!! I hope you both have/had a great one :D

I hope those of you from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and surrounding areas are safe.

What did everyone think of the Puzzle DVD? My favorite parts have to be the Puzzle PV and documentary. Although I don't deny that I did giggle and clap like crazy when they did Brulee and a few other Puzzle songs XD The eito rangers skit was pretty hilarious too <3

To the one who stays true to himself no matter what the situation. To the one whose thoughts and words emerge through the beauty of music. To the one who stays true and loyal to the ones he cares about the most. To the one who somehow has the ability to look like an old man and a little kid at the same time. To the one whose singing presence draws you in and holds your attention. To the one who keeps me going in fandom. Happy birthday Subaru &hearts

The last couple of years I had amazing picspams for him, but unfortunately this year I wasn't able to provide. But I STILL ADORE YOU SUBARU *mwahs*

For the anniversary of K8's nationwide debut: stay the eito rangers until you are wrinkly old men, and do it even then, because that is what makes me love you. Keep on rocking on!!

Also to dioraddictxx: I got distracted with other things and haven't been able to give you a decent birthday wish. So a happy birthday to you and I wish you well with everything. You encounter many issues but you handle them with grace and calmness and also with your random bouts of hilarity. I really value your sincerity and kindness and I hope your life brings you joy &hearts

Oh yeah and I updated my layout. sibarita, you are a genius. *glomps*

I also wish a belated birthday to nima99 and a WAY belated birthday to myeapple. You guys are so cute and dedicated to your respective fandoms and it's been a joy to have you guys on my flist &hearts

CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DVD I HAVE BEEN AVOIDING SPOILERS XDXDXD

Congrats to Toma on his new movie. This guy is seriously incredible.

Also a happy happy birthday to Uchi and Yasu. I usually try to find a time between the two birthdays to wish them a happy birthday but I usually run more into Yasu's time XD Hopefully this is more of a central time this time. Anyways for Uchi I only wish the best for him and I REALLY want to see him in another drama. He's so fun to watch and I actually miss him. I'm happy Yasu got the opportunity to appear in ROMES and I know he's trying his hardest at it. I wish the best of luck to both of them <3<3<3

And hooray for Eita/Kaela. And even though I'm not a fan of theirs, I wish the best for fans of 2pm and its leader. Some 'fans' are crazy D:

Yay!

Subaru you are beautiful *__*

PS: OMG TOMAPI!!

Hurrah for Hina and Yoko dramas, respectively XD *tosses confetti*

( some news!! )

...okay that is all XD

...oh and Maru is in a TV special 8D

OMG 3 OF MY FAVORITE ACTORS IN ONE CM 8D (sorry 4th actor--but I don't think I have seen you in anything XD)

I just received this via e-mail and had a good laugh over it so I decided to share it with all of you as well...

( There is a great need for sarcasm font. )

Happy 5th year anniversary of the Kansai-only debut for Eito! *throws confetti*

I also got from Cindi's blog that Subaru will be on the cover of Bidan October! It'll be released September 1st. Yaaay! I LOVE his Bidan shots *__*

Puzzle DVD will be released September 23rd! The day after their nationwide release, no? Hooray for them! *tosses confetti*

If you guys hear anything about the special event, let me knooow XD

PS: Also let me know how Yoko's Koishite Akuma episode guesting goes :D

PPS: Happy birthday to isomethyl, renchan5, and kazu_kumaguro &hearts&hearts&hearts

PPPS: I have been reading Gakuen Alice and had a thought...if you had an 'Alice' (superpower), what would it be? I think it would be awesome to have Kitsuneme's--to flyyyy!!!

I'm assuming this was already posted in Toma's comm so...

Satomi Ishihara plays Toma Ikuta's wife in "No Longer Human"
Sun, August 16, 2009 (2:40am EDT)
Satomi Ishihara (22) has been cast in Genjiro Arato's "Ningen Shikkaku," based on the Osamu Dazai novel of the same name, also known as "No Longer Human." In May, it was announced that Toma Ikuta (24) had been given the starring role.

"Ningen Shikkaku" was the most autobiographical of Dazai's works, and his last before committing suicide. Ikuta plays a young man unable to truly connect with others, keeping up a jovial facade as his life spirals toward self-destruction. Ishihara plays one of the several women in his life, and the only one he marries.

The movie is scheduled for a 2010 release.

heheheeh :3

It's the 8th in Japan, no? So...HAPPY EITO DAY!!!! XDXD

I just saw Otomen. I came in with low expectations because I heard mostly negative reviews and I don't care for Okada Masaki as much as an actor. But to be honest--I kinda enjoyed it. LOL! With Asuka's father singing the 'otome' song with ruby red lips...and then suddenly saying that he's going to become a woman... with Tachibana drawing manga version of Asuka (even though there's no point, right? He's supposed to be drawing Asuka's favorite manga with girl!Asuka and boy!Ryo, no?) Oh well XD The only issue I had is that they threw in everyone at once and the plot moved too quickly. It didn't set up the idea of Asuka being the manly idol of the school enough, in my opinion, and they already threw in his kendo rival and the girly looking kid who idolized Asuka. I adore Kimura and it was nice seeing him there, but with those dumb lackeys, I keep hoping he'll be used better in the future than playing second banana to an old Hana-Kimi costar when I feel like he was one of the better actors from the show. Personal opinion, though XD

I also saw Orthros no Inu. I have basically the same opinion as Tia--the premise was interesting, but something feels a bit off between Takki and Ryo. And Takki basically has an expressionless face the entire time. Hikaru wasn't bad, though! His character seems more interesting than his groupmate Yabu's in Ninkyo Helper, although I still feel like Ninkyo Helper is the best drama for me this season. Haven't seen Kochikame yet though, and Karina, Moco, and Shingo--hmmm 8D

Buzzer Beat--I enjoyed the basketball scenes for sure, and I also enjoyed Kanjiya Shihori's character (she was Mei in Love Shuffle!) but that's pretty much it for me. The basketball seemed a little too perfect too--there's no way they could make that many consecutive shots!! I might catch more in the future---we'll see.

Anybody have favorite dramas this season? What do you recommend?

Congrats to Ohkura, Yasu, and Aiba for their dramas. It's very exciting! And the Puzzle DVD and special 'event' on the 19th...! I wonder what it's about 0_o

Subaru sounded awesome in the Tsubasa Rock and Dance DVD (he actually harmonized!)

Aand...former Johnny's Jr. Matsumoto Kazuki (26) was just arrested for pachinko theft. hahahahahaahha

Also Eita will star for the first time in the play "Tokyo Gekko Makyoku". Yaaay!

Yopo got me addicted to reading toxic fics in pottersues.

Rest in peace John Hughes--your teen flicks from the 80's will be remembered forever. Breakfast Club will forever be the most memorable movie of his for me :D

End random.

This is why I love you Eito &hearts.

PS: I watched Karei Naru Spy and despite its slow start and more subtle rather than exaggerated gags (even though there is still slapstick involved, I expected it to be more...outrageous...than that? Somehow? XD), I find it hilarious. But I must admit that Nagase is the one who makes the show. I can't imagine me enjoying it nearly as much if he weren't there XD OMG THE PARROT! AND THE BUS DRIVER! LOLOLOL

PPS: Watched Saru Lock. Ichihara's quite entertaining as Saru-chan, the girl crazy locksmith genius who solves crimes in the process. Although I can't really believe that a guy like him would be unlucky with girls. But the person I wanted to focus on was Takaoka Sousuke. This guy was in Battle Royale and Rookies and disappears so far into his roles that I can't even recognize him across dramas. He plays the geeky police officer here, but is in reality a very good looking man XD He's also Miyazaki Aoi's husband XD Just wanted to express my shock here ;) I also need to get used to Ichihara's laid back voice (even if he's supposed to be hyper) and the slightly annoying voice of Ashina Sei. But overall quite entertaining so far!! Also NEKKID FROM BEHIND SOCRATES (from ProDai) LOLOLOL

PPPS: What do you all think of the 'My Guests' feature on LJ?? At first I wanted it, then thought, maybe not...? Still deciding >_<;;

Orthros no Inu next I suppose (eventually) XD

Happy early/belated birthday to three lovely ladies on my flist--

Sonya: Hope you have (well--had lol) the best of birthdays! You have always been kind and it's always been very interesting to hear your thoughts and ponderings about the world around you. I wish you the best of everything <3

Tia: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL! You always keep me up to date on the latest Eito happenings and you provide a lot of information on the j-music scene in general. Thanks for sticking around on my flist for so long--it's been fun :)

Miyu-chan: I adore, adore, ADORE you, you know that? We've known each other for a while (at least since I've been active in fandom anyways) and it's been great to know such a sweet person. I hope you have great fun in Japan and if I ever end up there, you'd better show me around Kyoto!!

Actually you've all been on my flist for a long time, huh? Well I wish you all the best and I hope you have many amazing birthdays to come <3 You are all so wonderful! *group hug*

PS: I missed Ken's birthday and may miss Sakamoto's too, so I'm wishing them a happy birthday here just in case XDXD HOORAY!!