“Stuff like this probably happen with regular frequency. It’s just that the recent bout of public stupidity puts a spotlight on these things. It’s simply sensationalism running out of control.

You see the Japanese are usually very good at ignoring anything negative about their society until something blows the lid off. Then they flail around like headless chickens.”

Japanese have no monopoly on this kind of idiotic behaviour (sensationalism and hysteria), alas.

We raise our kids to think they are heroes and princes, and when they face failure, they dont know how to handle it, so what they do? they kill.

I am a concerned mother, i got 2 kids, and i am teaching then, first, that we cannot get what wwe want all the time… but that is…. sad.

it was a very ballsy and rather respectable move by the tv stations to pull school days, but you have to admit, it all worked out strangely well for the popularity of the show.

of course, i could just be crazy and the japanese media actually have integrity, unlike the americans. i remember dog attacks were a big thing for a few weeks (which got my mom fully terrified at any footlong terrier), but failed to mention that annual rates of dog attacks were actually decreasing.

TP makes an interesting point though - I’m sure there will be plenty of people using these recent events as a springboard to launch their anti-violent video games/anime campaign. it’s their right to and i won’t say anything about that, but i’d like to see some full data about monthly/annual totals.

Just felt appropriate I guess.