R Burger? Roppongi Burger w/ STD Sauce?

[Yokohammer]

Even in the US it really depends on how bad the injuries were. It could be a small cut on the inside or her mouth or a shredded throat that requires a trip to the emergency room. I'm sure if it was the latter we'd have heard about it. The famous McDonald's hot coffee case that everybody likes to use as an example of excessive rewards in US civil suits wasn't as crazy as it seemed. The coffee caused third degree burns and there had been hundreds of complaints before that but nothing had been done about it.

Yeah, that one always comes up. And I think it incited a lot of opportunistic litigation at the time, but maybe that has settled down a bit.

[matsuki]

Yep, it was more than a hot coffee spill, the burns she got were more like a hot lava spill...and the payout was also later, very significantly, reduced as well....but many like to leave that bit out.

[Taro Toporific]

Shake Shack hits Japan
Fast Casual‎ -- 2015 sept 02
Shake Shack will open its first Tokyo unit this winter in the Meiji-Jingu Gaien ...
...Tokyo Shack will have an expansive outdoor patio -- sitting among the iconic ginkgo trees -- where guests can kick back with a ShackBurger, cold ShackMeister Ale and a game of ping pong...more...

shake-shack-japan_o.png

shake-shack-art.jpg

facebook.com/shakeshackjapan

[Samurai_Jerk]

And it's open for business.

shake.JPG

shack.JPG

[kurogane]

Shake Shack hits Japan

Ｎｏ　ｏｆｆｅｎｃｅ, but if I were to announce that White Spot was considering expanding to Alberta.........well, at least you guys will get it.

Is Shake Shack good? Is it even known? Is that lineup representative (and if so, why only sad 30dumbthings of suspicious sexual orientation and sad haggard looking leftovers?)

Or is this like when the fat redneck doughnuts that suck worse than American Football opened in Japan and all those sort of dumb sluts Matsuki likes looked at me like I was from Pluto because I though doughnts were supposed to be yummy?

[matsuki]

I don't know anything about shake shack, that's SJ's hood....but Krispy Kreme seems like a pleasant way to die. The dumb sluts included!

[Samurai_Jerk]

Shake Shack hits Japan

Ｎｏ　ｏｆｆｅｎｃｅ, but if I were to announce that White Spot was considering expanding to Alberta.........well, at least you guys will get it.

Is Shake Shack good? Is it even known? Is that lineup representative (and if so, why only sad 30dumbthings of suspicious sexual orientation and sad haggard looking leftovers?)

Or is this like when the fat redneck doughnuts that suck worse than American Football opened in Japan and all those sort of dumb sluts Matsuki likes looked at me like I was from Pluto because I though doughnts were supposed to be yummy?

Well it is the middle of a workday so it's probably freeters and housewives. Shake Shack started in NYC and has slowly grown but it's not that widespread in the US. I've heard mixed things about it. Regardless of how good it is in NY, I'm sure they've fucked up the Japanese version.

And Krispy Kreme is awesome. At least it was when it was still only a Southern thing. I don't think I've had any since they went nationwide in the US.

[kurogane]

Yeah, fair enough. The Krispy Kreme doughnut I had in Japan wasn't awful but it wasn't good either; not much different from those dry Mister Donut things in MYHOMO. Doughnuts need fat to be good. Anyways, I can't imagine they won't fuck up the Japanese version of Shake Shack somehow. I am sure the large size will be around a US kid's size. I can't imagine how any chain expanding to Japan could do it without fucking it up for our tastes, unless they want to go Dave Chappelle and Keep It Real enough they just go under. Like those foreign owned restaraunts that open with proud proclamations they have no intention of compromising for Japanese tastes. In Kyoto we lost more than a few proper divey Mexican places that way. Which was a shame. A little lighter on the spice and they would have done fine.

[matsuki]

I will say, I've never had a fresh/hot Krispy Kreme donut in Japan...just like the local super stocking up on vanilla Ben & Jerry's, they are totally missing the point.

1447737301437.jpg

...and one more....just for good measure

1447410370235.jpg

WTF is this? Fake Mt. Dew/Sierra Mist that tastes like alcohol....that's non-alcoholic?

[Mike Oxlong]

An old scourge, syphilis, making a comeback

The Japanese word for syphilis, “baidoku,” literally translates as “plum poison.” It was so named from the chancres (painless ulcerations) that appear on the skin in the disease’s primary stage, which were thought to resemble plum blossoms.

Nikkan Gendai (Nov 27) notes that according to the Shinjuku-based National Institute of Infectious Diseases, reported cases of this ancient scourge of mankind appear to be making a comeback. While 831 cases were reported in 2008, the number declined to 621 in 2010. By the end of October this year, the count was up to 2,037—up from 1,670 for all of 2014.

Most disconcerting, perhaps, is that the largest demographic turned out to be females in the 20 to 24 years age group: the 177 reported cases represented a 2.7-fold increase over the year before.

“We’re in the midst of a worldwide pandemic,” says Dr Yasuhiko Onue, an authority on sexually transmitted diseases. “Among the carriers I believe are also women from Asian countries visiting Japan.”

Koichiro Fujita, professor emeritus at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, tells the newspaper, “It’s spreading because more people are engaging in sex without taking precautions. Young females lacking knowledge of the ways of the world are overly trusting, and are persuaded by males to have sex with them without use of a condom.”

The decline in fears over contracting AIDS appears to be a main factor, says Fujita.

“When HIV was a concern, warnings were ubiquitous, and young people became more conscientious about use of condoms,” he explains. “But more recently there’s been less concern over contracting HIV. And at the same time people regard syphilis as ‘a disease of olden times,’ and they’re not taking the necessary precautions.”

Another contributing factor, Dr Fujita believes, is the insufficiency of vitamin B, which may be responsible for weakening of the surface membrane of the genitals and lowered resistance to infection. Syphilis can also be spread via oral sex.

Unlike gonorrhea, syphilis in its early stages can be asymptomatic, and if a woman is infected during pregnancy, miscarriages or stillbirths are not uncommon. If the fetus does survive, should the syphilis bacteria infect its brain, mental impairment can result.

“It’s very difficult to tell if a woman’s been infected from a superficial glance,” says Dr Fujita. “Some of them tend to have rather sickly complexions. During sex, some of them may have telltale wartlike bumps, or inflammation, on their genitals.

“Some doctors overseas say they can detect infection from the characteristic odor. In any case, they should undergo a blood test as part of a full physical examination, and specifically request the doctor to look for signs of syphilis.

Tertiary cases of syphilis are a relative rarity but if allowed to go untreated a carrier can suffer a fatal aneurysm. Should you find yourself tested positive, Nikkan Gendai advises, you should also inform all of your recent sexual partners, whether they are amateurs or pros.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuch ... a-comeback

[Mike Oxlong]

Same thing in the US.

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archi ... lis/418170

[Samurai_Jerk]

McDonald's Is Dumping Japan: Smart Move or Hasty Decision?

Now that McDonald's (NYSE: MCD ) is reportedly putting up for sale as much as a third of its 50% ownership stake in its Japanese unit, a move that follows Yum! Brands' (NYSE: YUM ) decision to spin off its China division, investors are wondering: Are these really sound business decisions, or are they instead rash reactions to temporary problems?

[Coligny]

I'm soo fucked...

[wuchan]

does this mean we only can have one ketchup packet now?

[kurogane]

does this mean we only can have one ketchup packet now?

Try asking for extra pickles. That gets weird really quickly.

BTW, the McDonald's pictured in the linked article is the one at Kawaramachi-Imadegawa in Kyoto. Geek Pointzzzzzzzzzzz

https://www.google.ca/maps/@35.0291263, ... 6656?hl=en

Coligny,
Do you actually eat there more than once in a Lune Bleu???? You should stop that

[matsuki]

does this mean we only can have one ketchup packet now?

I still don't understand how they think not accepting credit cards is a good idea...

[kurogane]

On a 3% profit model that's 2/3 of your profit. Seriously, though, how many people would not go to a McD's because they don't, and who that might doesn't have 542 yen in their pocket? Other than the obsessively point saving hotel lobby cafe patronising Okusama, credit cards seem to be an occasional convenience and for big stuff, not a lifestyle's life blood like at home. For most users credit cards are as often as not one of the great capitalist swindles. Besides, it's customer service: the customers serve the needs of the business.

[matsuki]

Seriously, though, how many people would not go to a McD's because they don't, and who that might doesn't have 542 yen in their pocket?

Furriners that don't have or want to mess with cash. I've seen several go ballastic, after ordering, that they can't pay with plastic.

[kurogane]

Actually, I suppose in Tokeeo that isn't the 1% I was going to suggest. I feel for people when they hit that wall, esp. given their preconceptions of wireless brain-powered ether cash payments the Japanese are sure to have because Japan is Soooo Advanced (gush!), but yeah................feck 'em. ATMs with hours are something else, but assuming things work like at home is pretty stupid.

To be fair, it is probably pretty weird that McDonald's of all don't accept cards but I'm old enough to sigh when kids pull out their feckin' cards to pay for stuff that costs less than $25...........so feck 'em

[Samurai_Jerk]

I know that profit margins are the stated reason a lot of Japanese businesses still don't accept plastic. The question is are margins lower or fees higher in Japan than other countries?

[yanpa]

Lots of Japanese businesses accept plastic, just not credit cards.

Maybe credit card issuers in Anglophone countries should print a warning on their cards that in large parts of the world, credit cards aren not seen as a universal alternative to cash?

[matsuki]

:keyboardcoffee: Actually, I suppose in Tokeeo that isn't the 1% I was going to suggest. I feel for people when they hit that wall, esp. given their preconceptions of wireless brain-powered ether cash payments the Japanese are sure to have because Japan is Soooo Advanced (gush!), but yeah................feck 'em. ATMs with hours are something else, but assuming things work like at home is pretty stupid.

To be fair, it is probably pretty weird that McDonald's of all don't accept cards but I'm old enough to sigh when kids pull out their feckin' cards to pay for stuff that costs less than $25...........so feck 'em

It's as you say...a two-fold issue. "Japanese is soo techmonologically advanced! Thaaa fuuuchhaaaa!" mentality and then there's the fact that it's McDonalds, who takes plastic in the other "advanced cuntries." (and who like carrying around loads of change?)

I know that profit margins are the stated reason a lot of Japanese businesses still don't accept plastic. The question is are margins lower or fees higher in Japan than other countries?

Last I checked, it was something like 5% for smaller businesses...and instead of the issuer fronting the money, it was set up so that the business didn't get paid until the card holder paid. (which would be the end of the month or later...not the best cash flow situation and less incentive for small businesses to accept credit cards) Another "unique Japaneeeeze" take on credit? That being said, we're talking about McDonalds though. Their CC acceptance terms would not be nearly as shitty as that. Also, local FG run bakery took my CC a couple of months ago using square. (the earphone jack plugin thing for taking CC's with your smartphone) I think they also have more reasonable rates, even in Japan.

Lots of Japanese businesses accept plastic, just not credit cards.

Which is why it's good to fund your Suica app on your smartphone with your credit card. Can be used in many places CC can't.

Maybe credit card issuers in Anglophone countries should print a warning on their cards that in large parts of the world, credit cards aren not seen as a universal alternative to cash?

Isn't it far more simple than charging your Pasmo, Suica, Ikoka, Iruka, Majika, Nanako, etc. etc. etc. with cash?

[Samurai_Jerk]

I know that profit margins are the stated reason a lot of Japanese businesses still don't accept plastic. The question is are margins lower or fees higher in Japan than other countries?

Last I checked, it was something like 5% for smaller businesses...and instead of the issuer fronting the money, it was set up so that the business didn't get paid until the card holder paid. (which would be the end of the month or later...not the best cash flow situation and less incentive for small businesses to accept credit cards) Another "unique Japaneeeeze" take on credit?

How does that compare to other markets?

[matsuki]

I know that profit margins are the stated reason a lot of Japanese businesses still don't accept plastic. The question is are margins lower or fees higher in Japan than other countries?

Last I checked, it was something like 5% for smaller businesses...and instead of the issuer fronting the money, it was set up so that the business didn't get paid until the card holder paid. (which would be the end of the month or later...not the best cash flow situation and less incentive for small businesses to accept credit cards) Another "unique Japaneeeeze" take on credit?

How does that compare to other markets?

In the US, it's usually about 2-3% plus a minor transaction fee for small businesses. The funds are available in a day or so. (Card issuer deposits $$ to the merchant bank account) I imagine a giant like MCDees is paying less than 1% and no transaction fees though. So yeah, Japan has a particularly shitty setup for accepting credit cards and how the funds are handled...but again, it's McDonalds I'm saying that should take CC's here. Situation on that scale is likely more reasonable than what the average small business has to deal with. Should also note that KFC here does take CC's.

[kurogane]

I know that profit margins are the stated reason a lot of Japanese businesses still don't accept plastic. The question is are margins lower or fees higher in Japan than other countries?

To add to what Matsuki wrote there: both. Given the wafer thin profit margins, wages, prices, etc. any further off the top of that is a relatively bigger ding on an already smaller piece of pie, and as you know they really do operate on a ichi-ichi ichi yen scale. Add in the feudal crap with payment witholding Matsuki noted above and you have small businesses effectively lending money to their customers and the credit card company for the benefit of..................well, nuttin'. To a small business credit card payments are like being mugged and having to pretend to like it. As for McDonald's, yes, fair enough, but why the fuck would they even think about pretending to give a shit about the 0.0024% of their market that's too fuckin stupid to carry around $10 in cash so they can buy a double cheeseburger? Who the fuck travels to a foreign country without $50 in cash in their pocket? One of the nicer things about Japanese customer service is they treat retards like they should be treated: with politely withering dismissal.

I hate those f'in cash load cards, but are Japanese issued consumer credit cards even credit cards yet? They used to be front loaded debit cards before we had debit cards in NA. I think. I still don't get why it's hard to carry around a few Fukuzawas when you plan to go out, but I admit to being artfully lazy when it comes to any of that Sugoi! new crap, whether here, there, or anywhere they have smartphones. Now, ATMs that have closing hours, that shit makes me go Fukushima Dai-Ichi.

[matsuki]

To add to what Matsuki wrote there: both. Given the wafer thin profit margins, wages, prices, etc. any further off the top of that is a relatively bigger ding on an already smaller piece of pie, and as you know they really do operate on a ichi-ichi ichi yen scale. Add in the feudal crap with payment witholding Matsuki noted above and you have small businesses effectively lending money to their customers and the credit card company for the benefit of..................well, nuttin'. To a small business credit card payments are like being mugged and having to pretend to like it. As for McDonald's, yes, fair enough, but why the fuck would they even think about pretending to give a shit about the 0.0024% of their market that's too fuckin stupid to carry around $10 in cash so they can buy a double cheeseburger? Who the fuck travels to a foreign country without $50 in cash in their pocket? One of the nicer things about Japanese customer service is they treat retards like they should be treated: with politely withering dismissal.

Yep, basically SOP for a merchant account here is a burden for most small businesses....but even in Japan, seems like accepting CC's or even the SUICA type of e-money cards is expected of a place like McDonalds. 0.0024%? I hardly go there if I can avoid it but Coligny is not the only guy I know that lives here and is powered by McNuggets. Then again, the issue really is about convenience...

I hate those f'in cash load cards, but are Japanese issued consumer credit cards even credit cards yet? They used to be front loaded debit cards before we had debit cards in NA. I think. I still don't get why it's hard to carry around a few Fukuzawas when you plan to go out, but I admit to being artfully lazy when it comes to any of that Sugoi! new crap, whether here, there, or anywhere they have smartphones. Now, ATMs that have closing hours, that shit makes me go Fukushima Dai-Ichi.

The bunkatsubarai option seems to get a lot of teeth sucking. (while in your head, "whaddayahtink dis is? a credit kaaahd?") Most seem to be exactly as you say, front loaded debit cards that they make insanely impossible for most FG to get.

The issue with cash vs CC is, especially for larger items, as a consumer you can get points (free money or eventually free shit) and an added layer of protection if what you buy turns out to be a turd. With smaller purchases, like McDees, I just hate carrying around all the change that comes back or is used for them. If you're only using one card, it also makes it easier to keep track of where you spend money each month. Lastly, I have known sooooo many people here who have lost wallets with suuuuumanen in them.

[kurogane]

Then again, the issue really is about convenience....

Right, which brings us back to the Prime Directive of Japanese Hospitality:

Buy it, motherfucker. We need to pay our fuckin' rent. You want what? Fuck you. You're here so we can pay our fucking rent and this is how we sell this crap. Now fucking buy it.

The most naked expression of that comes when asking for extra pickles. Down in Okinawa they're smarter: they just nod politely and don't bother doing it.

Lastly, I have known sooooo many people here who have lost wallets with suuuuumanen in them.

Yeah, I have returned a few of those I found floating in the river at first light. I get the budget management convenience of one card, but having a slush fund of $XX per week that goes to Whateva hardly seems onerous. But then I love change. It's like a surprise allowance. And I don't lose my wallet. Nor do I eat McDogstools much, esp. in Japan. It's waaaaay too not greasy enough.

[inflames]

BTW, the McDonald's pictured in the linked article is the one at Kawaramachi-Imadegawa in Kyoto. Geek Pointzzzzzzzzzzz

https://www.google.ca/maps/@35.0291263, ... 6656?hl=en

Shit it is Kawaramachi-Imadegawa! I used to eat at that one all the time when I was in grad school as Demachiyanagi station has shit around it (a small family mart). There's a Mister Donuts around the corner as well. This one was pretty good as some of the McDonald's in Kyoto would have a discount for students, which I loved a bit too much. I felt pretty embarrassed when I finally realized there was a seating area on the second floor as well (the arrangement isn't so clear with the photo studio).

BTW most credit cards in Japan are actually charge cards.

[matsuki]

I love change. It's like a surprise allowance.

The only upside to the ATMs here....some let you deposit change. Speakin' of which, tis about time to see what last month's change amounts to....usualy anywhere from 3,000~8,000

[kurogane]

Shit it is Kawaramachi-Imadegawa! I used to eat at that one all the time when I was in grad school .

Yeah, we used to cycle over from Hyakumanben just to troll for the Doshisha girls teams camped out in that secret 2nd floor. They are ripe and fun, and they love a bit of Kyoto U in their 'resume'. Weird how they used that location for a national story, eh? Quel fun.

Matsuki,
That's what I mean, man. I just lived for 2 days off the cache of 500 yen coins I had stashed.