I took the shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto last week. But its punctuality, speed, cleanliness and staff friendliness (and I write as one who suffers the torture of First Capital Connect) were not the most impressive thing about Japan. A rather more humble piece of technology says a lot more about what they get right, and what we get wrong. It’s the vending machine. (guardian.co.uk)
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When the mercury plummets in Japan, hot water is sprayed onto the bullet train’s tracks — one of several measures to ensure snow does not disrupt the high-speed services, famed for their punctuality.
In contrast to the three-day shutdown of the Eurostar in the tunnel under the English Channel due to ‘fluffier’ than expected snow, Japan’s shinkansen trains are rarely delayed significantly by a cold snap.
Last December, a bullet train in northern Yamagata prefecture made the headlines due to a delay of just an hour and 25 minutes due to a snowstorm. (Manila Bulletin)
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ACT Systems, Inc. is seeking a Corporate English Trainer to facilitate Communicative Business English classes in and around Tokyo. Although Business English teaching experience is the first and foremost requirement, it is definitely not the defining quality. We are actively seeking expert instructors that are committed to training and find pleasure in motivating our clients to communicate effectively.

Punctuality, flexibility, enthusiasm, and ability to adapt our methodologies would be a plus. Successful candidates should also possess basic computer skills, good time management skills, and a solid business background.

This job primarily requires some early morning and long distance classes (which are paid at a premium). In particular, we have clients located in nearby business centers; such as, Atsugi and Yokohama (Kanagawa) as well as Kawagoe and Sayama (Saitama). Aside from these, the majority of our clients are located within the 23 wards of Tokyo.

A variety of contract types are available, of which the average weekly hours range from 5 hours to 20 hours of client exposure. Transportation and overtime are paid for. Further benefits would depend on the contracted amount of working hours.

Positions are available to start in October, November, and December. Regretfully, we will only respond to applicants that pass the initial screening.

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