As a native of the United States, I’m all too familiar with the controversy around daylight savings time. I’m not sure if anyone actually “loves” it, but it certainly seems like most people hate it. WebMD, the Internet’s favorite doctor, even has an article about the effects the time change has on people’s health, though they seem minimal.
Either way, one of my favorite things about living in Japan is not having to worry about that annual spring torture of moving the clocks ahead by an hour. With no daylight savings, you always know what time it is in Japan. Unfortunately, it looks like one Japanese politician has it out for me and my beauty sleep.
Governor Inose: Timelord?
Inose Naoki, Governor of Tokyo, suggested on Wednesday that Japan move their “standard time” ahead—by two hours!
As inhumane as that sounds to this already sleep-deprived, non-morning-person, there is at least a rather logical reason for his suggestion. In an effort to position more financial institutions in Japan, he wants to have the Tokyo Financial Markets opening first in the world. (Australia seems to have the number one spot now.)
Governor Inose’s suggestion will be taken into consideration in June as part of the government’s growth strategy.
It is interesting to note that Japanese standard time hasn’t changed in over 100 hundred years, since it was established in 1886.
Singapore, on the other hand, followed Malaysia in 1982, and unified their national standard time, in addition to moving it forward 30 minutes. The governor seems to have drawn inspiration from their change.
While I completely appreciate Governor Inose’s intentions, I’d like to suggest a compromise. Get the trains running 24-hours-a-day and just have the markets open early! That way I can stay in bed. In fact, I bet it would help improve national morale if we move the time back a little. Let everyone sleep in?
What do you say, Governor Inose? Please??
Source: Yahoo! Japan News
Images: Wikipedia (clock, Governor Inose)
Japan has only one time zone, and sunset comes a lot earlier in Tokyo【Photos】
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
In Japan, even lifting weights is cute, Rilakkuma fitness goods prove【Photos】
What happens to Cup Noodle Mystery Meat when you cook it in a rice cooker?
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Japanese women sound off on the line separating a male friend and a boyfriend
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Is Kyoto less crowded with tourists after China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning?【Photos】
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply