
The Secretary General of the Osaka Board of Elections saw his annual pay docked two full months after it was discovered he’d spent 281 hours playing solitaire on the clock over a yearlong period ending in July.
What’s most amazing is that he got away with it all year until – and this is not a joke – a whistleblower finally had to come forward and turn the guy in. That kind of information leak certainly isn’t on the same level as the Bradley Mannings of the world, but it must have taken some guts for the guy to speak out about his boss’s solitaire addiction.
Considering that there is an average of about 211 working days per year for a Japanese government worker, this actually only translates to around 1.3 hours per day playing solitaire. If the same standards apply to looking at cute cat pictures during the work day, we think a large chunk of the workforce is in trouble.
▼ Emo Kitty is sad to hear he caused your pay cut.
Source: Himajin Sokuhou


Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
300-tonne hose washes up on Japanese shore
Japanese Sakuranbo Mochi goes viral online with millions of views, but is it worth the hype?
Japanese university welcomes birth of baby deer on campus, president waives entrance exam[Videos]
Mos Burger adds Kandy Tea Milk to the menu and Japanese social media is here for it
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro futon bedding to its anime store in Japan
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal toys now available at McDonald’s Japan
Two of Kyoto’s famous temples tackle streetside trash with solar-powered trash cans