tech.yahoo.com — When Google Earth added historical maps of Japan to its online collection last year, the search giant didn't expect a backlash. The finely detailed woodblock prints have been around for centuries, they were already posted on another Web site, and a historical map of Tokyo put up in 2006 hadn't caused any problems.
May 3, 2009 View in Crawl 4
remeloxMay 4, 2009
In America, you can do an internet search for name change records.
rilusMay 6, 2009
I agree that Google is not at fault for Japanese prejudice. HOWEVER, I do believe that in providing information, Google has some social, if not moral, responsibility to also shed some light on the background of said area and particularly the offensive names and such.In fact, Google could use this opportunity to teach hundreds or maybe thousands of people about the discrimination that still occurs in Japan today.
sn4ke666May 11, 2009
There's a difference between being overly pc - when you avoid subject matters that are crucial and yet too "sensitive." Using racial slurs, without sarcasm, is another story.
ilgazMay 14, 2009
I went to 3 cities at least and never, ever seen any kind of such signs. If it is a religion related place or simply a private club for Japanese only, they have all rights to put such signs.BTW, in one instance, I wasn't allowed to buy Adobe Photoshop Elements because... I am foreigner! Why? Because they couldn't make sure it installs English and even called Adobe USA for verification. How "racist" they are, you see! :)
ilgazMay 14, 2009
Google is a global giant. If you are global giant, you have to act like one. Ask anyone working for such gigantic company, they even have "offensive words" lists in hand which they aren't allowed to use in any case.About messing with Japan? Whole Japan can switch to Yahoo overnight and wouldn't even remember your domain name next year. Ask why even $50 shareware authors has to employ Japanese translator and Japanese support personnel to do business there.BTW, Yahoo is far more successful in Asia because they care about the culture of places they work with.
tjsvitakMay 15, 2009
anybody ever see the movie kung pow, with that chick that onlu has one boob? idk this article made me think of that, i know weird
graphictruthMay 20, 2009
The "smelling really bad" probably didn't help much, either. Any time you have to say, "Ayup, smells like MONEY!," nobody really wants to be your neighbor.
staticthunderMay 20, 2009
Because its unclear to whom he is replying to and it doesn't seem relevant when you're talking about involuntary caste systems and current bigotry. I dugg him down simply because I don't understand what he's trying to say, except that apparently he's outraged.U.S. Soldiers are property of the U.S. government. One could argue that the draft was immoral but I still don't see the connection. If they are injected with radiation and STDs, they knew full well they might be sent on missions where they would be maimed or killed at the bequest of their govt. Perhaps this is just another broken reply button, but I don't get it.
Closed AccountMay 21, 2009
John youre quite cause you use big words like you know what to do with 'em.
burgerkinghornMay 31, 2009
I saw that episode too and if I remember correctly, once the burakumin doctor saved the patient he had to go back to being a janitor. The other people didn't respect him for his talents, they just used him. That is a terrible moral.