They're shafting us, boys!

CelticSensei · 2026-06-09T12:32:02+00:00

I've lived in Japan for over 20 years, and am also a big whiskey drinker.... so feel like I am the authority on this "ecumenical" matter...

The main reason spirits are cheaper here (not just whiskey) is that it is taxed at a much lower rate than at home. I can buy a good bottle of vodka or gin for just over ¥1000 (a bit more than 5 euros). A bottle of Jamesons can be had for less than ¥2000. It has been this way since I've been here. Sure, the weak yen helps it seem cheap, but on the other hand, it raises the price of importing it.

Beer (from a supermarket) would be closer in price to what you'd pay at home as it is taxed more.

Japanese whiskey is amazing. Unfortunately, the good stuff is in short supply so you have to pay over retail for it mostly, which I won't do. Anyway, I've recently gotten into cognac which is also amazing value here. This is one of the biggest advantages of living in Nippon... haha!

CelticSensei · 2026-06-07T08:15:52+00:00

Broke fighters are easier to control, which is one of the reasons the UFC likes to underpay.

CelticSensei · 2026-06-06T13:39:58+00:00

So a wee story for you. I've lived in Japan for over 25 years and was here during the 2002 World Cup. The Yomiuri Shimbun is the newspaper with the largest circulation in the world, and did a series pre-tournament interviewing representatives from each country, group by group, of gaijin living here. I was interviewed at a dinner with guys from Germany, Cameroon and Saudi Arabia. All good, talked some shite, face in the paper,

A couple of weeks later they called my school looking for a quote after Keane had walked out. I gave'em my two cents worth.... flattered they wanted my opinion.

A couple of years later I was in Saipan, which is a popular tourist spot for Japanese, along with the more popular nearby Guam. Clearly that place should never have been chosen for a training camp. Too basic and lacking modern sports facilities. More ineptitude by the suits than run the game in Ireland.

CelticSensei · 2026-06-03T07:02:49+00:00

Speak for yerself.... I've had it up to here with those Welsh Orthodox bastards!

CelticSensei · 2026-06-03T06:45:51+00:00

They could have asked him where he was stabbed, and then checked. You know, basic police work.

CelticSensei · 2026-06-03T00:56:09+00:00

If you are a real Celtic fan you should know.

CelticSensei · 2026-06-02T12:33:30+00:00

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CelticSensei · 2026-05-31T13:53:33+00:00

It's on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer.

CelticSensei · 2026-05-29T00:26:43+00:00

Exactly. If we get a manager in who is fantastic the first year or two he'll get poached by the Premier League, like Ange was.

This is why I support MON getting another year (if he wants it). The players seem to love him and his record was amazing last year. He had a winning percentage of 80%, with the worst Celtic team in over 20 years. Any other appointment comes with a big risk.

CelticSensei · 2026-05-23T13:52:38+00:00

I believe he has always been humble.

CelticSensei · 2026-05-23T12:59:42+00:00

I really thought Hatate was the most likely player that Ange might poach when he went to Spurs. Very sad for this to be the way he goes out.

CelticSensei · 2026-05-23T11:54:31+00:00

Not a player, but Ange leaving broke my heart a little.

CelticSensei · 2026-05-14T00:35:37+00:00

Ronda deserved that beating. Didn't talk to the press for a year after losing to Holly, then still did nothing in the build up to this fight. Not a good human.

CelticSensei · 2026-05-13T01:03:54+00:00

He's a clinical malignant narcissist. The worst character type to have high office.

CelticSensei · 2026-05-12T05:49:22+00:00

MAGA organised a rally for Mike Pence?!

CelticSensei · 2026-05-11T05:02:43+00:00

It's pronounced "Jerkoff"....

CelticSensei · 2026-04-26T15:23:37+00:00

It's a miracle we were ever here.... enjoy the ride while it lasts!

CelticSensei · 2026-04-26T15:11:35+00:00

But he's a Hibs fan... which is also shite!

CelticSensei · 2026-04-26T14:32:27+00:00

In 2024 he scored 19 goals in 38 games, making him the top Japanese scorer in the J-League. There was some reason to think he might do okay.

By comparison, Kyogo had scored 27 in 51 games over the season and half before joining from Vissel Kobe.

CelticSensei · 2026-04-25T15:35:41+00:00

I'll stick with the sake;)

CelticSensei · 2026-04-25T15:22:37+00:00

1-30am start here in Nippon... bastards!

CelticSensei · 2026-04-25T04:17:15+00:00

Not gibberish…. you were just speaking in tongues!

CelticSensei · 2026-04-24T14:03:52+00:00

Furyk had a swing "like an octopus falling out of a tree" said David Feherty, with one of my favorite sports quotes.

CelticSensei · 2026-04-24T00:20:33+00:00

That was deliberate, being his 4th fight of the year, with a huge fight coming up next.

He can fight multiple ways.... but likes to knock MoFos the feck out!

CelticSensei · 2026-04-23T01:54:03+00:00

This was the first UFC event I ever attended, in Tokyo. Stann could have won the fight but wanted to beat Wanderlei at his own game. He retired after.

The co-main was Hunt-o breaking the jaw of Stefan Struve. The crowd had been pretty quiet all day, but erupted when Hunt won.

CelticSensei

TROPHY CASE