I Dislike Your Favorite Team

With the final segment of the First Round games in the World Cup, we are getting some tickets punched for the second round. Let's learn a little something about the second group from Asia to make it into the Round of 16, Japan. (More fun facts about qualifers can be found on the internet, specifically this website right here)


1.  Most folks know that suicide Japanese pilots in WWII were called "Kamikazes".  Lots of folks know that the literal translation of "Kamikaze" is "Divine Wind".  What most folks don't know is where the term originated--it goes back aways--like the 13th Century.  Twice in seven years, Kublai Khan and his Mongol Horde attempted invasions of Japan, and both times, their naval power was significantly weakened by storms and even a typhoon or two.  Hence, the Japanese Divine Wind that weakened their enemy and aided the defense of their country.


2.  Japanese Snow Monkeys are one of the world's coolest animals, what with their hot-tubbing and cliques and what not.


3.  Japan is the home of Shonen Knife.  'Nuff said.