japanese culture

``This seems to show that vigorous women are increasing," said a Japanese official while commenting on a murder carried out by an 11-year-old girl. He was vigorously criticised after he said the case signifies a rise in female assertiveness. He said: "Men have committed thoughtless, harsh acts but I think this is the first for a girl. Recently the difference between men and women is shrinking.'' He used the term "genki" to describe the killing, which means spirited and healthy, as a lawmaker did to describe a group of men who carried out gang rapes. The girl reportedly planned to kill her classmate with a paper cutter because she was annoyed by her comments about her appearance. Japan has lowered the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14. What a culture.