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After reading some randomly selected cases of DC again, I noticed something I found odd...

Why are al Japanese (criminals) so smart? They seem to make the perfect crimes and plans that (most of the time) only fail because an almost impossible interverance like Shinichi in DC interveres their crime?

This is at least the case in most Anime and Manga (and might just be constricted to this), but how is Japanese intelligence compared to the rest of the world?

Well first of all, there are only difficult cases, becuse if there wasn't any, there would be no need for Conan & co. only for Sato & Takagi for a few inutes.

But if someone tries to kill someone else, and really doesn't want to be found out, that person tries to be very cautios, no wonder that the killer thinks of such smart plans. But if you could tell specific cases which seems to be really weird...

The criminals fail not only because there is a really good detective around, but basicly because there is a flaw in their plan. If their crimes were perfect, even Shinichi couldn't do anything against them. What I mean is that not only intelligence, but luck of the detective or the misfortune of the murderer is also an important factor.

Films ususally portray Japanese people smart, but... I think this lies in the fact that they really focus on studying, they really pay attention to education issues and give opportunity to the smart ones to develop and it seems to me that they really, um, appreciate "knowledge" and they need and encourage smart people. I say this, because here, where I live it is not like that at all, so my opinion might be influenced by that. ^^"

Look at CSI...

Virtually Perfect Crime much?

Misztina wrote: Films ususally portray Japanese people smart, but... I think this lies in the fact that they really focus on studying, they really pay attention to education issues and give opportunity to the smart ones to develop and it seems to me that they really, um, appreciate "knowledge" and they need and encourage smart people. I say this, because here, where I live it is not like that at all, so my opinion might be influenced by that. ^^"

Your probably right (the only that matters seems to be the grades and such, not the actual stuff you are supposed to learn, at least, that's the case here), but I wasn't just talking about DC here, although it would be pretty rare to see someone portray themselve stupid, most characters (even minor characters) seem to be smarter than most my friends combined... (Does this mean I should find some smarter friends or :S?). CSI, Virtually Perfect Crime... can't say your wrong, but it seems criminals (especially murderers), even if caught, are far superior to most people in terms of intelligence... I know it makes for better tv, after all, who would watch a serious drama show about a guy who stole a bar of soap from a store? I wouldn't (unless it's the prelude to the criminal becoming a mass-murdering criminal who's caught by someone like Conan )

So it wasn't really a question if Japanese are portrayed as very smart, it was more a question of how the rest of the world compares to Japanese people in average intelligence. (Some numbers would be really great )

VPCS=Virtually Perfect Crime Syndrome

I don't know if it's just me, but I believe that all humans are the same and equally intelligent (well maybe there are exceptions but let's talk generally). So what makes people different? I think it's you who decide how much smart you are/want be. If you're avid of learning new things, focus on your studies and respect knowledge, then none can stop you from being as intelligent as Conan. I also believe Japanese people (in general, not all of them) appreciate knowledge and as "Misztina" said, they give opportunities and help others, and encourage them to bring out their best.

well if japanese kids like 6 yrs old can calculate large and long sums by merely tapping their fingers on the desk, i think they gotta be pretty smart (at maths anyways lol)

Girl19 wrote: I don't know if it's just me, but I believe that all humans are the same and equally intelligent (well maybe there are exceptions but let's talk generally). So what makes people different? I think it's you who decide how much smart you are/want be. If you're avid of learning new things, focus on your studies and respect knowledge, then none can stop you from being as intelligent as Conan. I also believe Japanese people (in general, not all of them) appreciate knowledge and as "Misztina" said, they give opportunities and help others, and encourage them to bring out their best.

I can't agree with you more!
Although the differences of intelligence do exist,for the factor of culture,environment,diet and else,I think the differences,however,are tiny,include Japanese people.Maybe Japanese people are a little smarter than the average in the rest of the world,because they "appreciate knowledge and as "Misztina" said, they give opportunities and help others, and encourage them to bring out their best.""No matter how high your IQ is,the most important thing is that your need to do the hard working everyday,for talent can not decide one's qualities but your insistence in learning without a day wasted."This is perhaps what Janpanese people's philosophy are.

PS:Sea food makes you brighter.

hyae86 wrote: PS:Sea food makes you brighter.

I heard that somewhere before to, something about making connections between brain cells or nerve cells easier... or something :S Ever since my family heard that on some news report a few years, we've eaten at least 1-2 fish a week... hm... *cough* Although I personally don't think I could be smarter than I am now *Cough*

hyae86 wrote: PS:Sea food makes you brighter.

That's why they live longer and are ''brighter'' then the average humanbeing on this planet.
Ofcourse not all off them, there are enough Asian ( not only Japanese ) who are stupid, but like Misztina said, knowledge is appreciated in their culture. While here -the western part- we would rather watch a sitcom instead of reading a good book.

i think fish is probably the only seafood tats rely gd for u.

It's not really the fish that does it, and not all fish do it.  It's the Omega-3 fatty acid that's found in fish such as halibut.  You can get the same effect by taking Omega-3 fatty acid pills.  Note, only take the recommended amount.  While you can't OD on fish pills, you can make yourself pretty sick and screw up your intestines for a period of time.

GinRei wrote: It's not really the fish that does it, and not all fish do it.  It's the Omega-3 fatty acid that's found in fish such as halibut.  You can get the same effect by taking Omega-3 fatty acid pills.  Note, only take the recommended amount.  While you can't OD on fish pills, you can make yourself pretty sick and screw up your intestines for a period of time.

I took those pills for a while and the after taste was not good at all 

Yeah, I've heard they have a fishy after-taste, and even give you fish breath.  Considering I hate fish, I wouldn't be able to stand taking them.

In my opinion, your question is phrased incorrectly.  Instead, you should be asking why that type of storyline is not seen in works originating from other countries?  In America, producers seem to believe that mindless entertainment is the best way to appeal to the target demographic of kids/teens.  If something like Case Closed were to ever become popular in the U.S., you would likely see copycat shows that featured more intricate plots.

i think its their system on education that differs greatly.  here in america most people are just beginning to learn algebra in the eighth grade,  but my mom told me that she began learning algebra in the fourth grade back in burma.  i think this system is the same for most of the other asian countries such as china and japan. 

and plus, the Japanese students are just put under more pressure than the americans because their education really does determine what job they will have in the future, and for the sake of their family's honor.  i heard that many japanese high schoolers commit suicide because they did bad on their high school exit exams.  in fact, i think Gosho portrayed this in one of his really early episodes where the son kills his father because his dad kept on yelling at him for failing a test for the third time. 

trust me, the phrase "asian parents" is not just a stereotype, it's a fact.  and this is coming from an asian.