Shanti Phula – Page 169 – Shanti Phula's Blog

[Statement of Associate Professor Shimoji] Why do the police create lies to arrest me? The reason is I am participating in citizens groups protesting the re-start of nuclear power plants and the further spread of radiation.

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I feel another hero has appeared. Reading this statement, you will find that the arrest of Associate Professor Shimoji was unlawful and he is a decent and intellectual person. This unjust arrest, on the contrary, makes us know that the ruling class has been driven into a corner.

Fools who side with the ruling class have to prepare to be ruined unless they change their attitude and take a conscientious action. I am writing this kind of thing because there are some people who barely have soul.

Masatoshi Takeshita

December 16, 2016

Masaki Shimoji

English translation of an excerpt of a Japanese article: Monju Bosatsu - December 15, 2012 –

Statement of Hannan University Associate Professor Shimoji,
who was arrested at his home and has been detained

(He wants this statement to be delivered to as many people as possible); from member of “Osaka Declaration Group”

<Comment of group member>

This is a statement of Masaki Shimoji, associate professor at Hannan University. The other day he was suddenly arrested by the police who came to his house and confiscated a total 129 item goods including PC and passbooks. He has been engaged in a movement to protest against accepting earthquake debris by Osaka municipal government.

Associate Professor Shimoji requests us to deliver this statement to as many people as possible.

==============================

*We have received a statement of Associate Professor Shimoji unfairly under detention.*

(So in original)

keepcivicactivity.jimdo.com/English/

What is written in my arrest warrant is untrue. I am totally shocked that the police, who witnessed my actions that are the basis for my arrest, have created completely false statements. Why do the police created lies in order to arrest me? The reason is I am participating in citizens groups protesting the re-start of nuclear power plants and the further spread of radiation (through disaster area debris incineration). In particular, I have criticized the unlawful conduct by police that I have come across through my participation in this movement. I have not done anything wrong.

Japan and the world we live in is an extremely dangerous place. The nuclear disaster of Fukushima is not under control, and should the spent fuel pool in reactor no. 4 collapse, the consequences would be catastrophic for not only Japan but the world as well. Nothing has been done to deal with nuclear fallout, as food and other products continue through the distribution system. Not only that, a campaign claiming “we don’t have enough electricity” is being waged, and use of nuclear energy is still being promoted. This is sheer madness.

In the coming 6 to 12 months, the policies implemented by the government will determine our future. Looking at the faces of my students on a daily basis who are about 20 years old, I think about what kind of world they will live in when in 20 years they reach the same age as me. Each time I do, I regret that those of us of the older generation were unable to prevent the nuclear disaster. The young are not responsible. If anything, I want to work toward leaving an even somewhat better place for them. The disaster has already happened and there is no much time left. But there is hope.

Now, I cannot act but I have not given up. I have been able to deliver this statement despite my detention. And if enough people act and raise their voices, we might be in time. I especially call on other university educators, doctors, scientists, and all those who are considered to be ‘specialists’: Lear from those citizens who appear to be “uneducated or emotional.” Their voices remain unheard and ignored; speak out so their concerns can be heard.

The truth will show itself through a process of critique and dialogue. Stand on the side of those who oppose and act so that the truth will be known, by taking to task the government and those wielding power. You may make errors, and that is all right. Always stand on the side of those with less power and support them. Even if they make mistakes, use your authority to get to the truth when dealing with those in power. It doesn’t matter what your field is; have the courage to speak out.

Finally, I address the issue that I have been most deeply involved; the debris from disaster areas. The city of Osaka forcefully began experimental incineration of such debris at the end of November and continues preparation for the full implementation beginning in February of next year. As I have repeatedly said, the wide-spread incineration throughout Japan of disaster debris will not benefit anyone. Budget funding earmarked for the reconstruction of disaster areas will be funneled off for such incineration, hampering progress on reconstruction. Radiation will be scattered, those living in affected areas will be forced to endure living in contaminated conditions, and the responsibilities of TEPCO will be lightened. We will pay for this with our lives and that of our children and those who are yet born. Such an irresponsible policy should not be allowed. We must stop this. Those of you who have studied and fought together, do not give up and continue to fight. For those of you who were not know about the debris incineration issue, learn more and lend us a hand. This is a fight to save our future.

I do not know when I will be released, but I will return at some point. Even if I’m not visible, I am with you in spirit. As for the others who were also unfairly arrested, I’m sure they feel the same way. I look forward to seeing you again.

December 12, 2012 Masaki Shimoji

*Note) Font color changed into red in some parts for emphatic expression

[Sankei Shimbun] Nuclear Reactor at Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant Likely to be Decommissioned – Shock to Kansai Electric Power Company

Please stop operating as many nuclear reactors as possible. Please decommission them.

Masatoshi Takeshita

December 11, 2012

Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant

( Fukui Prefecture in Japan )

English translation of a Japanese article: Monju Bosatsu – December 11, 2012 –

Source: Sankei Shimbun – December 10, 2012 at 21:31)

Nuclear Reactor at Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant Likely to be Decommissioned – Shock to Kansai Electric Power Company

Infoseek Rakuten News

The fracture zone directly beneath the Tsuruga nuclear power plant (Fukui Prefecture) operated by the Japan Atomic Power Co. (JAPCO) has almost concluded to be an active fault and it is likely that the nuclear reactor there will be decommissioned. This news has posed a quite a shock to electric power companies including Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO). This is because the KEPCO and other power companies have used the Tsuruga plant as power supply source and also have spent a vast amount of money on the operation and maintenance of the plant. It is pointed out that the fracture zones beneath the sites of both Oi and Mihama nuclear power plants (Fukui Prefecture) operated by KEPCO and the Shiga nuclear power plant by Hokuriku Electric Power Company are also likely to be active faults. Therefore, the possibility that reactors at these plants will be decommissioned, which depends on the decision of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), cannot be ruled out.

Revenue from power rates the JAPCO receives from electric power companies is composed of the ‘basic charge’ for operation and maintenance of the nuclear power plant and the ‘meter rate’ varying based on electric supply. Revenue for 2010 from KEPCO alone amounted to 42.5 billion yen. As for revenue for 2011, it reached 34 billion yen, which accounted for 8.4 percent of total payment for electricity purchased by KEPCO, in spite of the suspension of No. 1 and No. 2 reactors at the Tsuruga nuclear power plant.

As KEPCO expected to receive electric power from the Tsuruga nuclear power plant in the future, President Shosuke Mori told a press conference at the Kansai Economic Federation to call for restarting the plant, saying “KEPCO has paid a considerable amount of fixed costs and naturally wants to receive enough electricity commensurate with such payment.”

On the other hand, as the fracture zone beneath the Tsuruga plant has been almost concluded to be an active fault, power companies beneath which there may be active faults are seriously scared about future survey.

On-site survey is slated for 13^th and 14^th this month in five nuclear power plants including the Totsu nuclear power plant operated by Tohokoku Electric Power Company (Aomori Prefecture). As for the fracture zone beneath the site of Totsu plant, Professor Mitsuhisa Watanabe, Toyo University (specialist of geomorphology) points out that “the zone is considered to be an active fault by most definitions.” It is pointed out that the faults beneath the sites of KEPCO’s Mihama nuclear plant and the Monju fast-breeder reactor (Fukui Prefecture) and the active faults beneath the neighborhood area will be activated together.

An additional survey of the fracture zone at the site of Oi nuclear power plant where No. 3 and No.4 reactors are in operation will be made by NRA’s research team of experts on 28^th and 29^th this month. KEPCO comments “we would like to explain it is not an active fault” but if it is judged to be an active fault, operation of No. 3 and No. 4 reactors is highly likely to be suspended.

[Ms. Nobuyo Yagi] Patriotism, Nuclear Power Generation and TPP

Ms. Yagi uses the word ‘patriotic’ instead of ‘patriot.’ She has a way with words. I am not a patriot, either, but I think I could call myself patriotic.

I’d like to define as patriots those who are narrow-minded enough to think that Japan alone is an important country.

Strange enough, so-called patriots are those who work for U.S. for some reason as the country wants them to do. I understand that it means that such people can easily be caught with the bait of money and power.

Masatoshi Takeshita

December 9, 2012

Nobuyo Yagi - Vocalist & Writer

Photo from Official Biografy

English translation of an excerpt from a Japanese article: Nobuyo Yagi’s Monologue – December 9, 2012 –

Patriotism, Nuclear Power Generation and TPP

Please don’t misunderstand me. I am patriotic.

I am good at cooking Japanese cuisine and love Japanese national costume ‘kimono’, which I often wear in wintertime.

Then, why do I, a patriotic person, oppose nuclear power generation and TPP? Needless to say, nuclear power plants have not only damaged the beautiful nature of Japan and its safety on an incomparably larger scale than the Senkaku Islands and Takeshima Island issues but carry a finite risk in the future. This is the biggest reason. With regard to opposition to TPP, I don’t simply speak for Japan Agricultural Cooperatives. Of course, issues on mixed treatment (treatment partially covered by insurance) and ISDS (Investor State Dispute Settlement) are not negligible, but the biggest problem is that introduction of TPP will devastate Japan’s rice farming.

As I spend a couple months a year in Mexico, I know well that California rice is very cheap, one-fifth the price of Japanese rice, and is not of poor quality. If conclusion of TPP results in import of California rice, even though by gradual process, Japan’s rice can’t win.

In 1994, Mexico signed the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) with the U.S. with great fanfare. At that time Mexico greatly expected the agreement to create a big economic growth in the country. Compared with the U.S., labor costs are overwhelmingly lower and agricultural products are cheaper in Mexico. Mexico expected that they would be able to export their agricultural products and other products to the U.S., which would work to the benefit to the U.S.

And needless to say, this fell far short of their expectations.

Most Mexican agricultural products, almost everything but tomatoes and some fruits, was exploited by the U.S. Even the corn, Mexican staple, for which self-sufficient ratio was 100 percent and which was considered rather as exports, (whose free trade, as you might expect, was not allowed at first for the reason that the corn is the staple food of Mexico, the foundation of the country, but later liberalization of the corn market was gradually carried out), have lost ground to American corns with a decline in self-sufficient ration to some 60 percent.

Why is the corn produced in Mexico with advantage of far more cheaper land cost and labor cost defeated in price competition by that produced in the U.S.? Compared with small-scale farming in Mexico, American farmers not only grow corns like industrial products mass-produced on a large scale but also are subsidized by the U.S. government to make international corn prices cheaper than Mexican corn price. This subsidy system caused Mexican corns to be defeated in competitiveness.

It can be said to be the way in which so-called big super market has a special sale with the slogan of slashed price immediately after expanding its business to destroy retailed businesses in the neighborhood.

In a word, Mexico was trapped.

Additionally, most of distributors in Mexico have been bought out by Walmart. The work force has been changed into temporary workers and the disparity between the rich and the poor has been wider. Finally, as a result of insecurity and aggravated conflict among mafias, many civilians have got involved in drug wars.

Looking back, Japanese rice is already expensive. If the government introduces measures for deregulation without subsidizing farmers, it is perfectly clear that rice farming in Japan will be devastated in no time.

What will happen then?

It is not only an emotional problem that we will lose our culture (though it is also an important problem).

This is a problem on what we think about the fact that it is highly likely that we will depend on the U.S. for almost 100 percent of staple food in ten years’ time.

I can’t help wondering why people who call themselves conservatives or patriots could be indifferent to this problem which is strategically and diplomatically important.

[Chunichi Shimbun] There Has Been No Such Terrifying Election

Information from Mr. Masatoshi Takeshita posted on his blog – December 9, 2012 –

English translation of an excerpt from a Japanese article: Monju Bosatsu – December 9, 2012 –

Source: Chunichi Shimbun ( via Ashura Bulletin Board December 8, 2012 )

There Has Been No Such Terrifying Election 　

There is something I am worried about. It is the results of a poll opinion conducted by our newspaper the other day, ahead of the House of Representatives election. Let’s take for example the results on the LDP which reportedly stays ahead in the race.

Slightly 30 percent of the respondents who said they would vote for LDP in the proportional-representation constituency answered in the negative a question on revision of “the Article 9 of the Constitution” and almost half of the respondents call for the oncoming of “abolition of nuclear power generation.”

Needless to say, the LDP has declared for revision of Article 9. The party’s stance is to maintain the use of nuclear power.

Of course, this is also the case with other parties. The pros and cons of respondents contradict the parties they are determined to vote for.

There are two conceivable reasons for such “contradiction.” One is the possibility that a party of preference has a campaign promise other than those on Article 9 and nuclear power generation, which is a definitive factor for the party to be chosen. And the other is the attitude of respondents, who decide to choose a party “without any reason,” not trying to understand the party’s argument well. The former is acceptable, but the other is too dangerous.

Japan learned the lesson at great cost in the last World War that of course, we should not have a war again and also keep away from any war as much as possible. Japan after the war was built based on this lesson. It is an incredibly important decision to change the Article 9, which is a foundation of the country.

Furthermore, the nuclear accident has deprived an enormous number of people of their home towns and has made part of our precious homeland practically uninhabitable due to radiation contamination. The accident bitterly remind us of a Persian proverb: “Don’t open the door which cannot be closed later.”

The first House of Representatives election campaign after the great earthquake has started. Therefore, the question to be asked in the election is whether we are the people who can learn from our failure and tragedy or not.

“Without any reason” is a big no-no. Voting results will decide the future of this country and what the country should be for children to survive.

(Yoshiyuki Shimada, City News Editor, Chunichi Shimbun)

[Mr. Kazuhide Uekusa] Let’s Decide to Immediately Abolish Nuclear Power Generation for Future of Japan

Every sentence of Mr. Uekusa is very clear and the point of his argument is well organized. I think that unlike Mr. Mitsuhashi, Mr. Uekusa clearly understands what is important.

Masatoshi Takeshita

December 6, 2012

English translation of an excerpt from a Japanese article: “Unknown Truth” by Kazuhide Uekusa – December 2, 2012 –

Let’s Decide to Immediately Abolish Nuclear Power Generation for Future of Japan

The three issues in the coming election are on nuclear power generation, consumption tax and TPP & Osprey.

The issue emerging as the most important one is a nuclear policy: whether to abolish nuclear power generation or to maintain it, or whether to approve restarting nuclear power plants or not to approve it.

This policy provides us important information based on which we, sovereign members of this country, make a decision.

As for nuclear power plants, once an accident occurs at one of them, it will cause trillions yen of damage. And measures for final disposal of spent nuclear fuel have yet to be determined. Above all, beautiful land will be lost forever.

The accident in Fukushima has not been concluded yet.

Incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported though the causal relation between the disease and radiation has yet to be determined. Many Japanese are deeply worried about what kind of problem will be actualized in the future.

Given the fact, it is a shallow idea to keep on using nuclear power because we have already had nuclear facilities.

It does not matter if we lose the national land for money. This is the very idea “the miser” has.

As clearly shown in the case of Fukushima, Japan is the country most prone to earthquakes in the world. We have a history of repeated attacks of massive earthquakes and massive tsunamis. This destiny won’t be changed in the future, either.

As we have experienced the accident in Fukushima, it is we sovereign members that are authorized to make a final decision on this issue after due consideration.

In the coming election, sovereign members of Japan should demonstrate a clear-cut decision on this issue.

1. Political party which clearly demonstrates the abolition of nuclear power generation within a decade and sets its political platform of basically disapproving of restarting nuclear power plants

2. Political party which does not demonstrate the abolition of nuclear power generation within a decade and shows its policy of maintaining the use of nuclear power and also restarting the existing nuclear power plants

We sovereign members have to judge which party to select after due consideration.

The political parties which clearly demonstrate the abolition of nuclear power generation within a decade, which include “Mirai”, “Social Democratic Party”, “Japan Communist Party (JCP)”, “Daichi” and “Green”, simultaneously demonstrate their opposition to consumption tax hike and opposition to TPP & Osprey.

In a word, “Mirai”, “Social Democratic Party”, “JCP”, “Daichi” and “Green” are the force against “nuclear power generation/consumption tax hike/TPP & Osprey.”

On the other hand, the force which denies the abolition of nuclear power generation within a decade consists of JPD/ LDP/ New Komeito+Your Party/Ishin+Kaikaku.

This force basically approves consumption tax hike (partly with reservations) and approves TPP (partly with reservations).

To put it simply, JPD/LDP/New Komeito+Your Party/Ishin+Kaikaku are the force to promote “nuclear power generation/consumption tax hike/TPP & Osprey.”

The coming election will be summarized schematically: “Suishinja (Ptoponents) vs. Mitomenja (Opponents)” on the three issues of nuclear power generation, consumption tax and TPP.

[Mr. Naoto Amaki] There Can Be No Denuclearization Without Departure from Subordination to U.S.

This is really a piercing comment. I agree with him. Ichiro Ozawa uses denuclearization as policy platform simply because he can come to power. Reality is so pathetic that I want to be thinking that Mr. Taro Yamamoto is the only person who seriously tries to stop operating nuclear power plants. However, unless we grab an administration away from the LDP/New Komeito/JPD and Ishin no Kai, they will revive nuclear power policy and, additionally, they will bring about a war.

Masatoshi Takeshita

December 4, 2012

Naoto Amaki - a former Japanese diplomat

English translation of an excerpt from a Japanese article: Blog of Amaki Naoto – December 4, 2012 –

There Can Be No Denuclearization Without Departure from Subordination to U.S.

The main subject of the coming general election is denuclearization.

It seems to me that no political party seriously tries to realize it.

Rather, no political party voicing an objection to denuclearization seems to realize how difficult it is to realize it.

Real difficulty of denuclearization does not arise in finding new energy source or showing operation schedule.

Once political decision on denuclearization is made, such thing is possible by gathering wisdom from all fields and addressing it with desperation.

What matters is to make political decision on denuclearization.

And such decision cannot be made unless we become independent from subordination to U.S.

The Mainichi Shimbun, dated December 4, has run an important article titled “Denuclearization: Seriousness Questioned.”

I have paid attention to the following part in the article.

“… The Noda administration set back its “denuclearization” policy because of strong backlash from the municipalities where nuclear power plants are built and the business community which is concerned about hollowing out of industry due to electric bill hike as well as our ally U.S. ……”

Political decision on denuclearization leads to political decision on Okinawa issue which is symbolized by refusal of deployment of the Osprey.

Why will it take forever to solve the Okinawa issue?

That’s because successive administrations have tried to yield to demands from U.S. while compelling Okinawa residents to accept them.

That’s because there was no leader who had will and resolution to tell to the U.S. government a long-cherished wish of Okinawa residents as the Japanese and to realize it.

Denuclearization and Osprey deployment are two side of the same coin.

Suffering of Okinawa is the same as that of Fukushima.

The Japanese government has prioritized the intention of the U.S. government, turning a deaf ear to outcry of the people.

I defy such Japanese politics and want to realize politics in which top priority is given on living and life of the Japanese.

I want politics which puts an end to the domination of this country by bureaucrats, cat’s paw of the U.S.

I have supported Ichiro Ozawa who will, I expect, realize it.

While thinking it is difficult even for him, I have supported him, hoping that he is the only politician that can realize it.

It was his turn when he was found not guilty. However, he brought out Governor Kada to the forefront. At that time I felt dubious of it.

When I saw a final lineup of expected candidates recruited by the Japan Tomorrow Party led by Governor Kada, I felt deeply disappointed.

This lineup of candidates will not make it possible to get independent from U.S. and fight against bureaucrats who are subservient to U.S.

Even if all candidates get elected, they are good for nothing.

The administration after the general election, whatever combination it may be, will be a coalition government consisting of political parties that finely agree with one another on the point of enhancement of the Japan-U.S. alliance.

There can be no real denuclearization.

[Leave gun and badge as they are] Go Forward! Buggy Bird Can Drive Developed

When the parrot manages to control the buggy, he stretches himself triumphantly. His action is cute.

Masatoshi Takeshita

December 8, 2012

English translation of an excerpt from a Japanese blog: Leave gun and badge as they are – December 8, 2012 –

Go Forward! Buggy Bird Can Drive Developed

This is terrific. It is a “bird buggy” perfect for tamed birds that have no memory of flying.

Operation of the joystick enables the bird to go from front to back and from side to side, anywhere he wants to go. What is the most amazing is that he seems to drive it on his own will.

[Prof. Hiroaki Koide] Nuclear Power Plants and Politics/Politicians

After reading an article on interview with Prof. Hiroaki Koide, I was surprised to learn that he shares the same opinion that much.

I am different from him only in that he says “We should eat contaminated good in order to save farmers.” It’s my understanding that Prof. Koide’s mercifulness had him make a wrong judgment.

Masatoshi Takeshita

December 2, 2012

English translation of an excerpt from a Japanese article: Soon the northern wind will blow – December 1, 2012 –

Prof. Koide November 29 “Nuclear Power Plants and Politics/Politicians”

Interview with Prof. Hiroaki Koide on November 29 by Mr. Yasumi Iwakami: Transcript from “kiikochan.blog”

Iwakami: I do understand well that you don’t want to commit yourself to politics. Apart from other policies, I’d like to ask you what you think about nuclear power plant policy.

Koide: Well, I don’t like politics. It is because people like Mr. Hashimoto are politicians.

Iwakami: Oh!

Koide: In a word, he has no basic policy at all.

At one time, he said, “I’m against nuclear power plants.” However, he easily ate his words. He loves someone strong. He wants himself to be strong and loves someone strong.

He curries favor with Mr. Ishihara who seems to be stronger and cozies up to him, abandoning his commitment to denuclearization. He seems to be that kind of person. I feel that as long as such person engages in politics, I have no hope for it. Therefore, I want to keep my distance from politicians as much as possible.

Koide: Although it is not a very nice way to put it, he always says something to get to be popular among the public. If he considers it ineffective, he throws it away. He thinks it realistic.

Iwakami: I see. When he mentioned “to abandon nuclear power generation,” he sensed how the public felt to win popularity.

Koide: He lacked coherence at the time of restarting the Ohi nuclear power plant, too.

Yielding to the threat of “possible blackout,” he made a slip of the tongue and said, “It is over” and “I’m defeated.” We had no blackout. I thought that he should fight bravely. Well, it shows that he is such type of person by his nature.

Iwakami: As for Mr. Shintato Ishihara, he mentions not only the promotion of nuclear power generation but the discussion about the possession of nuclear weapons.

The Senkaku territory issue came up. It was Mr. Shintaro Ishihara that ignited the dispute. His remarks made the relations with China soured and changed the domestic atmosphere.

In this situation, he quit the Tokyo governorship and tried to embark on national politics. What is your evaluation of his political stance?

Koide: Mr. Ishihara loves someone strong much better than Mr. Hashimoto does. I think that he probably wants to control this country and also the world with power.

I think that his way of thinking is basically wrong, and I have wanted people like him not to engage in politics and my opinion is the same as before.

Iwakami: Do you think that possession of nuclear weapons is realistically possible?

Koide: Yes, of course. “Use of nuclear power plants for power generation, not for nuclear weapons” was the first official reason, but to begin with, a prime reason for Japan to get involved in nuclear power was for nuclear weapons.

Koide: Some two years ago, NHK broadcasted a program “Japan that needs nuclear weapons.”

It was a program which describes what intention Japan had in the 1960s when the country rushed headlong into nuclear power; the intention was clarified by collection of testimony of the diplomats at the time, diplomatic documents and testimony of diplomats of a foreign country, Germany.

“Japan should always be prepared to have nuclear weapons” was Japan’s intention.

Then document says that it should be made known to the public.

I think it indicates that finally Japan has started teaching the public the fact that “Japan should also have nuclear weapons.”

Iwakami: The recent move toward this….

Koide: Considering the fact that NHK produced such program…

Iwakami: The LDP also proposed to revise the Constitution and make the SDF the national armed forces. These will lead to approving the use of Japan’s right of collective self-defense, under which Japan can be mobilized as U.S. subcontractor and also to putting an emphasis on “nuclear weapons.”

What do you think of LDP’s stance?

Koide: They have had a consistent stance.

Koide: The LDP wants to immediately revise the Constitution. Especially Mr. Abe was at the head of advocates of constitutional amendment. If LDP should take on the next administration, Japan will direct its course all the more toward revising the Constitution, never abandoning nuclear power and reviving it.

Iwakami: For example, the Senkaku Islands issue, the tense relations between Japan and China or U.S. commitment to it. What do you think?

Koide: All we have to do is to get back to the spirit of a constitution. Take for example the Constitution of Japan. As you know well, the Article 9 says that “The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.”

The article prescribes clearly: In order to accomplish it, land, sea and air forces will never be maintained. As Japan declares “it will ban the use of force as means of settling international conflicts,” Japan only has to observe the constitution.

First of all, we have to stop being subject state to any countries.

Iwakami: It lasted only for a few days, but there was a move where each force got together to form a third force of center-liberals.

A party was formed with Shiga Governor Kada as leader and Mr. Tetsuya Iida as acting leader. The People’s Life First and the Anti-Nuclear Power formed by Mr. Kamei and Mr. Yamada, which has not yet a political party, have joined the party.

What do you think of this move?

Or what do you think about Ms. Kada as leader?

Koide: In the two-party system, we had to choose either DPJ or LDP. However, either party is not good.

I think that we should immediately abandon nuclear power. Either party is not good. The party formed by Mr. Hashimoto and Mr. Ishihara is not good, either.

Then I had wished that some organization, where those who have tried to stop nuclear power plant operation are accepted, could be created. Therefore, I feel grateful for Ms. Kada who has created such organization.

To stop nuclear power plant operation is not only the problem of nuclear reactors but relates to “what type of society to build.” I’d like to thank her for making it a top priority to “stop nuclear power plant operation.” I hope Ms. Kada and others will participate actively in politics.

Iwakami: Mr. Ozawa immediately disbanded his own party “People’s Life First” and made an about-turn to join the Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party) which tried to form alliances with this goal of getting Japan out of nuclear power.

What do you think of Mr. Ozawa as politician?

Koide: I originally dislike the strong. So,…

Koide: I think that a society seeking the strong is rotten in the first place. Like Mr. Hashimoto and Mr. Ishihara who want to get strong and yearn for the strong, many people seem to “expect some strong leaders to appear.” I think this is wrong. Rather, it is important for each of us to live with clear self-awareness as sovereign member of society. I think that “we should not seek strong leaders.”

In that sense, Mr. Ozawa is one of strong leaders.

As long as I hear his recent comments, I think he is very respectable.

He is respectable because he has got to definitely give his opinion and claim to “opposition to nuclear power.”

With regard to the current move, he swiftly disbanded his party and decided to merge into Mirai no To, which tries to mobilize people with policy centering on denuclearization. He is indeed a competent politician.

However, as I say many times, I have no trust in politics. As he has engaged in politics for many years, Mr. Ozawa might change his attitude in political world in future. Therefore, I am not completely free of uncertainty about him.

[Sore News] Heizo Takenaka Says “The Youth Have Freedom To Get Poor. They Can Enjoy It”

Information from Mr. Masatoshi Takenaka posted on his blog – December 2, 2012 –

“What a bird-brain!”

Masatoshi Takeshita

English translation of an excerpt from a Japanese article: Sore News – December 1, 2012 –

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Heizo Takenaka

(wikipedia)

There is one thing I want to say to the youth: “You have freedom to get poor.” “If you want to do nothing, it is all right. However, you’ll get poor and you can just enjoy it. There is only one thing you should not do in that case. Don’t get in the way of hard workers’ success.”

Some time ago he appeared on a show on BS Asahi to talk with Mr. Taichi Sakaiya and Mr. Shuntaro Torigoe. When they made a comment on the youth, saying “We want the youth to take more risk in life,” some young people complained about it. At that time he also said “You have freedom to get poor.”

toyokeizai.net/articles/-/11927?page=2

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3 : Kuro (Yawaraka Ginko): 2012/12/01(Sat) 18:37:05.34

ID: mMaCaywJO

Poverty cannot be enjoyed.

7 : AmourYamaneko (Sanyo area): 2012/12/01(Sat) 18:38:55.33

ID: sZNSR5V10

I don’t understand what he says.

9 : Himalayan (Gunma Pref.): 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:38:59.60

ID:VQGjSvFn0

Say it when you go completely broke.

10: Shi (Mie Pref.): 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:39:10.35

ID: PgCjS7hNO

We have no freedom to recover even after getting poor.

14: Yoroppa Yamaneko (Xinjiang Uygur Automonous Region): 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:40:07.01

ID: obo9EBEL0

Don’t get in the way?

If so, don’t hammer the nail sticking up.

15: Jyagarandi (Aichi Pref.) 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:40:17.84

ID: XcC8xGDw0

This man also seems to make a wild argument with aging at a rapid pace.

20: Shi (Mie Pref.): 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:42:02.85

ID: PgCjS7hNO

Why can’t you create society where we have no difficulty in living without working, in this day of advanced science?

How long should we live in barbarian-level society?

21: Oselott (Ashi): 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:43:02.39

ID: fC3A2hLzP

This is cruel.

Does it mean that the poor should die?

22. Nuko (Tokyo): 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:43:16.62

ID: 6mXvg+IH0

These words should be given after recovering economy.

The guy who allowed for disintermediation of temporary workers should keep quiet!

25: Snowshoe (Nagaya): 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:43:50.95

ID: ET6s0Yb50

He ignores the fact that it is the elderly who cause problems that drag down.

29: Shimamike (Hokkaido) 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:46:31.54

ID: y2+p0OdhO

Who is this?

Someone who believes in any religion?

32: Russianblue (Ibaragi Pref.): 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:47:24.88

ID: XhtgRGyL0

>>29

Religion called capitalism

36: Japanese bobtail (Yamagata Pref.): 2012/12/01 (Sat) 18:49:22.89

ID: DrRKLhddI

This way of thinking is awful.

Gentle-hearted Japanese will disappear someday.

Kizuna (Laughter)

[Mr. Ryusaku Tanaka] Women’s Katte-ren (Volunteer Support Group) Aims at Advancement of Women by ‘Tokyo Governor Utsunomiya”

The upcoming election will be the election where we face a question of whether we have insight into human nature of candidates.

Masatoshi Takeshita

November 29, 2012

English translation of an excerpt from a Japanese article: Ryusaku Tanaka Journal – November 28, 2012 –

Women’s Katte-ren (Volunteer Support Group) Aims at Advancement of Women by ‘Tokyo Governor Utsunomiya”

“Women’s Katte-ren” is all out to open up the women’s

vote as well as the men’s one.

= At Utsunomiya’s election campaign office,

Yotsuya, Tokyo on 28^th Photo by Tanaka =

Women who have been suffered a lot by the Ishihara metropolitan government over 13 years have kicked off revenge. They have organized a “Women’s Katte-ren” (volunteer support group) which supports Mr. Kenji Utsunomiya, a candidate for Tokyo gubernatorial election to be announced tomorrow on 29^th.

Now the women’s poverty problem has being a social problem: “half of women workers are non-regular employees” and “one out of three single women is in poverty.”

It is said that too much unfair customary practice of personnel affairs has been repeated by the metropolitan government since the reign of Governor Ishihara (from 1999). “Among successive vice-governors, there is only one woman – just one time in the Minobe metropolitan government about 40 years ago. Although there are 52 posts as bureau chiefs, only one woman takes the post of bureau chief. There are many women who cannot take administrative positions.” Ms. Masayo Niwa, a member of the Women’s Katte-ren, who has worked as metropolitan official for more than 10 years, told that every support measures for women has been scaled down since the start of the Ishihara metropolitan government.

“The women’s policy developed by the Minobe metropolitan government was a top-level policy across the country. Regrettably, there is no trace of it at all.

In 1991 a budget of JPY10 billion was allocated as fund for promotion of gender equality. Furthermore, the metropolitan government adopted an epoch-making policy – ‘to support women who have to burden the cost of filing litigations against sexual harassment or violence against women.’”

“However, with the start of the Ishihara metropolitan government, litigation support service available for women vanished into air. The above-mentioned budget of JPY10 billion was absorbed in the general account. Most precious materials on women’s issues were kept under lock and key in the basement. He (Ishihara, former Tokyo Governor) couldn’t stand women looking big,” Ms. Niwa said in vexation.

Mr. Kenji Utsunomiya. “Not a few women who graduated from a

school for the disabled are reduced to poverty.”

He listened attentively to on-the-spot plead for help, taking notes.

= At Tokyo Women’s Plaza on 24^th Photo by Suwa =

Mr. Utsunomiya rushed to Tokyo Women’s Plaza after finishing his address at another Katte-ren. He started off his speech by pointing out the gender disparity.

“The Japan Federation of Bar Associations has two female vice presidents. I think that half of the four vice- governors should also be women. The Tokyo metropolitan government should listen to the citizens of Tokyo. As half of the citizens are women, the metropolitan government should be the autonomous body reflecting women’s voices.”

“Improvement of the welfare of residents is stipulated in Article 2 of Local Autonomy Act. It is necessary to have every resident feel happy to live in this town. The effort of Tokyo governor alone is insufficient. All residents should also get actively involved. I think that this will be such a gubernatorial election.”

Lawyer Utsunomiya has devoted his life to saving the weak such as heavily-indebted people. His speech is very convincing.

The birth of Tokyo Governor Utsunomiya will make it possible for women who have not sufficiently been utilized in the labor market to have a bright future before.