Apologetic ex-ministers, lawmakers keep quiet on details of scandals

Japan’s justice system is on full display, clearly showing no consistency with people “suspected” of wrongdoing. I’m sure many are seeing Japanese prosecutors as completely disinterested in justice and simply serving as a mechanism to reinforce Japanese culture. Conform and you’re fine. Don’t and face the wrath of Japan.

sumikonagoyaJan. 21  10:08 am JST

he got caught

that is right. He gave out crabs and melons. Send him to Jail now!

No “It’s worse in the West”? You’re letting the side down!

Henny PennyToday  02:06 pm JST

What I don't understand is that he admitted to a scandal, but he isn't in jail or anything like that

I'm not too keen on more taxpayers' money being spent on keeping non-violent offenders locked up when they aren't a real danger to anyone, but he shouldn't be in the Diet either. Neither should that docile muppet-head boss of his.

What a shock ???. Always the same show.

A deep bow and then let the rorts continue

media- "gotta get that bowing pic!"

society- "forgiven."

Other countries have this concept called jail

Good old Japanese politicians and justice.

What we want is for them to stop doing corrupt things, clean up their act and do their jobs, representing their people.

What we don't want is more APOLOGIES!

What I don't understand is that he admitted to a scandal, but he isn't in jail or anything like that

He needs to be tried and convicted before he is put in jail. If he has "confessed" there is no point to putting him in jail to "coerce" a confession out of him.

As far not putting politicians in jail, look up Suzuki Muneo and report back here.

Personally I’d like to know what the punishment for failing to bow and mutter is.

Become PM like Abe!

An admission of guilt, an apology, a deep bow and perhaps quitting their job exonerates them of any criminal charges. What a wonderful system, NOT! This is obviously how Japan keeps its crime statistics low.

Japanese don't demonstrate like any normal democrztic country ?

Nope. By the time they've been herded out of school, most have had all the stuffin' knocked out of them and the "nails" have been firmly hammered down, so that they are then ready to serve in the "space (cadet) force" to cement the social stability of the country.

Custom of deep bowing is so phony and meaningless - one should be fired, forfeit all salary and pension, do some jail time, work for on a chain gang some real punishment.

THIS is exactly what I mean people...They apologize, they bow, they pretend and in the end, they steal from people.

Japanese don't demonstrate like any normal democrztic country ?

bow - free jail pass??

they are not above the law..

Sadly, they are, like all members of governments not of, by or for the people. In the parlance of the Japanese they are above the clouds, like gods, never to be held accountable, with absolutely no fear of doing the crime or the time.

Generic apologies. Wow. I am saying I did anything wrong but I will just apologize anyway. So when it comes out I broke the law, hey, presto flasho, no worries as I have already apologized for my crimes.

They, politians are so disconnected from reality. But they believe their own lies. There biggest fear is being accountable. Not going to happen when they make the laws and they decide who is actually going to be held up to those same laws. Big bow and back to harvesting tax payer money. It's pretty obvious. Someone on this site suggested they wear the logos of their supporters on their jackets, like a F1 driver. That would work they have no shame at all.

 Sugawara said. "If requested by the authorities, I will cooperate sincerely. I'd like to explain the whole story at an appropriate time," a sweating Sugawara said.

Being Japanese gave him the privilage to have the luxury of a chance to say this!

What I don't understand is that he admitted to a scandal, but he isn't in jail or anything like that. But.......

Japanese mocracy at work, bow utter some b.s including key words like regrettable and your good to go.

he got caught

that is right. He gave out crabs and melons. Send him to Jail now!

Is it a type of sickness that is prevalent amongst Japanese politicians?

We need morre wheelchairs for them...

"I feel deeply sorry for harming public trust in politics," former Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai told reporters as a regular parliamentary session started.

Take responsibility but pay no price for their misdeeds. Politics as usual the world over.

BOW and BANZAI!!!

Come on! they are special people, they make the laws but are not bound by the laws. They are very special people that's why they are voted into power because they are special. So special. Not like the rest of us.

Not talking about this case specifically but what the media always calls a scandal for politicians and other powerful figures is a crime if any ordinary person does the same thing. Too bad the media can't do their jobs properly and call things out for what they are.

"I should refrain from comment as investigations are under way."

"I will explain when investigations are done."

I'd like to explain the whole story at an appropriate time,

= I will wait to see how much they know about my shady dealings. Then I will weep and bow more deeply.

Laughable and disgusting but also par for the course. As long as the LDP is in power there will never be any structural changes in government or oversight. All these folks will lay low for several months and will be on the campaign trail again and then sadly, elected again by their constituents. How many times have we seen this Mr. Abe?

Personally I’d like to know what the punishment for failing to bow and mutter is.

Ahh, yes, the privilege of being Japanese and an LDP politician!

No detention necessary in order for the prosecutors to get the truth! No, no, that isn't necessary in the case of LDP politicians.

Just say sorry, bow, but don't explain yourself. Why are they not in jail?

It is highly regrettable that we got caught. Personally I’d like to know what the punishment for failing to bow and mutter is.

And in other news, the Abe cabinet rating has increased again! People who Kyodo polled over the weekend said, we don't like the corruption or anything about the Abe cabinet, but their is no other choice!

In all seriousness, it takes a lot of chutzpah to show up while being criminally investigated and then say nothing.

just a bow is good enough eh.

He looks sincerely sorry (that he got caught)

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe acknowledged his responsibility for appointing Kawai and Sugawara in a Cabinet reshuffle in September.

"Acknowledged" typically the guy who appoints the screw ups do more than that, they ACCEPT the responsibility and fall on their proverbial swords for showing a lack of judgement.

Seems like that "samurai" ethic no longer exists with Abe! He just talks.