politics

Japan's cyber security minister admits never having used computer

72 Comments
By Yoshikazu Tsuno

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72 Comments
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Pretty sad. My 4-year old daughter knows what a USB is and stands for. I'm serious (about my daughter). She even knows how to use my smartphone, too.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Clearly doesn't sound as if he's a hands-on type of guy, one wonders how he managed to land that role ? Perhaps in order not to rock the boat ?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Bizarre! It would be interesting to hear how he was appointed to the position.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sometimes I even dot T’s and cross I’s!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Let’s face it - people are rarely queried about their technical computer competence when employed. So it’s no surprise to see things like this. Also, the fact that some management theory proposes that people skills are more inportant than knowledge or technical knowhow - I would really argue against that. Computer proficiency saves companies billions from employees at all levels and companies also suffer big time when incompetent staff have very limited computer skills these days.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Wow -64 on the first comment! Has anyone seen such a negative? It is as welcome as a cockroach on a wedding cake...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just beyond belief, unless you’ve lived here and seen with your own eyes those who think they are running the show. This is BBC worthy.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Michael....guess I am not that smart....Yes I learn through experience.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yoshitaka Sakurada, 68, is the deputy chief of the government's cyber security strategy office and also the minister

All bureaucrats in Japan need is a hanko right?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Tokyo-Engr You needed work experience to learn common sense?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This is insane. How can a man "take responsibility" for something he knows absolutely nothing about. He cannot. The system that allows this is broken and needs repair.

I have both worked at a Fortune 50 company and I have run my own business. My experience has been that in order to garner the respect of those you are supposed to lead you need to be technically competent in the field which you are leading.

This is shameful

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Typical Japanese dinosaur politician - that he has managed to get this far speaks to cronyism, family connections and whatever else which leads to an entitled feeling of being able to function as a representative of the people. What a joke but not surprising.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

And every brief or request had to be printed on hard copy all these years. Never an email??

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The citizens voted for that government. They deserve what they get. I hope they are made to pay for their consistently stupid choices. You vote LDP, you get dinosaurs like this.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

SaineNov. 15  10:35 pm JST Well “Cyber” security has never really been Japan’s strong suit. My company uses antiquated standards and all kinds of wonky software that’s rife with vulnerabilities.

In spite of having a reputation for being so technologically advanced, most Japanese businesses and all of the government are cyber-challenged to an alarming degree.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Imagine how slow any decision would be made let alone new issues that come up. Even the ramifications of something would all have to be explained. Oh and the cost overruns, so many envelopes to fill. Meanwhile Crackers are going to love the Olympics. I feel sorry for Japan

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Most Japanese politicians and corporation chairmen are like him, no wonder Japanese economy has been going down the gutter for the past 28 years.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

You've got to be joking!!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Great irony but it happens and not so uncommon over here even. But USB is a no no.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The good old sempai/kohai relationship at it's best. All you need to do is get older...

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Educational problem, as simple as that.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The important thing is he didn't lie about it.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Let me see, maybe his boss can help out.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

At least he didn't lie about it.

But for someone to be head of cyber security, I'd want CISSP credentials, otherwise, he can't have any clue about all the different aspects involved in computer and data security.

Does he know what a router is and how often they have holes and bugs?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Sakurada's main job is Tokyo Olympic which will not take any brain.

"When Renho asked him how much funding the central government would contribute to the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, he responded: “1,500 yen”, which works out at just over $13, some way below the actual sum of 150 billion yen."

(https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/15/japan-cyber-security-ministernever-used-computer-yoshitaka-sakurada).

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I bet the first time he forgot his obento at home, he called his wife and asked her to fax it to him. . . . Just joking. He doesn't know how to use a phone.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

My FIL told me 20 years ago that this chap was a clown who couldn't be trusted to run his own bath. Waist-deep in kick-backs, and utterly untouchable in his turf of Kashiwa, where if you don't vote for him you are considered Korean, Communist or both.

That Abe chose to give him this vital role speaks volumes about out Dear Leader's own fitness for office.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

It is not like he will be getting his hands dirty on getting the work anyway. It will be someone providing a report and proposal and he just put his rubber stamp on it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Well “Cyber” security has never really been Japan’s strong suit. My company uses antiquated standards and all kinds of wonky software that’s rife with vulnerabilities.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Chinese hackers are on a field day trip now..

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Who gave him the job? and why?

He may not need to use a computer, but he ought to know how they are used and misused.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

To manage effectively you do not need to be an expert but you do need to know enough to understand what is going on and what your subordinates are up to/telling you. Being a quick study helps.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

A Famicom is not a computer

2 ( +2 / -0 )

This is the politician who was chinned by a boozed up salaryman whilst making a speech outside Kashiwa station last October.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Parody level: Japanese

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Well I’m not the least bit surprised!

lots of politicians are in positions that they clearly aren’t qualified for but who needs experience when you have connections and enough money to buy your way to the top:-/

5 ( +5 / -0 )

I'm reminded of a British comedy classic called 'yes minister'

11 ( +11 / -0 )

What is wrong if Mr Yoshitaka Sakurada has spoken the truth that he has never used computer in his life. I have full sympathy for him. There are still millions who do not know how to use computers.Mr Sakurada should be provided full training in computers so that he becomes an expert in cyber security matters.

-17 ( +1 / -18 )

The best managers know how to delegate. Managers who try to do the work instead of delegating end up dropping the ball.

I have no idea if this guy is a good manager or not. But anyone who reads this and assumes he is bad by default doesn’t understand how management works.

Good post but I think you are treating this like a managerial role in the private sector. From what I can gather about how these ministries operate, it would be the senior bureaucrats who would delegate and this minister would hanko the resulting material.

I don’t think they would even be hands-on enough or knowledgeable enough to delegate effectively.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

One thing that doesn't happen enough in Japan is political satire. Other countries would have a field day with this on TV and newspapers.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

I understand that a leader job is to direct and supervise his subordinates and hire efficient people to do the work. But how could he be so proud to say that he had never touch a pc before or knows what a USB is? He should have at least spend some effort learning the job he is doing and ask others for help to guide him. He doesn't have to be great in it,but at least put some effort into it. To be this ignorant is ridiculous and harmful for our nation. We need people with motivation,creativity and are hardworking.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Do not worry. All difficult works will be done by Japan's excellent bureaucrats. Often it is welcome by the bureaucrats if a minister does not know anything about his job. Because, the minister will be easily controlled by them. Sakurada's main job is Tokyo Olympic which will not take any brain. He became the minister after elected to the diet seven times in succession. He became the minister finally as a result of clearing stocks - waiting list. Abe could not refuse it since Sakurada belongs to the LDP secretary Nikai's faction. Nikai recommended him to Abe and he could not refuse since Abe owes Nikai greatly for his reelection to the prime minister.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The best managers know how to delegate. Managers who try to do the work instead of delegating end up dropping the ball.

I have no idea if this guy is a good manager or not. But anyone who reads this and assumes he is bad by default doesn’t understand how management works.

-19 ( +1 / -20 )

I am Jack’s total lack of surprise.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Will he stay until 2020 Olympics, most futuristic ever?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Is this really shocking? Japan is full of people in high positions who do not have the qualifications or experience for the job.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

I wouldn’t hire him as an under boot boy! With such a lack of intellectual curiosity (which does tend to indicate a lower intellect) and a self confessed lack of understanding of the real world since the age of 25, not to mention his inability to grasp the briefings his Civil Servants undoubtedly gave him on his new job “I don’t know the details” demonstrates his inadequacy for any job.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

The blind trying to lead the sighted...,,

8 ( +8 / -0 )

LOL

5 ( +5 / -0 )

As I was saying, zero security in Japan and this just goes to show it.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Hah, I would laugh if it wasn't so pathetic. Anyone surprised really. The government posts are rotation based. People from health end up in defense positions etc, it makes no sense and its time for a revolution. NOW!

12 ( +12 / -0 )

The ultimate firewall - not using a PC.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

He's never had to deal with the aggravation of having a computer virus invade his computer. Probably he's laid back compared to most people. But he should not have this job. Has he resigned yet? They may have to fire him if he doesn't resign.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

"Since the age of 25, I have instructed my employees and secretaries, so I don't use computers myself," 

At least he use Fax machine, does he?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The requirement of a job like this is having a hanko. As Albaleo said, anything more from these dinosaurs is probably dangerous.

Get the bureaucrats to teach him to surf for porn and he’ll be too distracted to do anything related to he job.

18 ( +18 / -0 )

and more or less absolutely no knowledge concerning computers

If we accept that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing", perhaps that's not so bad. I'd hate to think that someone was making decisions on cyber security based on their experiences with Word and Excel.

On the other hand, that any government minister, whatever the department, doesn't use a computer is a bit of a shocker.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Geriatric Governance. Where the Geritol and Mylanta.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Japan's cyber security minister admits never having used computer

Japan in 9 words

26 ( +28 / -2 )

"Since the age of 25, I have instructed my employees and secretaries, so I don't use computers myself," 

That's how it often works in a structure based on seniority and connections rather than merit. The higher-ups just have subordinates do ground-work tasks for them. That's why so many presidents and high-level managers of eikaiwa companies can't speak English nor are they interested in it.

24 ( +25 / -1 )

Doesn't matter if he doesn't know but he needs to make an effort to study it.

-12 ( +0 / -12 )

Is there a Japanese word for 'outrage'? If so, why is it never used in response to government outrageousness?

13 ( +14 / -1 )

Obviously nobody told him he could watch Inka anytime he wants on one of those New Fangled box things. Probably would have trouble with a fax machine too. Had a business at 25, at 68 still needs an income? Obviously has made more mistakes in his life than skipping the last 25 odd years of progress.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Another confirmation that Japan is governed by dinosaurs.

34 ( +35 / -1 )

Japan's cyber security minister admits never having used computer

Nothing to see here folks. Its just another day in Japan. Move on

The monkeys definitely are running the circus.

Like I said, just another day in Japan.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The monkeys definitely are running the circus.

28 ( +29 / -1 )

By Yoshikazu Tsuno

Thought it was Deja-Vu but there seems to be some striking similarities in a few paragraphs to the article written by the Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/15/japan-cyber-security-ministernever-used-computer-yoshitaka-sakurada

11 ( +12 / -1 )

And so what?  does the transport minister have to have flown a plane?  does the Defence minister have to have been in the forces?

-69 ( +8 / -77 )

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