politics

Japan Inc wants Abe election win, but with smaller majority

31 Comments
By Tetsushi Kajimoto

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31 Comments
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When our big brother America's president is Trump, Abe is an appropriate prime minister of Japan.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

So this goes to show that Abe is for big business, and big business is for Abe. Both of them are not concerned in the least with the average citizen, only to make sure they remain in power and making money for themselves. That is why Japan needs a change, and I thought Koike was going to push that idea, but in less than two weeks she has gone from being a real alternative to a third choice. Japan seems to be doomed, as they keep making the same mistakes and electing the party that really holds them in disdain.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

Distdain is putting it lightly the working public are treated as crud. Example, death from over work Government solution= double the legal limit! I'm still waiting for an understanding on so many issues. Yet Dumbarse public will throw their hands in the air because they just don't care LDP is a security blanket that kills everything softly.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

So basically, if abe-nomics has yielded absolutely zilch thus far, what reason besides placing Japan on war footing would make anyone with functional mental faculties vote the same thing in? Isn't that the very definition of insanity? Repeating the same thing expecting different results?

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Japan seems to be doomed, as they keep making the same mistakes and electing the party that really holds them in disdain.

Hey come on. The election isn't over yet. We may get a pleasant surprise. Remember that JT is a cheerleading site for Abe and the LDP.

Distdain is putting it lightly the working public are treated as crud.

Well if they keep voting them in then they deserve to be treated as such.

At the end of the day, you reap what you sow. If the Japanese public overwhelmingly choose Abe, they are giving him a mandate for his agenda. If they do THAT they shall have and deserve the disaster that is to follow.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Seems to me that every poll has the people stating that they want this election to focus on social issues, education, and the economy, and a very small percentage, some polls in single digits, the constitutional reform that Abe and his pundits keep harping on.

I can not see how the LDP can be expected to win so many seats when they aren't even discussing the issues the PEOPLE want.

The media is in cahoots with the LDP of that there is no doubt in my mind, and that bugs the hell out of me!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

“They also fear that revising the pacifist constitution will send a wrong signal to Asian neighbors” who suffered from Japan’s wartime aggression.

So answer me this question please...."Why in the hell do you want to vote for Abe and the LDP if you fear THIS so much?"

6 ( +7 / -1 )

How on earth will Japan be able to finance the cost of social security services?”

Mortgage the kids, track the balances in a spreadsheet and tell yourself that all is fine. It's worked so far, right?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

It feels like an abusive relationship! The one partner inflicts pain on the other, they split up, then they promise to be good to them, get back together and the abuse starts all over again. There are a few posters who keep saying that Abe is a good leader and the best thing for Japan. I'd like them to show me what has he done, give me some concrete examples. And don't throw the Nikkei is at a ten year high, that has nothing to do with Abe's policies. How has he made life better for people? How has he tackled the problem of population decline, women's rights, protection for the environment? Once again, my wife's parents pension has been cut, while their medical insurance costs have risen. Where is the fairness in that?

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Wallace# if you've been here enough you'll realise actual tangible results are not a big priority nor is success, rather a slow and aging stability is what they seek . The LDP are perfect for the job. A gentle windless cruise to a comfortable mediocrity. Business as usual in other words.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

big business is for Abe. Both of them are not concerned in the least with the average citizen

i should think the average citizen (taxpayer) is concerned about public finances, as a lot of the surveyed businesses appear to be.

Note also that those answering the survey are average citizens, working for businesses.

How can you say Abe is for business when he is not focused on their election priority issues at all?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

my wife's parents pension has been cut, while their medical insurance costs have risen. Where is the fairness in that?

Look at Japan's public finances.

What will be fair about these unsustainable welfare systems when they collapse completely?

These systems need total overhaul and reform so that they become sustainable.

Tge problem in Japan is that everyone is a vested interest - everyone wants their welfare system, and expects others to pay for it.

That must end. Somebody has to pay.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

The 'fascism of indifference' meets managed decline and a lust for war for profit. Rural desertification, aging population, impoverished middle class, collapsing finances, corrupt corporations, corrupt incompetent, third-rate politicians bereft of ideas: the future is bleak for Japan.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

The whole election is a farce. I see NO promotion of any kind for other parties, except a LITTLE bit from Koike's party but all I hear and see in the news is ABE, ABE, ABE. Abe here and there even on TV he is the ONLY one that has a CM or I must have missied the other ones.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I hope the LDP monopoly will change! Even if the outside of LDP looks good, the inside is boiling over with "big government" aspects, more surveillance etc!

Democracy as we know it, is to a certain extent at stake in this election!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

 if you've been here enough you'll realise actual tangible results are not a big priority nor is success, rather a slow and aging stability is what they seek 

I'd also add 'a reassuing appearance of making an effort'. The news has been full of 'pledges to tackle problems' since Abe has come to power, which the voters seem to like, but very little has been reported about results achieved.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Makes sense, I too share this hope that the LDP retains power but slightly reduced to give better opposition and accountability. The opposition so far, and the opposition choices in this election, are terrible and incompetent and the risk of disruption is too great with such a fragile economy.

One only needs to look at the UK or the US to see what happens when you make stupid and uneducated electoral choices based on emotion and anger, which is why you see most minimum wagers and NEETs here supporting the opposition and pining for a radical overhaul of the economic system as they already have nothing whatsoever to lose and resent others' success. There's no way in hell that will happen in this country thankfully

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Abe is the death of Japan. But there is no one any better :(

1 ( +3 / -2 )

In other words, Japan deserves better.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Japan will soon no longer pose a threat to China, South Korea and the US economy if LDP keeps ruling.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

LDP with its political & military direction will move Japan into military conflict with North Korea and then China.

USA later will abandon Japan when the "price" is too high, as with USA consistent behavior in past 20 years, eg Mubarak, Sadam Hussein, Gaddafi, etc.

Japan ignored debt/finance & social security problems will unraveled. There will be a domestic crisis, as Kuroda artificially keep rates at zero for too long. Borrowing costs at zero without proper market adjustment  sustained all kind of rots in the system temporarily, making the problem a lot bigger and worse. Kuroda approach is a myopic short-term fix, as it is near impossible for LDP to really shoot the 3rd arrow of reforms. Real reforms in Japan means the elimination of the LDP system of patronage and parts of Japanese culture/system that Japanese hold so dear to. Japan is likely in a sure slow economic & social decline a- coming, despite the hype of Olympics, etc. Japan is into the winter cycle of its history.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

No wonder LDP is going to protect the interests of large corporations only. One hand washes the other. Working class people? Screw them. They must be proud to serve the almighty state and not thinking of their own needs!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Sorry, but if the J-people vote these LDP clowns in YET AGAIN with a massive majority, they deserve everything that's coming their way. No more sympathy.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Sorry, but if the J-people vote these LDP clowns in YET AGAIN with a massive majority, they deserve everything that's coming their way. No more sympathy.

@Civitas: I agree, a people deserve their government. Just like all Americans deserve Trump, all Brits deserve Brexit, and all Russians deserve Putin

1 ( +1 / -0 )

dcog9065 - Trump and Brexit were bad decisions but at least can be justified as steps into the unknown by an electorate who wanted change. Unlike Abe, Putin is very popular with the electorate by all accounts. However, Japanese people know exactly what they'll get with an LDP government since they've had one for 67 out of the last 70 years. Also only 53% of Japanese people bothered to vote in the 2014 election and the figure is unlikely to be much higher in this election. Like Civitas, if peoples' worst fears about the LDP materialise, I'll find it difficult to have any sympathy.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

LDP AND KOMEITO , should launch more vigorous last minute campaigning to win two third majority in the lower house in coming Sunday election. PM Abe is the glittering hope for Japan. He will make Japan a strong powerful country in ASIA and people more happy and prosperous by implementing more liberal policies for their welfare.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Arrogant business by "The Establishment" of Japan.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Japan Business Federation (日本経済団体連合会 Nippon Keizai-dantai Rengōkai) is an economic organization founded in May 2002 by amalgamation of Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations, established 1946) and Nikkeiren (Japan Federation of Employers' Associations, established 1948), with Nikkeiren being absorbed into Keidanren

nippon kaigi

amukuradi

LDP

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0 ( +2 / -2 )

Trump and Brexit were bad decisions but at least can be justified as steps into the unknown by an electorate who wanted change. Unlike Abe, Putin is very popular with the electorate by all accounts. However, Japanese people know exactly what they'll get with an LDP government since they've had one for 67 out of the last 70 years.

@cucashopboy: "Justified as steps into the unknown", seriously? Are the lives and physical and economic wellbeing of people just some adventure to you? I can see why Trump got elected now..

Being upset for having a miserable life and not adapting to the modern economy is no justification whatsoever to take out your misery and anger on other people and the rest of the nation out of pure spite. Trump is a national catastrophe for the US and I doubt anything Abe ever does will ever be even 10% as bad as what we see weekly from the US. A step into the unknown with the current regional and global situation? No way in hell

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japanese companies overwhelmingly want Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling coalition to stay in power in this Sunday’s national election

Um, why? Oh that's right, lucrative payoffs. Japan has had the same party running the coutnry for several decades almost without interruption. It's time for change. Embrace it, don't fear it

0 ( +1 / -1 )

depressing but completely accurate.

i do not understand why the japanese public supports a political party that has led them into constant failure for the last 30 years. but surely japan deserves to reap what it has sown if it is not willing to change.

time to look to greener pastures. or buy land in the barren countryside of japan, if that suits you. it wont exactly hurt your pocketbook.

bluesky.greentreesOct. 19 11:11 am JST

LDP with its political & military direction will move Japan into military conflict with North Korea and then China.

USA later will abandon Japan when the "price" is too high, as with USA consistent behavior in past 20 years, eg Mubarak, Sadam Hussein, Gaddafi, etc.

Japan ignored debt/finance & social security problems will unraveled. There will be a domestic crisis, as Kuroda artificially keep rates at zero for too long. Borrowing costs at zero without proper market adjustment sustained all kind of rots in the system temporarily, making the problem a lot bigger and worse. Kuroda approach is a myopic short-term fix, as it is near impossible for LDP to really shoot the 3rd arrow of reforms. Real reforms in Japan means the elimination of the LDP system of patronage and parts of Japanese culture/system that Japanese hold so dear to. Japan is likely in a sure slow economic & social decline a- coming, despite the hype of Olympics, etc. Japan is into the winter cycle of its history.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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