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Abe says he is not thinking about 4th term as LDP head

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"If he has no other way (to attain the goal during his tenure), it is natural (for him) to come up with a way to deal with the matter," Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso said at a press conference earlier in the week.

Abe says one thing to appease the politicians and people, Aso tells the truth this time! Abe is in fact looking to go for a 4th term!

The current three-year term is Abe's last and the LDP has to change its rules AGAIN if he seeks a fresh term.

Let's get it right! Abe had to have the LDP changes it's rules so he could have a 3rd term! By not putting in the "again", it makes it seem to the casual reader like it's something special or unique, it's not!

He pushed the change through once, he'll do it again!

-1 ( +14 / -15 )

Luckily the public are now so beaten down that they really don't care. Eating grass between 15 hour work shifts to support Abenomics has been such a success that a change to the constitution that's interpreted reinterpreted or ignored by the regime not really such a problem.

-6 ( +9 / -15 )

One of the most best Prime Ministers in history. Showed the right-wing is the right path in Japan.

-6 ( +16 / -22 )

One of the most best Prime Ministers in history. Showed the right-wing is the right path in Japan.

Please share with everyone here ONE thing that Abe has done, other than get people to drink the kool-aid, that has helped the people of Japan?

0 ( +18 / -18 )

@Hokkaidoboy - One of the most best Prime Ministers in history. Showed the right-wing is the right path in Japan.

Oh, yes! That is right! "In the land of the blind the one eyed man is king!"

It must be very reassuring for Japanese people to hear their so-called 'leader' is not thinking about the future.

1 ( +16 / -15 )

It is vital the outdated constitution is changed this term, for the security and defense of Japan. PM Abe simply MUST go on to another term to get it done, if not possible this term. Can anyone name ANY candidate for LDP leader who has enough experience and skills on the world stage? Didnt think so.

5 more years! 5 more years!

-7 ( +16 / -23 )

Abe says he is not thinking about 4th term as LDP head

Horse manure. Abe will do what Shi did in China.

-1 ( +16 / -17 )

It is vital the outdated constitution is changed this term, for the security and defense of Japan. PM Abe simply MUST go on to another term to get it done, if not possible this term. Can anyone name ANY candidate for LDP leader who has enough experience and skills on the world stage? Didnt think so. 

5 more years! 5 more years!

Let’s also bring back the kempeitai.

-5 ( +11 / -16 )

I think for Asians that’s their way of appearing to be modest or a way of flying under the radar. It’s also a way of saving face from being defeated in an election.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

To our voters, I feel very sorry for the fact that much time has been spent discussing something other than policy agendas," Abe said.

translation: all I want to talk about is article 9

3 ( +16 / -13 )

"Please share with everyone here ONE thing that Abe has done,"

OK since you asked;

Unemployment rate 2012 7.9%

Unemployment rate 2019 2.4%

How about another:

Homeless 2012 8,933

Homeless 2019 4,900

What say you?

0 ( +20 / -20 )

Abe says his not thinking? That's it in a nut shell.

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

It is vital the outdated constitution is changed this term, for the security and defense of Japan. PM Abe simply MUST go on to another term to get it done, if not possible this term. Can anyone name ANY candidate for LDP leader who has enough experience and skills on the world stage? Didnt think so.

5 more years! 5 more years!

Amen brother!

Abe Shinzo Banzai!!!!

1 ( +18 / -17 )

Homeless 2012 8,933

Homeless 2019 4,900

What say you?

How was this number determined

0 ( +14 / -14 )

@alwaysspeakingwisdom - It is vital the outdated constitution is changed this term, for the security and defense of Japan. 

Malarkey! Japan can defend its security under the current constitution. The only things Japan cannot do are, attack another country or give fighting support to allies. There is no reason for Abe to push the constitution change except for wanting to wage war in Asia, again.

Homeless 2012 8,933

Homeless 2019 4,900

Once again you are quoting compared statistics from the US. If you actually believe there are only 5,000 homeless people in Japan, you are very foolish indeed. There are nearly that many homeless living on the riverbank at Asukusa. Japan has a wonderful way of fudging these statistics. The same as the unemployment statistics. If somebody earns ¥1,000 in a week, they are not unemployed. Japan may very well have lower unemployment than the US but with 60% of the workforce on short-term or part time work contracts and 25% of children living in poverty it is definitely not something to be proud of.

5 ( +20 / -15 )

Abe is pushing for a change in the 2nd paragraph of Article 9. which currently prohibits the existence of the JSDF, althouogh they have existed for 70 years and have been invaluable to the country in the aftermath of countless natural disasters. The constitutional contradiction hsa remained an persistent basis of unecessary argument whenever anything conserning the SDF is involved. Accurately documenting their existence requires amending the second paragraph. Nobody is advocating amending the 1st paragpah, which is the part that denounces Japan's right to swage war as a means of resolving dsputes, and thereby prohibits Japan's right to start any war. Arguments that Abe is trying to re-militarize Japan as in pre-1945 are quite simply incorrect as best, and outtright stupid at worst. While the prohibiton on starting any war stands, the JSDF now has the right to come to the aid of Allied nations, and has always had the obligation to protect the country, it's people and property.

As for Abe as poltician, he's as dirty as any politician, probably no more and no less. But - he has attened a Pearl Harbor Memorial Service together with a POTUS, attended a Hiroshima Memorial Service with a POTUS, and has addressed both houses of Congress to a standing ovation. So from the U.S. view, he has done quite a job of further cementing US-JPN relations. Not to mention, that for better or worse, he seems to have managed to "handle" our current POTUS, something many world leaders have not been able to do, understandably. Under the Abe adnministration, it appears that Japan hs finally decided to "normalize" it's relationship with South Korea, a necessity created by the current SK Moon administration.

Japan has evolved over the past two decades, finally shedding itself of it's characteristic revolving door leadership, started by Koizumi. In all, at least diplomatically, Abe has been a positive leader for Japan. Domestically, as with any government leader, there are undoubtedly many issues of discontent. And economically as well, although many people don't realize that in most cases who is in power has little to do with that nation's economy.

1 ( +15 / -14 )

Abe has been a positive leader for Japan

Superbly opined, Ossan America! Never a truer statement written. I doubt the ignoramuses here will agree, but there is no doubt Japan has become stronger under PM Abe, and has regained its place on the world stage.

-1 ( +15 / -16 )

Malarkey! Japan can defend its security under the current constitution.

exactly! and that's something the rightwingers here will never tell you

0 ( +13 / -13 )

I feel much relieved when he really don't go further Abe administration the 4th one. Give more opportunity to younger LDP leader to show well what is this constitutional reform, that means to be more appropriated to Japan's policy, this constitution created by the "others" to abolish that horrible Great Imperial Japan of military forces policy done till end of ww2. If he really want to do the constitutional reform to Japan in his 2 years to be independent of US forces here tell much clear the truth, why JDF must be military. All those scandals he created at his governing I don't go with him, a new leader should do a good explanation to all Japanese citizen understand, not him. I'm just sick of him and his policy of "lipstick"...

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Never been called an ignoramouses before, but I'm feeling pretty proud. If an ignoramous person is one who sees through the bent out of reality statistics and the Abenomics pledge, urges, promises that end is nothing but further suffering for the population. His whole second term as PM has resulted in worst ending relations with neighbours, a tanking economy, falling birth rate, women getting a harsher deal. An increase in allowable Overtime. And a tax increase to further pressure the population. Not really seeing much benifit. That must be why I'm a proud ignoramouses.

-3 ( +11 / -14 )

Who he helped were only the rich and people outside of Japan to make himself look good.

How about discarding juvenile law?

How about canceling livelihood protection?

How about kicking out all those sleeping politicians out of the diet?

We need a radical change here

-1 ( +12 / -13 )

Time for this selfish rogue and his notion of changing what works and will keep working if left alone, get out and make your voices heard people. The younger generation has no clue of war or what this change means for Japan. Do not change the Constitution. Perhaps further down the line but not at the motion of one man possessed to please his own private agenda.

-5 ( +9 / -14 )

He was wrong about the 2015 comfort women deal. He gave S. Korea what they asked for and wanted only to back fire on him, and Koreans don't even like him. The irony.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

Article 9 is outdated I support Abe on that. People who dislike Japan, are bias and have posted very negative things about the country including Korean propaganda support and Love article 9. All our enemies support article 9 for Japan... For their own countries never!! But you Japan Article 9.

Even Germany has moved on and has a normal military again.

1 ( +14 / -13 )

Whether or not if Abe is as crooked as some of you say he is, he should get out of the business. Running for a 4th term is way too long for anybody. Time for him to go.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

alwaysspeakingwisdomToday  08:29 am JST

"Please share with everyone here ONE thing that Abe has done,"

OK since you asked;

The same statistics you always reel off, and not one thing that Abe has actually done. You consistently fail to explain what Abe's policies have to do with any of them.

-4 ( +9 / -13 )

starpunkToday  12:15 pm JST

Whether or not if Abe is as crooked as some of you say he is, he should get out of the business. Running for a 4th term is way too long for anybody. Time for him to go.

It was time for him to go in 2007. How he ever got back is beyond me, but I suppose once someone is "in" with the LDP club it doesn't matter how much of a mediocre failure he is.

-1 ( +12 / -13 )

Another one of his tatemae. Lost count already.

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

He was wrong about the 2015 comfort women deal. He gave S. Korea what they asked for and wanted only to back fire on him, and Koreans don't even like him.

Abe didn’t even consult the victims so how did he give S Korea what they wanted. It was a stuffed up agreement as reported by a group of UN Human Rights experts.

Your hatred of Korea is pathetic. At least base it on facts, not your emotions.

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=17209&LangID=E

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

It was time for him to go in 2007. How he ever got back is beyond me, but I suppose once someone is "in" with the LDP club it doesn't matter how much of a mediocre failure he is.

well said brother!!

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

But - he has attened a Pearl Harbor Memorial Service together with a POTUS, attended a Hiroshima Memorial Service with a POTUS, and has addressed both houses of Congress to a standing ovation. So from the U.S. view, he has done quite a job of further cementing US-JPN relations. Not to mention, that for better or worse, he seems to have managed to "handle" our current POTUS, something many world leaders have not been able to do, understandably.

This is a lot of words to say that Shin-Chan has perfected the art of kissing arse.

-2 ( +10 / -12 )

Article 9 is outdated I support Abe on that. People who dislike Japan, are bias and have posted very negative things about the country including Korean propaganda support and Love article 9. All our enemies support article 9 for Japan... For their own countries never!! But you Japan Article 9. 

So we are enemies if we don’t support your views? This isn’t school buddy where kids take sides and those not on our side are considered sworn enemies. I love certain aspects of Japan but there are areas where I am critical. Doesn’t make us an enemy of Japan. So grow up!

Article 9 does not need to be amended. You have the defense force already. The only reason to amend it is to have an attack force. And don’t be naive about Japan being a pacifist country. Your neighbor across the sea won’t agree with you. Throughout written history, Japan has attacked Korea 715 times, 2 of them major invasions. This is how aggressive Japan is with an army. Not even China has attacked Korea to that extent (16 times), despite being closer and having a larger military. There’s a reason why the US imposed article 9 in the constitution - It’s for world peace.

-6 ( +7 / -13 )

and has addressed both houses of Congress to a standing ovation.

You keep repeating this as if this is something extraordinary. It’s not. There are other cases where guest speakers received standing ovations.

So from the U.S. view, he has done quite a job of further cementing US-JPN relations.

Yep, but you forgot to mention that Abe lied to Trump about the millions of tons of corn he said he’ll purchase from the US.

-5 ( +8 / -13 )

I'm not a fan of PM Abe. But one essential thing that he HAS provided is stability in leadership. The "revolving door" premiership was very detrimental to the nation. The "3-arrows" pipe dream only papered over the economic reality, and that will be a major problem in the future. But for the time being, at least SOMEONE stable is at the helm, though the ship is headed to the precipice of default.

7 ( +14 / -7 )

@Ganbare Japan!

PM Abe simply MUST go on to another term to get it done

How dare you criticise the PM's decisions. This anti-Japanese behaviour is unacceptable.

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

too busy thinking about his 6th term

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

I'll believe it when I see it.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

yeah right... says one thing do another, 1000 yen says "something" will happen that will make him have a 4th term.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Not going to India on .....what... (upheaval is everywhere these days)

well there is no arrow for foreign relations.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Unemployment rate 2012 7.9%

Unemployment rate 2019 2.4%

Lol! Waiting on this one, just changed how the statistics were reported, and it sucked you in to believing it too!

As noted numerous times before, work even ONE hour a week and you are "gainfully" employed, no other country on the planet counts that, also those not looking for work are not counted either, but are included in other countries unemployment reports

Like I said, kool-aid, guess you are drinking it too!

Oh the homeless numbers are debatable, but even if they are lower, it's due more to local efforts than any polices of Abe. He doenst give a crap about them or the refugees in Japan, he sweeps them under the rug.

So, what's next?

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Lol! Waiting on this one, just changed how the statistics were reported, and it sucked you in to believing it too!

As noted numerous times before, work even ONE hour a week and you are "gainfully" employed, no other country on the planet counts that, also those not looking for work are not counted either, but are included in other countries unemployment reports

Like I said, kool-aid, guess you are drinking it too!

Oh the homeless numbers are debatable, but even if they are lower, it's due more to local efforts than any polices of Abe. He doenst give a crap about them or the refugees in Japan, he sweeps them under the rug.

So, what's next?

I want to earn my living expense doing what I want to do and that's why I became a part-time worker!. I demonstrated for equal social benefits at Hibiya Park while there were so much of shortage for workforce in several other fields, the last job I would have taken, that ended up with being filled with foreign genuine labors who hoped to work in Japan.

Yeah that was how many years ago? Only text-book communist countries would provide such fantasy world.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Remember? "If I get employed, that means I lost!"

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

accepting defeat is noeasy choice.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Shinzo Abe is a Prime Minister on his way out. His term of office will end in the autumn of 2021.

Now begins the process for the election of his successor in the LDP. To head the leadership for the October 22, 2021 general election. The important thing here will be to know who will lead the LDP in those general elections.

But above all it's knowing. What will the leaders of the opposition camp do? And with what proposals they will take for those elections.

As for constitutional change. Without the explicit support of Yukio Edano's party. It is an impossible mission today.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

We've heard this before. You're just going to pretend that you won't run, so that your opponents will let their guard down. Then out of nothing just weeks before the deadline, you will surprise them and inevitably propose a 4th term to the LDP-party (wich for you will be accepted of course). Cynical and machiavellian.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Tom Doley

Article 9 does not need to be amended. You have the defense force already.

No. Article 9 says this:

Article 9. Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.

In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.

As stated in paragraph 2, no land, sea or air forces or any kind of possibility of war shall be maintained in any form. I remind you that a defensive war by an attack from a neighboring country. It is also a war. And defend by arms Japanese sovereign territory by a foreign entity. It is also a war. Using the name legitimate defense.

The JSDF is a minus army in the name. And it exists because the government deliberately ignores and disobeys the fulfillment of that constitutional mandate. This system of action is a patch that does not solve the problem. It only dilates it by extending the problem over time.

It's a matter of common sense.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Theoretically speaking, there is no term limit, as long as he gets support by majority of 500 powerful people. That is all democracy about.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

4 is an even number and one can feel lucky to have 4 of anything. Except 4 wives or 4 plates of food you don't like. So, in closing Prime minister Abe, ask your wife.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Theoretically speaking, there is no term limit, as long as he gets support by majority of 500 powerful people. That is all democracy about.

Do you believe what you wrote here?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The choice between reforming the postoffice or the forces is democ enough around of here.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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