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Abe rejects calls for minister to quit over Fukushima evacuee comments

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Abe rejects calls for minister to quit over Fukushima evacuee comments

disgusting. Abe should resign with him.

I want him to continue to be alongside those affected by the disaster

why? so he can berate them more?

Imamura, 70, apologized for “causing a nuisance to everyone

He was ALOT more than that.

I feel sorry that I gave the impression that (the evacuees) are responsible for their own (return) despite the fact that they are displaced because of the nuclear disaster, and I deeply apologize,” Imamura said.

Kazuko Kori, a lawmaker from the main opposition Democratic Party elected from a proportional representation block in recovering northeastern Japan, had called for Imamura to resign because “we cannot discuss reconstruction under this minister.”

He's right.

But Imamura vowed to “keep performing my duties in good faith.”

keep performing in good faith? How about START performing in good faith.

He said Thursday he is willing to apologize to the reporter, “if necessary.”

If necessary?? oh my..

14 ( +16 / -2 )

He said Thursday he is willing to apologize to the reporter, “if necessary.”

Um..? I don't think there is any question of its necessity, he should get down on his hands and knees and lower his head in shame at his outrageous and totally unacceptable outburst. After that he should hand in his resignation with immediate effect!

14 ( +15 / -1 )

I bet this old creep doesnt have the guts to come up and show his face in Fukushima. Disgusting that Abe is supporting him - but having seen Abe's form, would one expect any decency?

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Another example of leadership from the Dear Leader. An abusive old Man given a pass for reasons that have nothing to do with job performance, just being old and a member of Nippon Kaigi. Hell he could be the defense minister or a school principal with these qualifications. Change his nappy send him home.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Abe gets further and further removed from reality.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

For those who missed the video of it in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqGn4eiTdZ8

2 ( +4 / -2 )

OK, so no resignation. How about sending him to anger management counselling?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I feel sorry that I gave the impression that (the evacuees) are responsible for their own (return)

You didn't give that impression, you stated it as fact in so many words.

The impression you did give is that you are not up to your job. And unable to deal wth justified criticism, to boot.

You should get the boot.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

The photo says it all. Abe and co may view Imamura as eccentric, I reckon the 70yo is borderline insane. His apology doesn't make much sense either i.e "happy to apologise to the journo if necessary , feels sorry he gave the impression blabla". The bloke bloody said it!

The Diet feels like a madhouse sometimes.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

"“I want him to continue to be alongside those affected by the disaster..."

That would require him having been there in the first place, when clearly he has not been... AT ALL.

"I feel sorry that I gave the impression that (the evacuees) are responsible for their own (return)"

Yup, as usual... not sorry at all for thinking it, just sorry for thinking it out loud and being called up on it.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Sadly as is usual no responsibility at all to be seen, no wonder we have things like this & the mess at Toyocho & MANY MANY others & no one to blame, disgrace

1 ( +3 / -2 )

that makes Abe as bad as this minister he at least should reprimand him as they are there to do the wishes of the Japanese voters not industry especially with this massive ongoing disaster common sense is needed handling people in these situations if a politician cannot control him/herself they should resign.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Governmental old farts in black suits really can do anything they want here, cant they?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

So his ability to do PR aside, is anyone able to say definitively whether he's actually been competent at his job or not?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It is grand time for Mr. Abe and the LDP to dissolve them self. And be put on trial. This problem is not limited to a single minister.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Agree with all the other commentators here. With his disgusting comments, Imamura has demonstrated that he is the wrong person to lead the reconstruction. It is laughable that he can still do his job "in good faith." The citizens of Fukushima are refugees not of their own making or choosing, and therefore both the government and TEPCO bear the full responsibility for helping them, including whatever it takes to ensure their physical and financial safety. Do your job LDP.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The pic looks like he is using is old man nappies well.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

If a picture is worth a thousand words, the photo above of disaster reconstruction minister Masahiro Imamura is a peach, arms folded staring upwards searching for the media guru on the mountain. The echo of the Abe still resonating ......

“I want him to continue to be alongside those affected by the disaster and devote every effort to his duties with the aim of realizing reconstruction as soon as possible,”

..............Masahiro Imamura just can't contain his joy and enthusiasm.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

"over remarks implying Fukushima evacuees yet to return to parts of the prefecture deemed safe to live in should fend for themselves."

So Fukushimians who have not went back to the land of fukushima stamped ok by j-govt, are on their own. Even though ENE news indicated quite the opposite in terms of deemed safe to live. But the JNs dont care what outside the country others think. Fend for themselves? wheres the yellow lives matter groups, and other nationalist? I thought JP was a nationalist homoGenous society, where a master race, of extreme unity was the word of the day. I guess when it comes to big corporations and big money the cards fall differently for all of them.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Probably an off-track question, but where did all the donations (both local & international) go following the disaster ? Is there any transparency upon that matter ?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I guess most of the over 60 crowd supports this good-for-nothing guy. I hope I am wrong, though...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@100CPM "a master race, of extreme unity was the word of the day."

Yup, It looks like they are headed towards and pushing such philosophies again:

"Japan’s cabinet to allow schools to study a 19th century imperial order on education that was banned after World War II for promoting militarism and emperor worship"

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

"he said it is such people’s “own responsibility, their own choice” not to return."

Japan is a small country with limited areas to populate. "About 73 percent of Japan is forested, mountainous, and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use"

So this guy is a J-coon!

ref:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan

0 ( +0 / -0 )

You need to learn what Japanese voters will treat him at next election. Instead of barking here, try to show you need to be recognized as resident.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

0 ( +0 / -0 )

You need to learn what Japanese voters will treat him at next election. Instead of barking here, try to show you need to be recognized as resident.

How will Japanese voters treat him ? Do the voters really care ? me think not.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Voters sport LDP. No matter what they goof, they are majority. Don't try to make them behave like yolu, gainin,

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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