politics

Campaigning begins for Dec 14 lower house election

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“We are determined to win,” Abe told hundreds of voters at his initial stump speech in the northern port of Soma, Fukushima Prefecture. “I promise to make Japan a country that can shine again at the center of the world.”

Yeah yeah, pull the other one Abe.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. Sun Tzu:

We already know you are "going to win", unfortunately, because of two reasons: Voting is optional and most of the younger generation can't be bothered, whereas the elderly can. Second, there is no viable alternative. So, congratulations in advance on your one-sided victory Abe

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Prime Minister Shinzo Abe holds a sign with a slogan 'This is the Only Way', during a political debate in Tokyo.

Just what we need - more self-limiting beliefs.

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“We are determined to win,”

But...but...you are already PM.....

thanks for wasting more money.

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All for the sake of collecting 2% from the consumers whereas, makers have had raised their prices more than 20%

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It's just a month of noisy propoganda which the locals will fall for like they always do.

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Go Abe san, hahahaha stick it to em old son.

But critics say the program has inflated inequality, creating low-wage jobs and limited benefits,

So would you lot prefer no jobs ?

In a crippled economy ( Thanks moodys and the US ) at least there were some jobs created, before Abe came to power did you see all the people milling around at the Hello Work centres all over Japan, at least now they have jobs, even though some of you seem to think they should not.

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I do understand that the political landscape in Japan is approaching juvenile, another decade or two and it might be ready for puberty. But I am surprised that the current regime has got away with destroying this country with such impurity.

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"This is the only way"

Fascism at its best, regardless of the obvious lipstick on the pig.

"I will make Japan shine at the center of the world again"

No doubt by 'again' he is thinking of the 'glory days' of Imperial Japanese aggression, where Japan enslaved much of Asia and committed horrible atrocities (that he wants out of the history books). Sadly, this is what Japan deserves since they cannot field or bother to vote for anyone else. So now Abe has wasted yet billions more tax dollars to bolster his ego and ensure Japan not only does NOT shine in the center stage of the world, but is put on a pedestal as an example of a giant step back. Abe will pat himself on the back and praise himself and Abenomics and rewrite and white-wash history, then when put on the world stage for negative reasons he'll say, "It's an internal issue!" and, "We don't need international input" or, "Cultural imperialists!", etc. etc.

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@StormR

did you see all the people milling around at the Hello Work centres all over Japan, at least now they have jobs, even though some of you seem to think they should not.

Are you SURE about that ???

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smithinjapan he did not mean that he meant the glory days of the 60's and 70's, I know you like to think he means the 30's and 40's though.

fightingviking yes I am sure of that, might be low paying but before they didn't even have that thanks to the US and its rating system of crooked banks and over inflated property values crashing the world economy.

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StormR: "smithinjapan he did not mean that he meant the glory days of the 60's and 70's, I know you like to think he means the 30's and 40's though."

No, in his heart I have no doubt he feels great pride over Japan's colonization of much of Asia, and it's power during the reign of Imperial Japan. Otherwise why would he not admit Japan's wrongdoing? Why change the history books and claim we must see Japan in a positive light in regards to the past? Why does he say, "We should leave history to the historians" but insist on changes HE wants? Why does he say there were no war criminals and pay hommage and donations to a shrine that ACTUALLY commemorates convicted war criminals? He is a self-admitted hawk and nationalist, and is PROUD and actually BRAGS about having references to sex-slaves removed from textbooks! And yet people like yourself BLINDLY (and don't say you're not) support him and lap up what he says.

If you guys have your way he'll make Japan 'shine' again -- it'll glow in the dark for hundreds and hundreds of years.

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Ugh. Abe is a mad captain of a ship he keeps taking dangerously off course and his Lieutenants are all just as bad Yes Men, but everyone who screams mutiny is an even more rudderless nob with no real clue what to do if they became captain.

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Again today Abe-san keeps saying that salaries are rising here in Japan. Everyone I have talked to about this says there has been no salary increase in his/her pay. So, wonder where he gets his information on this bit.

And Abe-san keeps saying that employment is increasing here in Japan. All one has to do is to watch TV where he/she will see features on company after company cutting employees due to rising prices caused by Abenomics. Again, wonder where he gets his information on this situation.

Just hope the undecided voter isn't wooed into voting for the prime minister's party after being fed what I believe is misinformation at its best.

Furthermore, the Komeito candidates I've seen so far on TV today really praise Abe and his Abenomics. Can't believe a word they are spewing out ...

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StormRDec. 02, 2014 - 05:00PM JST

before Abe came to power did you see all the people milling around at the Hello Work centres all over Japan, at least now they have jobs, even though some of you seem to think they should not.

Are you real?

Unemployment in Japan throughout 2010 -2011 was always below 5%. So please spare us the Steinbeck verse about the bad old days.

The bad days are here and now for the majority of Japanese, they don't have the in-laws to supplement their income and they are just saying that their lives have not improved under abenomics because prices have gone up, taxes have gone up but their salaries have not followed suit.

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5%-8%-10%, Abe still have 2 years to catch up countries with sale tax 20% and more.

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All I can say is loving the cheap yen, and you have the complete wrong idea about what motivates me and my posts, I think there is still 10 years left in the place and intend taking out of it what I can.

Before Abe came on the scene the yen was hoplessly over priced, thanks to him he has lifted the export sector out of its doldrums

I love japan and its people I hate all politicians and all authority and always have , doesn't matter if they are American Japanese british NZ or who ever they are all in it for them selves, just so happens Abe is in this case, doing good things for the industry I am in.

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A pair of white-gloved ladies screaming 'domo arigato, domo arigatou gozaimasu...' in high-pitched voices out of the windows of a gaudily painted and postered Toyota wagon does not really constitute campaigning.

But it seems to work in this part of the world.

The best government that you can buy!

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StormR,

(Japanese jobs) might be low paying but before they didn't even have that thanks to the US and its rating system of crooked banks and over inflated property values crashing the world economy.

As opposed to the Japanese trickle up method of wealth creation?

Don't forget there was a devastating property crash here, too.

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Well I guess StormR has the right idea. He knows japan is finished and just wants to get as much cash for himself before the end comes when he has to get out. And Abe's crapnomics helps his end.

Abe's crapnomics is just for the rich, elite, companies and exporters. Every other sector and players in the economy can just go to hell as far as abe is concerned. The great thing for him is that whatever he does the docile dopey electorate will continue to vote his party in. Perfect, he can do what he wants for himself and his cronies.

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umbrella even at the end there will be opportunities for those who look or know where to look, or create opportunities, it's always the same, those who have the motivation and the smarts will always do well in most situations, those who have no idea or clue about much will always be destined to serve or loose.

I am in my late 50's and have always looked to pull the pin around my late sixties, just so happens the 2008 crash derailed my plan some what, but now abe has surfaced and plummeted the yen its playing right into my plans, long live abe san hahaha.

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Yes, there is no doubt that Mr. Abe will win on upcoming election as there is no alternative. So, nobody demanded this meaningless election. This is one kind of hypocrisy spending a huge amount of public fund. Japanese economy is struggling by govt. debt. But Mr. Abe is playing unnecessary election game spending huge amount of money.

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Does by campaigning' mean screaming a candidate's name through megaphones whilst frantically waving and holding a fixed facial grimace? If yes,then that is what I witnessed this morning.......

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"Abe’s Liberal-Democratic Party seen as likely to cruise to a comfortable majority."

Of course. There's no good alternative at this time.

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Similar to a TV series, 'Abe's Arrows', 'An election without a cause' the final episode of season one. December 15th season two, opening double bill, 'Supplementary Budget, Power station Restarts'. For Abe's san, the LDP, this is calculated political power play, timed to perfection. It may be dressed up as a snap election, but the 'Cinder's won't come to the ball' attitude when faced with the possibility of a showdown with foreign journalists at the FCCJ, a sort of high noon, Wyatt Abe no show at the FCCJ Corral scenario just doesn't ring the right bells. Abe doesn't shy away from confrontation, he a consummate career politician. Only weeks earlier he stood toe to toe with a rather sullen and rude President Xi Jinping, and didn't flinch with his favourite it's his fault weary one eye brow raised expression. Nope I have a feeling 'Supplementary Budget' will have a compromise tax raising measure, a 'consumer tax' lite, exemptions on certain essential family items, and energy consumption, something to file off the sharp edges. Follow after the inter mission, with some fast track 'power station restarts' which will test the people of Japan patience and loyalty to new limits. He will prepare the electorate in the next two weeks with some political smoke and mirrors..... I am guessing of course probably wildly.

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2 years ago, Abe did not go campaign, He was still sick. Mrs Abe gave up to stop him back to politics. Abe did not go campaign. But Mrs Abe went all overJapan to campaign and LDP won. This one, Abe began debating other parties. Maybe others thought Abe is sick again? They could not debate against Ave, unlike last election, Abe himself is campaigning everywhere, He is campaigning with women and he is popular among women, DPJ and opponents forgot a half of voters are women? If Akie campaign like 2 years ago, No doubt LDP will win again.

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If the Japanese want higher prices,less spent on schools and billions of yen wasted on the white elephant aka as the Tokyo Olympics,then by all means cast a vote for the LDP.

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I love japan and its people I hate all politicians and all authority and always have , doesn't matter if they are American Japanese british NZ or who ever they are all in it for them selves, just so happens Abe is in this case, doing good things for the industry I am in.

So presumably if the DPJ had done something good for your industry you would be all for them beating the LDP?

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Simon of course, I like who ever lines my pockets, that's how the real world turns.

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StormR, As the real world revolves, and allowing a window in your busy pocket lining shedule, could you parhaps share some of the secret of your success?

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Simon of course, I like who ever lines my pockets, that's how the real world turns.

So we can pretty much ignore everything you say about the DPJ being useless (even though they really were) because it's all highly subjective.

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StormR: "All I can say is loving the cheap yen, and you have the complete wrong idea about what motivates me and my posts"

Yeah, no, people who say you only like Abe because you're profiting from it personally are COMPLETELY wrong about what's motivating you:

"I hope to see the yen stay around where it is or weaken further, give it another 10 years that's all I need and I am out of here retired living in luxury."

" just so happens Abe is in this case, doing good things for the industry I am in."

"just so happens the 2008 crash derailed my plan some what, but now abe has surfaced and plummeted the yen its playing right into my plans, long live abe san hahaha."

Yup, people are WAY off about your motives. WAY off!

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Courtesy of visit to my local community center, the opportunity arose to shadow the local LDP candidate as a observer. Pleasant polite fellow, enthusiastically loudhailing as though his life depended on it surrounded by a posse of helpers, my curiosity took the better of me, so I made my introductions, my friend dived for cover in embarrassment. However I suspect a little taken aback by my inquisitive nature he agreed I could tag along with my friend clucking a dire warning to 'not damage your family community' spirit. As we travelled around, frequently making stops to meet business constituents and residents, he proudly stated, in the footsteps of his late Father, he has been serving his local community all his adult life, and his son was on hand to deliver the flyers. Cynical me believes he is a shoe-in, bless his heart, it's the principal like father like son. He delivers his words to the elderly as if one of the three wise men. Gold, frankincense, and health care, but without the camel. What stuck and is genuinely heartwarming is the local electorate trusted him, always the we, us, together, community. I guess I will never the politics from the real world. Which brings me on to StormR, clearly you not been reading your Holy Abe-ble the LDP giveth and taketh away. Enough said because JT doesn't do sarcasm.

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Prime Minister Shinzo Abe holds a sign with a slogan 'This is the Only Way', during a political debate in Tokyo.

No doubt he wrote the kanji himself and posted it on his facebook page. The one thing we can rely on for this election is the "shoganai" attitude of the Japanese people will see Abe returned to power

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A levy rise in April—from 5% to 8%—slammed the brakes on growth and pushed the country into recession during the July-September quarter. The tax hike, aimed at tackling Japan’s eye-watering national debt and huge public welfare costs, dealt a serious blow to Abe’s plan to conquer years of growth-sapping deflation.

Slammed the brakes on growth...very apt description of the tax hike's effects. Raising it anymore would just make things that much worse.

The prime minister’s pro-business policy blitz

PM Abe's policy are more pro-establishment than pro-business. Raising costs, in an already expensive market, via government fiat doesn't help small business, start-ups, or working people.

Indeed, Abe is more anti-business with his tax-and-spend policies. It's a sad state when voters have no "lesser evils" to choose from.

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