politics

'If I get arrested, OK,' says Ishihara on his upcoming visit to Senkakus

64 Comments
By Harumi Ozawa

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© 2012 AFP

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If he is arrested, well Japanese people will come up with money to bail him out

I recall he reluctantly accepted this term as his last for Tokyo. I strongly believe he will execute his objectives to go to Senkaku.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Efisher, China did not make the claim early because China was not invited to San Francisco for drafting of the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty. N Korea and S Korea were not invited too. Russia was invited but found the treaty totally unacceptable.

That is the reason why Japan is having so many problems with its neighbors. And more will be coming in the next few decades.

In short, the SF treaty effectively made Japan a perpetual protectorate of the US but did not solve much problem for Japan. Sooner or later, Russia, China, N Korea and S Korea will gang up and demand Japan to settle the outstanding issues.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"If I get arrested, OK!"

Yeah, right. The minute they step up to arrest him he'll blink several hundred times in a few seconds before shouting, "Omae gaijin da? Nani wo shiteruka? Gaijin ka?" and then blink several hundred times more.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

China has claimed them since 1970.

China was in civil war and in the internal chaos (Cultural Revolution) before 70s, Japan would be so shameless as to take advantage of that to say China didn't claim at that time. ( as shameless as Japan making the sudden attack on Pearl Harbor)

Diaoyu Islands has been territory of China since hundreds years ago. China failed to exercise sovereignty since Japan occupied Taiwan in 1895 and invaded China in WWII. After WWII, the USA handed over the Islands administration to Japan while China was in fierce civil war and then struggled in the Cultural Revolution, a severe internal disorder. Japan took advantage of these opportunities to control the Islands while China was in chaos.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Ishihara is a total nutmeg who gets worse with the years. He is, or should be, and embarrassment to the people of Tokyo who elected him. I hope he goes to these little rockes jutting out of the sea and stays there. It would be a case of good riddance. Instead of collecting money from people for him to buy these rocks, it would be better if he collected money for the still suffering people of Tohoku, in his own doorstep. Like all right wing nut jobs, he is only concerned with hoisting the Hinomaru flag on a rock in the middle of the ocean. What a sicko.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

More tactics to divert domestic problems away from the Japanese public. Enough said.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

These rightists could be planning for a war between China and US or WW3. But the US will try its best not to be pulled in.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

we really need to check out this "governor" he is NOT just a mere racist but share some dangerous fundamentalist, nationalist right wing ideologies such so that many websites now in the US assert that "he is known for his long dislike of the US..see:

http://article.wn.com/view/2012/05/31/Ishihara_rattling_US_saber_at_China/

other websites in the US reveal that he is on many US watch list's now...NOT good for Japan.... some websites list him as a radical, nationalist with the intention of provoking global terror....in Asia....which means the Feds are probably watching him...

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Back on topic please. Posts should focus on Gov Ishihara's visit to the disputed isles.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yes, I would like know that as well as Yokota. Please provide the link, so I can read the legal facts.

If you want to read the full documents, they can be found here:

http://www.taiwandocuments.org/doc_all.htm

And Hirohito's Surrender Broadcast can be found here:

http://www.kyokipress.com/wings/surrender.html

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bottom line is if they DON'T arrest him they are not following Japanese law and are derilect of duty. It means they are giving preference and not following the law.

Actually, after reviewing this, he won't be breaking the law. Unlike the previous landing by lawmakers where the police questioned "軽犯罪”, Ishihara and gang has a specific purpose which is to survey the land/appraisal which is consented by the current owner.

The man has a "foul mouth" but his recent press concference is on the dot. There's some interesting stuff about his days as a LDP lawmaker as well as his opinion on 2MB and Korea.

< http://sankei.jp.msn.com/politics/news/120825/lcl12082501330001-n1.htm>

Part one of a three part article.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Guru29Aug. 25, 2012 - 11:46PM JST According to China's foreign ministry, Japan's claim over those islands is a serious violation of the Potsdam Agreement, >the primary peace treaty or instrument of peace that enabled the ending of WWII and of course the Japanese Instrument >of Surrender.

China's foreign ministry is totally wrong.

The Potsdam Agreement clearly states that: "The terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out and Japanese >sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and such minor islands as we >determine."

The Senkasku Islands are as minor as they get and it was determined that Japan could keep them.

Since Japan pledged to comply with the Potsdam Agreement and surrendered in WWII, so it also lost its sovereignty over >those islands it colonized before WWII.

Incorrect. Japan lost territories that were taken by force or greed, Because the Senkakus were incorporated as Terra Nullius it was was exempt.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

YokotaAug. 26, 2012 - 03:04AM JST

@ Guru:

The Potsdam Agreement clearly states that: "The terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out and Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and such minor islands as we determine."

That's interesting....do you have a reference for this.......

@Guru Yes, I would like know that as well as Yokota. Please provide the link, so I can read the legal facts. Thanks.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

efisherAug. 26, 2012 - 12:52AM JST Correction : Diaoyu Islands has been territory of China since hundreds years ago.

Correction: Senkaku Islands have always been Japanese. China has claimed them since 1970.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

But if anything were to happen to Ishihara, Vice Gov. Inose could take over and he's Ishihara's 'toady'!

Hemight be worse!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@ Guru:

"The Potsdam Agreement clearly states that: "The terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out and Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and such minor islands as we determine."

That's interesting....do you have a reference for this.......

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Correction : Diaoyu Islands has been territory of China since hundreds years ago.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Diaoyu Islands has been territory of China since hundred years ago. China failed to exercise sovereignty since Japan occupied Taiwan in 1895 and invaded China in WWII. After WWII, the USA handed over the Islands administration to Japan while China was in fierce civil war and then struggled in the Cultural Revolution, a severe internal disorder. Japan took advantage of these opportunities to control the Islands while China was in chaos.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

WilliB,

It's interesting that they visited the disputed islands around Japan almost simultaneously. Was it spontaneous? Noda didn't even seem to be so serious in preventing the Hong Kong activists from landing the islands. Everybody is getting hostile and aggressive thinking it necessary to strengthen the defenses on the seas between. It may help increase the defense budget and deploy here in Japan some new aircrafts of which training was suspended in Hawaii and elsewhere in the mainland. Also mounting tension is expedient for the political standing of the leadership whose expiration date is approaching. But Noda may outride his political impasse by showing a nationalistic stunt. In this sense everybody around Japan seems to be all of the same gang except perhaps the president of Taiwan who suggested that everyone should think of peace to seek peaceful resolution to the dispute instead of landing and stomping on the islands.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

According to China's foreign ministry, Japan's claim over those islands is a serious violation of the Potsdam Agreement, the primary peace treaty or instrument of peace that enabled the ending of WWII and of course the Japanese Instrument of Surrender.

The Potsdam Agreement clearly states that: "The terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out and Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and such minor islands as we determine."

Since Japan pledged to comply with the Potsdam Agreement and surrendered in WWII, so it also lost its sovereignty over those islands it colonized before WWII.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Many people criticize ishihara-san, but were people like ishihara-san who built the current japan.He's right.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

tapi0caAUG. 25, 2012 - 07:08AM JST 'just stay in bed, ishi~. you strange twisted little man.

He is actually very tall. But rude and strange.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

That's Ishihara, always good for a sound bite.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What would happen if the party greeting Ishihara on the Senkakus is Chinese ... like in Chinese police or Chinese military? And they arrest him. Then what? Would it be "OK" then?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

'If I get arrested, OK,' says Ishihara

But of course it would be OK. Any police officer who tried to make this gibbering dolt accountable to law would be out of his job before his doughnut reached his lips. One of the many benefits of being above the law, I suppose.

Nonetheless, this is really a step up from Ishihara. For the Metropolitan Governor to openly admit to flouting the law and dare the police to enforce it certainly seems like an odd precedent to set.

There are a few things I feel strongly about - an irresistible urge to give the right honourable governor a close-up look at my ringpiece, for instance - but I doubt I'd be blessed with the same kind of immunity from prosecution as our feudal overlord.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

I hope they leave him there on purpose. That old man needs a lesson in self pity....

3 ( +4 / -1 )

WTF were my fellow native Japanese THINKING?? Do the majority of Japanese here in Tokyo really think this old fart is actually good for Tokyo?? For Japan?? I am afraid to even try and answer these questions!!!

Meh most of the voters in Tokyo are probably old farts just like him.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I hope a big wave smashes his lifeless body against his precious rocks !

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I think Ishihara and Hashimoto should go there. Give them a two man tent, some guns and ammo and let them take on the Chinese and defend their beloved island.

And of course some ceremonial swords for seppuku. Oh, and a notebook for writing their last haiku. They'd just love going out like that.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Go Ishihara! You are so brave to be arrested by the Japanese Police!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"I know the Chinese really hate Ishihara san, and I guess many of my fellow gaikokujins here in Japan also despise this racist old fart, but as for me, it makes me ashamed that this old goat became the MAYOR OF TOKYO!!! WTF were my fellow native Japanese THINKING?? Do the majority of Japanese here in Tokyo really think this old fart is actually good for Tokyo?? For Japan?? I am afraid to even try and answer these questions!!!"

I think the opinions on Mr. S Ishihara elsewhere in Asia are shared : like in the case of S. Maehara, they bravely voiced out what they really believe.. Most people probably found it disgusting to have Noda who have deliberately 'stolen' the island purchase idea from others and used it for boosting his poll support..

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

''If I get arrested, OK,' says Ishihara on his upcoming visit to Senkakus" the coast guard will escort him instead.. Arresting him wouldmerely be a 'show' ..

"'If I get arrested by the Chinese, OK,' really ok ?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Asia will turn into the far eastern version of the strife-ridden middle east if historical animosities cannot be resolved.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@YuriOtani,

I agree! Let him stay there. The rest of Japan will be relieved...

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Interesting. Elected government official openly confess to doing something that could get him arrested. Is that really supposed to happen? Are gov officials supposed to do things like this knowing that they could be arrested just because they don't agree with something?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Seiharinokaze:

" The Korean president, the Tokyo governor, the Hong Kong activists who landed or want to land on disputed islands "

What does the Korean president have to do with the Senkakus???

(Admittedly, it would be hilarious if Ishihara donated the Senkakus to Korea and then sit back and watch the 3-party slugout....)

But really, your comment makes no sense. Can you explain?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Fool. World class fool. Pathetic, dumb man.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Ok so who let the old timer out of the retirement home?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Bottom line is if they DON'T arrest him they are not following Japanese law and are derilect of duty. It means they are giving preference and not following the law.

Anyway, I'd rather see him try to go Dokdo and see what happens.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

He could go on a tour, next stop Nanking!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The Korean president, the Tokyo governor, the Hong Kong activists who landed or want to land on disputed islands appear to be part (though estranged with each other) of the same gang. Pouring oil on the flame simultaneously as if at the bidding of some mastermind. Leaders should pour oil on the troubled waters.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Not much different from a Russian politician visiting the Kuriles, like say one Dmitry Medvedev. Anyway the United States and Japan are about to kick off a 37-day military drill around Tinian Island. US and Japanese forces will be training to take back the Senkaku islands if the Chinese were ever to seize them by force. The US will not tolerate any Chinese seizure of the islands because they don't want what happened at Woody Island to happen again to the Senkaku islands. Were the Chinese to build an airfield on Uotsuri-jima, fifth generation Chinese fighter aircraft would be no more than 250 miles from US bases in Okinawa.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Arrest him already!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

lets see "blinky bill" land on the Kurils, Im sure the Russians will have no problem with arresting him. LOL

0 ( +1 / -1 )

For once, I have the exact sentiment as he does!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

latienda, Im not sure thats the case.

Im not talking about ownership or if he should visit or not, I do think its dangerously provocative for him to go in actuality, however as much like the Korean's are currently administrating the islands in that dispute, Japan is currently administrating the islands in this dispute.

To suggest he needs to apply for a visa seems an invalid statement over an island currently claimed by 3 different countries.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Elbuda Mexicano, I don't think his election is that much of a mystery, ageing population afraid of change, politically apathetic youth and foreign long term residents who, while paying very large amounts of cash to the ward/state, aren't allowed to have their voice heard.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Shintaro Ishihara should apply a tourist visa from China embassy in Tokyo before going to Dioayu. Otherwise it will be illegal entry. And China Diaoyu is NOT FOR SALE.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

I know the Chinese really hate Ishihara san, and I guess many of my fellow gaikokujins here in Japan also despise this racist old fart, but as for me, it makes me ashamed that this old goat became the MAYOR OF TOKYO!!! WTF were my fellow native Japanese THINKING?? Do the majority of Japanese here in Tokyo really think this old fart is actually good for Tokyo?? For Japan?? I am afraid to even try and answer these questions!!!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Senior government officials were reportedly already negotiating with the owners, the Kurihara family, hoping to finalise a plan to nationalise the islands by the end of the year

People tend to forget that this was possible because of Ishihara's initial start. It was always his wish that the national government purchase this. (stated publicly)

This lates attempt is basically to assure the previous owners intent that the central government will do their utmost to keep it under Japanese soverignty. (establishment of JCG/JSMDF in the islands) as well as answering to the donators.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

"He's already a criminal enemy..."

Should read 'anyway', not 'enemy'. I need my coffee.

TigersTokyoDome: You're bang on! I think this should be taken into account for the 2020 bid. Obviously he's not willing to work well with his neighbours.

Moderator: Tokyo's Olympic bid is not event remotely relevant to this discussion.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

He's already a criminal enemy, so it's not like it will mean anything to 'arrest' him. All the same, I hope they do.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It's off topic if you post that Japan could lose the 2020 Olympics if Ishihara goes ahead with this and causes international issues?? What the hell is on topic??

Moderator: The IOC does not award the Olympics on the basis of how popular the Tokyo governor is with foreign readers of Japan Today.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Can I:

"These nationalistic old men are going to be the end of Japan.

" he has no place in an international territory dispute, especially one no where near his city.

These issues are for diplomats, careful policy and international courts not the ravings of madmen from any country." I agree with ...NZ2011

please don't censure me again....

6 ( +7 / -1 )

You can kiss goodbye to hosting the Olympics in 2020 if that xenophobic old idiot goes ahead.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

These nationalistic old men are going to be the end of Japan.

He is the mayor, goodness knows how that happened, of Tokyo, he has no place in an international territory dispute, especially one no where near his city.

These issues are for diplomats, careful policy and international courts not the ravings of madmen from any country.

Remembering this is the man who said the earthquake was punishment for the ego of the Japanese people and the various other nonsense that has escaped his mouth, he could single handedly incite a very serious international incident

24 ( +25 / -1 )

This headline makes an interesting juxtaposition to the one directly below it on the JT homepage; "Noda calls on S Korea to end 'illegal occupation' of disputed isles".

4 ( +4 / -0 )

So what is the govt going to do? Arrest him and "deport" him back to Tokyo?

6 ( +7 / -1 )

'just stay in bed, ishi~. you strange twisted little man.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Oh such a great opportunity to make everyone happy,leave him there please....

18 ( +19 / -1 )

I hope he tries to swim ashore, might be the only way we ever get to see the end of him.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

The fun never ends does it? Perhaps he and a lot of his friends want to retire there? No phone, no internet and could peace and quiet break out in Tokyo? Please China let him retire on one of those islands!

23 ( +24 / -1 )

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