Ishihara: Unrepentant Japanese nationalist

The reason why Ishihara is elected in is the same reason why no one in my neighborhood tells that disgruntled loudmouth at the end of my street to shut-up: they challenge people to stick their neck out, to go against a voiced 'authority' figure. People simply won't do that here, thus we get leaders that are a century behind the age.

Thank god he is out of the Tokyo office position. Now it's time to get someone better. I hope his son does not take over his daddy's position. That would be bad to worse.

Guy makes me laugh. Things would be really boring without him.

Hello co-commentators....

Yes, that loudmouth story hits the nails on the head... it tells you the one thing, that every gaijin needs to understand about japanese people. It explains the whole country.

That this is good news is a grave error. First of all, his successor will again be elected by the japanese people, and the powerful will make certain that he is no "better" than Ishihara. And worse, he is going on to an even more powerful position. The conflict with China will become more severe and as the only real solution humans have ever found for a huge economic crises has always been a war... he might be the "right" man at the right time.

Do not fool yourself. This country will never change..... and what is more, that is precisely what the occupying US want.

Im sure almost all non-Japanese residents of this country would make the same humble request;

I can't vote despite the money I put into the economy and pay in taxes so please Japanese citizens don't allow this guy to get in a position of power again. Its time for people like him to be put out to pasture where they belong not causing international diplomatic emergencies, bankrupting companies and blaming natural disasters on peoples "immoral behaviour"and the many other patently ridiculous things this man has been involved in.

These nationalistic types almost always don't care about their country and whats best for the people at all, they care about sticking to generally outdated often false ideas which best serve them and their like minded loudmouths.

Please consider carefully the future you want.

If you want to change things to your liking why not become a citizen of Japan, then you can vote.

Until then, just enjoy the ride and keep on poking your finger against that wall.

As for me, I like Ishihara and think Japan needs more like him.

Ishihara has governed Tokyo since 1999, largely enjoying fulsome public support

Fulsome (adj)

Offensively flattering or insincere. See Synonyms at unctuous. Offensive to the taste or sensibilities

Although I'd agree with your "writer", editor, I suspect he doesn't know what words mean.

vollandOct. 26, 2012 - 08:02AM JST

Do not fool yourself. This country will never change..... and what is more, that is precisely what the occupying US want.

Japan doesn't change because Japanese doesn't really want to change, nothing to do with the USA.

Germany basically mirrored Japan from1945-1990 and Germany changed.

What has Japan done? Peeved off all of its neighbours. Rewritten history through selective amnesia and is well on its way to a big shift to the right. Hashimoto! Aso! Ishihara! you take your pick.

I hope this is wake up call for the US and they realise that the Japan-US defence treaty is a liability and a dangerous one at that.

Ishihara has governed Tokyo since 1999, largely enjoying fulsome public support with policies such as banning diesel engines and creating a new-look Tokyo marathon.

He banned diesel engines not because he cared about the environment but because he knew that European makers were a decade ahead of the Japanese carmarkers and he feared that Japanese buyers would opt for more efficient and advanced European diesels so he banned them.

@joe, until Japan allows duel citizenship that just isn't an option.

I believe eventually permanent residents will be able to vote or either duel citizenship won't be actively discouraged anymore.

But to suggest that I shouldn't have an interest in the political climate of the country I live in seems to want to live in ignorance.

NeverSubmitOct. 26, 2012 - 08:32AM JST He banned diesel engines not because he cared about the environment but because he knew that European makers were a decade ahead of the Japanese carmarkers and he feared that Japanese buyers would opt for more efficient and advanced European diesels so he banned them.

European emissions rules allow a diesel to emit up to 0.29 grams of nitrous oxide per mile, which is about what the typical diesel school bus or trash truck emitted 5 years ago. In comparison Japan regulations on the other hand, only allow a diesel to emit about one-fourth of nitrous oxide per mile, making compliance a costly effort. To sell a diesel engine in Japan, European cars must be equipped with an exhaust after-treatment system, and a special fuel injection system in order to meet our strict air quality rules, which makes it too costly. It's all economics.

Ishihara and Hoshimoto combining in some form of new party -- scary thought. The Japanese car companies may need to pull out of China entirely, not just cut production by 50%, if this duo has a position in the J-government in the future. Even if just as a minority party. Which begs the question, where will he get funding for this new party from? Japan Inc. knows he will be a disaster for their overseas business.

herefornowOct. 26, 2012 - 08:54AM JST The Japanese car companies may need to pull out of China entirely, not just cut production by 50%, if this duo has a position in the J-government in the future.

How ridiculous. Toyota has already invested many billions on 9 manufacturing plants that put out 700,000 cars annually. it's not that easy just to pack up and go.

it's not that easy just to pack up and go.

Have you ever been to a modern factory in Asia? Totally constructed of pre-fab, knock-down structures. The machine tools are flown in from Japan or Germany on cargo flights within hours. Literally, it's very easy to pack up and go. Welcome to the globalized economy.

people can laugh, but what worries me is the large support he gets from the people

If Ishihara and Hashimoto combine forces to push a right wing agenda in Japan it will be very bad for the Japanese and for anyone from anywhere else. To those posting that you should be content to "take the ride", your position is naive if you do not think that these developments do not have consequences beyond Japan.

A war with China in the region would mean involvement by the US and possibly other western states who could not allow Japan to fall, even if they start the war.

A regional arms race, if Japan renews a formal military, will destabilize the region both politically and economically, while rendering Japan's resulting debt a grave threat to global economic security.

If Japan becomes too right wing, foreign workers and business may elect to go to other Asia states, the Philippines is already a key new destination for regional presence after Singapore. This means lost jobs for Japanese, lost opportunity for tax revenue and a potential greater decline in Japan's economic stability.

And if these simple aspects do not worry you, just image if these right wing leaders succeed in starting a war. Just imagine the stylish average Japanese 19 year old thrust into war against his mandatory military service Korean or Chinese neighbors. Do we really want to see the young people of any of these nations dying in the droves that a war would certainly bring? With Japan on the losing side of that?

We as foreigners do need to care and can help. Talk to your Japanese peers, challenge their views. And let us use our economic and investment power to challenge this process where we can. Let us write to our politicians at home to encourage their involvement to encourage Japan away from this self destructive path to a right wing restoration.

DogOct. 26, 2012 - 08:18AM JST What has Japan done? Peeved off all of its neighbours. Rewritten history through selective amnesia and is well on >its way to a big shift to the right. Hashimoto! Aso! Ishihara! you take your pick. I hope this is wake up call for the US and they realise that the Japan-US defence treaty is a liability and a dangerous >one at that.

Actually Japan hasn't done anything worth anyone getting peeved over. China is the one peeving off everyone else in Asia. And nothing would make China happier than the US-Japan alliance to dissappear.

vollandOct. 26, 2012 - 08:02AM JST The conflict with China will become more severe and as the only real solution humans have ever found for a huge >economic crises has always been a war... he might be the "right" man at the right time.

The only country that has the potential start a war in Asia is China.And yes, Ishihara jkust might be the right manm at the right time to knopck the "heiwa boke" peace stupor out of the Japanese and get thej to smell he pu-ar tea.,

Do not fool yourself. This country will never change..... and what is more, that is precisely what the occupying US >want.

Don;t fool yourself. Japan changed very much after 1945. Too much. The US has been trying since 1950 to get Japan back to "normal". Thanks to China and people like Ishihara who react to it, it may finally happen.

OssanAmerica. We need a balanced view.

Japan has peeved off Asia with continued idiocy from right wing or right leaning politicians who show little common sense over regional politics.

That said, China is a threat and a danger to the entire region for her bullying of neighbors over her unjustified territorial claims against Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Ishihara and Hashimoto threaten to make both these issues worst. It is in Japan's hands to take the high road and encourage stability in the region. This helps balance China and gain US support in doing so.

But all that will evaporate if a right wing government comes into power.

If you want to change things to your liking why not become a citizen of Japan, then you can vote. Until then, just enjoy the ride and keep on poking your finger against that wall. As for me, I like Ishihara and think Japan needs more like him.

+1 right or wrong at least he is straight forward and tries to what he say he will do. most japanese politician's comments are so vague or unresponsive that they are meaningless. i wish ishihara good luck.

Ishihara is doing every right and doing a great job. He has nothing to repent for. The Senkaku Islands belong to the Japanese. It's none of China's business what Japan writes in their history books. It's none of China's business if he wants to visit a war memorial shrine. In fact it is none of anyone's business except for Japan. I hope Japan's government stays right wing conservative. This is what is best for Japan and to encourage stability in the region.

why is this in the news? all i see is an article about a racist old s.o.b. delusional politician.

Ishihara lucked into re-election as governer last time because that other clown, Higashikokubaru, split the sane vote by entering the race when Watabe was already contending. Amazingly though, Nobuteru is not an idiot like his father and in fact is one of the few brains of the LDP. Pity he didn't win the recent party leadership vote.

Ivan:

Although I'd agree with your "writer", editor, I suspect he doesn't know what words mean.

Spot on. Glad some people still care. The most egregious piece of twaddle Ishihara ever came out with was the claim that foreigners would cause all sorts of crimes in the aftermath of a major earthquake. Sadly he is totally ignorant of his own country's history. In 1923, exactly the opposite happened when scores of Koreans were murdered on the back of spurious rumours that they were poisoning wells. Particularly offensive to distort things so grossly.

peanut666Oct. 26, 2012 - 09:44AM JST

In fact it is none of anyone's business except for Japan. I hope Japan's government stays right wing conservative. This is what is best for Japan and to encourage stability in the region.

Definition of business means trading with other nations for making money. For making money, Japan needs a market for selling goods and service. Why did Ishihara resign? The reason was he is making Japan poorer and poorer. He is hurting not only Japanese business but also ordinary people. Japan needs anyone business for putting food on the table. Japan needs anyone business for paying the debt to bond holders. Japan needs anyone business for employing more people. In the business, there is no enemy and everyone is potential customer.

Japan needs to be friendly with neigbors for making good business! Japan gross debt is 200% of GDP. The major concern for Japan is paying off the debt sooner than later. Second priority is fixing the homeless and Unemployment.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/japan-posts-y558-6-bil-trade-deficit-in-september http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/china-tension-force-toyota-to-trim-lexus-production

Reason for Ishihara's popularity..... being an outspoken bigot in a country where bigotry is not only praised, but institutionalized. Simple as that. And many may try the Ishihara approach and tell me "if you don't like it, get out!" and leave the xenophobic to be xenophobic and leave problems unchanged, just the way I like it.....

However, I think the duty of foreigners with families here, as well as the duty of Japanese who've woken up and recognized the problem is to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT and change the bloody country!!!

He has ridiculed Chinese, Korean........and United State as a nation of"bigots".

Did he recently look at the mirror of himself?

Maybe some scandal was about to become exposed in the Tokyo metropolitan government and that is why Ishihara resigned? After all, he already set up the Sunset Party with his geriatric mates last year; what need is there to rename it now?

The sooner this senile old fool is confined to a retirement home the better.

Don't think Ishihara will be as popular and influential at the national stage as he was as Tokyo governor. People were more tolerant with his remarks if not cheering at his candid criticism towards those in power knowing his authoritative limitations as governor. Those supporting his radical nationalistic behavior are actually limited in numbers in my view. Believe he is already crossing the line with his "abolish the constitution" remark in the eyes of many.

You see what's missing from his privileged resume? Military service. Any form of national service. Yep, he shoots off his mouth, someone else gets shot at. It would be increasingly difficult to root for Japan if this cretin and his big mouthed cohorts achieve any form of influence in setting national and foreign policy.

Scrote - thats the first reaction I had when I saw the news yesterday. I wouldn't be surprised to see scandal out of this.

As many posters have pointed out, average Japanese seem to have a liking for this scumbag no matter what he does because he is seen as a "strong" leader in a country that has so many weaklings in politics. I talked to an intelligent, fluently bi-lingual Japanese friend yesterday and she said as much despite the point-by-point list of rediculous and dangerous things Ishihara has done.

How can you point out to someone that he is a corrupt, probably senile old man who has nothing but contempt for his fellow Japanese in general, when their only important qualifier is that he is "strong"?

telecasterplayer - you might also want to add he was born into a wealthy family. In Japan, that means never having to work, ever.

MY normally mild mannered and apparently reasonable Japanese girlfriend thinks he is great.........

He is right on one point, though. I agree that Japan should stop pretending it doesn't have a huge and expensively assembled military.

He might not agree with the logical next step though, which is that Japan should then start using its huge and expensively assembled military for the benefit of the whole world, by joining UN operations and not just in a fuel-supply role. Look at the credibility earned by the likes of Canada, the Netherlands, Ukraine, or Poland. That would be a good way to show China, Korea and others that Japan has indeed changed and is now a true world player. Would not hurt Japan's chances of gaining a UN Security Council seat, either.

u are living in the apst old man! Japan is not a great country like it used to be!

Well it looks like Ishihara just wanted to crash Ozawa's new party. Nothing to worry about this guy will become irrelevant.

OssanAmerica

Don;t fool yourself. Japan changed very much after 1945. Too much. The US has been trying since 1950 to get Japan back to "normal".

Wrong, Japan has not changed a bit since 1945 and from even pre-WW2 days. Japan's status quo has only been challenged after the Ozawa's breaking up of the Jiminto party in 1993 and after that a landslide Minshuto victory in the 2009 election (all credited to the genius of Ozawa's political will). Ozawa and Hatoyama called for a more independent and more truly democratic Japan, and that has really bothered Washington. Washington is not ready for a Minshuto governed Japan, they want their submissive Jiminto government back. As a consequence Hatoyama has been completely ignored by Washington.

A sexist, racist pig, at 80 years old, and who has created Japan's worst international crises in decades, is lining himself up to be PM after quitting his job as governor.... yeah, things would be SO much better if this guy had his way. He'll alienate Japan while demanding foreign help and the Olympics, cut down the forests because, as he claims, the trees 'eat children', and call anyone who questions him 'gaijin'. The guy WANTS war with China.

Ossan: "Actually Japan hasn't done anything worth anyone getting peeved over. China is the one peeving off everyone else in Asia."

You keep telling yourself that, Ossan. Blame it on everyone else and take no responsibility, and even play the victim as usual. I mean, Japan's never done ANYTHING wrong, have they? Aren't you the same poster who blamed sexual slavery during Japanese colonization on South Korea? But hey, Japan was the victim there, too!

JoeBiggs: "As for me, I like Ishihara and think Japan needs more like him."

Big surprise there, given his stance against the "evil PRC" you have to rail against.

It's quite well known Ishihara is racist and if not sexist than at least very homophobic. And it's also quite clear that he doesn't care if Japan starts war with China or not, and that he's created the worst foreign relations in decades (even says it in the article), that he insulted MANY by saying the earthquake and tsunami were deserved to do Japan's hubris (and who has more hubris than Ishihara?), that he lost a LOT of people's money on his failed bank, on failed Olympics bids, and more. That's only the tip of the iceberg.

This is the guy some people think will 'save' Japan and make it stronger?

@OssanAmerica "Ishihara jkust might be the right manm at the right time to knopck the "heiwa boke" peace stupor out of the Japanese and get thej to smell he pu-Don;t fool yourself. Japan changed very much after 1945. Too much. The US has been trying since 1950 to get Japan back to "normal". Thanks to China and people like Ishihara who react to it, it may finally happen." So according to you, the NORMAL Japan the US has been trying to pull back into is the one that was in war with China and stepped all over Asia pre-1950??? The US is so far away, if there is a war in East Asia, you would just send weapons, it wouldn't hurt your people and land, is that why your comments are flaring up war rather than seeing peace and flourishing trade for the Japanese&Chinese?! Remember, our "disaster" will reach your shores, will hurt your people, and we won't pay for the "clean up", again.

Hahaha, only Ishihara can change Japan!

The only thing Ishihara has changed is the destruction of japanese society's prosperity, he and hashimoto were 'a fossil and a fool' attempt to override the politics of Japan! If japan choose to self destruction was their frustration against LDP or DPJ or any other neighbouring countries....may God help them!

@michikokada: My advice to you and your country Japan is you people better awaring what America is doing sneaky things in your country's politics, the rise of Ishihara Shintaro was no coiincidince, he speaks in that Heritage foundation in washington! Why does a 'despicable person' like him was honoured to speak? And did you read the book edited byUkera Magosaki- Sengoshi no Shotai

One thing for sure. If you don't like Ishihara or Hashimoto, I suggest you throw your TV out.

**If you want to change things to your liking why not become a citizen of Japan, then you can vote.

Until then, just enjoy the ride and keep on poking your finger against that wall.

As for me, I like Ishihara and think Japan needs more like him.**

Poor Joe gets a minus 18 for making a sensible post and the rabble rabble rabble crowd keeps giving each other the thumbs up for posts with all the intellectual merit of a coloring book. Some things never change on JT.

So tired of the gaijin in this country trying to change the way the Japanese do things. If you want to live in a multi-cultural paradise where minorities of every stripe have a louder voice than the majority then there are any number of failed/failing western democracies to choose from - in fact I imagine most of us left one or another of those politically correct paradises to live here in Japan.

Personally I love Ishihara because there's no doubt where he stands on the issues. I hope he lives a long life and keeps up the good work.

One man's racist is another man's nationalist is another man's patriot. Its just a matter of semantics.

@hidingout

Well written! I'm not really a fan of his but I do admire his patriotism. Why should Japan not stand up to it's neighbors, when they are acting is such a juvenile fashion?

And why should the Japanese change their minds over what a small number of foreign residents say? "Japan, you're doing it wrong! You should be like us!" Like who exactly? Most countries I see have their own major problems. The better off countries in the world seem to be populated by those who don't big note themselves all the time.

Let the thumbs down begin. Do your worst!

Just let Ishihara win over PM and let the world know the truth of Japan's war crime story. I'm waiting for it

Being a strong leader also means being a responsible one. Some thought Hitler was a strong leader as well and look where that got them. Nationalism not need show it's ugly head now or even in this world. Doing so only creates pain and suffering for everyone else caught in the crosshairs. Those on here which support this nutcase keep doing so. You might find yourself being rounded up and put on the first plight out of the country under his rule lol. I think Ishihara must have distemper!! I can't think of anything else to explain a man of such poor character.

NZ2011Oct. 26, 2012 - 08:33AM JST But to suggest that I shouldn't have an interest in the political climate of the country I live in seems to want to live in ignorance.

I never said you should not be interested in it, I said if you ant to change it then become a citizen and vote.

hidingoutOct. 26, 2012 - 10:08PM JST Poor Joe gets a minus 18 for making a sensible post and the rabble rabble rabble crowd keeps giving each other the thumbs up for posts with all the intellectual merit of a coloring book. Some things never change on JT.

I know, I for one do not care how the PRC supporters think, they can hate Ishihara, but the more they show their hate the more he is justified in his positions against Japan's enemies.

hidingoutOct. 26, 2012 - 10:08PM JST So tired of the gaijin in this country trying to change the way the Japanese do things. If you want to live in a multi-cultural paradise where minorities of every stripe have a louder voice than the majority then there are any number of failed/failing western democracies to choose from - in fact I imagine most of us left one or another of those politically correct paradises to live here in Japan.

Here here and well said!! I myself love Japan and the way it is, the people are polite, clean and well spoken. They are not rude uncivilized louts who do not know that soap is meant to be used and not meant to be eatened.

hidingoutOct. 26, 2012 - 10:08PM JST Personally I love Ishihara because there's no doubt where he stands on the issues. I hope he lives a long life and keeps up the good work. One man's racist is another man's nationalist is another man's patriot. Its just a matter of semantics.

Bravo zulu to you and your insight!

JoeBiggs: "I know, I for one do not care how the PRC supporters think, they can hate Ishihara, but the more they show their hate the more he is justified in his positions against Japan's enemies."

Now, you see, Joe? That's why you get the all those thumbs down you quote about. Here's the thing, not liking Ishihara does not automatically mean you like the PRC -- it's that kind of antiquated, black and white thinking that gets people in trouble and often causes these kinds of conflicts in the first place.

hidingout: "So tired of the gaijin in this country trying to change the way the Japanese do things. If you want to live in a multi-cultural paradise where minorities of every stripe have a louder voice than the majority then there are any number of failed/failing western democracies to choose from "

Guess what -- people are allowed an opinion regardless of whether they are Japanese or 'gaijin', as you say. Just because you don't like a radical right-wing politician does not mean you should 'leave the country'. What's disgusting is that people such as yourself use this bottom-of-the-barrel arguement for lack of any defensible position on issues like this. I know a lot of Japanese who dislike Ishihara as well -- should THEY leave Japan? Are they therefore in favour of China because they disagree with 'strong' Ishihara? I happen to know for a fact that many loathe both Ishihara AND China (that'll make JoeBiggs' head implode!).

GaijinNKyoto said it best: "Being a strong leader also means being a responsible one."

A lot of Japanese, especially rightists (not surprising) are taking a knee-jerk reactionary response to an issue their own people started (ie. Ishihara himself) and saying "Japan is weak. We need a strong leader!" Ishihara is definitely one who sticks to his guns -- but unfortunately his guns are ancient blunderbusses and while he is stubborn (mistaken for 'strong') he is certainly NOT responsible in any way whatsoever.

hidingoutOCT. 26, 2012 - 10:08PM JST

So tired of the gaijin in this country trying to change the way the Japanese do things.

You might be joking. I have just come back from tea ceremony. I have to kneel down patiently. I have to wear kimono. I have to shut up. I have to follow the formal way of tea drinking. Everything is slow and gentle. It is over polished and controlled. Japanese are changing gaijin. Not the other way around.

Personally I love Ishihara because there's no doubt where he stands on the issues. I hope he lives a long life and keeps up the good work.

In pre WWII Japanese have mentality as they are superior race and they looked down to neighbors as uncivilized louts! They have duty to punish and enlighten those louts as descendants of fearless worriers Samurai. The consequence of Japan was a first nation of the world to be nuked.

One man's racist is another man's nationalist is another man's patriot. Its just a matter of semantics.

Patriotism has double edge sword. What Japanese and German went too far for WWII. Unbridled nationalism will promote hatred and intolerance with neighbors. There is no such thing as specific superior race or nation on that earth. It is just an individual point of view.

What Ishihara is promoting to revisit the pre WWII ultra right wing nationalism. It may be good for popularity as politician, it is very painful for economy and people. It is counter productive for nation with very limited natural resources and ageing population.

Guess what -- people are allowed an opinion regardless of whether they are Japanese or 'gaijin', as you say.

Absolutely. I was just airing my own opinion. Since you obviously didn't get it, I'll repeat using more simple words. I would rather live in Japan as a visible minority, and face the discrimination that goes along with that, than live in my home country where there is someone like yourself around every corner wagging your finger at anyone who doesn't meet your standards of political correctness.

Just because you don't like a radical right-wing politician does not mean you should 'leave the country'. What's disgusting is that people such as yourself use this bottom-of-the-barrel arguement for lack of any defensible position on issues like this.

I never said "leave the country" so please don't place that in quotes as if I did. My position is that the direction of Japanese policy should be guided by the Japanese themselves, not by a bunch of foreigners (who have for the most part already ruined their own countries bending over backwards to accommodate every possible point of view under the sun).

I know a lot of Japanese who dislike Ishihara as well -- should THEY leave Japan? Are they therefore in favour of China because they disagree with 'strong' Ishihara?

All stuff I never said or even suggested ... talk about a bottom of the barrel argument for an indefensible position.

I happen to know for a fact that many loathe both Ishihara AND China (that'll make JoeBiggs' head implode!).

And I happen to know many Japanese who love Ishihara .... so what.

hidingout, you have your own opinions but please tell me how Ishihara's (non)leadership will help Japan. Ishihara has already ruined Japanese businesses in China with his idiotic move. All the businesses are upset with Ishihara. Now he's talking about how the Japanese should go to war with China to get back the islands even if that means getting people killed.

This guy is a nut and he will take Japan back by at least 100 years. Ishihara was a 3rd rate mayor and he has achieved not much in his time as a mayor.

How can anyone not think that Ishihara is a nut? This guy is completely of-the-charts crazy by anybody's standards.

What would happen if some day Ishihara mouthed off and no cared. Ishihara has only one agenda, and that is publicity for Ishihara. That he suddenly quit being governor of Tokyo shows how little he cares about the people who elected him and Tokyo in general--and suggests that for a nationalist he is a pretty lousy one. Like Hitler, to name one example.

In fact Ishihara did Tokyo a favor by stepping down. He'll do Japan a very big favor when he steps into the grave.

Ishihara is one of the greatest Japanese politicians in modern day Japan. He will lead Japan into a better future and keep China's illegal land grabbing under control. He will not let countries like China and Korea bully Japan. He will continue to make Japan strong and not subservient to foreign powers.

He was one of the best governors of Tokyo. The Tokyo metropolitan government posted a record deficit of ¥106.8 billion in fiscal 1998, the year before Ishihara stepped into the governor's office. But by 2005, the general account had a surplus of ¥54.3 billion Analysts say he did a great job in the fields of infrastructure, economy and the environment, enhancing Tokyo's standing as one of the world's leading cities.and because of his leadership Tokyo is considered one of the best cities in the world.

Ishihara won the prestigious Akutagawa award for his writing at the age of just 23 and has lived through arguably both Japan’s best and worst times. His 1989 essay, ‘The Japan that can say No’, which pushed for greater confidence and economic independence from the US, was one of his only works to be translated into English (it was originally planned to be a Japan only publication) and first brought him to the attention of the world.

Ishihara is also an environmentalist. A former chief of the old Environment Agency, he took the initiative in green matters, regulating diesel engine emissions in the capital in 2003 to cut air pollution. In the nine years since the regulation was put in place, the amount of particulate matter in gas emissions declined by one-half as measured by scientists.

So most of the lies, loathing, and hatred I read here about Ishihara is most likely posted by those who wish Japan to be a subservient, second class, citizen who bows down to China and S. Korea.