politics

Olympics minister apologizes for saying he was 'really disappointed' over Ikee's leukemia

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Dumb & Dumber

22 ( +22 / -0 )

Abe asleep, Aso trying his hardest to learn to read, the Minister apologising for saying what he thinks...typical woman always getting cancer just when we need her to make Japan great again. It would be too much just too much to be empathetic and supportive of someone who is literally facing the fight of their lives. After the last few days of government incentives for women, they should all just leave. Obviously they are unwanted chattels.

35 ( +35 / -0 )

What a terrible thing to say. A new low for Japanese politicians.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

So nice to see the government's "cybersecurity chief who doesn't know how to use a computer" dipping his toes into the "making an 18 year old's leukemia diagnosis a story about him being disappointed about what this will do to Japan's medal tally" arena.

Its good for LDP cabinet ministers to branch out and explore new ways of showing how disconnected from reality and genuinely awful as human beings they are. Its a field they generally excel at but sometimes they get stuck in a rut of always saying the same inane things about the same inane topics (Aso for example is such a bore in this regard, his gaffes always seem to repeat themes he has explored in previous gaffes). This guy though is genuinely seeking out new ways of distinguishing himself as a total cretin in novel ways. I applaud that.

I can't wait for his next vignette. To my knowledge (and correct me if I'm wrong) he hasn't done any public work in the medium of blaming single moms for all of Japan's woes yet, but I'm sure he could do some really daring stuff in that field.

26 ( +26 / -0 )

"This is terrible. Is this the type of comment that cabinet members should make? It is symbolic of the character of Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe's administration," said Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People.

Sakurada's comment was terrible, but blaming the entire LDP for what one guy said is a sad attempt by Tamaki at exploitation for political purposes.

Tamaki's comment is in a way just as bad as Sakurada's.

-17 ( +3 / -20 )

"gaffe-prone"

Understatement of the year. This goes beyond gaffe. By "really disappointed" he is talking about her chances to win a medal for Japan, not her illness.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

I'd rather focus on these comments from Watanabe than anything Sakurada ever has to say

Actor Ken Watanabe, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 1989, said, "Although I know little about the situation surrounding you, I hope you will look forward and take your time getting treatment, believing in today's medicine and your vital force."

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Sakurada, who doubles as the government's cybersecurity strategy chief, is no stranger to controversy.

Something that seems to be endemic of the LDP.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

un-be-fn-lie-va-ble. It is my deepest wish that the entire LDP just pack their bags and leave Japan. Because now a group of onsen soaking snow monkeys from Hakone could to a better job of running this country.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

Every single word of what Cricky wrote.

And god how I loathe the term "gaffe." It doesn't mean a stupid remark by insensitive or ignorant person reflecting what they really think, but it sure should.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Something that seems to be endemic of the LDP

Watching the reporting of her illness on the telly last night, I was struck that a large proportion of the comments from 'important' were of the 'Oh No the Olympics' hue; it was only after interviews with members of the public emphasised the 'I hope she gets better soon, poor thing' angle that the TV announcers had to point out that Yes Of Course that was the most important thing and all the sports-related comments took it as a given and were looking at the wider picture.

So not just the LDP (vile though they are): a hefty majority of those with a finger in the pie, it would seem.

Just 18, and seriously ill. I hope she pulls through and enjoys a long, healthy and happy life, and to h3ll with the Olympics.

16 ( +16 / -0 )

So, a Japanese politician puts his own feelings first and does not show any compassion for another person who has been diagnosed with a possibly terminal illness. Wow! What a surprise that is, NOT! TIJ!

13 ( +13 / -0 )

why all sport "officials" are so fat , out of shape and out of tact and why abe is sleeping?

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Abe is sleeping because he is dreaming about the 10% gst increase coming in Sep..

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Balloon-headed old buzzard. Just retire him along with the other LDP regrettables.

Best wishes to Ms Ikee from a person with an average but house trained brain.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

To be fair to him, I think what he was really trying to say is that she should ignore the illness and train herselfe to death for the benefit of the country and not be so selfish. It’s more that he was disappointed in her attitude of putting herself first, rather than the potential loss of a few medals

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Sakurada is also quoted as saying, "I hope that she will focus on her treatment and do her best. When one person leads, she can rouse the whole team. I am slightly worried that this type of excitement can wane."

It's almost as though he is blaming her, as though Leukemia was a choice brought on by idleness.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

...why abe is sleeping?

I asked the same question to some local officials I had the pleasure of working with a few years back.

"Why were you sleeping during the speeches?"

One old-timer replied, "It helps me concentrate on the speech if I close me eyes." (Jeez...I wondered if his snoring was helping too!)

I can't sleep at work. I would be fired. Abe should set an example, try to keep his eyes open and maintain the facade that he actually gives a damn about the country.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

A bunch of really old sleepy men...

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The 'tatei shakai', once again showing its true colors. 'Omotenashi' my •ss.

I am not the least bit surprised at this 'Freudian Slip' from the top of a thoroughly institutionalized, authoritarian society. I am thankful, though not hopeful, of the righteous anger and grassroots indignation in calling out an Emperor with no clothes.

Quite a metaphorical passion-play for the constant battle of mankind against itself ... opportunists vs. altruists. Which, I wonder, is closer to the 'morally mature' social primate of homo sapiens?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Cleo & pthers - my thoughts exactly.

Couldn't beleive my ears last night when so many people of all walks were "not immediately wishing her well " and to "hope for her recovery no matter how long it takes".

No - a Big focus on the Olympics and those medals.

One comment by commentator was to the effect, "After winning 6 golds at the Asia games, she was expected to be a big chance at the olympics in 2020". Liike WTF.

You're a champion Sakurada - take as long as you want, and then some more.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Sorry - my meaning was Ikee is a champion, take as long as you want.

I started out very sarcastically wanting to say, " Sakurada is a champion - champion Fool", but got overheated in my brain with the inaness of the mainstream ldp warts.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

This is pure lack of empathy. It shows that to this government that you have no value. An Olympic medal has value.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Gaffs are so common they are the truth. This is how your leaders think Japan. How does that make you feel?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

It sure looks as if Abe is sleeping in the photo that comes with this story.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

THIS ladies and gents, is japan. Seeing as the populace has a 'cant be bothered' attitude, this story should be forgotten sooner rather than later with this dinosaur going on to denigrate someone else later.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

People are far too sensitive these days. It's getting ridiculous.

I'll say this: though I believe that the minister's original comment was supposed to emphasize a degree of empathy for the girl which people have typically twisted or jumped to conclusions, he has no obligation to feel empathy for her. Where is your empathy for the thousands of other people suffering from leukemia and other ailments?

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

He goes right along with the Olympic chairman Mori who criticized Mao Asada and Chris/Cathy Reed for their performances. Why does Japan choose these old grumpy politicians to lead their committee who have probably never played a sport in their lives? The committee should be lead by former Olympic athletes who know the ups and downs of being an athlete.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

DaDude,

Could not agree more.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

As a cancer survivor myself, it would be disappointing to hear anyone say the things Sakurada said. Where are his priorities? Ikee needs words of support to fight the battle she will have to face. She is in much better condition than I ever was when diagnosed with cancer, so I feel she has a good chance to pulling through.

Ikee, keep your head up, and have a positive mindset.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

"Japan's gaffe-prone __ minister apologized for...."

Cut, paste, and fill-in the blank!!!

5 ( +5 / -0 )

His apology to the woman is very comforting.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Sorry i was misunderstood.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Disgusting and vile person. Fits in well with the LDP in general.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

someone give the minister a gold medal as a gaffe-champion!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

His apology to the woman is very comforting

He is a typical person who apologizes after a backlash. People can't change their state of mind at the snap of a finger.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Either he should quit (if he has any dignity) or Abe ask for his resignation. This dinosaur is disgusting.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

What a terrible thing to say. A new low for Japanese politicians.

actually they can go even lower than this. Japan is ruled by total psycopaths who have zero empathy for their citizens. Unfortunately most Japanese are suffering from Stockholm syndrome and will still vote for them thinking they are the way forward... dark times ahead.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Still he is better than other lawmakers.  He may not be smart but at least honest.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Not fit for public office. Go away.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Seems Nihon females remain commodity marketable objects. Such a sad state of affairs for the political stage in a lovely country. Massive loss of face..shameful.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

With these people at the wheel, looks like Japan’s on automatic pilot.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This guy (the olympics minister) also said he hasn't read the olympic charter either. After apologising he came out with the usual "I will do my best" drivel, but it's clear to most people that his best isn't good enough. He should resign, or Abe should sack him.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Watching the reporting of her illness on the telly last night, I was struck that a large proportion of the comments from 'important' were of the 'Oh No the Olympics' hue; it was only after interviews with members of the public emphasised the 'I hope she gets better soon, poor thing' angle that the TV announcers had to point out that Yes Of Course that was the most important thing and all the sports-related comments took it as a given and were looking at the wider picture.

> So not just the LDP (vile though they are): a hefty majority of those with a finger in the pie, it would seem.

Good point cleo! I stand humbly corrected.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

He can "retract" the statement all he wants -- which by the way is one of the stupidest things I've heard of. Doesn't matter if you "retract" a statement, it's still right htere, all the time -- but it will not change his thinking of the people like him. I heard no less than three old men say EXACTLY the same thing this Week, and register the same kind of shock over the reaction I gave to their remarks. They can try to take it back or pretend that's not what they meant, but it is.

As for him doubling as a cyber-security chief while not having a computer, only in Japan (or the Trump administration). Where are the honorable Japanese who would fall on the sword for honor?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why did Abe san allow Yoshitaka Sakurada anywhere near the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Yoshitaka Sakurada is the least qualified, totally unsuitable for such a role.

Think of the most inappropriate, ill judged statement a cabinet minster could make, and with near perfect timing Yoshitaka Sakurada will blurt it out.

Whole sections of the broadcast media appear to have had a empathy bypass.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Apology rejected. Put forward motion of censure.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

1) First of all, he should resign.

2) But here comments are biased. PM Abe is just shutting his eyes, not sleeping.

3) Why these guys are elected? Because opposing parties are much worse.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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