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LDP policy chief Inada calls for changing pacifist constitution

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Comedy gold.

Here is Tomomi Inada, Abe's chosen successor, smiling happily with her friend Kazunari Yamada, leader of the Japan Nazi Party:

http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2140963578944305601

There's Sanae Takaichi, the internal affairs minister and a very close friend of Yoshiro Mori, also smiling as she poses with Kazunari Yamada, leader of the Japan Nazi Party:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/09/neo-nazi-photos-pose-headache-for-shinzo-abe

Birds of a feather...

17 ( +19 / -2 )

He looks more like a banker.

Yes, and that's the problem with a lot of Japanese Neo Nazis and right wing revisionists, they look very inconspicuous. It's when they open their mouths we can see the rot that's on the inside.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

And they are already at it. Forget about the economy, people's livelihoods, etc. This is the pet project all of the nation's political class will spend the next few years preoccupied with, gladly leaving all those pressing problems that actually affect people to some future generation when it will be too late to handle them.

Time to start Googling "move to Canada".

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Tomomi-chan is world class moonbat.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

Let's steamroll this through, and call all dissenters commies and Koreans!

8 ( +10 / -2 )

LDP policy chief Inada calls for changing pacifist constitution

Is she volunteering herself for the SDF then? It is a shame such people have a voice in Japan today. To be more specific, it is Nippon Kaigi that wants to reform the constitution.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

@edojin What is Abenomics? Currency devaluation plus what? Hot air.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

“Our party is one that calls for reforming the constitution,” said Tomomi Inada Sure now she says that, but during the campaign, they were careful not to speak so much about it, even though everybody knew what Abe really wanted to do. It will be ironic if the yen gets even stronger with Abe's win instead of tanking as he would like.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

So Komeito-Jiminto will spend the next few years printing money and working on the constitution? Meanwhile, Rome burns.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

That's good. She can spearhead that effort and then when it passes and Abe gets the Japan he wants, she can serve tea to his grandkids for the rest of her life as his maid.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

These idiots don't realize that the BEST thing that happened to Japan was losing WWII & the rest of the world that GAVE Japan & its people their freedom there afterwards.

Japan sure seems determined to destroy its current level of prosperity to return to the dark times of the 1920-40's pure insanity!!

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Surprise surprise. The Nippon Kairi sticks its ugly little head out.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

bullfighter: "A "neo-Nazi" leader who looks like that would be laughed off the streets in Germany or even California where there have been violent clashes between neo-Nazis and protesters in Sacramento."

What they look like in such cases does not matter, it's what they stand for. You seem to have no problem with the fact that he is part of the Japan Nazi party and this moron of a woman supports both him and the desire to change the constitution. The two are very closely linked.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Sorry, Nippon Kaigi.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I guess the economy is the 2nd priority, instead of the first. I accordance with the Japanese constitution, this requires a nation wide popular vote so it will probably not work.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Here we go again. Just now we have China and Russia to stop any of the war mongering that occurred before. The belief of superiority is still well entrenched though in Japanese culture.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

mr noidal - Japan already has the capability to defend itself. - ie take defensive action.

Changing the constitution is for offensive action. Don't confuse the 2.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

bullfighter: "Not a few Americans see Donald Trump as a “fascist.” (I've been working on a lecture on this very subject.) Some claim he has links to and/or support from neo-Nazi groups. This should be of far more concern than some Japanese politician getting photographed with some obscure “neo-Nazi.”"

We don't like Donald Trump, either, so so much for THAT attempt at an argument. The danger is not Donald Trump anyway, he won't win, it's the lunatics you support here but try and say they are "less dangerous" because they don't look like whatever your image of a neo-nazi is. Then you just deflect.

"And, unless you are a citizen what business of yours if the Constitution gets revised?"

I live and work here, what happens here is every bit as much my business as others. Who are YOU to say others are not entitled to opinions if they are 'gaijins' -- something you yourself are, I might add.

"Complete bollocks."

Not at all, and your foul language is proof you can't handle it.

"Presumably you mean Nippon Kaigi. All the gaijin hysteria about the Nippon Kaigi reminds me of my childhood and American concern about “the red menace.” "

The 'gaijin hysteria', and again, you are one of them, is a whole lot better than the "shouganai" shoulder shrug and allowing the government to do as it pleases against your wishes, and then lapping it up... and then playing victim.

"If you think the Nippon Kaigi ideas are off the wall, you've not been looking at Tea Party types in the US."

The Tea Party are also off the wall, so again, this is your defence of the Nippon Kaigi?

"After gaijin reporters started making a mountain out of the Nippon Kaigi mole hill"

You've only started looking into it NOW? People have been talking about the Nippon Kaigi for decades! I thought you have been here for a long time and immersed in the culture, despite being one of the gaijin you keep slagging. So much for that, too, I guess.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

why do I find it scary when a female politician is prepared to send young boys to war?

The bright side: baby boom. The dark side: body bags.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Our party is one that calls for reforming the constitution,” said Tomomi Inada

Let's get it right here, it isn't the party that is calling for it, it's Abe, so please stop the rhetoric about "party".

If Abe told you to jump off Nihon Bashi I am sure you would too!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Bullfighter -

why on earth are you bringing up the US, Trump et al.???

The discussion here is on the Japanese constitution and people of all nationalities are welcomed ( I hope) to offer opinions and views. I am not Japanese, but my family - wife, kids, parents in law, sister / brother in law. nieces etc are, as well as many of my dear friends.

Who are you to suggest I don't have a right to offer an opinion that affects my loved ones. Who's playing the racist card?

And if Inada wants to change the pacifist constitution, she should be the first to offer her young loved ones to fight overseas when the situation arises - and it will.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

What is Inca's idea to change peace constitution?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I accordance with the Japanese constitution, this requires a nation wide popular vote so it will probably not work.

Don't underestimate the Japanese voters! Abe keeps on winning after all.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Don't underestimate the Japanese voters! Abe keeps on winning after all.

Yes because like headlined by the NY times on the Japanese election, "Japan Vote Strengthens Shinzo Abe’s Goal to Change Constitution" it appears for real that Japanese ask for more militarization so just gave LDP a blank mandate to do it. It is sad, for all affected people (not only Japanese), that Japanese voters do not understand the concept of having strong opposition in the govt to force the ruling bloc to debate, specially in Japan where citizen do not elect their Prime Minister directly, this was really an opportunity to take. I am not sure who could stop the LDP now to re-interpret any articles making an obstacle to their plan to revise the constitution.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

GW: "These idiots don't realize that the BEST thing that happened to Japan was losing WWII & the rest of the world that GAVE Japan & its people their freedom there afterwards."

I think perhaps they honestly need that kind of thing to figure it out. From childhood they are programmed what to do and any trends towards individuality and creativity are dashed out of them, unless those attributes can be funnelled into the powers that be. When men retire from a life-long career of being told what to do, after graduating from being told what to do, they have no idea what to do. I know many men who, when their wives go away for the weekend to Disney Land with friends (never with them) or what have you, don't know how to cook or get along without them. Likewise I know many women who appear strong and relatively independent, but will say, "I'd love to travel this year but my son is in the third grade of junior high, so I can't". When I say, "Your son is... not you. I can understand why HE can't." I get a look of utter perplexity and shut down as they say, "But... son... third grade... he must study hard. I... must..." and so along with PTA and neighbourhood duties that they simply must not say 'no' to despite the 'elections' on who will be leaders and other roles, they will not stray from what they are told they should be and do.

And so the election, where people KNOW they person they are voting for will give the LDP the votes it needs to do something they claim they don't want. They were told what to do, and did it, and now there is a whole lot of "shouganai" being heard, just as their will be when they start the plebiscite on the Constitution, and the "shouganai" when, because most won't go out and vote, it passes. They're be the "shouganai" when laws are passed that people cannot quit the SDF suddenly because they don't want to go off to war, and the "shouganai" when the idea of a draft starts floating around (again) to "reinvigorate the spirit of Japan into the nation!", and the "shouganai" when Japanese start dying on foreign lands, and then at home through war again. But on the bright side, when they lose again they'll be able to be told what to do by a nation that knows a little better... maybe... and then it'll be another half decade or so before their collective memory gives way to the "shouganais" that allow the right-wingers to tell them what to do and have the power to force it on them.

The hardest part for them at the moment is that they can't play the victim card. Well, okay, those that didn't vote can try and pretend they didn't play a part in it all, but that's just another "shouganai".

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Inada was called maid, then here looks like banker, She is a woman lawmaker. Let us discus what is her understanding of peace constitution and how she plans to change. Again she is a woman who does not realize this peace constitution enabled Japan. Sprayed away from many ŪS wars in the world.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

At risk of being branded sexist (and perhaps I am), why do I find it scary when a female politician is prepared to send young boys to war?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@talaraedokko

You've brought a very interesting topic. I just read an article about them in The Daily Beast recently.The Nippon Kaigi might sound dangerous, but they're more of a danger to Japan than anyone else in the region. It seems they fail to realize that it's no longer pre-1940s. They're neighbors for sure haven't been stuck there.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

shallots: sorry for being late in answering this ... but you are on the right track. Problem is, there's much more to Abenomics than can be discussed in only a few words. And ain't any of it any good ...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@strangerland:explain his point.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Not all neo-nazis are thick-necked, tattooed skinheads. Never seen a photo of Goebbels or Himmler?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Back on topic please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bullfighter: "Japanese, US and UK governments say I'm “Japanese.” Would you dare to tell a naturalized American that he or she is still a foreigner"

And how often, pres tel, do you have to explain all that after Japanese laugh at your response to "what's your nationality?" Is that why you get so angry at "gaijin" and berate anything critical of Japan, valid or not?

Bullocks IS foul language. The F-word has also been part of English for centuries.

What's your obsession with US politics in response to valid criticism of neo-nazis in Japan, anyway? I'm not American, and think Trump and the Tea Party are as long as Abe and Co any day, so not sure why you think bringing them up to deflect from lunatics like Inada somehow negates the danger she and people in power like her pose. It's childish and only further proves what everyone is saying about this woman.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

bullfighter: "No, my argument is that if American democracy is not under threat despite having a vastly larger number of serious political nut cases than Japan, why get so worried about a relatively small organization which is, to judge by photographs of its events and what has been written about it, made up mostly of quite elderly people. In my mind the Republican Party is a far more dangerous right-wing organization than the Nippon Kaiti."

And you would be wrong. The Republicans and the Tea Party, since you brought them up, are not in power, nor are they likely to be anytime soon. Crazies like Donald Trump are just bags of hot air and will not come into power to deliver on their threats -- therefore there is no 'danger'. On the other hand, Abe, Inada, and other members of the Nippon Kaigi ARE in power -- and now with a super majority to back them -- and so can make good on the threats they've issued; and changing the Constitution IS a threat, in more ways than one! What's more, the Republicans in the US would just be continuing down the same road they have always been going down; Japan would be turning a pacifist Constitution into one that allows them to build up a military and wage war freely, which in turn could further destabilise the region. Those are IMMEDIATE and very real threats!

So even though you insist on bringing up American politics to Canadians, British, and US citizens living in Japan and talking about Inada, Abe, and other Neo-Nazi sympathisers who want to change the constitution of Japan, there really is nothing even remotely valid in the comparison (or rather, contrast).

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Toshiko - you missed the point of his comment.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Is there a libertarian party? It seems only the left are opposed to changing Article 9.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@citizen2012: It is sad, for all affected people (not only Japanese), that Japanese voters do not understand the concept of having strong opposition in the govt to force the ruling bloc to debate,

I would love to know how you came up with this conclusion. Generalizing again? Being condescending too much? Poor Japanese who have no idea how things work and what they want.

specially in Japan where citizen do not elect their Prime Minister directly,

Where in the world do citizens elect their PM (aka heads of government) directly? But then there are indeed some countries where the presidents as heads of governments are directly elected by the public. The examples: Afghanistan, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Kiribati, Paraguay Philippines, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Uganda, etc.

this was really an opportunity to take. I am not sure who could stop the LDP now to re-interpret any articles making an obstacle to their plan to revise the constitution.

And the Japanese made their choice. Just because you do not like the outcome of the elections does not mean that the Japanese have not shown what they want. As another person wrote earlier, the LDP were careful not to talk about changing the constitution before the election. As for the change of article 9, there is still nothing certain about Abe’s winning the popular vote necessary for any constitutional change.

I am not sure who could stop the LDP now to re-interpret any articles making an obstacle to their plan to revise the constitution.

Re-interpretation and change are two different things. After all, Japan's fundamental law is the constitution and to change it LDP will need a popular vote. The Japanese love their 70-years-long peace record and the constitution which says that he country renounces war.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

We don't like Donald Trump, either, so so much for THAT attempt at an argument. The danger is not Donald Trump anyway, he won't win

One can only hope so.

The Tea Party are also off the wall, so again, this is your defence of the Nippon Kaigi?

No, my argument is that if American democracy is not under threat despite having a vastly larger number of serious political nut cases than Japan, why get so worried about a relatively small organization which is, to judge by photographs of its events and what has been written about it, made up mostly of quite elderly people. In my mind the Republican Party is a far more dangerous right-wing organization than the Nippon Kaigi.

"After gaijin reporters started making a mountain out of the Nippon Kaigi mole hill" You've only started looking into it NOW? People have been talking about the Nippon Kaigi for decades! I thought you have been here for a long time and immersed in the culture, despite being one of the gaijin you keep slagging. So much for that, too, I guess.

I'm not sure what you mean by “talking about the Nippon Kaigi for decades.” It was not formed until 1997, the year I immigrated to Japan. It received little or no attention in Japanese until the Tokyo Shinbun wrote about it in early 2014. Shortly thereafter the gaijin journalists and bloggers picked up on the Tokyo Shinbun articles, most notably David McNeill and Michael Cucek. That's when I started reading about it. The first prominent English language article appears to have been one in the NYT in September 2014. There are a few footnote level references to it as early as 2006 and a blog article in English by Japanese friend dated 2006. A few foreign scholars specializing in Shinto appear to have been aware of existence somewhat earlier.

I checked an on-line catalog that covers are major libraries in Japan. Basically, there was essentially nothing about it in Japanese before 2016 in terms of books. The Nippon Kaigi itself has published a few items on territorial issues. That's about it. (There is actually more than one Nippon Kaigi so you must be careful when searching in Japanese. The other Nippon Kaigi is an association for people with disabilities.)

So, tell me what you knew about the Nippon Kaigi before 2014 and how you knew about it. What did you read in English? What have you read in Japanese?

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Been watching Tomomi Inada in the televised lead-up debates to the election. She is sharp ... and she is really, really good. She has the knack to smoothly rip apart any words that go against Abenomics and changing the Constitution. I also got the feeling that she is now Abe-san's new pit-bull. During the debates she seemed to shrug off making major changes to the Constitution ... and now that Jiminto has a landslide victory under its belt, she is off and running on the party's goal of changing the Constitution. Watch this lady ... she is going to be in Jiminto's bigger picture as time goes on.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Yes, and that's the problem with a lot of Japanese Neo Nazis and right wing revisionists, they look very inconspicuous. It's when they open their mouths we can see the rot that's on the inside.

If you think guys like this spout rot, it's clear that you didn't pay any attention to Ted Cruz and the other Republican POTUS candidates. Not a few Americans see Donald Trump as a “fascist.” (I've been working on a lecture on this very subject.) Some claim he has links to and/or support from neo-Nazi groups. This should be of far more concern than some Japanese politician getting photographed with some obscure “neo-Nazi.”

What they look like in such cases does not matter, it's what they stand for. You seem to have no problem with the fact that he is part of the Japan Nazi party and this moron of a woman supports both him and the desire to change the constitution. The two are very closely linked.

Closely linked in the gaijin imagination perhaps. And, unless you are a citizen what business of yours if the Constitution gets revised? Suppose Article 9 was struck from the Constitution. What would that mean? It would mean nothing more than Japan would have a constitution that is more like those of other advanced countries that have written constitutions.

Do you seriously think that without Article 9 Japan would be more of a threat to world peace than nuclear armed countries such a Russia, communist China, India, Pakistan, etc? Do you seriously think that without Article 9 Japan would be more of a threat than ISIS?

Foreign arguments in favor of Article 9 strike me as racist. These arguments seem predicated on the notion that only the Japanese need Article 9 to keep them from going berserk. Russia doesn't need an Article 9, communist China doesn't need an Article 9, and of course the US does not need an Article 9, only the Japanese.

(Incidentally, I personally favor retaining Article 9 because I think it helps keep Japan from becoming a total puppet of the US.)

The belief of superiority is still well entrenched though in Japanese culture.

Only Japanese claim cultural superiority? Listen to POTUS campaign speeches. Lots of claims for American cultural superiority there. In my considerable experience, Chinese will tell you about their cultural superiority even if you don't ask.

From childhood they are programmed what to do and any trends towards individuality and creativity are dashed out of them

Complete bollocks.

The Nippon Kairi sticks its ugly little head out.

Presumably you mean Nippon Kaigi. All the gaijin hysteria about the Nippon Kaigi reminds me of my childhood and American concern about “the red menace.” There was a commie under every rock and behind every tree.

Even if the Nippon Kaigi had ten times the claimed membership, it would be tiny compared to right-wing militaristic organizations in the US such as the NRA and the Republican Party even on a population adjusted basis. If you think the Nippon Kaigi ideas are off the wall, you've not been looking at Tea Party types in the US.

After gaijin reporters started making a mountain out of the Nippon Kaigi mole hill, I started reading up on it in Japanese. First, it's nothing new. It's been around for decades without the sky falling. Two, the membership is for the most part quite geriatric. The Sankei Shinbun frequently writes up their local meetings and events. They look like meetings of the U3A

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Kazunari Yamada, leader of the Japan Nazi Party

A "neo-Nazi" leader who looks like that would be laughed off the streets in Germany or even California where there have been violent clashes between neo-Nazis and protesters in Sacramento.

He looks more like a banker.

At the very least, he needs someone to help him pick out his threads.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

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