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Koike takes tougher stance than Abe on coronavirus

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By Linda Sieg

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In the meanwhile, to give us assurance, PM Abe is playing with his dog.

30 ( +30 / -0 )

Abe has been having a tough time since Trump has been too busy to take his phone calls.

Despite leaving Trump multiple "OMG what do I do now?" voicemails, Abe still hasn't heard back yet, and as he is incapable of really making an executive decision himself, not much is getting done.

24 ( +28 / -4 )

It's hard to see this as little more than political posturing and opportunism. She was also calling for the olympics to be held until very recently. Now opinion polls have swung towards favouring stricter measures she's changed her tune.

She's a political rival to Abe but an ideological bedfellow.

I guess even if the motivation is a little dubious I hope the more proactive approach helps save peoples lives in Tokyo.

23 ( +25 / -2 )

It's like Cuomo vs. Trump. Koike is giving daily online briefings (even in English once a week) and doing a pretty good job by showing the leadership that Abe isn't.

19 ( +26 / -7 )

Honestelly I don’t like Koike as well,and I frankly can’t understand some of the expats that support her.

She’s not so different from Abe after all,do you guys know that she’s also a member of the Nippon Kaigi and she has a very right wing revisionist agenda like the actual PM?

Sorry but she’s as bad as him.

17 ( +31 / -14 )

Abe doesn't give a crap about the people's welfare. You can tell by his actions and inactions.

16 ( +16 / -0 )

In a crisis sure, Koike is stepping up to fill the huge void left by a doddering Abe, but Koike is still a Nippon Kaigi supporter so it's a non starter. Don't pretend she's a real change to party power in Japan.

16 ( +20 / -4 )

she was silent on any emergency measures and lockdowns before the Olympics were postponed.

She is just filling a void left by Abe...

Abe is too busy sipping tea and playing with his dog ...safely tucked away at home...

Uselessness at its finest.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

F... you Japantoday for changing my post.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Honestly I don’t like Koike as well,and I frankly can’t understand some of the expats that support her.

She’s not so different from Abe after all,do you guys know that she’s also a member of the Nippon Kaigi and she has a very right wing revisionist agenda like the actual PM?

Sorry but she’s as bad as him.

While I appreciate the leadership she us showing as governor, I also agree with this. The national party she created to run in the last national election would have been a disaster if elected, and it was largely her direction of it that alienated other opposition parties and allowed Abe to skate to another win.

Good governor, but she would be a horrible PM.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

rainydayToday 07:17 am JST

While I appreciate the leadership she us showing as governor, I also agree with this. The national party she created to run in the last national election would have been a disaster if elected, and it was largely her direction of it that alienated other opposition parties and allowed Abe to skate to another win.

Surely that was its purpose? To split the opposition vote and allow Abe to win.

Pukey2Today 07:17 am JST

Is there an election coming up?

You must be psychic. How could you possibly have known that?

11 ( +11 / -0 )

"It shows how incompetent and mistrusted the national government is at this time."

maintain that the truth!!!

10 ( +11 / -1 )

There’s a kind of trade off between deaths by pandemic and deaths from economic hardships. Closing shops and businesses means revenues lost and people losing jobs, resulting in desperate shop owners and laid off workers taking their own lives. Watch out for suicide rates in the coming months.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Posters here are thinking that Koike is some type of panacea for Japan?

Well, no she isn’t.

An upbringing in sheltered Ashiya, as far from what most Japanese consider normal as chalk is to cheese and private schooling to boot.

She’s a female version of Abe - no mistake.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Honestly I don’t like Koike as well,and I frankly can’t understand some of the expats that support her.

She’s not so different from Abe after all,do you guys know that she’s also a member of the Nippon Kaigi and she has a very right wing revisionist agenda like the actual PM?

Sorry but she’s as bad as him.

While I appreciate the leadership she us showing as governor, I also agree with this. The national party she created to run in the last national election would have been a disaster if elected, and it was largely her direction of it that alienated other opposition parties and allowed Abe to skate to another win.

> Good governor, but she would be a horrible PM.

I'll second both these opinions. But I do also want to remind everyone that until the Olympics were cancelled (something she opposed) she showed no leadership and no incentive on fighting the virus.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

I’m sorry Yubaru,even though I often agree with your positions in this case I must diverge from your support on Koike.

As someone wisely stated before she’s trying in this particular situation to play it smart and pretend to show some leadership,but in the end she’s just a female version of Abe.

With her at the helm of the government the civil rights and human rights will still be below the average compared to other free democracies.

Keep in mind that she’s affiliated and a strongly supporter of a movement willing to give less right to foreigners and rewrite the world history in a benevolent light for Japan,to don’t mention in various interviews in the past she support the same idea of Abe to use blue collars from abroad as disposable.

Such kind of hawkish and racist view have no room in my agenda,I still and will support people like Reno and Edano.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Is there an election coming up?

8 ( +8 / -0 )

She’s not so different from Abe after all,do you guys know that she’s also a member of the Nippon Kaigi and she has a very right wing revisionist agenda like the actual PM?

Sorry but she’s as bad as him.

With her at the helm of the government the civil rights and human rights will still be below the average compared to other free democracies.

Keep in mind that she’s affiliated and a strongly supporter of a movement willing to give less right to foreigners and rewrite the world history in a benevolent light for Japan,to don’t mention in various interviews in the past she support the same idea of Abe to use blue collars from abroad as disposable.

Such kind of hawkish and racist view have no room in my agenda,I still and will support people like Reno and Edano.

YES, YES, A BILLION TIMES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Koike was nowhere to be seen until the Olympics got canceled, she literally disappeared. Once the Olympics were gone and a day later, the opportunist women started to speak of infection and lockdown waving carton plates. She is as pathetic as the rest of the Japanese government and I am amazed to see that the history is already being rewritten.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

She isnt any better than Abe. She was the one insisting on holding the Olympics along with all the rest of them.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

she is a wolf in sheeps clothing.

not to be trusted.

right wing like abe and anti gaijin.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike,"We discussed what to do with hanami. It is open-air. The metropolitan government wants people to admire the flowers, I think taking hanami away from the Japanese is like taking away hugs from Italians,".

Only to U turn weeks later....

Tokyo 2020 Olympics..

Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike , “It can’t be said that the announcement of a pandemic would have no impact. . . . But I think cancellation is unthinkable,”

Only to again U turn when the Political opportunity presented itself.

Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike, the shameless political opportunist, always has been, always will be.

Has Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike ever considered refraining from playing the populist, and instituted a programme of testing and tracing?

Where are the safe, efficient 'drive-thru' virus tests facilities?

Niigata has begun the process.

Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike, claim to fame is news conferences and flip charts.

CEO?....

Do me a favour. Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike no more than a political milk monitor, whose mission is to score political points over Prime Minster Abe government.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike, the shameless political opportunist, always has been, always will be.

Well said. Plus she wears a bigger and prettier face mask than any other politician.

Good PR.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Abe is finished, gone with Olympics.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

The bar for Japanese Politians is so low that a monicom of actual leadership can propell almost anyone into the spotlight. Becoming PM now that's up to the LDP, which Faction is strongest at that time, Family connections and is it your turn?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

What a lovely little PR piece for Koike!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

indeed, plasticmonkey, as shallow, as my nieces plastic paddling pool.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

What I'm guessing here is that she originally suggested that all izakaya's close during the lockdown, but the Yakuza who run the izakaya, supply the drink, etc., dropped a hint that someone might have a nasty accident on their way home and she compromised.

Anyone who actually is aware of how businesses are run here in Japan, or anyone who is aware of the current laws regarding the Yakuza here in Japan, would NEVER have made a comment like this, unless all they are looking for is a few "thumbs up"

Seems to me every time there is something about the food and drink, or entertainment industry posted here, you come across as blaming the Yakuza for everything. See many other conspiracy theories around you?

The suggestion or even thought of "someone having and accident and she comprimised" is ludicrous beyond belief!

Just like your comments about a night time worker in Shinjuku, you are once again off the mark, and dont seem to understand what is or was written. If they close down, they have a right to compensation, if they stay open, it's up to the people to decide whether or not to go, but by setting a time limit on them, it lessens the amount of compensation they might get balanced off their own income from that period.

It's ALL about money. This is at least the second time that has been pointed out to you.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Think about that! THINK!, Koike pissed off the LDP by running, even when they put up a different candidate instead of her, it wasnt her "chance" and some other LDP butt, was "in-line" before her.

Somehow I found this post very funny.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Abe vs Koike?

No thank you.

It is more beneficial for me to focus on people, the virus and think about what is best. Use the virus for social or

political posturing and/or grooming?

No thank you.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I’m sorry Yubaru,even though I often agree with your positions in this case I must diverge from your support on Koike.

No problems! I appreciate your candor here! She is LDP through and through, and only stepped out because they wouldnt support her in the election. She caused them quite a bit of embarrassment by doing what she did.

With her at the helm of the government the civil rights and human rights will still be below the average compared to other free democracies.

While this is true, take a look at what is happening right now. The country can not force it's own people into a lockdown, because it's against the law, yet human rights and civil rights are below average.

Doesnt make much sense does it?

Such kind of hawkish and racist view have no room in my agenda,I still and will support people like Reno and Edano.

No problems with Renho, but she needs to tone down her speech a bit to work better with the people around her. SHE is a bull in a china shop, something this country probably needs, but they arent ready for her!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

William77:

she’s also a member of the Nippon Kaigi

That is a fake news, often found in Western media, which I found, have mistaken Nippon Kaigi Kokkai Giin Kondankai (日本会議国会議員懇談会) with Nippon Kaigi (日本会議) itself. The confusion is partly due to a misinformation provided by people like Michael Cucek of Temple University.

Koike is not a member of Nippon Kaigi. She herself explained to one of the prominent Japanese nationalist leaders, Satoru Mizusima (水島聡) in an interview, why she distances herself from the organization: "their direction is different from mine."

Yes she is conservative but not a right wing nationalist. She welcomes foreign workers unlike nationalists. For example, she donated large number of health gears to China after virus outbreak at Wunan, in the midst of outcry of dismayed nationalists.

She is conservative only in economic policies (a believer of free-market economy rather than socialist one) and foreign policies (a believer of strong self-defense and alliance with US). She is rather liberal in social issues, particularly deep concerns for women, the disabled and foreigners.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Koike san, please run for Prime Minister. 

Pounding my head on the wall once again! She can not "run" for PM! There is no Prime Ministerial election in Japan! Should there be, YES, is there NO!

Yes, I think she would be great too! But she can't just join up and suddenly get picked!

Which ever party controls the lower house after any given election chooses the PM.

Think about that! THINK!, Koike pissed off the LDP by running, even when they put up a different candidate instead of her, it wasnt her "chance" and some other LDP butt, was "in-line" before her.

She is not LDP, hence, in the current climate here, she will NEVER (sadly) be PM!

3 ( +12 / -9 )

Abe has been having a tough time since Trump has been too busy to take his phone calls. 

Despite leaving Trump multiple "OMG what do I do now?" voicemails, Abe still hasn't heard back yet, and as he is incapable of really making an executive decision himself, not much is getting done.

Scary thing about this is it’s one guy who doesn’t have a clue relying on another guy who doesn’t have a clue.

Quite a few Japanese don’t trust Koike... and that’s fair enough... but she is doing a heck of a lot better than Abe on this... at least now.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

"It is rare for governors to resist national government orders," said Koichi Nakano, a political science professor at Tokyo's Sophia University. "It shows how incompetent and mistrusted the national government is at this time."

Really? Here we go again, kicking Okinawa out of Japan. The Governor(s) plural, regularly "resist" and fight tooth and nail with national government orders. Maybe the rest just need to grab a hold of something and start LEADING!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Yep, the Whitehouse task force is doing a pretty good job with those daily briefings.

Not really given that after Donny mouths off, the experts have to correct him.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

All the folks praising Koike need to be reminded she followed Abe's playbook until the Olympics were cancelled. She needs to be held accountable for that.

But yes I still support her, because at least she is trying to take practical measures to stem the tide in Tokyo.

Sadly the people there are a microcosm of everything that is wrong with Japan, they know going out and what ever is wrong, They still think, they are being cautious, from TV interviews, but are ignorant to the fact that THEY are the one's who are potentially spreading the virus, because in their minds, it always happens to someone else!

3 ( +7 / -4 )

"It is rare for governors to resist national government orders," said Koichi Nakano, a political science professor at Tokyo's Sophia University. 

Federalism is a wonderful thing. Japan could use a lot more of it. The prefectural government knows local conditions better than the national authorities.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

A hint at the different approach is she doesn’t have anywhere as many company stocks and shares as the Old Boys Club.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Actions speak louder than words.

What firm practical policies has Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike proposed or instituted? No testing no tracing, nothing.

Only insist businesses close, without any reference to the economic damage this policy would inflict on the most venerable in society.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Tougher than doing nothing isn't doing much. This is the woman who takes the lion's share of the infections and deaths in Tokyo PERSONALLY because until the day they were delayed the Olympics took absolute precedence and the woman said it was "unthinkable" they be delayed or cancelled. Her calls to "Please keep going to work on crowded trains, and anything serious is up to the president -- certainly not me -- but otherwise give up your businesses and social lives, please. Now, I'm off to lunch with friends," don't mean a thing as long as there is no lockdown beyond lip-service.

oldman_13: "Koike for Prime Minister"

No thanks. She's proven she cares only about herself and her legacy.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I'm paraphrasing maybe but Ms. Koike said just last month,

"Wash your hands" to prevent Coronavirus (not wearing a mask at that time)

Postponing/Cancelling the Olympics is "unthinkable!"

"Telling Japanese people that they can't enjoy the cherry blossoms is like telling Italians they can't hug/kiss" Estimated 50000 people went to Ueno park the next day.

Just reminding peeps.

Take care all!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

If there is any doubt as to the catastrophic consequences of sovereign debt default, then Greece's debt crisis is an example. Minuscule in comparison to the economic fallout, if France, UK, Spain, Italy defaulted, let alone Japan.

https://www.cfr.org/timeline/greeces-debt-crisis-timeline

Just envisage, if possible, the depths of poverty the people of Greece had to endure.

Don’t lockdown or lockout any hope of economic recovery. metaphorically don’t allow the cure to become more devastating than the infection.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, must present to the people openly and transparently the logic and reasoning underlining his Governments policies to challenge this pandemic.

Most importantly the reasoning behind not succumbing to a policy advocating wholesale business shutdowns.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Abe has done nothing to help.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It's like Cuomo vs. Trump. Koike is giving daily online briefings (even in English once a week) and doing a pretty good job by showing the leadership that Abe isn't

Not quite true as Cuomo is repeating the same things that Trump is saying, it’s just that when Trump says them, it’s bad, Cuomo saying the same thing, it’s good, but be that what it is, Koike sees the virus for what it is and understands how dangerous it is, Abe is deeply worried about the economy and doesn’t know what to do if he goes for a permanent and full shutdown because they government would just have no way of financially supporting the millions of business that would go bankrupt! This is partially why he’s making staying home is an option rather than mandatory.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Oh yea, right! Koike is taking a much tougher stance on Covid-19:

Abe: I urge you to stay at home.

Koike: I really urge you to stay at home.

Rest of the world: Mandatory quarantine.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I have not heard this woman advocate for more testing, Anybody who cares would. She has seized the golden opportunity offered by Abe ineptude and is milking it.

Make a good prime minister, don't make me choke on my coffee.

The bureaucrats formulate policy in this country and until power is wrested from them nothing will change as they are for J-inc rather than the populace, safeguarding their amakudari channels and the policies they have enacted has helped the LDP remain in power and in return the ruling party turns a blind eye to excesses by the bureaucrats.

Remember the democratic party during their short rein tried wresting power from the bureaucrats and create a system like in most western countries. It didn't sit well with the bureaucrats and they were sabotaged big time.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

MRS KOIKE is very correct, lives and feelings are not to be played with. Mrs KOIKE for .......................the people BAMBATTE.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

where and who is the Gov in Hyogo?? nothing to say no actions no comments totally useless

A man who looks about 85. He was on the news yesterday and repeated that the virus is dangerous and the need for isolation as Hyogo declared emergency.

A hint at the different approach is [Koike] doesn’t have anywhere as many company stocks and shares as the Old Boys Club.

Yes, she isn’t encumbered by lists of companies and associations that slow Abe down.

On Koike being the female Abe, who would rather have between the two? I’d rather have Koike who at least has the ovaries to challenge the establishment within the establishment.

On her earlier inaction, the Olympics was the white elephant in the room but the sacred cow. No one was going to touch that; let alone it wasn’t her call just as it wasn’t that of Abe.

If it weren’t for her pressure the emergency would have probably been starting next week if not next month.

That is a fake news, often found in Western media, which I found, have mistaken Nippon Kaigi Kokkai Giin Kondankai (日本会議国会議員懇談会) with Nippon Kaigi (日本会議) itself. The confusion is partly due to a misinformation provided by people like Michael Cucek of Temple University.

Koike is not a member of Nippon Kaigi. 

Thank you bringing this up. These two are separate entities. The former is a non-partisan group though 99 percent LDP. It also supports the latter. They nonetheless are not the same.

She’s viable and has a lot to offer from what’s available.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Koike is a rightist who wants Abe's job. She is even more dangerous than he is.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I think that in a country like Japan, it would be rather easy to shut down for a duration.

It's basically one race, one language, and most are disciplined citizens. Seeing that they still go to restaurants and bars shows some namby pambiness, but basically they are obedient. Mr. Abe is too lenient. Other Asians countries are ahead of Japan, enacting strict measures. C'mon Japan, just gaman a little this time around, and show the world your discipline. In the meantime, Mr. Son's actions and Fuji Film testing a new drug are commendable, and I hope they succeed.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

CapuchinToday  07:16 am JST

It's hard to see this as little more than political posturing and opportunism. She was also calling for the olympics to be held until very recently. Now opinion polls have swung towards favouring stricter measures she's changed her tune.

She's a political rival to Abe but an ideological bedfellow. 

I guess even if the motivation is a little dubious I hope the more proactive approach helps save peoples lives in Tokyo.

I agree with you.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

well said itsonlyrocknroll!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

itsonlyrocknrollToday 12:33 pm JST

Most importantly the reasoning behind not succumbing to a policy advocating wholesale business shutdowns.

To be fair, the sheer size of Japan's debt, even if aided by the fact it is mostly to domestic lenders is undoubtedly a consideration. Decades of being unable to make hard decisions is coming to bite them in the butt - if they were less indebted, they'll easily be able to put out a relief package now. But can't piss off those old fossils by reducing their pensions to a level sustainable by taxes, eh?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Abe has been having a tough time since Trump has been too busy to take his phone calls.

Despite leaving Trump multiple "OMG what do I do now?" voicemails, Abe still hasn't heard back yet, and as he is incapable of really making an executive decision himself, not much is getting done.

Abe is no different than lil Kim. They use the idiot in the WH for reality star status with their supporters. Trump is floundering epically, and Boris is infected. Abe has no one to follow.

Koike has no choice but to take on the responsibility as Gov. Cuomo has done.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Honestly, Kazuaki Shimazaki, the fallout of a debt default is unquestionably apallying. Societies social/fiscal/economic fabric collapses with devastating consequences.

Greece debt crisis: The cost to pensioners,

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33382046

There are little or no compromises, no safety nest. The decline truly is shocking.

This, I believe is why Japan Government must resist a shutdown.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I really think Koike could be an excellent prime minister

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Kazuaki Shimazaki: "All countries have the right to fight for a more favorable world history. Certainly, China has been the beneficiary of an extremely "benevolent" history that is actually interfering with normal defensive measures corresponding to China's actual threat level."

Ah, so China does it, and you want to be like China, whom clearly you admire in such respects, so it is therefore okay that Japan does it. You have just said that you are all for revision so long as it favors Japan, just like China does with its history. Well done.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

smithinjapanToday 02:16 pm JST

Ah, so China does it, and you want to be like China, whom clearly you admire in such respects, so it is therefore okay that Japan does it. You have just said that you are all for revision so long as it favors Japan, just like China does with its history. Well done.

Oh, let's completely ignore their present positions when making this statement, shall we? I see stuff from both nations, and my sense right now is that Japan is "underpressurized" when it comes to getting its fair due, while China is "overpressurized" (otherwise known as entitlement). In fact, China had ALWAYS been overpressurized except for their so called One Hundred Years of Humiliation, which might as well be called The Abandoned Century of Socialization.

When Japan gets to something approaching neutral pressurization, I might start worrying about nationalism and all that stuff. Right now, there are other priorities.

But back to the point, right now, Koike does look more promising than Abe. Plus, we can check that box of Japan never having a female leader :-)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I don't like either of them but you don't need to like someone to take sides. SHE is right, either shut the whole country down now for a short time or have it shut down for us with sick people for what could go on for months. Look at other countries that have done it, Singapore, just as densely populated as Japan and they went into lockdown mode, New Zealand, same size land mass as Japan and went into total lockdown for 4 weeks and by week 3 daily number growing has all but stopped. It is possible to have a complete financial freeze, no one pays rent, electricity , loans, nothing. The GOVT can give a weekly benefit to everyone for food only. The GOVt has access to unlimited loans, yes it needs to be paid back but once the economy is up and running again increase consumption tax for X number of years. A better option then losing a third of the population to an early death which would make it impossible for Japans economy to recover.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

A new study from Harvard researchers published today in the journal Science finds that "prolonged or intermittent social distancing may be necessary into 2022."

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Cognac,

"corona virus is in Japan since late January, sir

and in mid April Tokyo is getting less than 200 cases a day, lockdown is useless

I wonder when this hysteria will pass on, this is not NYC..."

No, its not NYC.....Not YET.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Typo, Ain’t that the truth.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

after winning a battle to ask pachinko parlors to close

A lot of them are still open. But they wipe the machines daily, so no problem. Right? Right?

It's like Cuomo vs. Trump. Koike is giving daily online briefings (even in English once a week) and doing a pretty good job

Yep, the Whitehouse task force is doing a pretty good job with those daily briefings.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It's like Cuomo vs. Trump. Koike is giving daily online briefings (even in English once a week) and doing a pretty good job by showing the leadership that Abe isn't.

People who say this don't understand how a federal system is supposed to work. Governors and Mayors are the front line leadership and should be making most of the decisions in regards to thier respective areas. The federal governments role is to advise, coordinate, share data and provide material support where needed. To put it simply, Koike and Cuomo should be in the spotlight because their's are the hardest hit regions in thier respective countries. It's thier time to shine.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Typo loosing= loosening

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It shows how incompetent and mistrusted the national government is at this time."

This is from a Political Science Professor, not just from the majority of armchair JP poster experts!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Let's not forget that it was Koike who came up with the brilliant solution to coronavirus: Force Izakaya's to close after 8PM!

What I'm guessing here is that she originally suggested that all izakaya's close during the lockdown, but the Yakuza who run the izakaya, supply the drink, etc., dropped a hint that someone might have a nasty accident on their way home and she compromised.

In any case, Koike is tarred with the same brush as Abe. Her only "strength" comes from her education, her connections and the support of the upper middle class. Neither she nor Abe are leaders.

(Invalid CSRF)

0 ( +4 / -4 )

I for one do not like this kind of opinionated comparative reporting which distracts from the actual problems we are facing. All we needed was what was requested and what was required by the government and how we can face the problems we have personally and as a community. It would have been mjuch better if it included specifics as what stoires and at what locations could provide us with specific items that we may need to keep going.

It would have been much better if we were given information as to exactly where to go or who to contact for various needs that we have due to the virus and this new request, even if it was a repeat announcement.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

where and who is the Gov in Hyogo?? nothing to say no actions no comments totally useless

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Hopefully we're on the downward side of the bell curve and not on the upward side of it.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Shin-chan is particularly worthless on this issue, but it seems calculated so he can say, “See! We have to revise the constitution.”

When will Japan stop electing the grandchildren of war criminals?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

https://twitter.com/elliotwoods/status/1249893947918319618?s=20&fbclid=IwAR1ZwX74N1B8LUms7mX-SXbLZljJA3H_xwBD3A7xAfxSEqp41obfrLkZyWg

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Koike is the same governor which one month ago, wait, 3 weeks ago just said everything was fine cause the Olympic games were still planned in 2020 ?

jeancolmarApr. 14 08:52 pm JST

Koike is a rightist who wants Abe's job. She is even more dangerous than he is.

exactly, and what she did after the last election gave me a really bad impression

0 ( +0 / -0 )

did everyone just conveniently forget she was also insisting on holding tokyo 2020 only weeks ago?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Koike for Prime Minister

-1 ( +21 / -22 )

Spain are loosing restrictions, Germany is looking to reopen schools. All on the condition people wear masks.

Possibly Abe's promise to send masks to every household wasn't so crazy after all.

If

1.cases drop

2.masks calm the hysteria and we can be back to normal after gw

3.and importantly the government can actually compensate businesses

then he is set for reelection.

On the otherhand if

1.cases rise at a faster rate outside Tokyo than in Tokyo

2.Tokyo continues not be New York

3.And the governments support for business isn't as much as Tokyo's

she has a chance to be pm

Of course, if we are in a worse situation in May while other countries are back to normalish then they will both need to join the line at hello work.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

AlongfortherideApr. 14 05:46 pm JST

I don't like either of them but you don't need to like someone to take sides. SHE is right, either shut the whole country down now for a short time or have it shut down for us with sick people for what could go on for months. Look at other countries that have done it, Singapore, just as densely populated as Japan and they went into lockdown mode, New Zealand, same size land mass as Japan and went into total lockdown for 4 weeks and by week 3 daily number growing has all but stopped. It is possible to have a complete financial freeze, no one pays rent, electricity , loans, nothing. The GOVT can give a weekly benefit to everyone for food only. The GOVt has access to unlimited loans, yes it needs to be paid back but once the economy is up and running again increase consumption tax for X number of years. A better option then losing a third of the population to an early death which would make it impossible for Japans economy to recover.

corona virus is in Japan since late January, sir

and in mid April Tokyo is getting less than 200 cases a day, lockdown is useless

I wonder when this hysteria will pass on, this is not NYC...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

To date, Koike has appeared to be a better leader – as compared with Abe – in the fight against COVID outbreak in Tokyo. To learn the art of turning things around in politics, both Koike and Abe should learn how the Australian PM Scott Morrison mounted a remarkable comeback (40% to 60% approval) since the bushfire crisis in January 2020.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Amazing analysis.... by the media and by participants to this discussion... an obvious biased political ploy at this time of need.. Definitely a political play by the writer and by Koike...

It does not matter "who" took or did not take a tougher stance. It also does not matter who is in political power or what party they belong to. And there was no need for political history. The problem is the virus and how to "handle" the situation. It also does not matter who is talking to the media moire often as to how to handle the virus.

As did Trump, Abe gave the responsibility to Koike who could and should know as the governor more about the specific situation that Tokyo as a prefecture is in and use her authority to take the necessary action and not for the natilnal government to dictate ways to handle every single problem and issues in each prefecture. Japan as the USA is not a totalitarian government.

Abe has to worry about international matters such as opening up flights and shipments as well as when and how to reopen the entire country for a strong, effective and meaningful economic recovery.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

From the mayor of SF who locked down even before a single incident, and therefore in hind sight, able to crush the curve: “Anytime you are dealing with an outbreak, if it appears like you overreacted, then you probably did the right thing.”

Keep pushing Koike for the health and safety of the residents...we are behind you!

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

She's the best "Defense of Health Minister" in Japan now.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Koike for PM, Abe is just at home playing with his dogs.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Koike san, please run for Prime Minister. We need a leader that stands by its people. Not one that shows everyone that he has money to support daily life, a nice home, can drink tea, read a book, pet a dog, and use a TV remote.

-5 ( +17 / -22 )

Watch out for suicide rates in the coming months.

And a need for more OB-GYNs. Perhaps not as much as after 3-11, but with a number of people staying home, they're going to be doing something.

Just saying.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

William77Today 08:47 am JST

Keep in mind that she’s affiliated and a strongly supporter of a movement willing to give less right to foreigners and rewrite the world history in a benevolent light for Japan,to don’t mention in various interviews in the past she support the same idea of Abe to use blue collars from abroad as disposable.

All countries have the right to fight for a more favorable world history. Certainly, China has been the beneficiary of an extremely "benevolent" history that is actually interfering with normal defensive measures corresponding to China's actual threat level.

As for "less right to foreigners", do you mean the right to vote? Even though you may still have a vote back your home country?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Japan needs a female PM, not Koike.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Koike is an admirable woman. A fighter for equal rights within Japan.

He faced the all-powerful LDP in Tokyo, and won in a landslide. And it proved the worth of women, in a country where male power predominates. She has destroyed many walls within Japanese politics, breaking many taboos.

I don't think he'll become prime minister. But she's making history that will remain on the books for future generations.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

Koike san, please run for the head of LDP again.

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

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