Defense minister suggests SDF support LDP candidate in Tokyo election

@listen

Im always happy to be wrong as it means I'm learning, thanks for the heads up ill look into it.

@Kobe, economic aid given to Asia after WWII was separate to the Western Europe focused Marshall Plan.

@ theperson....

It was called the Marshall Plan.

@pacint

The USA had much more to do with Japan becoming the worlds 2nd economy than the LDP.

She was appointed by Abe. You have to expect this.

Undecided people can. forget LDP now.

For those asking her credentials to be defense minister, both the presidential and parliamentary systems have no built in mechanism to prevent the president or prime minister from appointing whomever (other than majority vote or senate confirmation, etc which is a given based on politics, not merit). It would be nice if the education minister required 10 years of teaching, defense minister 10 years in active duty, etc. I don't foresee this happening short of changing govt to council-manager. In the council-manager system, the parliament would be elected as it is now, but the parliament would hire an apolitical prime minister based on qualifications. The prime minister would then hire the other ministers based on experience in respective fields. None of the ministers could present a political platform or express a public political view. The govt/executive would merely execute/administer the law (imagine that). The parliament could still remove by majority vote.

She isn't even trolling here, she is being dead serious. Which makes her far more dangerous than people think. She needs to be removed immediately and permanently from the LDP

I think my dog is better qualified to be "defense minister" than her, he barks when some is at the door, or opens the gate, otherwise he keeps his mouth shut!

Hi, cucashopboy, that would not be an unreasonable conclusion to draw from the theory of all political elite that wallow in their own self importance. In reality a mediocre privileged bunch.  Entitlement over the ability to legitimately inspire trust through leadership. Is it any wonder that an ever increasing number of 18 to 25 year olds recoil at any mention or conversation about  government or party politics?.  

Defense Minister Tomomi Inada crass duplicitous behaviour is laced with such blatant disdain and disrespect for any semblance of parliamentary democratic process. Tomoni Inada demeanour shows a total absence of ignominy, and an appalling mockery and disregard for the electorate, importantly the will of the people. This abuse of power is commensurate throughout LDP government and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cabinet.  

Gov Yuriko Koike needs to politically toughen up stand her ground and make the difficult decisions ruthlessly, especially where Tokyo 2020 is concerned. Don't flinch from pointing fingers, naming and shaming.

But Japan became the 2nd largest economy under them.

Japan became the 2nd largest economy on the back of modern slavery and massive fiscal scams that subsequently drove the economy into the ground. Millions gave up their personal lives and families, forced to do more for the company (and in turn, the state) or risk being pushed out.

And did the people become wealthy out of it? NO, they are still slaves, and now the working poor on top of it. People pay taxes but where does it go?

Anyway who thinks Japan's 'amazing rise to power' was a good thing needs their head examined, and I'd wager that do not live and work in Japan, too (or at least not for long, or just under a rare, cushy job). The way Japan became the 2nd largest economy (and now sliding down) was the fruits of pure greed and inhumane practices. There was nothing good about the way it was done.

We agree, reread sentence 1. ;)

Hopefully Koike kicks out as many LDP members as possible from Tokyo Assembly in the coming election.

Current LDP is rubbish.

But Japan became the 2nd largest economy under them.

That doesn't give the LDP a carte-blanche to do as they like.

And under them Japan has slipped to 3rd and the down slide

continues.

Current LDP is rubbish.

But Japan became the 2nd largest economy under them.

I don't blame her, the people deserve what they are getting.

The passivity is mind boggling.

What an absolute moron. She should resign or be fired immediately. Once again we are reminded of the grotesque lack of quality people involved in politics in Japan.

Mulan.

Art of War is ok, prefer the 'Book of 5 Rings' by Miyamoto Musashi.

Being Japanese she should have studied it.

itsonlyrocknrollToday  08:56 am JST

If there is any justice, voters in Sunday's Tokyo metropolitan assembly elections, will treat Defense Minister Tomomi Inada suggestion and in accordance the arrogant and rather louche Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a LDP government that has clearly run its course, with the same contempt that has been bestowed upon the electorate.

A similar thing happened in Britain a few weeks ago, let's hope it happens on Sunday in Tokyo. I'm not holding my breath though.

It appears from the down votes that Ms Inada has an admirer here. Why won't they say anything in her defence? I could do with a laugh.

Inada should know that civil servants and the SDF are not allowed to campaign in elections, or express support for a political party. They cannot even do this in their free time. Inada should know that there is police surveillance of civil servants thought to be sympathetic to the communist party and that those people are followed in an attempt to catch them engaging in political activities so that they can be sacked.

Inada does know those things, but is so arrogant that she believes she can say and do whatever she likes and Abe is the same. These people are absolutely corrupt, they ignore the law with impunity and exert political influence over the Japanese "justice" system to keep themselves and their criminal mates out of prison. It's hardly any different from China, and with the new "terror" laws they will soon be locking up political opponents too.

LDP must be pretty bloody despair to win. they presently control everything except Tokyo. of course she should resign...but tomorrow all Japanese will have forgotten.

suga will say something while reading a statement of denial with eyes facing down.

mulanToday  10:01 am JST

Why is Inada a defense minister?

Because she's Shinzo Abe's chum and he thinks she's just super.

Does she know The ART OF WAR? Does she know anything militarily? What can she say when meets other nations war heads? Can she see a real threat not just imagine one?

None of which really matters if you belong to Nippon Kaigi and believe the same neo-nazi claptrap as the Prime Minister - or pretend that you do to get the geriatric nationalist/fascist vote.

Why is Inada a defense minister? Does she know The ART OF WAR? Does she know anything militarily? What can she say when meets other nations war heads? Can she see a real threat not just imagine one?

The Sarah Palin of Japan ... no, worse - more devious.

Foot in mouth seems to be a really issue with the LDP. Aways find the name liberal democratic party ironic as they are not liberal/democratic or a party, anyhow i digress.

If Inada believes that she owns SDF, then she is really disqualify for her position. SDF deserves a better face.

"In a stump speech at a campaign rally in Tokyo's Itabashi Ward, Inada asked voters to cast ballots for her party's candidate, saying the request came from "the Defense Ministry, the SDF, the defense minister and the LDP." Hours later, she told reporters she will "withdraw" the remarks on the grounds they can be "misunderstood.""

Here we go again! Make scandalous and outrageous remarks, even threats, and when you get in trouble say you "retract" or "withdraw" them, as though it changes anything. This woman is nothing short of criminal.

Inada asked voters to cast ballots for her party's candidate, saying the request came from "the Defense Ministry, the SDF, the defense minister and the LDP."

Minister Tomomi Inada & LDP showing more of its fascist nature, she must step down immediately, she went too far!

A law governing the SDF imposes restrictions on the political activities of their personnel.

Probably soon to be "re-interpreted" by the LDP as conveying a total opposite meaning.

Her intentions are obviously clear! Abuse of political power by Tomomi Inada! I have at least not seen or witnessed this kind of political behaviour by a defense minister in any other "westernized" country (member of OECD)?!

If there is any justice, voters in Sunday's Tokyo metropolitan assembly elections, will treat Defense Minister Tomomi Inada suggestion and in accordance the arrogant and rather louche Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a LDP government that has clearly run its course, with the same contempt that has been bestowed upon the electorate.

UK:

She actually reminds of Conway, the straggly hair, age strata and absolute idiocy.

She actually reminds me of Jeff 'Elmer Fudd' Sessions. The way they both seem to suffer from Alzheimer's. Amazing how these sort of people are given the responsibiities they have.

The problem is so many people are so used to being told what to do, they don't see anything wrong with this, which is why it is all the more dangerous! After the Moritomo Gakuin scandal and the lies she told during that, I thought she would be sacked, but it shows the resiliency or the Teflon like coating these LDP politicians have that whatever they say or do, never sticks to them and slides right off.

An SDF officer said Inada has given the impression she "unilaterally used" the SDF even though SDF personnel are not allowed to make political statements

Then she should be fired. Simple.

Questions over her remarks also mounted within the LDP. One member who used to be a cabinet minister urged Inada to "immediately" apologize for her remarks

Apologize? What a joke the state of politics in Japan is. Seriously.

I used such language as part of my efforts to convey my appreciation to people in the community, but I'm supporting the candidate strictly as a member of the LDP

Pathetic, pathetic attempt at backpedaling.

Either she's ignorant or purposely flouting the law.

She's both Speed.

Best mates with the Japan National Socialist Party leader, financially supported by people "close to" race-hate group Zaitokukai, losing lawyer in the infamous Nanking 100 decapitation case, serial liar in the Diet, Yasukuni-licker extraordinaire.

That about sums it up.

she is in so far over her head. this is what you get when you use women/minorities as quota fillers rather than appointing qualified people

Still love the reflexive defence of how their actions may be "misunderstood". Brilliant lawyering mate!

She actually reminds of Conway, the straggly hair, age strata and absolute idiocy.

Oh, Tomomi Inada. Just when you thought it was safe to go out in public again and open your mouth.

Best mates with the Japan National Socialist Party leader, financially supported by people "close to" race-hate group Zaitokukai, losing lawyer in the infamous Nanking 100 decapitation case, serial liar in the Diet, Yasukuni-licker extraordinaire.

Can there be any doubt, any at all, as to what this woman is and what the Abe government is?

In a stump speech at a campaign rally in Tokyo's Itabashi Ward, Inada asked voters to cast ballots for her party's candidate, saying the request came from "the Defense Ministry, the SDF, the defense minister and the LDP." Hours later, she told reporters she will "withdraw" the remarks on the grounds they can be "misunderstood."

　She said what she said....and she meant it. The LDP is worried that they are going to lose control!

Next, expect comments from Suga, Aso, and eventually Abe himself....

Hours later, she told reporters she will "withdraw" the remarks on the grounds they can be "misunderstood."

Hah. Understood all too well, more like.

@cricky

She is only the defense minister because she is a woman, and Abe wants to appear progressive.

What credentials does she have to defend Japan in a war or to lead the military?

By lunch time she will have forgotten saying it, like last time. She does have a track record of forgetfulness. And a host of other problems, as mad as a bag of cats. And the defence minister, what could possibly go wrong.

I was not aware that the SDF was an entity that could physically vote.

No surprise the the LDP is using Japan as its personal fiefdom.

Either she's ignorant or purposely flouting the law.

If she's a former lawyer then I'm guessing it's the latter.

She should should step down or be removed.

This is a very serious and troubling act, invoking the memories of the last time the military were involved with politics. She might have jumped the gun on this. But showed exactly what the Nippon Party have planned.

I can't believe a former lawyer would make this mistake, sounds like it was said on purpose and then retracted when it backfired.