Grilled on the Diet

On the first day of substantial discussion over policies in current session of the Diet, Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, had to explain his words during the recess. While he tried to defend himself about his boastings, leaders of opposition parties persistently accused his irrelevance on his remarks. Words of the leader of Japan are losing its credibility.

The highlight of the discussion was questions from the president of the biggest opposite party, Banri Kaieda. He asked why Abe had mentioned “militarism” in his speech in New York last month. With the notion of criticisms in China, Abe said that “If you want to call me right wing militarist, do it.” In his answer to Kaieda, Abe explained that his words had been for ironically emphasizing our determination not to go back to militarism.

His words were definitely not an emphasis of anti-militarism, but a simple intimidation toward China and South Korea. His reasoning of his negative attitude against militarism cannot be proved by the word, “do it.” If you do not deny someone’s criticisms on you, you will be recognized as have approved that. He did not. If he had wanted to make a counteraction against China or South Korea, he needed to crystal-clearly deny that argument.

Kaieda also asked how the leaked contaminated water from broken First Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant had been controlled. “Affection of contaminated water is blocked within the harbor of the plant. The situation is overwhelmingly under control,” answered Abe. In his speech in general meeting of International Olympic Committee, he said that the contaminated water was completely blocked and situation was under control. Yesterday, there were no “completely” in his words, but added “affection of” and “overwhelmingly.” Revisionism on one’s own words with assertion of “nothing changed” makes one’s credibility deteriorated.

Shintaro Ishihara, a right wing extremist, demanded Abe dismissal of the Constitution of Japan, arguing that was forced by the United States. “The Constitution finally passed imperial parliament and it survived for sixty years. So, it is validate,” Abe answered, to Ishihara’s disappointment.

Majority in both Houses of the Diet makes Abe bold on his discussion in the session. However, people are watching whether Abe tells a truth. By the questions of opposite leaders, it became obvious that Abe wants to deal neighbor threats with military power and take the world’s eyes off of Fukushima. Basic line of the ordinary people is to solve the argument with China through diplomacy and to immediately stop the leakage in Fukushima and show them a way to dismantle the plant. He has still not satisfied those requirements.