Another Gaffe of Political Novice

This politician cannot live without making gaffes. Minister of Defense, Tomomi Inada, asked vote for a candidate with Liberal Democratic Party in the election of Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly from the standpoint of the leader of Self-defense Force. Self-defense Forces Act prohibits JSDF personnel political activity. Violating the provision, Inada declared that JSDF would support that candidate. The opposite parties demand resignation of the Minister who never learns from failures stemming from her own inability.

It was in a rally for a LDP candidate in Itabashi district on Tuesday in which Inada asked vote as the leader of SDF. “This is a candidate who has connection with Self-defense Force or Ministry of Defense,” appealed Inada, “Having said that, I beg it as Ministry of Defense, Self-defense Force, Minister of Defense and Liberal Democratic Party.” Realizing inappropriateness of her speech, she explained that she had been trying to thank support from the people there, and later she withdrew her speech.

What was wrong with her? “Members of Self-defense Forces shall not seek donation or other profit for a party or political purpose prescribed in governmental ordinance, regardless its method, be involved in those activities or make activities prescribed in governmental ordinance except exercising voting right,” describes Article 61 of Self-defense Forces Act. The article also prohibits SDF members running for election or being member of party, board of political organization, political advisor or other member of organization equivalent to them. Inada could not ask votes representing Self-defense Force for a specific canididate.

Moreover, Constitution of Japan requires public officials neutrality. “All public officials are servants of the whole community and not of any group thereof,” says Article 15 of the Constitution. It was inappropriate for a Minister of Defense to take advantage of her status for a specific political activity. Illegal activities of Inada have to be punished. Even a leader of SDF told in anonymity why Inada made that unnecessary statement in the time when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would make effort to add status of SDF to the provisions of the Constitution.

Democratic Party, Japan Communist Party, Liberal Party and Social Democratic Party made a joint announcement to require Prime Minister to discharge Inada. They also demanded convocation of the Diet for discussion on the issue. Ignoring those requests from the opposite parties, Abe ordered Inada to stay as Minister of Defense. It is questioned whether neutrality of SDF will be maintained under the leadership of that political novice.