Dear Friends,
2017.4.21
Conscientious Japanese do not forget the goal described in the
Constitution “We desire to occupy an honored place in an international
society striving for the preservation of peace.” They are required to
stay particularly vigilant to any departure from it, under present
circumstances.
The Japanese Government has decided to tolerate the use of Adolf Hitler's
autobiography "Mein Kampf" ("My Struggle") as teaching material in
schools. It is known that this book advocates fascism, racism and
extremism.
Earlier, the Government announced its intention to allow equally the use of the Imperial Rescript on Education of 1890.
It has stunned the majority of the Japanese and, to a greater degree,
the international community, because it reveals undeniably the move of
returning to the prewar militarism.
On April 18, Chinese Foreign Ministry official’s reaction was reported
as expected. It is to the effect that fascism and militarism "must be
held thoroughly accountable and eradicated" and that Japan must educate
its young people with "the right view of history".
Something seems to be wrong in Japan.
The credibility of the party in power is seriously being damaged by
successive scandals in addition to the Moritomo school problem and
newly surfacing Kakei school affair, concerning the transfer of
national land and the supply of huge grant-in-aid.
Mr.Toshinao Nakagawa has tendered his resignation as Parliamentary vice
minister of Economy, Trade and Industry for having had an extramarital
affair. We are reminded of recent verbal gaffs by a number of ministers
and the presence in the Cabinet of certain incompetent ministers.
A few days ago, a commentator of the Television Asahi expressed his
astonishment about the unprecedented resolution of the commission to
enable the presence of a director-general of the Ministry of Justice in
order to assist the Minister of Justice. Opposition parties are
severely criticizing the autocratic management of the parliamentary
deliberations.
It is noteworthy that Chairman Natsuo Yamaguchi of Komeito, the
coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party could not
refrain from stating
in his recent public speech made a few days ago that the administration
of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is "strikingly lacking in a sense of
alertness."
To complicate the situation, the President of the organizing Committee,
Yoshiro Mori, has written a book commented in the attached Japanese
article.
It seems to be a fierce attack against Governor Koike. President Mori
is” fighting against two fears, one is cancer and the other is the
blade of Governor Koike”. This will invite a discussion on the “under
control” assertion. I have sent to Governor Koike the attached message
to reiterate my conviction that the retreat from the Tokyo Olympic
Games 2020 would mark the beginning of a new age awaited by the
majority of the Japanese.
Please allow mw to count on your understanding and support.
Mitsuhei Murata
Former Ambassador to Switzerland
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