Taro Aso to be Japan’s latest PM
Written by: adekun on 22 September, 2008 3:37 pm - Filed under: blog ?
As expected the LDP have chosen ultra right wing/conservative/nationalist Taro Aso to lead them. He achieved two/thirds of the vote. Famous for his “one nation, one civilization, one language, one culture and one race.” speech and love of Manga, he is certain to become the next Prime Minister.
Why does the ruling party get to choose the Premier and not the public? It’s not just a one off in this case. Since the 2005 election the following have or will be at the helm:
- Junichiro Koizumi (elected by the public)
- Shinzō Abe
- Yasuo Fukuda
- Taro Aso
There have been more changes for the top job than most of the senior positions within the cabinet; which is quite an achievement. Long live the gerontocracy!
John
24 September, 2008 #
I loved reading parts of your blog. I studied Anthropolgy in school and love different cultures. Great pictures…keep up the good work..
adekun
25 September, 2008 #
Thanks for the note. Hopefully it offers a more honest view.
Chris
28 September, 2008 #
It seems to have been quite crazy recently in Japan. I couldn’t imagine the presidency in America shifting power so quickly in such a short amount of time. Corruption must run deep…
adekun
29 September, 2008 #
Before voting in my home country I considered each party’s values, policy and leader. Isn’t that the idea? I don’t expect that to change should they get elected.
On this, I don’t see any changes happening…
nyantaro
11 October, 2008 #
I’m nyantaro who posted comment on “Brit in Hokkaido”.
First I want to add some comments.
For many of the Japanese the authority (or power) is the government of LDP, in the present. And some of them believe it is right to obey power and needs no reason.
And this obedience may be similar to militarism. “Don’t think. Obey command” is the principle in military. I think LDP was not fascism originally. But, Aso resemble Mussolini, they are the cheap agitator.
Second I want to comment about political circumstance. Some of the Japanese couldn’t imagine voting other parties but LDP because LDP was the authority for them, especially in rural area like Tottori prefecture. （You live in Tottori prefecture, aren’t you?). However, these circumstances are changing rapidly, I suspect. People begin to see Aso and LDP critically. LDP’s government is lasting too long (It began before my birth). So the government had corrupted.
I will vote to DPJ at next Lower House election because I believe change of government is needed for democracy. (Although I don’t agree with DPJ’s policies completely). And many persons look same as me.
But Aso has the devil’s own luck.
The contemporary circumstance of economy will put off the election. I’m regretful very much.
adekun
14 October, 2008 #
Thanks nyantaro for the comment. It’s nice to have some thoughts from a native. After some searching it seems that Brit in Hokkaido is no more. There’s a bit of a mix up on the virtualreview site. I think I found your previous comment anyway.
A lot of what you say makes sense. I am hopeful that the public take responsibility. I guess it will take time, but I am hopeful.