Astonish me, Monsieur Hatoyama!

Yukio Hatoyama, Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)

Yukio Hatoyama leads the Democratic Party of Japan

favored to win the Japanese general election August

30th. This is quoted from Voice, September issue.

Politics

"How can we put an end to unrestrained market

fundamentalism and financial capitalism, that are void

of morals or moderation, in order to protect the

finances and livelihoods of our citizens? That is the

issue we are now facing. In these times, we must

return to the idea of fraternity — as in the French

slogan “liberté, égalité, fraternité” — as a force for

moderating the danger inherent within freedom..."

"... Our responsibility as politicians is to refocus

our attention on those non-economic values that have

been thrown aside by the march of globalism. We must

work on policies that regenerate the ties that bring

people together, that take greater account of nature

and the environment, that rebuild welfare and medical

systems, that provide better education and

child-rearing support, and that address wealth

disparities."

Economy

"The economic order in any country is built up over

long years and reflects the influence of traditions,

habits and national lifestyles. But globalism has

progressed without any regard for non-economic values,

or for environmental issues or problems of resource

restriction.

If we look back on the changes in Japanese society

since the end of the Cold War, I believe it is no

exaggeration to say that the global economy has

damaged traditional economic activities and destroyed

local communities.

In terms of market theory, people are simply personnel

expenses. But in the real world people support the

fabric of the local community and are the physical

embodiment of its lifestyle, traditions and culture.

An individual gains respect as a person by acquiring a

job and a role within the local community and being

able to maintain his family’s livelihood.

Under the principle of fraternity, we would not

implement policies that leave areas relating to human

lives and safety — such as agriculture, the

environment and medicine — to the mercy of globalism."

Asia

"I believe that the East Asian region, which is

showing increasing vitality, must be recognized as

Japan’s basic sphere of being. So we must continue to

build frameworks for stable economic cooperation and

security across the region...

... ASEAN, Japan, China (including Hong Kong), South

Korea and Taiwan now account for one quarter of the

world’s gross domestic product. The economic power of

the East Asian region and the interdependent

relationships within the region have grown wider and

deeper. So the structures required for the formation

of a regional economic bloc are already in place.

On the other hand, due to historical and cultural

conflicts as well as conflicting national security

interests, we must recognize that there are numerous

difficult political issues. The problems of increased

militarization and territorial disputes cannot be

resolved by bilateral negotiations between, for

example, Japan and South Korea, or Japan and China.

The more these problems are discussed bilaterally, the

greater the risk that emotions become inflamed and

nationalism intensified.

Therefore, I would suggest, somewhat paradoxically,

that the issues that stand in the way of regional

integration can only be truly resolved by moving

toward greater integration. The experience of the

E.U. shows us how regional integration can defuse

territorial disputes...

... I believe that regional integration and

collective security is the path we should follow

toward realizing the principles of pacifism and

multilateral cooperation advocated by the Japanese

Constitution. It is also the appropriate path for

protecting Japan’s political and economic independence

and pursuing our interests in our position between the

United States and China." End of quotes.

Japan out of recession

Says who?

Japan rebound might be an opportunity for the Asian

region.

Says who?

Japan's economy grew 0.9 per cent in the three months to

June, ending its longest recession since the Second World

War on the back of exports and government stimulus

spending. But analysts say it will be a long road to a

sustained recovery.

The growth in the world's number two economy is likely to

continue in coming quarters, providing further evidence

that the worst of the damage wrought by a global financial

crisis may be over.

It may also give the ruling party a lift ahead of a

general election, but economists and policy-makers are

wary about the outlook going into next year, which depends

on a recovery in world demand.

The preliminary figure, which fell slightly short of a

median market forecast of a 1pc increase, puts Japan in

the first camp of G7 countries that have pulled out of

recession, along with Germany and France.

"The data was driven by stimulus steps in Japan and

overseas, so Japan's economy is far from self-sustaining

growth," said Barclays Capital chief economist for Japan

Kyohei Morita.

"The growth level for the July-September quarter will

likely be similar to that of April-June, and the pace of

growth is expected to slow down thereafter as the effects

of government stimulus run their course.

It was the first period of growth in five quarters and

follows a revised 3.1pc contraction in January-March and a

3.5pc decrease in the final quarter of last year, which

was the biggest drop on record.

On an annualised basis, Japan's economy grew 3.7pc from

the first quarter, the fastest since January-March last

year. That compared with a 1pc contraction in the US in

the same quarter.

Economists expect Japanese GDP to grow 0.4pc in

July-September from the previous quarter, followed by a

0.5pc increase in October-December, a poll showed. But

economists say the recovery could lose momentum later this

year when a temporary boost from government stimulus

steps, such as one-off payments and subsidies for

energy-efficient cars and home appliances, peters out.

In the April-June period, external demand, the balance of

exports and imports, contributed 1.6 percentage points to

GDP, due in part to China's $585 billion stimulus package

and other such spending rolled out by governments around

the world to combat the global recession.

Tokyo's stimulus steps helped private consumption, which

accounts for about 60pc of the economy, to rise 0.8pc and

public investment to increase 8.1pc. (Quotes of agencies)

Seen from skyscrapers comfortable sofas, Japan's economy

looks like a funny tale. Funny or sad, so sad to see that

financial mood makers claim lots of cra...!

7.1 Earthquake in Izu shaked Tokyo. Reminder for the Big One!

Tokyo jolted all along! The quake waved houses and rattled furniture in the capital city at 7:56 p.m. at dinner time. The epicenter of the quake was off the coast of Japan, near the volcanic Izu Islands. On the Japanese scale of measuring earthquakes, central of Tokyo recorded magnitude four. The earthquake hit just before 8:00pm here, shaking buildings in Tokyo for about a minute. The US Geological survey says it was a major earthquake, measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale.

I have to say it was a terrifying couple of minutes.

Here is my report in French on RTL

Click:

http://www.rtl.fr/fiche/5926809705/japon-tremblement-de-terre-a-tokyo.html

A baseball game in Yokohama between the Yokohama Bay Stars and Chunichi Dragons was stopped temporarily by the umpire when the quake struck. Some high-speed bullet trains also were halted, but began running again after the shaking stopped. Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, and experts believe Tokyo has a 90 percent chance of being hit by a major quake any time in the future.

In the foreign community, people started chatting on "keitai" (mobile phone) and send emails right after. The French were in a twit about the seism. Motive? The security system through satellite iridium phone set to assist local French citizens did not work, apparently.

http://france-japon.net/2009/08/09/tres-fort-seisme-de-71-de-magnitude-dans-lest-du-japon-ce-dimanche-9-aout-vers-19h56/

I covered the Great Hanshin Earthquake for the French Radio and Television in January 1995, a killer earthquake with a a magnitude 7.2 quake in the western port city of Kobe, 6,400 people died instantly, the figure came to over 10,000 the following year. I remember very well how the French Consulate in Osaka, as said by the Consulate itself, was unable to assist the population under its responsibility, as Kobe French residents clearly had stated. It would require technical improvement instead of barricading behind a wall of bureaucratic poorly convincing apologies.

Sure, if the big one comes, there is nothing that can be done. Just prepare yourself, set an emergency bag and helmet and... plant bamboos, their thick roots might save your compound from collapsing, as the old Japanese proverb tells.

FREE!

(Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee)

(Bill Clinton and Kim Jong-Il, Kim Jong-Il was looking healthy compared to just a few months ago even though rumors of a serious illness.)

One day after former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrived in Pyongyang to negotiate the release of the 2 Asian American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il issued a "special pardon" to the two women.

Ling and Lee were detained by North Korean soldiers in March 2009 near the China-North Korea border while working on a story about North Korean refugees for Current TV, a cable and online news network co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. They were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor in June for illegal entry and "hostile acts."

Clinton met with Kim a few hours after he landed in Pyongyang on Tuesday on a visit that White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs called "solely a private mission." The former president, members of his party and the two journalists left Pyongyang for Los Angeles, CA early Wednesday morning.

20 hours to resolve a serious crisis, a serious blow to Japan who proved unsuccessful in trying to obtain satisfaction for decades on the endeavor of the Japanese citizens victims of alleged kidnapping by North Korea.

Japanese press comments:

Nihon Keizai Shimbun

"The Japanese government is highly alarmed at North

Korea's intent. Although Japan does not oppose a

U.S.-DPRK dialogue, if talks proceed behind the backs

of Japan and other countries concerned, Japan fears

this might have an adverse effect on the progress of

the Six-Party Talks to discuss the North Korean

nuclear issue."

Tokyo Shimbun

"The Japanese government is under a direct threat from

North Korea regarding the nuclear and missile issues.

It is also strapped with the abduction issue. As

such, it is concerned about the DPRK tying the release

talks to the nuclear development issue, as a senior

Foreign Ministry official said."

Asahi Shimbun

"For the United States, Clinton's visit to North Korea

may be a visit for "humanitarian purposes." Even so, a

senior Foreign Ministry official said North Korea

undoubtedly has something in mind. "The lineup of

North Koreans who greeted Clinton shows that they were

attaching a great deal of importance to his visit,"

the official said. With the Clinton visit as an

opportunity, North Korea may also attempt to hold

direct negotiations with the United States. "It's not

an occasion for negotiations, so former President

Clinton will probably bring North Korea's message back

home," the official said, adding, "I don't know how it

will turn out."

A page of the East West relations was turned today.

Election: a majority of voters against LDP

(The Japanese Parliament in Tokyo, Nagata-cho)

This is the story that the Mainichi (center, center-left) writes today. Over half of the public want the largest opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) to win the upcoming House of Representatives race, while fewer than one in four hope to see the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as the winner, a Mainichi poll suggests. The Mainichi Shimbun surveyed 1,045 people aged 20 or over from 1,579 households randomly selected across the country over the weekend. The response rate was 66 percent. Of the "pollees", 56 percent responded that they want the DPJ to win the general election, up 3 points from the previous poll conducted on June 13 and 14.

Only 23 percent answered they want to see the LDP to win the race, a decrease of 4 points from the previous survey. The approval rating for the DPJ hit a record high of 36 percent, 2 points more than the previous poll, while that for the LDP posted a 2 point decrease to 18 percent, the lowest figure since Prime Minister Taro Aso took office last September. The results show that DPJ support has gained momentum across the country since its victory in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election on July 12.

Article of the Mainichi http://tinyurl.com/klcpdu

Japan summer: rough seas ahead

Watching Japan from my garden-terrace, "I often feel like I’m standing on the windswept deck of a boat on the ocean even when I’m standing on solid ground"(1). I see Japan is engaged into a new adventure politically. Probability of rougher seas ahead. Lucky that the vessel is strong and moving on. It goes beyond the only political scene. People expect new dimension and improvement in their daily lives after being seriously stricken by the global economical crisis, being the working hordes as well as the more fragile population, especially aged people and younger generations.

Maybe a good sign came this week, as the first cicada began their summer songs, Japan watchers noticed it has been 15 years since Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko had visited the national shrine in Hawaii. The Imperial couple came to pay respect to the soul and to honor WWII veterans, Americans and Japanese. They laid a ceremonial wreath to honor those who sacrificed their lives in World War II, and while they did, many in Japan were expecting that US president Obama would come to Hiroshima to reciprocate and therefore commit to his denuclearization program with a bow to the civilian victims of atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as the civilians killed during the weeks of the horrendous Tokyo bombing, as some Japanese Tokyoites told me. "What's the point of a security coalition if no profound consideration for your partners"?

As I say, anyway, rough seas ahead.

(1: quotes from the traveller page of SD times)

Japan symbols conveyors: from skilled bureaucrats to cuties

The Kimono dressed lady on Kyoto Kamogawa river bank, a Japan symbolic promotion icon soon to evaporate? Not too fast, Japan psyche inclusive of esthetes tastes and attraction for power, as seen in struggles between policy makers - politicians - tycoons, has a name: "JB", the "Japanese Bureaucracy".

Here are the winners... Yasushi Akashi, Sadako Ogata , Koichiro Matsuura, and today Yukiya Amano, next chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency. These Japanese VIPs are some among famous names in the world diplomatic arena. Even mores surprising, the "Japanese cuties" play a role to promote Tokyo, added to the influential JP people network! Mission? Very possible: Convey Japan's view to the outsiders and convince them. I think I even heard a famous politician and former bureaucrat saying once: "Brainwash them." Now now...

Is Japan updating symbols of a traditional Japan (kimono, Fuji and cherry trees) to seduce by charm or by technological creature "Honda Asimo" promoted by ex Prime Minister Koizumi to his European counterparts? http://tinyurl.com/r268qp

The Korean Donga Ilbo has this interesting report on How Japanese civil servants - diplomats get appointed to strategic posts. It means how Japan navigates to pass the message from old values to updated concerns. 1 main reason of the JP extensive web on the world stage: a large "network, funding and capabilities."

Indeed. Japan’s economic power is capable of creating a wide human network on the global stage with a ministry, the Gaimusho, whose budget is seven billion U.S. dollars and has 2,200 officials in Japan and 3,300 abroad.

Therefore, with a large number of overseas personnel, Japan develops a quite efficient diplomatic system for a diplomacy backed by personnel, funds and back-up plans. "To take the top post at the world’s top nuclear watchdog this year, when the agency held its election for director-general, Tokyo allocated 16 billion yen (167 million dollars) for projects on arms control, nonproliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear power."

And sometimes, Japan assigns "Lolita-esque fashion models boasting girlish tastes", (JT June 16th quotes) such as the recent 3 "ambassadors of cute" appointed by the Foreign Ministry who have started traveling abroad to introduce Japanese "pop culture" to young people overseas. Even if some people have been raising eyebrows over the use of "kawaii" as the culture campaign's latest buzzword such as Parliament Member Kaori Maruya, a Diet member from New Komeito.

Get the know-how, here is the Donga Ilbo report: http://lnk.nu/english.donga.com/xtd.php3

Not as prominent as the "Enigma of Japanese Power", worked out by our senior colleague Karen van Wolferen, thanks to ministries frivolities and rivalries. But good pointers.

Quand des régimes autoritaires et des "cartels" bâillonnent la presse ✍

Bilingual message EN & FR

Here is an extract of our FCCJ Board's message which I co-signed yesterday. I want to believe that Thai authorities will come to reasonable solution:

"The Board of Directors of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan [FCCJ] is appalled to learn that the entire board of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) has been accused of committing lese majeste, a crime that carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. The FCCJ is also gravely concerned that in the recent past the Thai authorities have used the country's lese majeste laws to restrict freedom of expression and have otherwise abused it for its own political ends. The Board of the FCCJ is dismayed by reports that the 13-member Board of the FCCT will be investigated by police after a complaint was filed by a freelance translator." The entire communique http://www.fccj.or.jp/node/4708

Mais les obstacles au travail de journaliste ce n'est pas seulement une question de régime autoritaire, c'est aussi une affaire de cartel qui s'en donne a coeur joie! A l'occasion des reprises estivales des grands sujets de l'année, on peut relire ce papier: (17 Novembre 2008 sur Asian Gazette)

"Les "cartels" de la presse d'agence à l'heure d'Internet."

Des géants de l'édition et des médias broient des journalistes.

http://tinyurl.com/lekpwe

"Yonaguni": Japanese troops pondering over East China Sea

According to the Tokyo Shimbun, a well informed newspaper, Japan's defense ministry is studying deploying troops on an island in the East China Sea near a group of islets that is claimed by Tokyo, Beijing and Taipei: "it could be included in the planned year-end revision of the basic defense program".

Objective: to send an army unit to Yonaguni island. Yonaguni is located 120 kilometers east of Taiwan and 170 kilometers south of uninhabited islands known as the Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese.

The MOD said the location of military deployments along a chain of islands between the southern tip of Japan's Kyushu island and Taiwan is "an important factor in the nation's defense deployment."

For the Tokyo Shimbun this strategy is part of Japan's shift of its defense focus from its northern borders during the Cold War era to the country's southwestern borders facing China.

✍ Yonaguni is Japan's southern island

EN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIu2rA0yd9s

JP:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPCq3yo4SLc with an underwater ruins formation some say thousands of years old which attract a lot of divers; it looks like ancient building or pyramid with undersea terraces less than 40 meters deep. A local diver first noticed the Yonaguni formations in 1986. Spectacular pictures and story here http://tinyurl.com/3ckoy2

FCCJ Board Election 2009: Elected!

I am elected Member of the Board. I sincerely thank all those whose support and trust me with their favorable votes.