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  apecNetworks at 04:36 PM JST - 12th November

  Well, ASDF chief Toshio Tamogami isn't a mealy mouth, and shoots from the hip. The problem was his position as head of the ASDF - political implications affect Japan's foreign policy. Was he a top fighter pilot? I wonder if he reads JT, especially what I post on the SDF and fighter planes? Most have been well researched and very relevant today. Some of the posts does provoke thought.

  He really shouldn't push freedom of speech, because of his ASDF position. I'm a civilian, w/ no connection w/ the US Govt., and if I get close to an accurate analysis, I am bombarded w/ wireless transmitters attacks

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  Henryo at 05:25 PM JST - 12th November

  This is very disgraceful and this person has no place in the 21st century. As much as this person is living in a state of denial, there are a lot of people like that over here in Japan. The mention of the War over here, people either get defensive or try to say we are not at fault. No one is trying to place blame on them or trying to bring the curse of the War which Japan lost. They are trying to make people remember that this war was fought for material means which Japan could not get diplomatically at the time and was from their greed at the time. Also, their thinking at the time as being racially superior to Americans, Chinese, Koreans and what have you was twisted by their propaganda. Even now some of the things written or reported about foreigners is very childish to say the least. Unfortunately, some people have not learned about this and it is truly unfortunate and immature.

  However, what is dangerous about this is not the mention of the War, but of the possible lack of civilian control and what this guy could have done if in an emotional state he wanted to fire a missile into Korea, China or even the US. Remember, being an ally is relative and can change over time to being an enemy. This is what scared the politicians into action. They were right to sack this nutcase.

  In the US, the general has to follow the civilian leadership no matter if they agree or disagree personally. That is what makes America good in that sense. What he does out of uniform and when he does not have the military control is up to him. Frankly, I would not want to be dragged into a war or international crisis because of this nut job.

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  jeancolmar at 09:16 PM JST - 12th November

  Tamogami is the Japanese equivalent to neo-Nazi Holocaust denier. He got exactly what he deserved. The SDF needs to be purged of people like him.

  The Tamogami scandal is the most power argument I've seen recently for the retention of Article 9.

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  isthistheend at 09:40 PM JST - 12th November

  He continues to say that a majority of his internet survey indicates favor with his comment. Its probably true. Not his essay, but the internet survey. People here DON'T CARE to hear ANYTHING about the WWII. Its almost like it happened to another country. And then they go either into defense mode or attack mode. NOONE will say, "I'm sorry, we were misled, stupid, stubborn" or the like. So it really isn't surprising to hear his backing up his essay. Concerning the $600,000 retirement payment he said "I think I'll keep it because its hard to find work these days" or something to that effect. This is a government leader? Finally, if you only watch sessions of the Diet on TV you can understand the environment that this type of guy swims in. Good luck being diplomatic. Just like riding on an early morning or evening rush hour train.....pushed from all sides and squeezed into a sardine can.

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  realist at 01:02 AM JST - 13th November

  Tamogami is the Japanese equivalebt of Wacko Jacko - and I thought he was unique in this world. There is no way this idiot should be allowed to keep his $600,000 pension. It should be taken from him and given to the surviving Sex Slaves of Asia who were so abused by the old Japanese Imperial Army, whom he thinks do not exist. I am glad on this occasion the J government has acted so quickly in censuring this relic from the age of Fascism and Nazism. He has no place in public life and it is good he has been removed from his post. The truth shall set us free.

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  Steppenwolf323 at 04:20 AM JST - 13th November

  Contributors

  I read your comments and diatribes with great interest. One of the fundamental freedoms inherent in any democracy is the freedom to say what you think. Most of you seem to feel that is only applicable if you agree with what is being espoused. This is especially true in a post Clintonian US Politically correct society.

  There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Gen Tamgami said. It is his belief to which he is entitled to. He doesn't have to be correct, nor does his position have any bearing, on his absolute right to speak his mind.

  I grew up in post-war Germany, where one had to appear contrite and ashamed of the actions of my country. This is a heavy burden to bear, and I am sure many older Japanese must bear the same burden.

  Before you criticize to deeply please remember that history is written by the victors, for the victors, and may not be purely correct.

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  Steppenwolf323 at 04:31 AM JST - 13th November

  Sorry for the misspelling of Gen Tamogami's name in the previous post

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  medievaltimes at 08:59 AM JST - 13th November

  Steppenwolf323 - Interesting points. Buuuut,

  While he does have his freedom of speech, it is incorrect to say his position has no bearing. His position has a direct bearing on military matters. There is a clear conflict of interest there. He is an airman that has to obey orders, he is not a history teacher.

  The reality is as a politician, military leader or public figure you can't just say whatever you want and then be suprised by the consequences.

  Germans DO feel ashamed about that dark chapter in their history and that's exactly why the world has largely moved on with Germany. That's not the case in Japan because a few times a year you have politicans denying aspects of the war to the world press.

  Victors are not the only ones who write history. Scholars who have their work peer reviewed are more valid than an airman's personal opinion.

  Shameful things are not to be talked about in Japan but ignored. In Japan saving face is very important to one's identity, sense of self and sense of purpose. You can see examples of this in all levels of its society. Tamogami is just another by-product of Japan's denial and face saving culture.

  By the way, loved your band.

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  apecNetworks at 12:05 PM JST - 13th November

  Since I live in a neigborhood of Agency personnel, I have taken an active interest in them and reading up on the subject. One of ASDF chief Toshio Tamogami's assertion in his essay pertains to the VENONA cables - some posters claim he is a revisionist, but also it depends on how one views declassified documents. Some of the documents the US have been releasing revises how history took place, and the VERNONA cables may be in that category. To whom it may concern:

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venona_project

  Interesting.

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  apecNetworks at 12:46 PM JST - 13th November

  Omission:

  http://www.mindcontrolforums.com/pro-freedom.co.uk/echelon_2.html

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  apecNetworks at 05:40 PM JST - 13th November

  This must be REALLY sensitive stuff - the web page, http://www.mindcontrolforums.com/pro-freedom.co.uk/echelon_2.htm disappeared in less than 2 hours. Wowwwwww, my neighbors are active.

  Instead, goggle, "echelon", the way NS a taps ALL telecommunications - honest.

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  chardk1 at 11:17 AM JST - 14th November

  The reality is as a politician, military leader or public figure you can't just say whatever you want and then be suprised by the consequences.

  Absolutely. The right to freedom of expression simply does not guarantee anyone his job, whether in the private or public sector, for saying things that create problems for the organization or reduce his superiors' opinion of his fitness for the job.

  I think what a lot of people are missing is that Tamogami knew perfectly well he was violating standing government policy against military officials making these kinds of statements, and he intentionally violated it because he was near retirement age and didn't really care about the consequences. Whether you agree with his views or not, if a society cannot discipline a military officer for intentional insubordination toward the civilian government to further his his own partisan interests, that's a serious problem.

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  ptolemy at 02:54 PM JST - 15th November

  Will this non-news item ever go away? Heaven forbid a military person have a thought of their own. I'd rather that than a good sheep who follows the herd down the corridors and into the grinder. I think any government policy that violates freedom of speech for ANY citizen is unjust, immoral, and makes a sacriledge of the very sacrifice of life brave military people have given, regardless of the status quo and elite opinions dictating "official governemnt policy".

  I see it coming so here is a preemptive answer: this has no comparison to yelling fire in a crowded area that has no fire. The point I make is that citizens, regardless of occupation choice are entitled to freedom of speech in their nation. Especially a nation that promotes itself as a liberal democracy.

  Censorship spreads like a cancer, it is a disease on society. Once it begins it is almost impossible to get rid of. You would think in the 21st century we would learn to appreciate differing views. Perhaps we are more primate than human even still.

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  Azrael at 04:45 PM JST - 16th November

  On other news, three Japanese right-winger vans with loudspeakers blaring militaristic anthems passed by my building today, twice. Apparently they don't infringe the ordinance against creating a public nuisance.

  Tomogami and the likes of him are not a surprise by any means, nor a secret. I think that's the reason why he was surprised and outraged to be singled out.

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  Schoolboyerror at 08:29 PM JST - 17th November

  This guy is clearly an idiot, but he is justified in feeling hard done by when the useless Japanese government do nothing whatsover about the similar sentiments in the Yasukuni war museum, fueling new generations of ignorant Japanese.

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