Some Japanese see slain hostages as troublemakers

. . . but the actual trouble maker is Abe

Who delivered his ultimatum in front of an Israeli flag, And who paid the exact amount demanded by the ISIS to fight them. Just to create his 9/11 moment and change the constitution.

Here we go again, blaming Mr. PM . The plan for constitutional amendment existed before Goto's execution. Goto knew the risks and was given warning but he nonetheless still took the path of oblivion.

@Bertie,

I don't get your point. All politicians behave stupidly. And perhaps Goto behaved stupidly too. None of that justifies brutally killing someone.

this would be official bullying, for all to see

Many Japanese feel that if Abe had not showcased Tokyo’s support for the multinational coalition against the Islamic State militants, Japan wouldn’t have been exposed to this new sense of insecurity and unwelcome attention from Islamic extremists.

They have a valid point, and like it or not it sure comes across as Abe using whatever, whomever, and where ever, to push his agenda for a greater international role for the JSDF to become a formal military and participate in military actions across the globe.

Here we go again, blaming Mr. PM . The plan for constitutional amendment existed before Goto's execution. Goto knew the risks and was given warning but he nonetheless still took the path of oblivion.

ABE's plan, not too many others even considered it until ABE came into office. Like the article says, Yukawa was largely forgotten, Goto as well, until ABE stepped up to the plate and opened his mouth.

Abe has an agenda and is playing on the fears of the Japanese people to push it across. He will use these two as examples to get the constitution changed and change the JSDF into a military.

He should be blamed for bringing it to a crisis situation. Granted the two were acting on their own, but Abe is using this example to "prove" that Japan can not protect it's own citizens because of the restraints placed upon the JSDF in the constitution. Just because the plan existed does not mean it had to be brought to the forefront in this manner.

Abe saw an opportunity to advance it and he certainly doesnt seem to care who gets in the way.

He is not guilty for their deaths, but he is guilty of accelerating the timeframe AND guilty of playing upon the Japanese people's fears to get what HE wants. Like I have written before, and I stand by as well, Abe may be the "leader" of Japan, but he knows NOTHING of "leadership".

Mei waku hmmm! People pass away like anyone else , im going to pass away very soon, is my death trouble for the courner think not, its just a job

I think the point of this article is "Meiwaku", Japanese culture of way of thinking. No one says out loud but I know all Japanese are thinking "Why those 2 guys didn't listen and caused this world problem?" "Honto ni Meiwaku desu" Yup, no one would say that, because it's not nice and Yup, everyone feel sorry for those guys as well.

No one says out loud

Actually quite a few Japanese people have said it out loud to me.

What trouble did this cause the Japanese government, apart from showing its failings? I didn't notice any money being paid to Isis, only a lot of hand wringing and 'scrambling' to 'secure the hostages' release. We should remember when this matter occurred! Wasn't it when Abe was on a Middle East trip pledging aid and shaking hands and becoming involved in a region rife with violence?I wonder if the Japanese concept of 'meiwaku' was in PM Abe's mind at that time? It might be posited that this was the catalyst for Isis to murder the two Japanese that had been abducted months before. On his Middle East trip Abe was seen to be jovially shaking hands with Bibi Nethanyahu the nemesis of many a hard line Sharia law lover.Abe's showboating suddenly thrust Japan into the Midlle Eastern political spotlight!The end result was the deaths of Goto and Yukawa.Of course, the hostages might have been killed anyway or they could have been released-we will never know.However, the timing of events points to Abe's offer of aid and his recent trip to the Middle East. Now we have an unknown foe ready to strike the Japanese people at any time thus we have a raison d'être for military incursions, regime change (a la the US) and vast amounts being spent on 'security' Doesn't this suit with the Prime Minister's militarist agenda?

"a 55-year-old man who would provide only his family name, Arai, because he is afraid of being targeted by the Islamic militants"

Yup, b/c if you were to give your full name sleeper cells would awake all over the archipelago and attack the Arai estate. Irrational fear--well, this government should be thrilled about that. No one is as docile and easily led (astray) than a scared man.

And sympathy aside, Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa—the two Japanese purportedly slain by the Islamic State group—are now widely viewed as troublemakers in some quarters.

Criticizing the dead in public is extremely rare in Japan, and Komura’s comment reflects how individuals are expected to act in line with the national interest.

Two points. First off, these sound like the same folks who did not want to take the completely innocent victims of the Fukushima nuclear disaster into their communities, or, the ones who don't want day-care facilities near them because of the "noise" the kids make. And those folks need to realize that the world is changing, and they cannot expect life to stay the way they'd like it. It is a global world, and change is inevitable. Second, "acting in line with the national interest" is what has created many of Japan's problems right now, because they are so adverse to new realities. I mean even though it was painful during the time of change, things like equal racial and sexual equality were clearly in many western country's best interest. Maybe it is in Japan's national interest to have people be willing to oppose groups like ISIS, rather than bury their collective heads in the sand.

Wow really? This is a terrible story. Komura can stick it where the sun don't shine for his comments. & some Japanese have a screwed up way of thinking if they agree with him. Conformity has its downfalls you know-

If those two Japanese men were troublemakers, what does that make Islamic State?

It's not a Japanese thing. Similar criticisms raised in Canada, for people who get a Canadian passport later in life for convenience, in addition to their homeland passport, where they spend most of their time. When they get in trouble in dangerous places, it's the Canadian diplomats who are expected to bail them out.

I am not agree with this word "Meiwaku". I don't think so both of them were troublemaker. These terrorists do same killings to everyone such as they're Christian, Jew or other religions or no religion people as long as they're not belong to Islam religion. Even, the do same massacres and killings in other countries. If they do same in Japan to Japanese people, will some Japanese still say it is "Meiwaku" for innocent died Japans? I think Japanese people have no information about news what's happening last 4 years in Irak, Syria and in some African countries. Aim is same which is to kill Christians and others. Only Kenji and Haruna's mistakes was to trust to this country too much. How come can enter this very dangerous territory just alone without scare even with no gun? They think they were traveling to some secure and peaceful foreign country? How come Kenji Goto could go there to look for Haruna just alone? Wasn't he know that to be a journalist has no any value for these terrorists brain washed with Islam and no exceptions for them, even they beheaded many journalist in past years including a Christian church father?

Realistic Man,

These terrorists do same killings to everyone such as they're Christian, Jew or other religions or no religion people as long as they're not belong to Islam religion

Most of their victims are Muslims: far better Muslims than ISIS, and largely ignored by us.

Although admirable in that Goto was willing to put his life on the line to report stories of victims in war torn countries, this whole situation could have been avoided had he obeyed the government's travel warnings. The government can't always be held responsible for the actions of a few individuals who feel that they need to take extreme risks. Its one of the good and parts of living in a free society.

As for Yukawa, he is just an idiot and really had no business their AT ALL. Because of his stupidity, he lost his life and caused Goto to lose his life. Although the outcome is unfortunate, I have no sympathy for him.

This is just my personal opinion, but I think both are more irresponsible than "meiwaku", because they left behind family, friends, and relatives (the real victims here) who are going to grieve for the rest of their lives because of their poor judgement,

his has happened in the past, where, once freed and home, someone who had been taken prisoner is seen as a troublemaker. "The nail that sticks out will be hammered". I'm sure if Mr. Goto had been released and made it home, some would protest his actions. I tend to think that's the way Japanese tend to think.

I think what he was doing was commendable and honorable. But he knew the risks involved. I don't condone what these thugs are doing. They don't even know what a "Caliphate" is, in my eyes. If you're going into a danger zone, be prepared to get hurt. If they go anyway, despite the government warnings, then they're seen as people who "rock the boat" and put undue pressure on the Japanese government and making Japan look bad. I don't feel this way, but I'm sure many do.

how much of a responsibility does your government have to protect you if you've been duly informed of the danger?

I think it is one thing to say "who cares about these troublemakers?" and another thing entirely to say "we need to stop these troublemakers." I bet some Japanese fall into making that latter statement.

It's when reading articles like this I feel the real Japan shows itself under all that glitz and shiny coat of paint. People are petty and unkind, blaming victims for their destiny and, in extension, passing that blame on to family members. Horrible behaviour in my opinion.

In the old days, their parents would have had to commit hara-kiri...

Well, we're not in the "old days", are we? I know it's hard for the increasingly old population here to look forward, but what kind if comment is this? Who says such a thing? And do they think it would be better with more people dead?

The voices of the Japanese complaining about this stuff can be translated as follows: "We are happy being isolated and insignificant and watching our TV shows about food and celebrities unknown the world over. We are blessed with convenience and a plethora of canned coffee varieties. Who would want to leave this utopia? Shame on those meddlesome folks that wish to travel or contribute to international causes, as this poses an occasional risk and is totally unnecessary."

It's not just the Jaoanese that feel that way. These two went looking for trouble and they found it! One of them was a mercenary and the other was a reporter that had been in trouble before for going into war zones.

Can we stop this revisionist and false:

42-year-old gun aficionado and adventurer

Someone with fatigues and an assault rifle in a war zone is a combatant.

And what makes this politician, Masahiko Komura, and expert on courage? Speaking ill of the dead doesn't exactly strike me as courageous.

I'm on both sides here. If the government warned him not to go, and he went ahead anyway, then the government has no responsibility for his death. The governments responsibility to protect citizens does not mean that citizens have no responsibility for themselves. Goto apparently accepted full responsibility, so I doubt he expected any government help if he got into trouble.

Politicians also have the responsibility to keep their mouths shut unless they have something useful to say. Komura obviously forgot that one. The LDP was not obligated to help Goto, but they could at least show the man and his family a little respect.

As for Yukawa, he is just an idiot and really had no business their AT ALL.

Get it?

I makes me sick to my stomach hearing people trash Yukawa as if he was some kind of idiot. Japan did the same thing back in 2004 when another guy was beheaded in Iraq. He went there (that's the correct use of that word) trying to 'find himself'. And got killed. Apparently, his family back home suffered greatly from neighbors and people in his hometown complaining and essentially bullying his family, wondering what kind of business he had there. Meiwaku at work, I suppose.

So they were naive to go there. So they didn't know what they were getting themselves into. So what? People still have the right to do that. Besides, none of us knows anything about these people. We don't know anything about their lives or their choices. As such, I feel it's ridiculous to criticize those people.

This custom of blaming family members after people are dead is very disturbing and resembles the tribal systems that exist in many places in the Middle East. It doesn't rhyme well with modern times.

...So I agree with the general gist here that these two were repeatedly warned and discouraged from going and therefore on their own responsibility...but was there really need for any Gov't official to comment on this at all?

Especially the bit where "their parents would have to commit hari-kiri". Way to soothe grieving families- very classy.

Arai, because he is afraid of being targeted by the Islamic militants. “We don’t want to be seen in that image, and we don’t want to have anything to do with combat.”

He's afraid, yet he is willing to do nothing about it. If Abe would have went over to the ME and said that Japan was sending troops over maybe I could see some people trying to blame him. But, he went over saying that Japan would provide money for relief efforts. Not for buying guns and ammo. So if people here think that Abe is war mongering, they need to take a step back and realize that all Abe was doing was offering help and assistance to those who are fighting and not going to fight them directly, and they turn around and do this. So if you think that if Abe had not gone over and said anything, then you are mistaken. Sooner or later, ISIS would have captured some Japanese and done the same thing.

As far as being troublemakers, if these men were going over to fight or represent Japan because they felt the J Gov was too slow in reacting, then maybe they could be seen as trouble makers. But they didn't and the people of Japan need to realize that they went on their own and they knew the risks and they were adults and took their chances. Japan can't keep putting their "collective heads" in the sand and expecting people to follow some set of rules of following the crowd.

Wasn't it when Abe was on a Middle East trip pledging aid and shaking hands and becoming involved in a region rife with violence?I

first, the aid was not military in nature: Japan would provide infrastructure and humanitarian assistance to the region, including support for countries hosting refugees from Iraq and Syria. second, are you saying that japan should not do its utmost to stop terrorism?

Typical JP attitude of the nail that sticks out gets hit. The first guy killed was an idiot and basically got himself into trouble, Goto on the other hand did what the JP government couldn't do and try to save this guy.

"Many Japanese feel that if Abe had not showcased Tokyo’s support for the multinational coalition against the Islamic State militants, Japan wouldn’t have been exposed to this new sense of insecurity and unwelcome attention from Islamic extremists."

Don't tell some posters on here! They still think Abe did nothing wrong, and their heads are imploding that now it's not just non-Japanese criticizing these guys and the PM.

Some people consider them troublemakers, some heroes and some idiots. We officially have had articles on each of all of these opinions. Time to move on...

Don't tell some posters on here! They still think Abe did nothing wrong, and their heads are imploding that now it's not just non-Japanese criticizing these guys and the PM.

Actually, the criticism started with a mini demo (left wing nuts) at the PM residence and continued by the JCP and DPJ members during the Diet session which Abe answered. This is common knowledge to those who read.

As to the 'Meiwaku', it is, especially in light of the fact that Goto was warned by Foreign Ministry three times but went anyway. Majority of the population would agree that Japan shouldn't compromise, postpone, or cancel the Coalition pledge and the foreign policy based on the actions of sone selfish individuals.

It seems the usual Abe bashers simply move to a different thread to repeat the same rant.

In one sense they are right because they know the area is a war zone and ISIS has no values and principles. So, they brought it upon themselves. Civilians need to stay away from war zones by all means. It is not the same to call upon the Devil, than just to see him coming by.

So if people here think that Abe is war mongering, they need to take a step back and realize that all Abe was doing was offering help and assistance...

I think Abe is a war monger. In this case, however, I can't blame him.

nigelboy: "Actually, the criticism started with a mini demo (left wing nuts) at the PM residence and continued by the JCP and DPJ members during the Diet session which Abe answered. This is common knowledge to those who read."

They were absolutely right in demonstrating, as Abe provoked this whole thing. He knew FULL WELL about the hostages and that his words would provoke an angry reaction from IS (or else he didn't know, and he is just stupid and for THAT reason as well not suited to be PM), and did it anyway. Now he wants to use the dead men to further his personal agenda and change the constitution. These are facts. You trying to deflect said facts means nothing.

what kind if comment is this? Who says such a thing?

I think the point that she is just trying to make is that in traditional Japanese culture, when one person brings harm or profound embarrassment to others, it not only brings profound shame to him/herself, but everyone in his/her family. And in some cases, the shame is so deep, that the only way to really be truly forgiven and vindicated by society, is for the immediate family to also take their own lives, so that they can restore the honor back to family name and the future children. Although wrong by modern standards, this is the way Japan was.

I seriously doubt that she was suggesting that Goto or Yukawa's parents also to take their lives to restore their family dignity.

far better Muslims than ISIS

Buddhist, Shintos, Jews, Christians and Baha'i are far better Muslims than ISIS. ISIS are not Muslims. They are scum.

They were absolutely right in demonstrating, as Abe provoked this whole thing. He knew FULL WELL about the hostages and that his words would provoke an angry reaction from IS (or else he didn't know, and he is just stupid and for THAT reason as well not suited to be PM), and did it anyway. Now he wants to use the dead men to further his personal agenda and change the constitution. These are facts. You trying to deflect said facts means nothing

As I stated on another article, those two went missing long before Abe's speech and NO ONE could confirm their status (dead or alive) much like the Jordanian pilot. In addition, Japan had already joined the Coalition against Islamic State last year but comparing to what other coalition countries have pledged, even if you include the $200 million aid, it still tame compared to others who are offering military assistance but none of their captured citizens has been killed (as far as we know)

http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/11/12/who-has-contributed-what-in-the-coalition-against-the-islamic-state/

Hence, the critics like yourself are criticizing on hindsight.

As to the discussion on the limits of the Constitution, this was debated among the media and the public while this crisis was going on. No need for Abe to 'use' anything for it's the public that is urging the government to address this. Abe bashers, in their own strange way, give too much credit to Abe.

This Sakamoto person is a romanticizing old coot without historical knowledge. Hara kiri was never something civilians did upon losing face.

And regarding causing the government a lot of trouble, besides using tax money to send a junior rep to have a lunch with an equally irrelevant Jordanian official and delivery generic condemnations to the papers, not an awful lot appears to have been done. The troubling part to Abe is rather that he couldn't send some of his soldiers to their deaths on top of it.

Typical JP attitude of the nail that sticks out gets hit.

Consider this, IF this was really the case then Abe should be about 6 feet under from all the hammer-hits.

Selective as hell, I can not count how many things that "stick-out" in this country and are "meiwaku" to everyone, but NO ONE hammers them down.

If anyone is a troublemaker it is Abe

“Actually, the criticism started with a mini demo (left wing nuts) at the PM residence and continued by the JCP and DPJ members during the Diet session which Abe answered. This is common knowledge to those who read.”

Sure because in a nation of 125 million people, surely only a few left wing nuts are concerned about Abe’s recent moves. I mean, if that’s what the Yomiuri says and one’s close circle of right-wing mates, well, then it must be so. The millions of moderate to liberal Japanese—they don’t really matter anyway, right? We’re rapidly regressing as a society when their voices are dismissed or silenced outright, not to mention threatened by those aspiring to restore the kenpeitai.

“It seems the usual Abe bashers simply move to a different thread to repeat the same rant.”

And certain apologists for reactionaries don’t?

The two dead men were not troublemakers, but were foolish.

Abe is the real troublemaker: by visiting Yasukuni shrine and insisting that Japanese did nothing wrong during the war he creates huge problems between Japan and neighbouring countries. Why isn't Abe held to account for this?

Sure because in a nation of 125 million people, surely only a few left wing nuts are concerned about Abe’s recent moves. I mean, if that’s what the Yomiuri says and one’s close circle of right-wing mates, well, then it must be so. The millions of moderate to liberal Japanese—they don’t really matter anyway, right? We’re rapidly regressing as a society when their voices are dismissed or silenced outright, not to mention threatened by those aspiring to restore the kenpeitai.

Huh? I'm responding to smith. The question was raised by two lawmakers during the Diet session and Abe answered. It's on YouTube. His answer made sense hence the silence among the opposition party and Abe's announcement to increase the aid.

I makes me sick to my stomach hearing people trash Yukawa as if he was some kind of idiot.

Anyone who goes to a warring country full of extremists, who are hell bent on killing anything and everything that moves (including their own women and children), while brandishing automatic weapons and calling themselves an OWNER of a PRIVATE MILITARY is an IDIOT. If he is not an idiot, then apparently I don't know the meaning of the word.

I have more compassion for journalists like Goto, because without them we wouldn't know what is going on with ISIS, nor what a danger they pose to anyone who is in the area, or who plans go to that part of the world. With that said, he was very irresponsible. His first priority should have been his wife and kids.

slumdog,

Agreed. Well said. Dogs are better Muslims than ISIS.

“I must say that was reckless courage, not true courage, no matter how high his aspirations might have been,” Komura told reporters - article

Sadly, these men were used as little more than caged play things for degenerate freaks and gangsters. Masahiko Komura's words are hard to hear, but they are based on clear warnings and the obvious malignant savagery of these criminals who carry out slaughter of women and children.

If the Middle East is content with these mutant psychopaths representing their faith it isn't for anyone to judge. The people of these regions and their leaders know all they need to know of ISIS. Is this their Islam?

Let them lead the charge to eviscerate these criminal gangs. ISIS may have done more to bind the children of Allah together against extremism as the results of zealotry are always the same.

Alphaape

Japan would provide money for relief efforts. Not for buying guns and ammo

Abe should know that ISIS is irrational, even if this is just for human aid, ISIS won't see any difference, any forms of help to their enemies are all the same crime for them.

These financial aid can still go on with or WITHOUT announcements and keeping this information confidential is less riskier!

Nigelboy

Actually, the criticism started with a mini demo (left wing nuts)

Criticism started because there is a reason to be criticized, ISIS mentioned themselves Abe's aid provoked them to kill this guys immediately. Abe should be also blamed for the meiwaku he caused.

I love how there are so many hindsight experts today. Criticising the dead is pathetic and a disturbing moral failure

blaming the victims? surely the barbarity of IS trumps any naivity or undue risk taking on the part of these two unfortunate comrades.

Criticism started because there is a reason to be criticized, ISIS mentioned themselves Abe's aid provoked them to kill this guys immediately. Abe should be also blamed for the meiwaku he caused.

As I stated, it seems the usual Abe bashers simply move to a different thread to repeat the same rant.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/doubts-raised-over-japans-ability-to-handle-international-crisis#comment_1921057

You haven't countered in the above thread including that of Slumdog's which essentially answers your repeated arguments.

I love how there are so many hindsight experts today. Criticising the dead is pathetic and a disturbing moral failure

Hindsight experts? Go back and reread the posts of some of the people commenting here today and you will see that you are off the mark, their and my criticism goes back before they were killed. There is no "moral failure", and the only thing pathetic is the fact that it seems you want to bury your head in the sand.

There SHOULD be a discussion about their actions, and the actions of the government as well, to educate the population.

This is a golden opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others, and discussions like these are tools to be used to teach others not to make the same mistakes.

Burying one's head in the sand does no one any good!

For anyone in the LDP to call these men meiwaku is the pot calling the kettle black. Abe has single-handedly reignited tensions with China and Korea, set up obstacles to free speech, and created Japan as a target for IS in less than a year. The LDP are complete crap.

And who here doesn't think that the 2020 Olympics just became a new point of interest for IS and other terrorists?

Nigelboy

Abe bashers, in their own strange way, give too much credit to Abe.

How come you are too Naive to understand? ISIS stated themselves that the reason why they are killing these 2 guys is because of Abe's aid announcement. You don't need to understand the whole foreignpolicy to get that point.

The issue is not wether the announcement is legit or not, but more of being cautious and considerations for better actions and strategy. Abe was not cautious and didnt think of what will be the consequences of his announcements. If he is aware of the consequences, why would he act stressed later on and cut his middle east visit short?

Sounds like Sakamoto needs to commit hara-kiri considering his negligible economic contribution to society.

@Yubaru: I didn't mention anyone in particular in my comment so considering your overly-emotional knee-jerk reaction, I guess we can assume that the entire "discussion" you mention is tainted by irrationality. Abe bashers are always the ones whingeing and crying loudest due to their own poor job prospects and personal problems, etc. and their heads thoroughly buried in the sand when it comes to any sort of rational discussion needed for issues like this.

I could go hiking during blizzard conditions in an area authorities have clearly designated as off limits, prone to avalanches etc. and despite the obvious warnings that they cannot come to my aid if I get into trouble. If I was frankly stupid enough to ignore their advice and ended up getting myself killed in the process, I damn sure wouldn’t want my survivors or fellow citizens to start blasting the government for their failure to risk lives/resources to save my reckless backside. In other words, Abe gets a pass.

OTOH, walking and chewing gum, Abe’s actual policy goal in the Middle East (the ability to come to the aid of allies in warzones far from home) is loony and worthy of vehement opposition. Some want to bracket off that larger, more important discussion and equate condemning Abe for his role in the kidnap crisis with condemning his foreign policy.

“I must say that was reckless courage, not true courage, no matter how high his aspirations might have been,” Komura told reporters......

Wont a statement like that cause trouble?

nigelboy: "As I stated on another article, those two went missing long before Abe's speech"

What's funny is watching you guys say "Abe had nothing to do with it -- he didn't provoke anything" but then turn around and CONFIRM it was his comments that provoked IS because you admit that he had the two long before Abe made his little speech, but nothing was done to them until IMMEDIATELY AFTER! You really, really can't see the correlation between his speech and when these men "who went missing long before Abe's speech" were ransomed and then killed?

Actually, that's rhetorical. I know you can't see it.

Smith, yubaru...

It's pathetic the way deniers try to bring down your arguments, with a chorus of "Not so, not so !"

None of you in denial (yes you know who you are) have answered satisfactorily. Yet, you keep on using the same reason to clear Abe of any wrongdoing, without realising it's the damming evidence, the smoking gun, so to speak. Although Abe and his LDP cronies have the new secrecy law, the way he's trying to stir things up, instal fear into the populace (expect a false flag soon) , their agenda is far too transparent.

Firstly, Komura is an idiot so saying something idiotic and disgusting doesn't surprise me. Secondly, Japan has a bad habit of blaming victims, this has to stop, and lastly I think Yukawa should be left in peace.

He had problems in his life, his wife died of cancer, his business went bankrupt and let's face it, not all of us are dealt a good hand in life. Whatever decision he made he paid for it with his life and he doesn't need any of us out here telling him that. How many of you have been so down and out that life just didn't matter anymore? Anyone been there done that? And what about Goto? The idea that two so different personalities would be tied together in this life is puzzling but then when you're in a war, you get to see the real person inside and Goto probably saw something in Yukawa that only war could have made him see. Any of you have a friend that would risk their life for you to extricate you from a stupid predicament? Anyone? And what if your brother, friend or son were in the same predicament because life was not fair and they were just not strong enough to cope. Would you risk your life to go save them? Would you? Would you have depended on Abe? Would Abe do the same for his family or friends?

Rest in peace are not just words. Don't forget your true values as a human.

Actually, that's rhetorical. I know you can't see it.

No smith. The joke is that you believe word for word what ISIL had stated including their reasoning.

When Abe announced his pledge on January 17th, did you or anyone think that the Japanese hostages were in danger?

Of course not.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/abe-pledges-200-mil-to-countries-fighting-islamic-state.

Despite you posting everyday for all I know, it's simply amazing that a renowned Abe basher like yourself miss this golden opportunity to comment on the above article.

Let's be real. Not a single person except for the terrorists knew about the status (DOA)of Yukawa. I'm even worse because i didn't know about Yukawa being captured but you did as evidenced by the infamous "he deserves what he gets" quote back in August of last year. Goto? You only knew about him, his mission, and his capture after ISIL released the video which, need I remind you, was after Abe's speech.

To sum it up, your criticism in this case, is based on hindsight including the unprecedented threat and the inhumane execution of individuals whose nation did not participate in a military aid.

Japan was immune to terrorist attack! if Abe had not showcased Tokyo's support for the multinational coalition against the Islamic State militants, Overseas Japanese wouldn't have been exposed such terror attack!

Well PM Abe is trying to use and get the best of it out of the mess of the two people murdered by IS.... It is too blunt but hell.. it may work... some constitutional revising and some Japan Defense Army on the way, so we don't have to depend so much of the US to defend ourselves is damn welcomed

nigelboy,

As I stated, it seems the usual Abe bashers simply move to a different thread to repeat the same rant.

This is how Abe's speech in Cairo was quoted in the Iraqi News (whose self-stated aim is not to tell people what to believe, but to allow them to make informed choices through access to unbiased information), under this URL:

http://www.iraqinews.com/arab-world-news/japans-abe-pledges-200-million-mideast-states-battling-isis/

Abe said: “Should we leave terrorism or weapons of mass destruction to spread in this region, the loss imparted upon the international community would be immeasurable.”

“I will pledge assistance of a total of about 200 million U.S. dollars for those countries contending with ISIL, to help build their human capacities, infrastructure, and so on,” he added.

Perhaps you could kindly comment the wisdom of this statement, nigelboy. End of non-rant.

http://www.iraqinews.com/about-iraqi-news-com/

Until that point, they were alive. Then of course, the clock started ticking...

Again with the hindsight. What you got? That DailyBeast link joke of an article that quotes Shukan Post?

the PM pledged 200 million in support - so that became the price-tag for the hostages lives

Yes. Per ISIL. Thanks for supporting my thesis that Abe bashers line of reasoning is in sync with that of ISIL.

smithinjapan: You seem to be suggesting that Abe, and all of Japan, should tailor what they say and do as to not upset a bunch of psychopaths called ISIS in Syria. No self-respecting nation would do that. For one, it rewards the murderers and kidnappers. You are simply grasping for reasons to trash Abe, and using these deaths in the same cynical way you accuse Abe of using them. To further your agenda.

You can say Yukawa is an idiot and Goto to be over professional but no one will ever remove the fact they did what they wanted to do: it is called freedom. Japan society just does not accept and allow full individual freedom. Self-responsibility is inherent to freedom. Let them rest in peace.

Exactly. Freedom, a concept Masahiko Komura will never understand.

Mr Abe has gone a bit too far, trying to make Japan look tough,” said a 55-year-old man who would provide only his family name, Arai, because he is afraid of being targeted by the Islamic militants. Brilliant move, now every family in Japan named Arai will be a target.

“We don’t want to be seen in that image, and we don’t want to have anything to do with combat.” Please identify "we"

I didn't mention anyone in particular in my comment so considering your overly-emotional knee-jerk reaction, I guess we can assume that the entire "discussion" you mention is tainted by irrationality. Abe bashers are always the ones whingeing and crying loudest due to their own poor job prospects and personal problems, etc. and their heads thoroughly buried in the sand when it comes to any sort of rational discussion needed for issues like this.

Plausible deniability....BTW I didn't mention anyone in particular either, just gave you food for thought.

Abe should be bashed for his handling of this situation, but not only by us, but by the Japanese public that he truly does not seem to care about what they think or care about. It's obvious from this and numerous other issues that he is forcing down people's throats.

I bash him personally, and I think your argument is disingenuous as well, as you assume to group everyone who bashes him into one group and your assumptions are totally off base.

Troublemaker is Abe, he set the fire.

@Wc626 It seems that the concept of freedom you say is not shared with the country that defends freedom (not the US)... just read the other article here in JapanToday http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/paris-restricts-action-movie-filming-after-terror-attacks

As I have said continuously.. freedom has its limits...people should know that

Japanese need not watch their tongue for fear of retaliation by ISIS, but they do understand after years of social conditioning that conformity is the safest policy. The real reason Japanese are reluctant to speak out is that the politically correct line is to be conservative, to keep your head down and not stick your neck out. It is the ever-present threat of social sanction and even violence that makes them afraid, very afraid of the right-wing powers-that-be and their thuggish minions in the black vans.

Some Japanese see slain hostages as troublemakers

Should be "most" Japanese see slain hostages as troublemakers

To apologize for there sons causing Yrpuble even after there Dearh shows very little sensibility and symphathy As Psrents , how can they say that to please the society Out of fear of being pointed out ! Nobody deserves to die the way they did , No matter Why they went to Syria . Shame on public to think tfe way they do Japanese lack spirituallity and lack consideration , bullying and loss mouth - to talk the way they do - Rip goto , Rip Yukawa

Komura’s comment reflects how individuals are expected to act in line with the national interest.

No, his comment reflects how he is worried that some Japanese might see Goto as hero and follow in his footsteps.

Mr Abe has gone a bit too far, trying to make Japan look tough,” said a 55-year-old man who would provide only his family name, Arai, because he is afraid of being targeted by the Islamic militants. Brilliant move, now every family in Japan named Arai will be a target.

He should be more worried about getting paid a visit by Mr Abe's bully boys.

Abe is vindicated. Yes, his proclamation of $200 million support for the countries fighting against ISIS was a direct challenge taken up by ISIS with the threat to execute Yukawa and Goto. Turns out that these two were troublemakers. Should we thank Abe for these two troublemakers being eliminated.

Japan should remember ISIS is nothing like China or Korea. They should approach with caution dealing with ISIS. While China and Korea make empty threats but ISIS is easily provocative and judging by their actions so far barbaric. Of all the problems LDP had to deal with, I'd say ISIS is easily the most difficult opponent.

Bloody pathetic attitude being shown towards the parents of Kenji & Haruna's. Despicable. Sure ideally they should not have been there but come on Japan, stick up for your own & dump the blame where it belongs - with the murderers.

“To be honest, they caused tremendous trouble to the Japanese government and to the Japanese people. In the old days, their parents would have had to commit hara-kiri (ritual suicide) to apologize,” said Taeko Sakamoto, a 64-year-old part-time worker, after first expressing sympathy over the deaths of Goto and Yukawa.

I am speechless O.O;

Not sure about Yukawa, but for Goto, being a journalist, the reaction of the Japanese would have been different if only they didn't witness the three Japanese hostages being held in Iraq as well as Koda Shosei... After several incidents of Japanese citizens having gone to dangerous areas in the name of their "peace" and "justice" and been captured, used as a political tool, and what's worse, murdered, while large sum of tax money was being spent, it is not easy for people to approve of their action.

Just like the Iraq hostages and their family members who are activists and used the incident to criticize JSDF, nuclear power, and Japanese government, I see many media and politicians trying to glorify Yukawa and Goto's death and use it for their own agenda. (Even Goto's mother mentioned nuclear power.) Look what Mizuho Fukushima was doing after Yukawa's death. She was organizing a dance party with DJ and beer in front of PM's residence saying "Free Goto," "No War," "Free Okinawa." Really? Free Okinawa? Goto has nothing to do with Okinawa. Really? And this is just one of many.

http://www.j-cast.com/2015/01/27226287.html

Yesterday's news says one 21-year-old Japanese college student has been in close communication with ISLS and planning on meeting up in Syria. He wants to "see it with his own eyes," he says. Now, what should we tell him? What would you say to him?

They were unwise to go to such a dangerous area and I think the news media should NOT be covering the story they should have a blackout on it and twitter and other social media should black them out as well.

Look what Mizuho Fukushima was doing after Yukawa's death. She was organizing a dance party with DJ and beer in front of PM's residence saying "Free Goto," "No War," "Free Okinawa." Really? Free Okinawa? Goto has nothing to do with Okinawa. Really? And this is just one of many.

Really pathetic.

While people of Jordan were holding candlelight vigil for Goto in front of the Japanese Embassy, Japan have these crazy left wing nuts whose placards express the same line of argument of that of ISIL. Disgusting.

I love the rich history of Japan and studied it extensively and their ancestors would be rolling in their graves at this show of cowardice. Once a nation hailed for it's warriors and culture is eroding and it seems to be a world wide epidemic that once proud nations with strong backbones and will have become shadows of their former selves. Tyrants do not care how pretty your words are, they do not care how much you beg and plead, they simply do not care, to expect otherwise is folly.

Abe is the real troublemaker, stirring up aggravation between Japan and neighbouring countries. Why doesn't the media attack him?

Oh, prrrrease!

Goto, unlike 99% of his compatriots, was someone trying to make this world a better place (goodness knows it needs it) and he gets criticized!

The apathy in this country is palpable. It is a most unattractive side of Japanese people. If these naysayers had a cracker put under them to do the kind of good Goto was trying to do we would see a kinder world.

May his soul rest in peace.

Wouldn't it be more proper to see our souri as the primary source of meiwaku, in this case? It's a shame that seniority is more important than common sense..

Troublemakers? No. Misguided? Yes, especially in the case of Haruna.

It's really a shame about Goto. Hard to believe that he was in Japan as late as October and returned to rescue Haruna. Why none of his family or friends stopped him while he was in Japan knowing that ISIS was lopping off heads is a mystery to me. ISIS obviously doesn't care where you're from or how nice you are.

Hang on. The Japanese Government CHOSE to fund those fighting the Islamic State. And yes, the 'trouble makers' also CHOSE. But if you are looking at blaming the two killed, then you would HAVE to look at who started it in the first place, the GOVERNMENT. But, that is all so silly - really. The Islamic State are the ones killing innocent people, NOt the Japanese givernment, not the people of Japan. It's only the Islamic State. Please remember that.

Japan was immune to terrorist attack! if Abe had not showcased Tokyo's support for the multinational coalition against the Islamic State militants, Overseas Japanese wouldn't have been exposed such terror attack!

Do you really believe that? Japan was never immune since the moment the IS took Japanese hostages

As for labeling Goto and Yukawa "troublemakers" it is kinda typical of Japanese... why don't let those rest truly in peace?

I don't know the back-story of these guys but in my world it's pretty easy. If you go to a country like that it's your own fault if you get killed. Same if you decided to go to the slums of Brazil all of a sudden.