Aso tells defense minister to tighten control over SDF after war essay

Tuesday 04th November, 02:03 PM JST

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ScottishThug at 04:21 PM JST - 4th November

I still don't get what the problem was with what he said. Is there no freedom of speech in Japan? Or do the Nazis rule here?
sabiwabi at 05:20 PM JST - 4th November

I still don't get what the problem was with what he said. Is there no freedom of speech in Japan?

The problem is, Japan lost the war and they must accept the victor's version 100%, for all eternity. Its still not as bad as in many European countries, where revisionists are given lengthy prison terms.

Now he'll have more free time, I hope he puts it to good use and elaborate on his essay. Maybe he'll write a book!
BlackFlag at 05:24 PM JST - 4th November

it's in Aso's interests not to discuss the war and dig around too much that's for sure
jerseyboy at 05:31 PM JST - 4th November

sabiwabi...aren't those grapes sour enough after over 60 years, or can you simply not see the big picture here? Assuming its the latter, let me explain why this is a problem for Japan -- Japan and China are trying to become more friendly. I believe they have even discussed having mutual naval excercises or the like. Do you think that would be possible if the Chinese knew the key guy at the MSDF believes that China benefitted from decades of Japanese oppression? My god, man. Japan wants to be a respected member of the world community, with a permanent UNSC seat. They will never get Asian support for that with revisionists like this in key posts. It is time to move on and accept reality -- the Japanese are not descendants of a sun goddess; the Emperor is and never was a god; and, Japan is responsible for the result of its brutal style of colonialism.
sabiwabi at 06:37 PM JST - 4th November

Sorry Jerseyboy, but I am looking at an even bigger picture than the friendship between the Chinese and Japanese governments. I want the entire world to understand what is really going on so that they can put an end to this abuse. Preventing people from expressing their views is not good.

aren't those grapes sour enough after over 60 years

But there are serious implications for what is happening now. Imagine, for example, an ASDF officer returning from Iraq and being forced to only express views that agree with the government's view; not being able to describe what truly happened.
rickyso at 07:41 PM JST - 4th November

pm aso is doing the right thing. warm up to your neighbour and be supported for UNSC permanent seat by her two giant neighbour. as the 2nd largest economy in the world, japan has a lot to contribute.
tclh at 08:14 PM JST - 4th November

The worst thing about this practice is that the Japanese government may change soldiers into robot-like existences...not a very attractive career.
LostinNagoya at 08:58 PM JST - 4th November

[q]The worst thing about this practice is that the Japanese government may change soldiers into robot-like existences...not a very attractive career.[/q]

Well, what are you talking about? Aren´t ALL Japanese robots? How can you explain the lack of individual personality that is so famour here? eehhh????
555Book at 10:52 PM JST - 4th November

There are good reasons why the PM is acting tough on this issue. I've just been to China and I can confirm that the anti-Japanese feelings are still very strong among the general public. Their current relationship is still very much based on economic factors. The government of the two nations have to start some kind of friendly propaganda through the media in order to further mend their ties and this essay by the general sure does not help at all.
smithinjapan at 11:47 PM JST - 4th November

sabiwabi: "But there are serious implications for what is happening now. Imagine, for example, an ASDF officer returning from Iraq and being forced to only express views that agree with the government's view;"

I didn't know the ASDF in Iraq were betting who could kill one hundred innocents first with their samurai swords, or murdering hundreds of thousands of innocents in the name of the Emperor. I mean, that's what happened in Asia that the government wants to keep a lid on and this man was fired for denying; are you saying you want that to happen again for freedom of speech? or that you'd rather have freedom of speech in exchange for the... uhhh... minor thing like killing a few hundred thousand?

Sorry, bud, but your argument is just plain silly. The Japanese government committed heaps of atrocities, and cannot publicly stand behind this man's essay, which they are doing if they do not fire him. He is still allowed to keep his personal opinion, and he'll even get fans of other people who deny the mass slaughter by Japanese, but it cannot be allowed to be the official opinion of or an opinion condoned by the government. Hell, sabi, if you're so into the guy send him a ticket to China to give his speech to the crowds and see how they react.
OssanUSA at 02:52 AM JST - 5th November

Smith

sabiwabi is supporting this ASDF man's right to express his own opinion even if it runs counter to those of his superiors or his own government. You take this opportunity as usual to go on ad infinitum about WWII atrocities but isn't this the kind of Japanese military man that you want to speak out about those atrocities? Don't Japanese WWII veterans who speak out about the atrocities committed in China, contray to official positions serve your cause? It seems to me that you ought to be supporting sabiwabi's position but your fixation on ranting about WWII atrocities had blinded you to this fact. Personally, I don't consider it appropriate for ANY military officer to be expressing his political views in any form, all the moreso if it runs counter to the official government position. He deserved to get sacked.
mareo2 at 02:54 AM JST - 5th November

A wise choice, tighten civilian control over the military, is never a bad idea for democracy. Also keep friendly ties with C and SK reinforce peace. Start conflicts with trading partners about things of 60 years ago in the shadow of a recession is very stupid.
sabiwabi at 11:16 AM JST - 5th November

A wise choice, tighten civilian control over the military, is never a bad idea for democracy.

When a government leader tightens control on freedom of expression, it is not good.
mareo2 at 11:32 AM JST - 5th November

You mean like when germans ban nazi stuff that is not for educative porpouses? Do I have to remember you that these ex-militar is talking good about a time where the soldiers controled the gov and tortured people to death for critizese the wars?
teaabe at 01:37 PM JST - 6th November

it's stupid for military officers or politicians to dress up the past.
it'll lead to lower sales for sony or toyota. please don't say anything stupid for the country, the markets are treading water these days.