politics

Defense minister reprimanded for not attending state dinner for Bhutan king, queen

61 Comments

Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa was reprimanded by Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura on Thursday after he failed to attend a state dinner on Wednesday night for the visiting king and queen of Bhutan, saying it was more important for him to be at a political fundraiser instead.

According to Fuji TV, Ichikawa said that since other cabinet ministers were at the banquet at the Imperial Palace, he didn't need to be there also, and that attending the fundraiser for a ruling Democratic Party of Japan colleague was more important.

Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema are currently on a week-long visit to Japan.

Fujimura said he told Ichikawa that the remarks were insensitive and could be misconstrued as disrespectful, Fuji TV reported.

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61 Comments
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Rude - to say that a begging party for his mate is more important than a state visit by royalty of one of the most peaceful, earth-friendly nations.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

no social graces. what a buffoon.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

A reprimand is not enough, get rid of this bastard. He should know better.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

He should know better.

Actually I would say that he really has no idea. When politicians like him get to where they are position wise, only because of their connections really and not due to their abilities, they come across as thinking that they are better than the average, "common-man".

I agree with what you wrote before that though, get rid of the fool. If anything it would serve notice to other folks like him, at least in the short run.

If the guy is truly repentant he should offer to donate any funds raised to the charity of the King and Queen's choice.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Fujimura said he told Ichikawa that the remarks were insensitive and could be misconstrued as disrespectful, Fuji TV reported.

It was disrespectful...indeed!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"he didn’t need to be there also, and that attending the fundraiser for a ruling Democratic Party of Japan colleague was more important."

Sorry, but there is no 'misconstruing' that this was disrespectful and rude, it WAS disrespectful and rude, without a doubt. In all likelihood, though, the King and Queen will show how much better they are than this man by simply dismissing and/or ignoring the whole thing as opposed to taking offense. And who would want such a lout at their dinner anyhow? At the same time, it shows us just how shallow, clueless, and essentially inept politicians like Ichikawa are. Ah, but he'll bow, give the requisite 'moushiwake-nai', mutter about how it's 'regretful' his comments about a friend being 'more important' were misinterpreted, and all will be forgiven.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

"Could be misconstrued as disrespectful"? Is there any other way of seeing it?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

smithinjapan - Scarily, we are on the same page once again ;)

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Lets he couldn't ask his deputy/vice to attend the fund-raiser. Guess he shot himself in the food career-wise here.

Baka.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Was the fundraiser scheduled before the dinner invitation? If so, it was a prior committment, right?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

It seems Noda has lost control over his chosen mob - if he ever had control that is. Anyway, no loss - this Bhutanese couple would not have missed the company of just another boring Japanese suit - that's for sure and certain! I bet they couldn't wait to get out of the function - spending their honeymoon with Japanese pollies sounds like hell!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The king looked a very humble and polite person paying great respect to the Japanese. He made a mistake, a huge one. He didn't deserve this rude insult.

I sincerely hope that not only the king but the whole world, bystander who only following the news, learned from this lesson and clearly knows now how to handle the Japanese and what they expect from Japan.

The defense minister naively thought that he only humiliates an insignificant king of a insignificant nation that doesn't matter, but he forgot he is not only speaking to the people of Bhutan but the whole world is listening and watching. He nicely introduced himself to the world, made a nice embarrassment to the Japanese elite and to Japan in general.

Considering the consensus seeking, steady, uniformity nature and decision making of the Japanese I would say about it "this is Japan, good to know their real face even when they do the civil"

5 ( +8 / -3 )

He missed out meeting Jetsun Pema, the very hot 22-year-old queen of Bhutan. Proves Ichikawa really is a moron.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I was gonna say: he's obviously never seen a photo of Jetsun Pema.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

big time K Y

2 ( +2 / -0 )

i see, money is more important than international relations

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The Kings speech in English was really good. The man is inteligent and has a very large vocabulary. I doubt anyone in the audience could understand him, unless they had head phones on to get a translation. To translate his speech would have been difficult even for seasoned interpreters.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Actually it might have been better to not have had Yasuo-san there. He might have come out and said something silly like, Kingu-kun, our Navy SDF will always look after and protect your Navy and sea ports."

2 ( +4 / -2 )

For causing such an insult, he should be stepping down. The King studied in the US and in England, that's why his speech was so good. I hope he won't be taking this incident to heart and enjoy his rest of his trip here without the strict protocol.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Wangchuk's accent is cool from listening to the speeches he made - he speaks perfect english with an Indian accent! Little known fact - he is also a member of Bhutan's national Basketball team!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

What a twit! If this is the common sense of the Defence Minister then I think Japan should be looking for a new one.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

My goodness, the royalists are out in force today. The king and queen of Bhutan are, like kings and queens everywhere part of an anochronistic, privileged, pampered elite. How does being born royal earn anybody especial "respect". He's the (unelected) head of state and should be being wined and dined by his equals in Japan, the emperor's family, not by politicians.

I'm not a fan of Ichikawa particularly, but well done for concentrating on politics (and yes, fund-raising is an unfortunate, often dirty part of politics) at a time when Japan is teetering on the verge of crisis.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Since when is it the defence minister's job to make enemies?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Shempa

yes sir! But then again maybe that is why he didnt go. He was too shy to talk to such a beautiful woman.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Anyway, he should have refused and apologized before. The error was to invite ministers to this dinner. Frankly nobody cares about queens of medieval valleys with less inhabitants than a ward of Tokyo. There is huge imperial family and foreign affair staff to dine with that kind of tarento.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Since when is it the defence minister's job to make enemies?

Since they fired the offense minister?

On a more serious note. Bhutan at least seems to be on some sort of path to a working democracy, without being forced there by revolution or foreign bombs. For that I guess the royals deserve some sort of respect. (Then again I could be misinformed)

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Sqidbert:

It didn't make international headlines, but there were some low key news articles (buried in back pages) last year about mistreatment and discrimination of Nepalese immigrants in Bhutan. The world media is just more fascinated by the fairytale handsome and charming royal couple from an exotic, remote kingdom.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

How does being born royal earn anybody especial "respect".

Well, he got my respect. Respect is something you earn from your deeds. This king truly is fulfilling his role. He has done many reforms in Bhutan. The King has also been giving away land to landless farmers around the country and strives for greater standards in education, business, civil service and the need for people of a small country to work harder than those of others. He also is very close to his people and gives out hope. No wonder Bhutan is such a happy country. Do you see any other leaders going out of their way like he does?

I truly hope travelling within his country will be eased soon as I really want to go there.

I hope to read more articles about his visit here.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

My dearest FOXIE, I have no more to add other than your great comments AGAIN have taken all of mine right out of my mouth! Long live the King of Bhutan!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@akkk1

I was vaguely aware of there being some problems related to treatment of immigrants. Thanks for clearing that up.

Still I can't help but to feel slight admiration for a country that makes the transition from Absolute Monarchy to Democracy in a few years without violent revolution. Oh, I am sure there are all sorts of problems, but they seem to be on their way.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Do you see any other leaders going out of their way like he does?

'Cause he is a king. Kings are not elected by the people they are born, raised and educated to be a king. They are taught to care about their country.

Our new world's leaders are not leaders, they are bosses. Great difference. They are not born royals, they are elected bosses from among their countrymen from among the people. Look at the fireworks, the cheap entertainment shows they run during their election campaigns to. And they get the votes for that. And there's an old saying " no politicians cannot be more intelligent than the people who elected them".

Now, it seems to me he had even less. He couldn't even realize that an elected politicians represents his own country and what he does, speaks for his all country and not just for him. It is called moral, responsibility and intelligence.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

correctly, "no politicians can be more intelligent than the people who elected them" I did it again, sorry

0 ( +0 / -0 )

My goodness, the royalists are out in force today. The king and queen of Bhutan are, like kings and queens everywhere part of an anochronistic, privileged, pampered elite. How does being born royal earn anybody especial "respect". He's the (unelected) head of state and should be being wined and dined by his equals in Japan, the emperor's family, not by politicians.

I do agree with you lucabrasi - 100 percent - but this Wangchuk bloke and his young hot wife seem so nice. I find it a tad strange though why a nations defence minister would be expected to attend a lavish ceremony with a foreign King and Queen! I wonder if his presence would be required should the king and queen of Tonga pay a visit? LOL

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@akk1

It didn't make international headlines, but there were some low key news articles (buried in back pages) last year about mistreatment and discrimination of Nepalese immigrants in Bhutan. The world media is just more fascinated by the fairytale handsome and charming royal couple from an exotic, remote kingdom.

Wow, I am glad that does not happen in Japan and in America.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

lucabrasi: "How does being born royal earn anybody especial "respect"."

You think this man and his wife are being respected just because he was born royal and she married into it? NO! They are being shown respect, save for from people like Ichikawa (who deserve none), because of the way in what the couple says and has been doing since here. On the contrary, do they deserve the scorn people like you direct at them simply because they are royals?

But since this article is about Ichikawa dissing the king and queen, let's just ask ourselves this: who deserves more respect in this situation? the king and queen of Bhutan (born and wed royal)? or Ichikawa (elected official)?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"...because of the way in what the couple says and has been doing since here..."

Meant to say, "...because of what they've said and done, and the way in which they've behaved since being here".

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@lucabrasi the defense minister would never disrespect the japanese emperor in such way, but beacuse they are gajin it is ok?

And it doesn't even matter if the representative from another country is a king/president/prime minister they sould threat high officials from another country with equal respect

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Dennis

the defense minister would never disrespect the japanese emperor in such way

But I don't think there's a shred of disrespect involved here. Not attending a function because tou're busy isn't disrespect, it's just how life goes sometimes. I'm sure the king, who sounds a very decent type, would agree with me.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@smithinjapan

do they deserve the scorn people like you direct at them simply because they are royals?

No scorn at all in my post. Just a plea for a bit less hysteria where royalty are concerned. They're human beings like you and me. And you seem to be contradicting yourself. Should they be respected because

1) of what they've said and done since they've been here.

2) they're (to quote you) "born and bred royal"?

Which is it?

And as to who deserves more respect, I'd say the king, the queen and the minister all deserve as much respect as each other. They're all human beings.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It is all about tradition. A long time ago when Defense Ministers were called War Ministers, it would have been unthinkable not to attend. It doesn't matter to me whether someone is a king or not and it is not about what he's done since being in Japan (that is basically a mere official state visit) but what he has done for his country as this particular country's Head of State. There are many kings and queens in this world but how many are doing the things he is doing? Now then, he has achieved a lot coming here because everybody is talking about him and he is the living proof of what a young leader is capable of doing. He has become an inspiration to Japan with that.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Can anyone find any past stories or evidence where the King and Queen of Tonga - to name one example of another obscure Monarchy - have been accorded such status, official banquets requiring all the cabinet to attend, upon visiting Japan ? Just curious.....

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This is an official state visit and is meant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Japanese-Bhutan diplomatic ties.

State visits involve some or all the following components:

A welcoming ceremony consisting of a review of military honor guards, parades, and the playing of national anthems by a military band. A 21-gun salute fired for foreign heads of state and a 19-gun salute fired for foreign heads of government. An exchange of gifts between the foreign head of state and the head of state from the nation hosting the state visit. State dinners, either white tie or black tie, hosted by a head of state, with the foreign head of state being the guest of honor. A visit to a national legislature, often with a formal address by the foreign head of state being delivered to the legislative bodies assembled. High-profile visits by foreign heads of state to national landmarks such as laying a wreath at a military shrine or cemetery. Cultural events celebrating links between the two nations, which are held in conjunction with a state visit.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

He missed out meeting Jetsun Pema, ........................and probably his ONLY chance to have kissed her hand in his life time. Stupid indeed.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The royal couple's final stop was to the DIET where King Jigme gave a speech in the Lower House. In his speech, the king referred to the March 2011 disaster stating:

...The Japanese people have handled the worst-ever crisis with serene dignity, confidence, discipline and strong minds. He said that if there is one nation that can rise stronger and greater from such adversity, it is Japan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GamBapMjbyY

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And it doesn't even matter if the representative from another country is a king/president/prime minister

I disagree totally. I don't think it's normal for leaders of a democracy to roll down the red carpet for all the dictators, tyrants, slave-owners of the world... I protested when my country's president received royally Khadafi, Ben Ali, etc... It's very difficult to decide the level of relation to balance the need to keep relations, and to avoid supporting dictators. The situation of Bhutan and its regime is unclear. That's good to encourage them toward progress... but keeping distance is necessary.

they sould threat high officials from another country with equal respect

As they accept to receive them, they treat them with respect, the Tenno family and the Foreign Affairs staff are here for that... But other ministers are not doing decorum. They spend time with any representative in charge of issues of countries only in case Japan has lots of interactions. The Defense Minister surely spends thousands of hours talking to all sorts of US officials, as they have lots to discuss about US bases, Japanese armies... but please enlight me if you know of some defense issue to discuss with Bhutan. I don't think the King of Bhutan had asked a meeting with that minister.

No wonder Bhutan is such a happy country. Do you see any other leaders going out of their way like he does?

Foxie, I find your speeches disgusting. You've been there to check the happiness ? Maybe you'd find everything so cute and traditional. Up to the mid 70's, there were people like you to say the Communist block countries, Spain, Portugal, Greece, were such paradises with their reformist leaders and everybody so happy... There were wealthy tourists going there and coming back saying people were happy and had no reason to complain about the regime.

He has achieved a lot coming here because everybody is talking about him and he is the living proof of what a young leader is capable of doing.

He has achieved good PR, by inviting cinema stars,etc. Really, me too, I have want to marry Tony Leung in Bhutan. But that's theater. If he was a sincere supporter of democracy he would have renounced to the throne, given back the crown and the jewels. Now, he is like a slave owner. I hope, for the slaves, that he is a good master and he starts giving them a few things to be theirs, but I won't praise him for that, that's the strict minimum, like pet owners feeding their pet, strict minimum. It's a small country, so paying for the lifestyle of their noble class must be a heavy burden. From the factual data we get, half of the inhabitants of Bhutan live in the level of development of Antiquity : no school, no access to doctors and hospitals, no modern equipment of any kind. The cute king and queen are not having it too hard, they only go there for the holidays and official touring, they have lived luxury life in England since their birth.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

lucabrasi: "No scorn at all in my post. Just a plea for a bit less hysteria where royalty are concerned. They're human beings like you and me. And you seem to be contradicting yourself. Should they be respected because 1) of what they've said and done since they've been here. 2) they're (to quote you) "born and bred royal"?"

I didn't contradict myself at all, in fact, I used your calls of 'royal hysteria' and saying they should not be respected simply because of their birthrights to point out that an elected politician should equally not be automatically respected because they have been given their position by the people. In any case a person needs to EARN the respect of others, and if you had to point out which party in this case deserves respect while one deserves a lack of it's the King and Queen deserving while the politician who opted to go for the cash grab (or support one, at any rate) is not. How is that contradicting myself?

I agree that no one deserves respect automatically because of their position, and in my post stated that the people here on this board and the MANY in this nation now that respect the Bhutan King and Queen do so because of what the King and Queen have done and said, NOT because they were born (or wed) into royalty. So ultimately your comments on 'royalists' are moot.

And yes, the guy was INCREDIBLY disrespectful, and not solely because he passed up a very important diplomatic meeting for said cash grab with his ilk, but because he said the DPJ member was 'more important'. By his job title, he should have been there, bottom line -- hence he has been reprimanded.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

lucabrasi: I meant to add that you are talking about royalty in general, which is not what I see people doing here otherwise except to counter your comment. People here are talking about the King and Queen of Bhutan.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@smith

I used your calls of 'royal hysteria' and saying they should not be respected simply because of their birthrights to point out that an elected politician should equally not be automatically respected because they have been given their position by the people.

Okay. Sorry, I didn't quite get your gist first time. As I said, I've got nothing against the king or his wife just for being royal... it's not their fault, but I still don't get the "disrespect" bit. If you're busy, you're busy. And it wasn't an "important diplomatic meeting", it was an unimportant (no disrespect to Bhutan) state dinner. Very different.

Still, thanks for arguing your case like a gent, and not like a child, like so many on this site :)

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy, just like Japan. You must find it hard living here too.

Ever heard of Gross National Happiness? We have been misguided in dismissing what people say about how happy they are and simply assuming that if they are consuming more apples and buying more cars they are better off. Happiness to me is satisfaction with personal relationships, employment, and meaning and purpose in life. Bhutan values sustainable development, cultural integrity, ecosystem conservation, and good governance.

If technology makes you so happy, fine with me. I have lived on and of without it and I have to say I am more happy without all this modern equipment.

I spent my entire childhood in Spain during the 60's and 70's and believe me I had a very happy childhood. Also, many of my friends coming from Ex-Communist countries, told me that they were way happier in those days than nowadays. I can only take their word for it since I never lived that life.

Maybe democracy works for you but don't insult people who believe in other systems.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@Foxie

No. Bhutan isn't any kind of democracy. Seriously. Do a bit of research. Nothing like Japan.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

lucabrasi: Bhutan is also a multi-party democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Since when is Japan no constitutional monarchy then?

Article 23 defines the Constitutional requirements for elections in Bhutan. The Constitution calls for universal suffrage by secret ballot of all citizens over age 18 who have been registered in the civil registry of their constituency for at least one year and not "otherwise disqualified from voting under any law in force in Bhutan." In order to vote, Bhutanese citizens must furnish their Citizenship Card.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@Foxie & @lucabrasi

Peaceful as she appears, this lost horizon in the mountain far away from modern civilization & hidden from the attention of most of us, Bhutan remains unfortunately a 'puppet' regime under the de facto occupation (militarily) & strict control of a certain 'democratic' country called India.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

don't insult people who believe in other systems.

I don't insult you. I just say what kind of abuse you are supporting. I don't find you respectful.

cultural integrity,

Ethnic cleansing. Religious cleansing. Political cleansing. That's disgusting, to say it politely.

I spent my entire childhood in Spain during the 60's and 70's and believe me I had a very happy childhood.

I'm glad for you. Fortunately a dictatorship is not the end of life for everybody. I hope many people live happily in Bhutan in spite of the hardships of the regime and underdevelopment. But with 1/5th of its population living the tragic refugee life, I find the mention of the "Gross National Happiness" really insulting for them. These people have been chased away since the establishment of the masquerade constitution. And it's not over. The handsome king speaks beautifully. He'll be credible when his militias stop the dirty work and when the refugees can go back home.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I read that he fell in love with his wife when she was seven.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The king, that is, not the defence minister.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

What I heard from TBS is that they met in the park when the king was 17 and the queen was 7. She asked him, "Will you marry me when we grow up and remember me?" He said, "OK". Ten years later, they met again somehow and she asked him, "So... will you marry me now?" He said, "We should start going out". (not sure how reliable the source is, though)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Agree with BurakuminDes and lucabrasi

Doesn't sound like the Bhutan function was the most important event to attend and he mentioned there were other cabinet ministers in attendance so no big deal. Maybe his wording explaining why could have been a bit better but that's all.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I'm glad for you. Fortunately a dictatorship is not the end of life for everybody. I hope many people live happily in Bhutan in spite of the hardships of the regime and underdevelopment. But with 1/5th of its population living the tragic refugee life, I find the mention of the "Gross National Happiness" really insulting for them. These people have been chased away since the establishment of the masquerade constitution. And it's not over. The handsome king speaks beautifully. He'll be credible when his militias stop the dirty work and when the refugees can go back home.

If a country did indeed "chase away" 1/5th of its population, wouldn't that leave a whole lot of empty homes and vacant jobs positions? One in every five people you knew would have to disappear and entire towns would be left as nothing but ghost towns. Use some common sense.

It would be equal to Japan expelling 25400000 people, or the US losing 6140131000 people. What would that do to the economy of a country? Everything would come to a standstill.

As for the "refugees" going back "home"... the majority of them have never even set foot in Bhutan.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If he was a sincere supporter of democracy he would have renounced to the throne, given back the crown and the jewels. Now, he is like a slave owner. I hope, for the slaves, that he is a good master and he starts giving them a few things to be theirs, but I won't praise him for that, that's the strict minimum, like pet owners feeding their pet, strict minimum. It's a small country, so paying for the lifestyle of their noble class must be a heavy burden.

He is not a slave owner. He is a King, born and raised a Royal, loved and supported by his people. He works to better the lives of all of his people and serves his Nation with all his heart. It is not only a certain "noble class" that adores him, he is genuinely loved by all the people, from successful business entrepreneurs to poor rural farmers, and it is because he treats everyone with the same respect and caring.

Why does he need to give back the crown? The people want him to be their king and consider themselves lucky in this day and age, to have a leader as good as he is.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

From the factual data we get, half of the inhabitants of Bhutan live in the level of development of Antiquity : no school, no access to doctors and hospitals, no modern equipment of any kind. The cute king and queen are not having it too hard, they only go there for the holidays and official touring, they have lived luxury life in England since their birth.

Those facts are not quite correct.

Bhutan is a newly developing country and it may not compare to many other countries, especially developed nations, in terms of schools, hospitals and whatever "modern equipment" you are referring to. However, hospitals are being built and people are encouraged to send their children to schools.

As for the King and Queen having lived a "luxury life" in England since their birth, that is untrue. They were both raised and mostly educated in their own country, Bhutan. They went to high school and university abroad.

Honestly, if someone had lived in England since birth don't you suppose they'd have picked up a bit of the accent at least?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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