Opposition considers censure motion against Aso over ex-ASDF chief's essay

Sunday 02nd November, 12:19 AM JST

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15 Comments

rjd_jr at 07:39 AM JST - 2nd November

Amazing. Just goes to show people how serious Jp government officials take these things. Far from denying or dragging their behinds on this issue, they are taking fast and furious action. Great for them.
Shumatsu_Samurai at 08:50 AM JST - 2nd November

Far from denying or dragging their behinds on this issue, they are taking fast and furious action.

By proposing a non-binding motion to condemn someone who has already left his job? That does what, exactly?

This is just the DPP playing politics as usual.
Spidey at 08:58 AM JST - 2nd November

I'd have to agree with Mr. Samurai. The DPJ is just taking advantage of the situation. Not that I'm against it however. It's about time the LDP play second fiddle for a change. 50+ years is just too long.

S
namabiru4me at 09:43 AM JST - 2nd November

the bickering never ceases to amaze me in JP politics!
ptolemy at 09:59 AM JST - 2nd November

Aso is responsible for the words of another in what way? That would be like me taking responsibility for the words of my next door neighbor. When the DPJ actually begins to stop their meaningless bumper sticker slogans like "Ozawa, the courage for change" and focus on the real issues then perhaps the population here will take them seriously as an opposition party.
Speed at 10:53 AM JST - 2nd November

Straight politicking. Censuring the PM and his govt. after they promptly fired the man for writing those comments. Also, I'll bet you there are a few dudes in both parties who secretly agree with the ex-air defense officer.
reddragonguy at 11:01 AM JST - 2nd November

Japan should legislating a law that any glorifying and legitimizing Japanese aggresions and denial of war time artrocities was a crime will be punished. That will saving alot of unnecessary disputes and argues!
bamboohat at 11:01 AM JST - 2nd November

...consider presenting a nonbinding censure motion...

Strong Language! whoooo!

Thats like me (in order to lose weight) saying I'm considering a non-committed possible formulation of an outline to look at ways to decrease somewhat my food intake...
mushroomcloud at 11:17 AM JST - 2nd November

I think the reason why certain Japanese folks keep bringing up Japan's wartime history is because they long for the time when Japan was a powerful and dominating nation. All they can see now is a never ending recession, tons of elderly people needing proper care, and a huge, nuclear armed neighbor who is crowding their breathing space.

In many ways, you can't blame the right wing elements in Japan for being frustrated.
Samuraiiki at 02:36 PM JST - 2nd November

Too much into trying to linch somebody for anything. Everything for Japanese is unforgivable as if they were Gods to decide on it. Where is the love?
adm_kenshin at 07:35 PM JST - 2nd November

reddragonguy: Japan has this freedom of speech thingy in their constitution, so they can't just do that. Unlike western europe and the US, Japanese legislators actually seem to care about not breaking the constitution, although they have slowly started to recently. Maybe you'll get your wish eventually.
RakishGadfly at 02:01 AM JST - 3rd November

Just doing what opposition parties do, especially when they smell blood.
Simon_Foston at 09:31 AM JST - 4th November

Japan should legislating a law that any glorifying and legitimizing Japanese aggresions and denial of war time artrocities was a crime will be punished. That will saving alot of unnecessary disputes and argues!

It'll never happen. Arguments about whether supressing free speech or not is a good thing aside, Japanese politicians are probably a bit too nervous about the prospect of getting killed by right-wing gangsters.

As for what the DPJ are suggesting, if Aso did appoint the man they're right to question his judgment. Don't see what good the censure motion is going to do though.
Simon_Foston at 09:36 AM JST - 4th November

I think the reason why certain Japanese folks keep bringing up Japan's wartime history is because they long for the time when Japan was a powerful and dominating nation.

But they don't need to look back that far. All they need to do is think back to the 70s and 80s when it looked as if Japanese business was set to take over the entire planet. Unfortunately the LDP, with many of its members' close family ties to WW2 era leaders (i.e. war criminals), doubtless see things the way you've suggested.
jeancolmar at 12:26 AM JST - 6th November

Frankly, it's a little too late and too little from the DPJ. The great essayist has already been kicked out and the bureaucratic and politicians have all mumbled their apologies and whatnot.

The great essayist said nothing divergent from what the Yasukuni worshipping politicians believe in principle. Firing this creep and the righteous poses of Aso & Co. only shows what a pack of hypocrites they are.

Demanding censure for this incident alone does not get at the problem of what the LDP really stands for.