Establishing a Japanese version "ＣＩＡ？"

  I'm not a right-wing Japanese person; in fact, I've felt for over 20 years that Japan needs a powerful intelligence agency. While I think it's too late now, it might be better to have one than not to have one at all.

 However, the norm of "necessity" and the ability to "operate it properly" are two different things.

 I believe that today's jellyfish-like people, with the faces of chimpanzees and the minds of cockroaches, lack the ability to properly operate an intelligence agency. 

 What happens when people who lack the "ability" to handle things properly brandish the "norm" of "it's necessary! We should do it! We must do it!"? 

 We all know this from experience.

 It's also difficult to draw the line between "intelligence," "public safety," and "national defense" organizations.

 From its inception, the FBI conducted illegal "intelligence" activities. Secretary Hoover investigated all those involved in American "power" and discovered their "weaknesses." 

 It is well known that he "investigated" Kennedy's ties to the Mafia and his "affair" with Marilyn Monroe (a secret rendezvous in the White House) and used them as "weaknesses," and that he even installed listening devices in President Kennedy's bedroom to eavesdrop on his nighttime "affairs."

 After Hoover died, having remained in his "director's" chair for an unusually long period of time, President Nixon ordered the destruction of all the vast amount of material Hoover had left behind.

 Nixon's words at the time are also famous.

 In a country that was a leader in democracy and freedom, one person had held the power of "information" that was so great that it could topple the nation for such a long period of time.

 It is hard to imagine that the Japanese of today, who have become like jellyfish, spineless monkeys, could do something that even the United States and Britain struggle to achieve.

 Considering the character, disposition, life experiences, education, communication skills, and sensibilities of today's "Japanese," I would venture to guess that there's a 90% or higher chance that a Japanese version "CIA" will turn into the "Stasi." At best, I think it'll become like the "Tokkō."

 Before World War II, Japan's intelligence activities were concentrated in mainland China. The South Manchuria Railway Investigation Department and the Kantō Army's (or Kwantung Army's) various special agencies (Tokumu organ) were primarily responsible for this role. This was related to the Imperial Army's plan to control the continent.

 However, within Japan (to be precise, Korea was also part of Japan's "inland" territory; Taiwan and Karafuto were legally (formally) classified as "overseas territories"), security was too lax, and foreign spies were operating in secret (just as it is today).

 The Sorge Affair sent shock waves through Japan's military and political circles. Sorge was fluent in Japanese and had skillfully infiltrated the centers of power among Japanese politicians and army officials, allowing Japan's military secrets to be leaked to the Soviet Union. Japan's leaders were all caught off guard.

 More than going to war, information is the most important weapon for avoiding war or for ending a war.

 The Nomonhan Incident is a good example of this from modern Japan's experience.

 At the time of this armed conflict, neither the Kantō Army (Kwantung Army), the Imperial Army General Staff, nor the government received accurate information. It's true that the Japanese Army's mechanization lagged behind that of the Soviet Army, but the Kantō Army (Kwantung Army), supported by extraordinary mental strength and skillful tactics, continued to put up a tenacious resistance and was not defeated by the Soviet army. In fact, it was winning.

 However, incorrect information was reaching the Japanese government.

 As a result, Stalin at the time was both relieved and pleased. Stalin had accurate information about the battle situation.

 It was more than 50 years after the aforementioned armed conflict, when the Soviet Union collapsed and confidential documents from the Soviet era were made public, that Japan obtained the correct information.

 As I was painfully aware 14 years ago during the 3/11 disaster (Fukushima nuclear accidents), this insular nation is far too ignorant about information.

 On the other hand, I think it was admirable that the Soviet Union (now Russia) stored and preserved the aforementioned confidential documents for over 50 years, and then made them public half a century later. 

 If the situation were reversed and Japan were in the position, all inconvenient documents would have been destroyed.

 Furthermore, Japan had a bitter experience with the issues surrounding President Franklin Roosevelt(FDA) and Secretary of State Hull.

 As is now clear from the Venona files, they were surrounded by many Comintern spies (who were, of course, legitimate American citizens) who carried out operations favorable to the Soviet Union. While the US government's laxity was one issue, Japan's intelligence activities to grasp the situation at the center of American power were insufficient.

 As a result, President Roosevelt turned down Prime Minister Konoe's proposal for a Japan-US summit meeting and took the worst possible measure: an oil embargo on Japan (Japan was dependent on the US for oil at the time).

 Meanwhile, the Japanese also underestimated Roosevelt's reaction to the occupation of southern French Indochina. Just as they had assumed that Roosevelt would not see a problem with the occupation of northern Indochina at the request of the Vichy government, the Japanese were surprised by Roosevelt's strong measures.

 American intelligence activities against Japan were also insufficient. The unique nature of Japan's civil-military relations (in an old paper, Huntington conducted a detailed comparative analysis of prewar civil-military relations in the United States, Germany, and Japan. I believe his analysis of Japan is basically correct. However, due to a lack of materials (he had friends translate Japan-related materials into English for him to read. Times were different, so there was a limit to the amount that could be translated, and financial issues were likely also involved) and the language barrier, his analysis may appear insufficient in light of current circumstances), and the relationship between Emperor Showa and the military, the Cabinet and the Army General Staff, Prime Minister Humimaro Konoe and Foreign Minister Yōsuke Matsuoka, and Army Minister Tojō Hideki and the Army General Staff. 

 If the United States had conducted sufficient intelligence activities regarding the centers of power in Japan, such as the relationship between Emperor Showa (Hirohito) and the military, the relationship between the Cabinet and the Army General Staff, the relationship between Prime Minister Konoe and Foreign Minister Yōsuke Matsuoka, and the relationship between Army Minister Hideki Tojō and the Army General Staff, the US government may not have proposed conditions that were either unacceptable to the Japanese side, or impossible to implement even if accepted, given the unique relationships between Emperor Showa and the political and military sectors.

 

 Furthermore, if the Japanese side had received accurate information from the center of American power, the Japanese government might not have reacted with shock and rage to the sudden presentation of the Hull Note, and its long list of unilateral and difficult-to-implement conditions, by beginning preparations for war.

 The Hull Note was drafted by Comintern spies (it was in the Soviet Union's national interest to pit Britain and America against Japan in the Far East and wear them down). If the Japanese side had been vaguely aware of this (if there had been a secret cooperation system between Japanese and American intelligence agencies), they might have been able to respond differently.

 In today's world, life and death depend on intelligence.

 However, intelligence organizations have a very bad image in Japan.

 The prewar "Tokkō" (Special Higher Police) and postwar "Kōan" (Public Security Intelligence Agency) are strongly associated with the image of "bad guys." 

 The average Japanese person has the impression that the prewar "Special Higher Police (called "Tokkō") and the postwar "Public Security Intelligence Agency (called "Kōan")" were violent organizations that gathered together only cunning and misbehaving people, targeted and surveilled Japanese people, and oppressed the Japanese people and Japanese society.

 Not a single member of the "Special Higher Police" was punished (disciplined) after the war. Apparently, the Americans (not the Allied forces) considered them useful for their "anti-communist" purposes, so they were all acquitted and disappeared, largely anonymous, without a trace (perhaps they just infiltrated somewhere and continued committing the same crimes again?).

 The same can be said about the postwar "Public Security Intelligence Agency." 

 In Japan, people remain afraid to say anything about the postwar "Public Security Intelligence Agency." The media also reports nothing. It is a black box organization.

 I believe that Japan's version of the CIA will be an even more twisted and insidious version of the Kōan, an even more vicious version of the Stasi. 

 In other words, I predict that it will be an organization that is a combination of the Kōan and the Stasi.

 I fear that it will create a group of people who, under the premise that anti-Japanese sentiment is not a crime, will bare their fangs at their own people and will feel no qualms about committing any kind of despicable crime.

END

To strengthen government intelligence, the LDP holds its first meeting... supporting discussions toward the creation of a "National Intelligence Agency."

Published November 14 (Fri) 21:37

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/8d1deb46acd052ebbcaca3f703527c3719ada99e

Excerpt

7 comments

Yomiuri Shimbun Online

Policy Research Council Chairman Kobayashi (center right) delivers a speech (at LDP headquarters on the 14th)

 On November 14, 2025, the LDP held the first meeting of its "Intelligence Strategy Headquarters" at party headquarters to strengthen the government's intelligence (information gathering and analysis) functions. The government plans to establish a "National Intelligence Agency" to serve as a command center, and the LDP will also organize issues and support discussions.

 At the meeting, Kobayashi, Chairman of the Policy Research Council, who has been appointed as head of the headquarters, stated that strengthening intelligence functions is essential to ensuring national interests, and emphasized that "it will enable us to formulate more precise strategies in diplomacy and security." 

 He listed the following as issues to be considered:

　〈1〉 strengthening the government's command center functions; 

　〈2〉 drastically strengthening external intelligence-gathering capabilities; 

　〈3〉 establishing a system to prevent foreign interference.

 At the first meeting, former Director-General of the National Security Secretariat, Kitamura Shigeru, explained the current situation and issues surrounding Japan's intelligence system. Attendees expressed opinions on the need for strengthening functions and how human resources should be developed.

 Strengthening intelligence functions is one of the signature policies of the Takaichi administration. The coalition agreement between the LDP and the Japan Restoration Party clearly states that a National Intelligence Agency will be established during next year's ordinary Diet session.

 The Strategic Headquarters will discuss the specifics of the National Intelligence Agency's authority and functions and compile recommendations.

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The LDP and the Japan Innovation Party will hold talks this year to revise the three security treaty documents... Relaxing export restrictions on defense equipment will also be discussed.

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Last updated: 11/14 (Fri) 10:47 PM

Yomiuri Shimbun Online

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Newest

5  sak

1 day ago

The government's true colors are showing.

■Currently, public safety and security information is handled by the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, the Public Security Bureau, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Defense. A bill to centralize and oversee these functions is scheduled to be submitted to next year's ordinary Diet session.

 This is the same move as the creation of the Ministry of Home Affairs to prepare for war.

■Ministry of Home Affairs:

 Disbanded and abolished by GHQ after the war. Prefectural Special Higher Police were subordinate organizations.

 It also led and supervised the national movement during the Total National Mobilization Movement. It was the highest government agency.

 The Total National Mobilization Movement was a militaristic policy implemented by the Imperial Japanese Government in September 1937 (Showa 12) to suppress public discontent and encourage cooperation in the war effort, as the Sino-Japanese War intensified and increased the burden on people's lives. 

 The government established the Imperial Rule Assistance Association and the Intelligence Bureau. This was a policy to control people's lives and thoughts.

I'll chop off your filthy head in an instant!! 〜〜A mad-dog diplomat's assassination threat against the prime minister and Trump's sense of balance

  The news article below details the assassination threat against the Japanese prime minister by a crazed Chinese diplomat.

 This Chinese consul general has repeatedly made violent, provocative, and inflammatory posts in the past.

 He praised Russia's invasion of Ukraine (though neither the Chinese government nor the Chinese president have officially praised it).

 Furthermore, just before the voting day of Japan's recent House of Representatives election, he conducted an election campaign on X, urging voters to vote for a specific Japanese political party (he posted, "Please write 'Reiwa(れいわ)' on your ballot").

 He is fluent in Japanese and posts to X entirely in Japanese.

 What would happen if the Japanese ambassador or consul general to the United States were to urge the American people, even in a personal social media post, to "vote for the Democratic candidate" during a national election?

 Any way you look at it, his words and actions are out of the ordinary. They make us wonder if he's addicted to drugs, mentally ill, or just plain crazy.

 But how can such a person be appointed as China's Consul-General in Japan?

 Despite his repeated abnormal behavior, he has not been disciplined by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Far from being disciplined, he has not even received a warning. 

 In that dictatorial country, if his statements go against the views of the country's president, there's no way he could maintain his position.

 This mad-dog diplomat's job is to improve his country's image and make it easier for Chinese people in Japan (international students, businessmen, trainees, sports and entertainment professionals, etc.) to live and work. 

 In reality, however, he repeatedly behaves in the exact opposite way, further strengthening China's image as the villain of the new axis of evil (Russia, North Korea, China).

 I don't know if he's a drug addict, simply seeking attention, or seriously plotting an assassination.

 However, he is not a vote-grabbing demagogue, but a diplomat stationed abroad. It is not easy to attain the position of Consul General in Japan in China, a communist dictatorship. He is likely an elite within the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There is no way that an impulsive, simple-minded, illiterate, stupid, and crazy person could become Consul General in Japan.

 In a "normal country," he would immediately be recalled to his home country, severely punished, and forced to live in the shadows until retirement.

 And yet, the above comments are being defended by a Chinese government "spokesperson."

 Considering all this, one cannot help but suspect there is something ulterior motive behind this.

 The Chinese are both pragmatic and realistic. It is better to consider this diplomat's comments as a self-staged farce.

 Given their positions, it would be virtually impossible for China's president, prime minister, and foreign minister to refute each and every one of Takaichi's Diet responses and repeatedly make strong statements. 

 If those in their positions were to make provocative or inflammatory statements, they would be perceived as making "official statements" on behalf of their country, which would incite not only the people of the other country but also their own people. This would make it difficult to "put out the fire." It would also be unwise, as it would give Japan various pretexts (such as saying, "China is seriously planning to invade Taiwan, so Japan must begin preparing for war," which could be used as an excuse for military expansion).

 If the ambassador to Japan were to make the above statement, it would likely become a bigger problem. Furthermore, posting it on the official Facebook or X accounts of the embassy or consulate general would be treated the same as an official statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which would also be problematic.

 So the "Consul General of Osaka" (who is not a top official) is being asked to post his "true feelings" on his "personal" social media account. Furthermore, the "spokesperson" is putting on a farce by defending the social media comments. There is no need for the Chinese president or foreign minister to issue comments defending an individual's social media posts.

 In reality, I believe he is acting under instructions and control from higher up.

 I don't believe that some playful foreign ministry bureaucrat is repeatedly posting comments with the aim of currying favor with his superiors (in the hope that the president or foreign minister will be pleased).

 This kind of "self-staged" behavior is not uncommon in authoritarian countries.

 What I find problematic are the US president's comments (see below).

 I don't watch American television programs, so I don't know what the president said before and after, or the context of his conversation with the host, but the comments below can only be interpreted as a defense of China.

 He mentions "many allies," but Japan is the only ally that has benefited more from trade with the US than China over a long period of time.

 Analyzing the above "China defense" remarks as a "Trump-style" negotiating tactic, Takaichi's stance is that, in some cases (if it is disadvantageous to Japan), she may demand renegotiations with the United States regarding the "Trump tariffs." President Trump may be implicitly warning Japan. "If you don't make concessions in the tariff (trade) negotiations, we'll side with China," he said, linking tariff negotiations with military issues in East Asia and exerting pressure on Japan.

 One strategy in Trump's negotiating style is to link everything and balance out a troublesome opponent to reap the benefits.

 It's also possible to imagine a "conspiracy"-like scenario.

 For example, consider the following scenario:

　A CIA agent (Japanese?) pays the Chinese consul general to make a post.

　↓

　The Chinese consul general posts on X, "declaring war," "threatening to assassinate the prime minister," and "threatening genocide."

　↓

　Prime Minister Takaichi's approval rating rises even further. She has a free hand. It also provides an excuse for military expansion.

　↓

　So President Trump pitches, "It would take time, money, and effort for Japan to develop and manufacture new weapons now. You wouldn't be able to make it in time for China's invasion of Taiwan. We'll sell you easy-to-use, high-performance weapons at a bargain price."

　↓

　Purchase large quantities of outdated, cheap weapons (clearance items) from the United States.

　↓

　The one who will be happiest is the United States.

　↓

　China is not seriously considering invading Taiwan, so, regardless of pretense, it doesn't care about Japan's "military expansion." Rather, China can force Japan to further waste its budget amid its massive fiscal deficit, wasting its national power. "Winning without fighting" is a cardinal rule of Sun Tzu's Art of War. China will sneer, saying, "Serves you right."

 Like the conspiracy theories surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks, this kind of "conspiracy theory" is impossible to prove, but when you see this mad-dog diplomat posting a barrage of abusive comments, President Trump making pro-China statements, and the Chinese government defending the abusive comments, I can't help but suspect something.

 In any case, there are surely many right-wing Japanese people who are grateful to this mad-dog diplomat for inciting them. Even more than that, aren't there many people in the American defense industry and defense bureaucrats who are extremely grateful?

When asked about the Chinese consul general who posted that he would "cut off that filthy head," US President Trump avoided criticizing China.

2025/11/11 14:08

https://www.sankei.com/article/20251111-FQMYSWJGDRJ3RKL5UNK746KCOU/

 During a November 10, 2025, interview with Fox News, U.S. President Donald Trump did not directly respond to a question about Xue Jian, China's Consul General in Osaka, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he would "cut off that filthy head." He likely prioritized economic relations with China and avoided provoking it.

 The moderator explained the circumstances surrounding Xue's post and asked, "China is not our friend, is it?" President Trump replied, "Many of our allies are not our friends either. Our allies have benefited from trade with us more than China has."

 President Trump emphasized, "I have a good relationship with China." He stated his opinion that "the key to relations with China is to negotiate from a position of strength." (Kyodo News)

"I'll cut off that filthy head," China's Consul General in Osaka said in response to Prime Minister Takaichi's response regarding a Taiwan emergency.

2025/11/9 19:48

https://www.sankei.com/article/20251109-5YOAKS4ZHBHGZNQBVPHNTFKSRI/

 On November 8, 2025, Xue Jian, China's Consul General in Osaka, posted on his X account, "We have no choice but to cut off that filthy head that has intruded on us without a moment's hesitation. Is Takaichi ready?"

 As of 7:30 PM on the 9th, the content posted by Xue Jian, China's Consul General in Osaka, on November 8th, could not be confirmed.

 Sankei Shimbun called the Osaka Consulate General to confirm the facts and intent, but was unable to reach him.

"Don't suffer national annihilation!"

 Xue Jian updated his account on November 9th, writing, "The idea that a 'Taiwan emergency is a Japan emergency' is a path to death that some foolish Japanese politicians are trying to choose." He argued, "Japan has reneged on its obligation to submit as a defeated nation and completely forgotten the UN Charter's former enemy country clause. This is an extremely reckless attempt."

 He then added, "I hope Japan will regain a minimum of rationality and a law-abiding spirit, and never again suffer national annihilation like the one that followed its defeat in the war."

The black female leopard went on a rampage riding American warship.

  A female leopard, dressed in an all-black suit, appeared inside a huge warship. Until recently, the black female leopard was a blue chimpanzee.

 It seems that the way they play around on the warship is very popular among the group of Japanese macaques.

 On the evening of the 24th, while Japan's national broadcaster (NHK) was celebrating the above-mentioned speech being broadcast live nationwide, I happened to catch a glimpse of it while passing by. I didn't think anything of it at the time, so I immediately turned my head and walked away.

 Later, I thought to myself, "What was that crazy kittenish old lady (the boss of the Japanese monkey group) doing!?" and played the video on YouTube.

 Ms.Sakurai Yoshiko also highly praises it on her YouTube channel.

 Even on the ``Wide Show,'' which is watched by dumb housewives, the ``commentators'' who are amateur comedians are overjoyed with their praises.

 The Prime Minister's official residence's Facebook page has also been flooded with comments of praise and joy from right-wing citizens.

　　https://www.facebook.com/sourikantei/videos/

 All the Japanese monkeys are very happy!!

 My personal impression and evaluation is that the content of her warship speech was not bad. It was a shame that she was reading the manuscript instead of improvising her speech, but her posture was good (It is said that there are several reasons why anyone in a foreign country can tell at a glance that She is Japanese. The biggest reason is ``poor posture.'' Other reasons include ``sleeping on the train'' (I sleep a lot, too...), ``always looking for the toilet,'' and ``always being in groups'' (because that's the behavior of monkeys...), and the way they spoke was dignified and inflected.

 If this were a Japanese men, all the muscles in his face would be stiff, he would be expressionless, he would be hunched over, he would walk like a penguin, he would not look at the other person's face properly, he would turn his head away, he would just grin with a creepy expression on his face (because he didn't understand English), he would just look down and mumble to himself.

 Compared to that, it was a blessing that a female black leopard stood on the stage.

 But, well, the way She was having fun. Have you ever wondered, “Is she the kindergartener?”

 I thought to myself, ``Is this lady using drugs?'' It was a strangely high tension...

 Was she really happy, or was she trying to thoroughly flatter the emperor of the world?

 I think I felt the same way when I was taken to the "Ship Science Museum" when I was a kid.

 The president of America had a sense of humor and made the soldiers laugh.

 As a precaution, I have posted the content of the speech below. The English translation was carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

 For the current U.S. president, the biggest potential enemy is China, and he would want to twist Ukraine in favor of Russia, bring the Ukraine war to an early end, and then get serious about a policy of containment against China.

 Japan's new prime minister must have declared, ``We Japanese macaques will act as the loyal pet dogs of the American president.''

〘Japan-United States of America Relations〙

【Prime Minister Takaichi and U.S. President Trump’s Visit to U.S. Aircraft Carrier "George Washington"】

October 28, 2025

 President Trump introducing Prime Minister Takaichi to the members of the U.S. forces on the podium

(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)

Prime Minister Takaichi waving to the members of the U.S. forces

(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)

Prime Minister Takaichi delivering her speech 

(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)

 On 28th October, commencing at 3.45 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Ms. Sanae TAKAICHI, Prime Minister of Japan, along with the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, visited the aircraft carrier USS George Washington in Yokosuka.

 Prime Minister Takaichi and President Trump made remarks to encourage the members of the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Forces in Japan. Prime Minister Takaichi stated that she is determined to ensure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and to make it the foundation of peace and prosperity in the region, while elevating the Japan-U.S. Alliance, already the greatest alliance in the world, to even greater heights, together with President Trump.

(Reference)

Remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi on the occasion of the visit U.S. Aircraft Carrier "George Washington"

Related Links

Official Visit of President Trump to Japan (Press Release) (October 24, 2025)

【Remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi on the occasion

of the visit U.S. Aircraft Carrier "George

Washington"】

 This year marks the US Navy’s

semiquincentennial anniversary. As we celebrate the

important milestone, I am truly honored to have this

opportunity to deliver remarks with President Trump

aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, a

symbol of protecting freedom and peace in this

region.

 First and foremost, I would like to express my

deep respect and sincere gratitude to all the men and

women in uniform from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces

and the US Forces Japan for your dedication and

commitment to safeguard peace and security of our

nation and the region day and night.

 Six years ago, at this same place – here in

Yokosuka City, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

and President Trump stood side by side and

demonstrated their resolve that Japan and the United

States would join hands to ensure peace and security

in this region.

 

 Now, as the two Commanders-in-chief of Japan

and the United States stand together once again, I

have renewed my determination to carry forward

that resolve and to make the Indo-Pacific free and 

open so that it will serve as the foundation of peace

and prosperity for the entire region.

 

 Now, we are facing an unprecedented, severe

security environment. Peace cannot be preserved by

words alone – it can be protected only when there is

unwavering resolve and action.

From where we stand, we can see Maritime

Self-Defense Force’s "Mogami" and "Maya."

Vessels of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and

USS George Washington have conducted numerous

joint exercises.

 Just as importantly, there are so many Japanese

and American personnel working for logistics and

maintenance here in Yokosuka. There is also a strong

sense of bond with the local community.

 Those are what have been supporting the

activities of US Navy over the years. There is no

doubt that such multilayered Japan-US cooperation

is what makes it possible for us to ensure the

credibility of our two nations’ deterrence and

response capabilities.

 So let me reiterate my unwavering

determination here. Japan is committed to

fundamentally reinforce its defense capabilities and

Japan is ready to contribute even more proactively to

peace and stability of the region.

 Through these efforts, together with President

Trump, I am determined to elevate the Japan-US 

Alliance, which has already become the greatest

alliance in the world, to even greater greater heights.

Japan and the United States will advance

together, with our sails raised high, across a free and

open sea. I am very confident that the sea route from

Yokosuka will make our bond even stronger and

stronger bring our two nations on the path to a

shining future.

MADE IN DAGENHAM

 "MADE IN DAGENHAM" (2010, UK (BBC)).

 I previously watched the Japanese subtitled version. 

 It's a wonderful film. It's truly a British film. It's based on a true story.

 It's a so-called "socially conscious" film, with no flashy production and no star actors, so I wonder if it won't be broadcast on free-to-air television.

 By the way, as an aside, according to Japanese media reports, Japan's new prime minister has declared that he will pursue "heavy metal politics." Due to my lack of knowledge, I don't know what this "heavy metal politics" is. It may be a gimmick to get a laugh, but that's irrelevant.

 According to foreign media reports, she was a drummer in a heavy metal band during her student days. She also apparently rode around on a large motorbike. This was during her student days, nearly 50 years ago.

 In short, they want to portray her as "amazing women" who have broken the stereotype of Japanese women as submissive, demure, quiet, polite, and meek.

 However, this is a "myth" that is far removed from reality.

 "Girl bands" are not at all uncommon. When "Princess Princess" appeared on the scene in the mid-1980s, they were the first "all-girl band" to have a string of hits, and they surprised young people at the time. However, it was not uncommon for girls to be band members and play instruments even before that.

 In the 1970s, girls and even old ladies rode motorbikes and scooters.

 Indeed, there are countless Japanese women who "pretend" to be submissive, demure, quiet, polite, and meek. However, if truly polite Japanese women exist, I think they are likely to be upper-class "young ladies" who have been exceptionally blessed with exceptionally favorable family environments, educational environments, and neighborhoods, and who have been extremely well-bred. Since I have no connection to the "upper class," I have never seen such a "young lady."

 The reality in Japanese villages is the exact opposite. It's safe to say that Japanese women are more likely to turn into cockroaches or two-year-olds than Japanese men.

 A female frog, with only her face camouflaged as a pink camouflage, sits atop a portable shrine carried by a group of black male frogs in a narrow well. This is a scene that is frequently seen by those living in Japan.

 The new female Minister of Finance is similar.

 It's understandable that she may have emotional resentment after a falling out with her ex-husband and divorcing him. However, it's difficult to say that she is entirely free of responsibility, including the process leading up to her official marriage. Decades after remarrying another man, she exposed her married life from several decades ago to major media outlets, while her ex-husband was facing the greatest crisis of his life.

 In her exposé, she spoke of her ex-husband as if he were a crazy, abnormal person, and someone with the lowest morals and character. Can we trust a female politician who behaves in this way?

 The above statements and actions were not made in conversation with friends or relatives, at a lecture, or posted on her social media accounts. She spoke in interviews with major media outlets. She spoke after becoming a member of parliament and winning multiple elections, and it was as a sitting member of parliament (a person of national power who also represents the people; a special civil servant) that she exposed them to major media outlets.

 This is a despicable and cowardly tactic. At the same time, it is a typical tactic frequently used by "Japanese women."

 The Finance Minister said, "Even before we got married, my ex-husband, the governor of Tokyo, intended to use me as an accessory; he only married me because he wanted my title (graduated from the University of Tokyo, was an elite employee at the Ministry of Finance, was Miss Tokyo University; his parents had impressive occupations and titles). He didn't love me, and after we got married, I had a very unpleasant experience in my private life."

 She said, "My ex-husband lined up a bunch of knives on the table in the kitchen and said, 'I'll use these to...'" If this story, told in an interview with a major media outlet, had been a lie, it would be considered defamation (to the average person, this story gives the impression that the ex-husband, the governor, is violent, has a strong desire to dominate and conquer, and is a psychopath with the mentality of a violent criminal), so it's likely that something like this happened at home.

 But why would she expose this to the media at a time when her ex-husband, the governor, was facing the biggest crisis of his life?

 What if the roles were reversed? How would the public react if a middle-aged man did the same thing to his ex-wife, whom he divorced decades ago? What would people say if that man were a current member of parliament?

 If the person were a woman, even a veteran incumbent member of parliament who had been elected multiple times, she might receive sympathy, with comments like, "That must have been tough. It must have been difficult." However, if a man were to do the same thing, he would be criticized and insulted, with comments like, "What a shameful, pathetic, and despicable man!" He could even risk losing his status and power because of his effeminacy.

 In other words, this is the kind of behavior that is unacceptable to "humans" but is acceptable to "women." As a member of parliament for the ruling party, rather than trying to change a society that allows "despicable behavior that is only acceptable to women," she is instead exploiting this gender gap. This "society" is undoubtedly a "male-dominated society."

 Rather than trying to change this "male-dominated society," the newly appointed Finance Minister is taking advantage of the society and exploiting "women."

 Some people say that these women are trying to change male-dominated society and male-dominated politics. However, it is clear that this is nothing more than a myth far removed from reality. They have their base in a "male-dominated society."

 I fear that when the people are in truly difficult situations, these women will not put their lives on the line and sacrifice their own lives to work (like the protagonist in the film above), but will instead betray the people and take the side of the "strong people." This is precisely the typical way of life of a "Japanese woman."

 The story that the new prime minister is a Thatcher admirer has been picked up not only by Japanese mass media but also by foreign mass media (such as the BBC).

 Who she like is a matter of personal preference, so there's no point in others commenting. However, bringing up the name of a world-famous celebrity that everyone knows is boring. There's nothing more to say. All we'll hear is, "Oh, I see. That's impressive. Good luck."

 A politician worthy of becoming prime minister should, in a good way, be a little more creative.

 If I were her close aide or brain trust (though this is highly unlikely), I would have her mention the name "Barbara Castle."

 Mrs Barbara Castle is a real politician who appears in the film mentioned above. She served as a minister in the Wilson administration. I think that if she had become British Prime Minister before Thatcher, the subsequent history of Britain would have been very different. This was a time when the New Détente had collapsed and the storm of neo-conservatism was beginning to rage, so in reality it would have been difficult (it took a long time for the Blair administration to be formed).

 Very few Japanese people know the names of the British female politicians mentioned above. She doesn't even have a Japanese Wikipedia page. (As of October 25, 2025, there are 18 language versions, including English, but no Japanese. In addition to major Western languages, there are also Chinese, Arabic, Pashto, Russian, Welsh, Basque, Comish, Polish, Romanian, Albanian, and Swedish. However, there is no Japanese version. This is common...)

　　https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Castle

 If Japan's new prime minister were to mention the name of one of Mrs Barbara Castle mentioned above, people would naturally say, "Who's that? I've never heard of her." Then they would ask her, "What kind of person is she? What did she do? Why do you respect her?" New prime minister would then answer those questions appropriately. I believe that anyone who heard her response would have a very different impression of the new prime minister.

 Alternatively, I think she could have mentioned Queen Elizabeth I. Those who hear that answer will likely get the impression that the new prime minister has studied British politics and history thoroughly.

 Furthermore, if new prime minister had said something like, "My favorite book is Edmund Burke. As a politician, I consider him my lifelong mentor," it would be almost perfect. It would completely change the impression people have of the new prime minister.

 Of course, lies and superficial explanations would be immediately obvious, so she needs to read many classic works on the history of British parliamentary politics and the history of Western international relations.

 The above answer is more effective than bringing up a cheesy old story like, "Once upon a time, when I was a student, I was in a heavy metal band and rode around on a big motorcycle," which makes it seem like she's "not a weak woman, but a strong, tomboyish woman." 

 It would give the impression both at home and abroad that Japan's new prime minister is (unusually) intelligent, well-versed in Western politics and history, and intellectually sophisticated.

 Also, rather than telling a boring, sob story like, "I passed the entrance exams to Waseda and Keio universities, but my parents said, 'We can't let a girl live alone in Tokyo. We can't afford that,' so I gave up and went to Kobe University," I think it would make a better impression if she said, "I went to Kobe University because I admired it more than Waseda."

 I can see that she has good fashion sense. But an appearance advisor alone is not enough for someone with the highest authority in the nation. It would be best if she had people around her who could "coordinate her words," but that may not be possible in Japan. 

 If she had someone to advise her on words, she wouldn't have declared, immediately after sitting in the prime minister's chair, "From now on, I'm aiming for heavy metal politics." 

 It was probably a statement aimed at appealing to the masses, but it was hard to understand and left people feeling put off.

 It is rare to find people of either gender in Japan with the same caliber of talent as the current White House Press Secretary or last year's Democratic presidential candidate (who, according to her new book, was criticized by the president's aides for being "too good at giving speeches." In fact, she was a better speaker than the previous president and gave the impression of being smarter, which is probably why she was disliked by the president's aides). These women are educated and trained from elementary school in discussion, debate, Q&A, presentations, negotiation and persuasion skills.

 I hope that the new prime minister will not go abroad and say, "I'm a heavy metal politician."

The Cleverness of Swedish Diplomacy

 Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize

10 October 2025

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c1l80g1qe4gt

 This year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

 The Nobel Peace Prize sometimes displays the calculated and skillful tactics of Sweden's "peace diplomacy," surprising many around the world. This is also why the prize has long been described as "political."

 Once again, the Nobel Prize Committee demonstrated truly clever, or perhaps subtle, judgment and choice. It was so skillful that one wonders, "Was it saved up until this year for Machado to receive the award at this particular time, instead of awarding it last year?"

 As the US president said to her in a phone call, if she had been awarded the prize last year, it would have had a greater political impact, but she is a natural recipient and it would not be surprising if she received it at any time.

 That being said, there will be people all over the world who will have "sinister suspicions."

 It was only last month that the US president caused controversy by giving a "Nobel Prize-craving speech" at the UN General Assembly.

 It is rumored that US government sources are lobbying for the current president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. (This in itself is not a mean or greedy act, but quite normal. For example, documents later made public revealed that former Prime Minister Sato Eisaku also lobbied. Former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung also lobbied, although former Presidents Carter and Obama did not.)

 Furthermore, it was only recently that the US government caused a stir by firing on a Venezuelan ship (a civilian vessel) as part of its "war on drugs."

 The timing is simply too good, and the compromise is so perfect, one cannot help but suspect, as noted in the BBC article above, that there may have been some "impurity" in the selection process or the reasons for the decision.

 The Nobel Prize, particularly the highly political Peace Prize, receives recommendations from anonymous influential people around the world and carefully considers the candidates. It is unclear whether the events of yesterday and today influenced the final selection.

 However, it is certain that the timing was perfect and the most suitable person was selected.

 In the past, the committee did not award the Peace Prize to former President Reagan (although it was rumored that Reagan intended to attend the ceremony.). Although Gorbachev received the award, it was not given to former President Bush (Sr.), who arranged the Malta Summit. On the other hand, Kim Dae-jung and Kim Jong-il both received the award at the same time, as did Mandela and the current South African president.

 Former President Carter received the award, but former President Bush (son) was not. His successor, former President Obama, was given the award before he had even done anything.

 It would not be unreasonable to think that the above selection and judgment, while not necessarily arbitrary, contain a diplomatic (political) message.

 This time, however, the circumstances are different. Russia continues to attack Ukraine, resulting in a steady stream of casualties. Russian military aircraft are repeatedly approaching the airspace of NATO member states such as Estonia and Poland, and Russian drones are violating their territorial airspace, relentlessly engaging in provocative acts.

 For Sweden, which was once a "neutral" country, NATO membership is now an urgent priority. In the current somewhat international situation, it is essential to avoid incurring President Trump's wrath.

 That said, from the committee's perspective, it would be unreasonable to award the Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump.

 At this time, Ms. Machado was the ideal compromise.