This post includes two articles (slightly edited for brevity and copyright sake, though I don't think the CIA gray media moguls would sue me!) relating to the recent Osaka elections that saw Toru Hashimoto elected as mayor and his ally as governor.
The fact that the JapanToday editorial staff deleted these articles from their site appears to represent an act of censorship targeting content that is averse to the political agenda being promoted by the so-called Ishinkai and Hashimoto. It also appears to be a violation of their Terms of Use agreement, and could be a violation of the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of Japan. As mentioned in an earlier post, they have refused to provide the Japanese version of the Terms of Use, and I am too busy to pursue the matter.
The political significance of these articles is that Hashimoto is of burakumin derivation and has been widely reported to have affiliations with figures connected to organized crime.
Moreover, I have encountered problems related to CIA supported burakumin affiliated with organized crime in Kyoto, as well as the mayor of Kyoto, who appears to have illicitly courted the support of the burakumin voting block, at the very least. I will address the Kyoto CIA/burakumin issues in a future post.
The following articles detail some relevant background information on Hashimoto and the burakumin-yakuza connection.
BBC article on Osaka election:
Gangster son takes on conservative Osaka mayor
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15786798
Eric Johnston may be a CIA officer, but not all of his articles in the Japan Times are objectionable (i.e., probably CIA-fed propaganda generated by some shadow team). The article by Mr. Johnston on a burakumin group affiliated with organized crime and the activities of one of its leaders is informative.
Japan Times Eric Johnston article:
Osaka activist's arrest lays bare yakuza ties with 'burakumin'
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20060713f1.html
I apologize for not being able to do better with the formatting issues and text readability. Also, this is a somewhat more tedious task than reading previous blogs, but if you have the time to go through these, there are some interesting comments and interactions among the participants of the discussion. Some of the participants are in all likelihood intelligence operatives cooperating in the propaganda effort as plants (in the discussion).
My handle has been masked as "*****", but I have used a different color text to highlight my comments, some of which are a bit embarrassing.
Two-man Osaka mayoral race gets
under way
POLITICS NOV. 14, 2011 - 07:00AM
JST
OSAKA —
Campaigning began Sunday for the
Nov 27 Osaka mayoral election. ….
Hashimoto resigned as governor
on Oct 31, three months before his term expires, to run for mayor. He said he
made the decision because he was unable to achieve administrative reform due to
continuing opposition from Hiramatsu. Hashimoto said there is too much
inefficiency and overlap in the administrative functions of the prefecture and
the city.
…
Hiramatsu is advocating
grassroots politics, from the bottom up. He said that policies need to reflect
the voices of local communities and that Hashimoto is advocating one-man rule,
NHK reported.
Hashimoto said that he would
consolidate the administrative frameworks of the city and the prefecture to
create a new Osaka to compete with Tokyo and other major cities around the
world. He said that changing Osaka is the first step toward changing Japan.
… Hashimoto is backed by his
regional Osaka Ishin No Kai (Restoration Group), which has a majority in the
Osaka prefectural assembly and Osaka municipal assembly, NHK reported.
Japan Today
0
Comments
-1
papigiulioNOV. 14, 2011 - 08:41AM JST
I so hope Hashimoto wins, very smart guy
and I think its time for some fresh blood to run Osaka and make it blossom.
-1
Jared NormanNOV. 14, 2011 - 09:43AM JST
Hashimoto has good ideas, I think this can
be a start to much needed change. Different from the old guys.
0
BogiNOV. 14, 2011 - 10:24AM JST
Be careful of Hashimoto. He has shown in
his time as governor dictatoral tendencies and he is very narrow-minded. He
does have some good ideas, but if you want a leader that listens to the people,
he is DEFINITELY NOT your man.
-2
smithinjapanNOV. 14, 2011 - 10:49AM JST
I saw
Hiramatsu yesterday walking down the Tenjinbashisuji arcade downtown in Osaka.
He was surrounded by media and he shook some hands and what not, and then
completely ignored me as he greeted people to my left and right. I don't really
care, since I know little of the guy and can't vote anyway, but what bugged me
is that all these old men in orange jackets would not let me cross through the
arcade while the guy passed by and ignored me, citing security reasons.
What I DO know of the guy is that Hashimoto
is right -- he blocks any sort of legislature that might involve change, and so
I hope he loses and Hashimoto wins. While Hashimoto has made some unpopular
decisions as Osaka governor, he at least has the stones to make them, which is
a refreshing change for politicians here.
0
*****
hashimoto's
"ishin kai" (a name which exploits religious connotations connected
to the emperor) is the equivalent of the 'tea party' in japan.
and like
the koch brothers funded tea party movement, he is at the beck and call of
special interest groups that are trying to disable the governments capacity to
serve the interests of the general public.
that is
the goal at which the deceptive and nonsensical programs espoused by hashimoto
and the ishinkai to de-evolve central governmental authority are aimed.
recent
exposes in the japanese press have exposed ties to criminal organizations
connected to secret societies of the type with which the koch brothers are
likely associated.
he is basically a front man for such shadow
organizations and their covert efforts to subvert participatory government and
the democratic political process, to divide and conquer open society.
NOV. 14, 2011 - 01:25PM JST
0
smithinjapanNOV. 14, 2011 - 02:44PM JST
*****:
"recent exposes in the japanese press have exposed ties to criminal
organizations connected to secret societies of the type with which the koch
brothers are likely associated."
Links?
0
*****NOV. 14, 2011 - 03:10PM JST
smithinjapan
i don't
have the links, but you can read the recent article on the japan times on
november 7th,
Stunner:
JCP skips Osaka mayor race
which mentions the weeklies, shinsuke
shimada, etc.
-1
some14someNOV. 14, 2011 - 03:31PM JST
Toru Hashimoto will be a good
choice...let's see how japanese voters decide.
0
smithinjapanNOV. 14, 2011 - 05:26PM JST
*****: So you claim what you claim based
on 'exposes' but have no links? Sounds dodgy to me.
1
tmarieNOV. 14, 2011 - 05:48PM JST
Hashimoto,
cuts finding to community centers, libraries and ALT funding... Wants to fire
teachers who refuse to stand and sing the national anthem. Cue the black
vans...
Hiramitsu, old, supported by the old boy's
network... Rock, hard place.
0
albaleoNOV. 14, 2011 - 05:55PM JST
smithinjapan:
"have no links? Sounds dodgy to me"
Whatever did we do before the internet? ***** provides a date, publication and article name. It took me a few seconds
to find the article. Why is his claim any more dodgy than your story of being
ignored at the Tenjinbashisuji arcade?
0
cactusJackNOV. 14, 2011 - 06:12PM JST
"Two men enter, One man leave"
1
Darren BrannanNOV. 14, 2011 - 08:32PM JST
Hashimoto is not the guy many see him as.
He is as dictatorial as they come, makes sweeping decisions without accepting
electorate opinion, is a big talker but not a doer and he is just as right wing
as the Ishihara that many people on this board are irked by. So what if he is
young and has a big family? The guy is a dark horse.He was a lawyer who didn't
respect the law and he is a politician who doesn't respect his constituents. He
has the young brash star quality that will win him votes and make him PM one
day, but I am not sold on his fiction. Other than copy Kobe's Illuminarie and
spout big ideas he hasn't done much at all. And does Japan need another shadowy
power cult behind it's politics? I think not. Both these guys should dive into
Dotonbori. あかんわ。
1
Goals0NOV. 14, 2011 - 10:39PM JST
The
Shimada Shinsuke connection is bad for Hashimoto.
He made
his name as a lawyer on Shinsuke's Sunday night TV show.
The weeklies said that Shimada always
boasted of getting Hashimoto his governorship.
-1
timtakNOV. 15, 2011 - 06:22AM JST
All over the world goverments are spending
too much, because politicians relfect the voices of local communities and all
of them want some pork. And all over the world governments are going into
massive debt, debt that our children will have to repay, as the politicians
reflect the voices of the local communities.
-1
Hide SuzukiNOV. 15, 2011 - 07:38AM JST
I agree with smithinJapan, if anyone can
change Osaka or Japan for that matter, it's Hashimoto. Most J politicians try
to listen to too many peole and end up not making any major changes. Whatever
decisions they make, there will always be someone who complains. He doesn't
mind pissing off people, if he believes he is right , and I agree with most of
his decisions, if not all. I actually want him to be Japan's prime minister
eventually.
0
*****NOV. 15, 2011 - 03:32PM JST
@timtak
it's the
epitome of cynicism to assert that members of local communities are demanding
corruption, instead of the self-serving politicians that probably lied to get
elected in the first place.
of
course, leading the people of unsuspecting "local communities" to
expect that they are going to get something for nothing is a typical tactic of
deception, and one against which a basic education should effectively inoculate
the general public.
local communities without an education can
hardly say anything meaningful, as they aren't informed enough to understand
the issues. of course, that is what a lot of politicians pushing for cuts in
education funding--against the objections of the local communities--are hoping
for.
Hashimoto elected Osaka mayor; his ally Matsui wins governor race
POLITICS NOV.
28, 2011 - 07:50AM JST
OSAKA —
Toru Hashimoto, 42, won the
Osaka mayoral election Sunday… Meanwhile, Ichiro Matsui, 47, a former
prefectural assembly member and close ally of Hashimoto, won the gubernatorial
race….
…
Hashimoto won on his platform to
make Osaka a global economic contender. He had resigned as governor on Oct 31,
three months before his term expires, to run for mayor. He said he made the
decision because he was unable to achieve administrative reform due to
continuing opposition from Hiramatsu.
In a press conference Sunday
night, Hashimoto once again said that there is too much inefficiency and
overlap in the administrative functions of the prefecture and the city, NHK
reported.
Hashimoto said that he would
like to consolidate the administrative frameworks of the city and the
prefecture to create a new Osaka to compete with Tokyo and other major cities
around the world, NHK reported.
Hashimoto is backed by his
regional Osaka Ishin No Kai (Restoration Group), which has a majority in the
Osaka prefectural assembly and Osaka municipal assembly.
…
Japan Today
1
Comments
5
Elbuda MexicanoNOV. 27, 2011 - 07:06AM JST
HASHIMOTO
SAN!! Hashimoto san you da man!! Osaka has to get rid of the old, corrupt, good
for nothing politicians and bring in some NEW BLOOD!! GO! Hashimoto san Go!! I
love Hashimoto san!!
4
some14someNOV. 27, 2011 - 07:32AM JST
Holy moment
for Osaka, may voters bless Toru Hashimoto !
-8
*****NOV. 27, 2011 - 06:01PM JST
Prostitution and gambling = "global economic
contender"?
Right
Fascist party name in the "Ishinkai"...
Right
Sing the fascist era national anthem teacher, or get
fired...
Right
Toru Hashimoto for Mayor Osaka???
I certainly
hope WRONG
3
some14someNOV. 27, 2011 - 08:03PM JST
Congratulations
New Mayor of Osaka Mr. Toru Hashimoto ! (source NHK radio).
4
FoxieNOV. 27, 2011 - 09:13PM JST
Congrats to
Hashimoto. He should run for PM next, Japan needs young, talented people like
him.
-2
smithinjapanNOV. 27, 2011 - 09:51PM JST
While I think some young blood is necessary, the more
I've read up on Hashimoto the more I heretofore worry about Osaka's future. I
have no doubt of the man's economic savvy, although I've no doubt as with
before he more than likely was elected due to obachan thinking how good looking
and how much of a star he is, but he is going to have a hard time leading the
region to future success if he truly follows his education policies. Hiramatsu
was not much better, but Hashimoto has NO clue about the public education
system and wants to close any schools that do not perform to certain standards
after three years, and wants to fire teachers whose classes do not do well.
Sound good? well, let him teach a class of 49 - 60 public school junior
highschool kids after he shuts down the nearby school with no contingency plans
as to where they will go after.
Anyway, I
hope he puts aside his pride to listen to the people, since the people put him
in. I do like his aggressiveness as a whole, but I worry that his crony got the
governor vote; I was hoping for an end to the old school collusion politics,
not a fresh face to the same old thing.
-4
CrickyNOV. 27, 2011 - 10:42PM JST
MMMM a vote
for...slap in the face or kick in the crotch. At least the turn out was roughly
50% so half the population cared enough to vote. Either way pucker up,
disappointment is the winner. Let's work together for a new tomorrow, heard
that before, and before, and before, and before. Wonder what the wage is?
-1
*****NOV. 28, 2011 - 01:00AM JST
this is a scenario that i consider to be a parallel to
that in which the "tea party" were to win in the usa.
inefficiency in government is one thing, downsizing the
government to the extent that it is incapable of serving the public is not what
a well-intended politician or party would be trying to pitch. all this stuff
about global contender would have to be premised on eliminating the organized crime
presence, which hardly seems to be on the agenda of hashimoto, mr. promote
osaka vulgaris...
a lot of
people are in dire straits in osaka, and this election proves that.
3
CosNOV. 28, 2011 - 02:44AM JST
I've no doubt as with before he more than likely was
elected due to obachan thinking how good looking he is
If that was
the case Hiramatsu would be re-elected.
0
cracaphatNOV. 28, 2011 - 04:29AM JST
Glad to see
that Osakans had the common sense for change,in order to be rid of the status
quo.UNLIKE their snobbish big city jokers in the capital who were happy to
re-elect the governor whose proclamation of a "tembatsu" would have
had him flung out of office by any legitimate thinking populace.Lead the way
Osaka.
-1
Elbuda MexicanoNOV. 28, 2011 - 06:33AM JST
I also
agree with Foxie, now let Mr.Hashimoto fix Osaka, then hopefully he can also
move up to Nagatacho and kick out this old corrupt fart oyajis that are just
pulling Japan further down and down the economic drain.
-2
DaijobootsNOV. 28, 2011 - 08:07AM JST
Go Hashimoto, your young radical resonates with my
struggle as a foreigner in Japan.
I'd hate to
be a public servant in Osaka right now.
-1
Darren BrannanNOV. 28, 2011 - 08:16AM JST
I fear my
fellow Osakans will soon learn to regret this. Hashimoto is a fascist one man
show.
0
YubaruNOV. 28, 2011 - 08:20AM JST
Most of the attention focused on the mayoral election, in
which voter turnout was 60.92% compared to 43.61% for the previous mayoral
election.
Voter turnout in the gubernatorial race was 52.88%, NHK
said.
If the election was held on the same day, I take it that
the turnout is based upon the number of people who actually voted? Seems to me
that if 60% turned out for the Mayoral race the same number of people had the
opportunity to vote in the Gubernatorial one as well and just chose not to
vote.
One would
think that the turnout would be the same, it's not like they are voting in two
separate locations.
1
Michael CraigNOV. 28, 2011 - 08:23AM JST
Being
elected Mayor of Osaka is easy. Governing Osaka will be no easy cakewalk for
Mr. Hashimoto.
-1
Michael CraigNOV. 28, 2011 - 08:28AM JST
I fear my fellow Osakans will soon learn to regret this.
Hashimoto is a fascist one man show.
If
Hashimoto goes Tojo on Osaka, they will!
1
smartacusNOV. 28, 2011 - 08:28AM JST
Yubaru
There are
many people who may have been interested in the mayoral election and less
interested in the governor vote, since it seems the mayor of Osaka has more
power than the governor. Also, bear in mind that the gubernatorial election is
for all of Osaka Prefecture, not just Osaka city, so many people who voted for
governor were doing so in separate locations.
0
telecasterplayerNOV. 28, 2011 - 08:28AM JST
Governing Osaka will be no easy cakewalk for Mr.
Hashimoto.
If he's anything like his American conservative
counterparts, "governing" has nothing to do with it. It's all about
wielding power.
I see a lot
of comments about how great it is to have new blood (without regard to whether
the new blood is poisoned), can anyone point to anything great he has done? It
seems that the only people pointing to his actual record say that he's messing
up schools.
0
Michael CraigNOV. 28, 2011 - 08:39AM JST
My
condolences to Osaka's schoolteachers... :(
0
NetNinjaNOV. 28, 2011 - 09:42AM JST
When it comes to Japanese politicians I can't keep up
with all of them. The only ones I really know are those that open their mouths
and spew venom in their words.
I'd like to
know more about Hashimoto. Someone said he might be "fascist". That's
not a pretty word. What's up with that?
0
southsakaiNOV. 28, 2011 - 09:43AM JST
This is good news. Used to despise this guy a little bit
in the beginning but have lately have switched minds on him. I think many good
things will come now for Osaka fingers crossed.
This place is getting worse and worse by the day and
turning into a dump. I think we need someone like Hashimoto San who's still
young and has the passion for deep change and restructuring.
Resigning from his seat as Osaka Governor and becoming
mayor is definitely one heck of a radical move. This guy is game for anything
and applaud him for his guts and courage in doing so.
Sure many of his policies may not be what we like or
agree with, but looking at the bigger picture, I can see more good things
coming out in the end rather than bad things. It's not going to be perfect but
I think we will end up better of!
What we need now is to completely restructure local
Government, weed out corruption and streamline everything getting rid of
bureaucracy and red tape. That is why he ran for Osaka Mayor - because the
Mayor was a thorn on his side.
What we urgently need now is to revitalize the economy
and get the money machine moving again. Change will take time but i believe his
road map is good. We just have to wait and see what happens.
The more this local economy shatters, the more crime and
social problems we will see. That is for sure.
Darren
Brannan I can understand your concerns when you bring up the topic regarding
him being a fascist but please remember out of all Governors, only Governor
Hashimoto had proposed to extend usage of Kansai International Airport to
accommodate US military exercises at the time. I think that alone speaks a lot
for this mans character.
0
TorafusuTorasanNOV. 28, 2011 - 10:23AM JST
For us
non-Osaka residents, can JT help us out with an in-depth piece explaining what
Hashimoto was talking about in his mayoral victory speech, for example the
"hyaku nen senso" he mentioned. Is that a struggle between factions
within Osaka city and prefecture before his time, is ongoing, or just now
beginning? Or an allusion to an actual historical war?
1
*****NOV. 28, 2011 - 11:54AM JST
hashimoto and the "ishinkai" played on a range
of sentiments, including religion and regionalism, to convince
the enlightened masses of osaka that they are going to
get
something for nothing!
bend over,
osaka!!
prostitution and gambling, and fewer law enforcement personnel!!!
but more black truck patrols blaring the message you've
all been waiting for.
up yours!!!
osaka
vulgaris, it ain't purrrty...
0
soldaveNOV. 28, 2011 - 01:01PM JST
Interesting
how media can shape people's views on this. Japan Today gives the headline you
see above; the BBC announces that, "'Gangster son' wins Osaka ballot"
-3
アメリ フセインNOV. 28, 2011 - 02:13PM JST
Great news
for Osaka. Change we can believe in.
2
TorafusuTorasanNOV. 28, 2011 - 02:17PM JST
@soldave, Thanks for the hint to check out the BBC story.
The earlier one from the 24th, "Gangster son takes on conservative Osaka
mayor" is the one to read for the wild quotes, and people wondering how
the word fascism got used in this race. Apparently, the homonym Hashism was
coined by opposition parties to suggest he has a dictatorial side.
My favorite quote (the BBC wouldn't make these up, would
they?):
" 'There is no other city as vulgar and obscene as
Osaka,' says Mr Hashimoto. 'We should celebrate the image and welcome the
development of casinos and red-light districts to attract people.' "
The new
mayor's decades in office may turn out to be a lot of fun.
1
Blair HerronNOV. 28, 2011 - 02:55PM JST
@soldave
Shincho 45
said Hashimoto's father had connections with the yakuza and he commited suicide
because he couldn't pay his debts to the mob. He was raised in "dowa"
area. Hashimoto later tweeted, "The article is mostly true. My father
commited suicide by putting a gas pipe in his mouth when I was in the 2nd
grade. I'm a public figure, so in certain ways, whatever is said about me can't
be helped. But a child's rights (he has 7 children) should be taken into
consideration." (His children have been receiving threatening notes.) This
bashing article partly helped him win the election because he was honest about
his family ("dowa" area thing is extremely touchy subject) and some
people took sympathetic attitude. If JT put dowa related word on the headline,
they would be in huge trouble!!!
1
soldaveNOV. 28, 2011 - 03:50PM JST
Blair Herron - Why shouldn't they mention anything about
"dowa" in the article? Surely if it's related to him winning the
election then it's something that should be mentioned in the story. As long as
it's legal to do so, the role of news outlets should be to report the news; not
choose what news might be touchy for people and omit it.
Just my thoughts anyway.
TorafusuTorasan
- I doubt the BBC would make up quotes. Sometimes the editorials can get a
little skewed by personal opinions but the stories like this, and especially
quotations, are usually on point. Am assuming the red light districts are going
to compete against the masses of hostess bars in Osaka. I swear if the rest of
the Japanese economy falls on its face, it will be propped up by Osaka's
hairspray sales!
3
warnerbroNOV. 28, 2011 - 04:32PM JST
Initially Hashimoto seemed to have some interesting
ideas, but the more I read about his methods, the more worried I become.
Ishihara Shintaro's support of him is not a good sign at all. Ishihara's too
old to be a threat at the national level, but Hashimoto isn't. I despise the
cream puff nationalists like Ishihara who invoke war and support military
conscription but have never worn so much as a Boy Scout uniform, much less
served in the military. Hashimoto should grab a weapon and go to a war before
he spouts on about a 百年戦争. I also am unfamiliar with his rhetoric in that regard,
but I hope he's not referring to Russia or China. The national government of
Japan launched reform campaigns to unify local governments and Shinto shrines
and increase central control a little over 100 years ago, as well.
I wonder if
some of the supposed threats against his person are not orchestrated by
supporters. Such threats could give him greater license to use the police
against his political enemies. Would an average citizen be likely to send a
threat to the son of a gangster? Speaking of war and urban reform, Tokyo-fu and
Tokyo-shi were unified into Tokyo-to during WWII, to rationalize civil defense
measures, among other things.
1
tmarieNOV. 28, 2011 - 06:44PM JST
Smith, what is even better is that his sibling is a public
school teacher. Would love to see them in action about it all.
Well said Ubi.
Lots of
praise because it seems a new, young guy is in charge. Hashimoto is right of
the line and just a younger version of Ishihara. Roll out the black vans.
-2
tmarieNOV. 28, 2011 - 06:48PM JST
Oh and his
yak connection is well known by those in Osaka.
0
minello7NOV. 28, 2011 - 07:13PM JST
Character
assassination by the worlds media is a pastime. Labelling the man a fascist is
also a strong word to be using. Not knowing the man on a personal ever, I
wouldn't want to pass any judgement. But imagine how hard it must have been at
the loss of father and then having to defend those stories now. I personally
admire the man for his strength and attitude, as a family man and a father of
seven children and knowing how hard it must have been getting the respect the
man deserves today. You can't deny his love and commitment for Osaka and its
people. Regarding education, I think as a father of seven children,he would be
aware of the state of education and ways of improving schools and what they
teach and how children are taught. You can't blame him for prostitution or
gambling,two of the oldest professions in the world consult your history books.
He's now the mayor of Osaka,give him a chance,and if he treads on toes or
upsets some people in the process(Olympus comes to mind) by carrying out
reforms, but achieves the goals,then judge him.
0
calm downNOV. 28, 2011 - 08:34PM JST
I dont care
where he's come from,its all about where he's headed with the great city of
Osaka.He's blesed with a sharp mind and a work ethic a soldier ant would be
envious of..Osaka needs fixing and now we've got someone ready to roll up the
sleeves and take us out of the red..I have enormous faith in the man..
1
mountainpearNOV. 28, 2011 - 09:50PM JST
I think *****'s right on the money here!
0
CosNOV. 28, 2011 - 11:53PM JST
his yak connection is well known by those in Osaka.
Yeah ? For
me, he is the only one not suspected. Even if he wanted, even if he had his
Dad... Now, the yakuza don't want to give him the time of the day. He already
made them lose lots of money by refusing to continue the old system and by
firing the rotten apples in public services that were sending them the dough. I
wish him a good health as he clearly lives dangerously. What we've seen is the
"yak connection" of the politicians that were mayors, governors and
others before his election as governor. During decades some huge amounts of
public money was embezzled, and the big projects that put Osaka in incredible
debts (Kansai Airport's sequel, Osaka port, World Trade Center, all the ghost
towns in that zone...). All that was in connection with the yakuza in building
business.
Concretely for us living here that was the crappiest public service possible... and increasing taxes due to the debts. That was the same feeling when everybody in Japan got aware of the nenkin scandal. People paid for years and were announced : "we've lost the money, you'll have to pay more from now just to cover the debts of the past" just as the economy was going down. So for the last 10 years, citizens of Osaka have voted against the former "established politicians", many jiminto giins that had been in the position for decades, for generations, have lost too. When people saw who supported Hiramatsu, they could only think : "not them again"... The first time, he was elected as "independent", but this time he was leading all the ousted parties that try to gain back their old power. That said Hashimoto is not the ideal mayor. He was the only possibility to get a change. I don't know personally anybody supporting his drunkard claims to make the city a new Las Vegas. I hope it's provocation and bad jokes.
Concretely for us living here that was the crappiest public service possible... and increasing taxes due to the debts. That was the same feeling when everybody in Japan got aware of the nenkin scandal. People paid for years and were announced : "we've lost the money, you'll have to pay more from now just to cover the debts of the past" just as the economy was going down. So for the last 10 years, citizens of Osaka have voted against the former "established politicians", many jiminto giins that had been in the position for decades, for generations, have lost too. When people saw who supported Hiramatsu, they could only think : "not them again"... The first time, he was elected as "independent", but this time he was leading all the ousted parties that try to gain back their old power. That said Hashimoto is not the ideal mayor. He was the only possibility to get a change. I don't know personally anybody supporting his drunkard claims to make the city a new Las Vegas. I hope it's provocation and bad jokes.
0
CosNOV. 28, 2011 - 11:55PM JST
Roll out the black vans.
Ours prefer
motorbikes. Preferred. I rarely see them these days. That used to be different.
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