Posted on 05/26/2004 7:21:50 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
/begin my translation
A New Japanese Constitution To Be Drafted by Keitairen(The Association of Business Organization)
Keitairen, which represents the Japanese business community, decided on its own to propose a draft of the new Japanese Constitution. This is in addition to reviving the practice of political donation(by business) after 11-year (voluntary) ban. With such moves, it is raising its political profile.
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These 'political moves' by Keitairen heavily reflect the view of Okuda Hiroshi, its chairman and the chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation. It is contrary to the current position of that Japanese business community, which is that the business would make political donations(of money), but sought to keep proper distance from politics. It could create controversies.
Okuda is to be re-elected to the chairman(of Keitairen) at its regular general conference on 27th(of May, 2004), and lead it for another 2 years.
"Politics and Economy are One"
Keitairen is expected at the conference to create "The Investigation Committee for Fundamental National Issues", which will deal with the change of the current Constitution and national security-related issues like the revision of three principles on arms export. This committee will announce the draft of new Japanese constitution by the business community and also propose an alternative policy on diplomatic and national security affairs.
The chairman Okuda explained, "The (international) situation around Japan is changing rapidly. We need to explore the new direction of Japan, including the change of the Constitution.
Keitairen previously voiced its view on issues like the reform of tax system, and public pension. However, it is unprecedented that it involved itself into 'bodypolitik' like the constitutional change.
Japanese presses speculate that this is influenced by the Okuda's long-standing position, " Politics and economy are intimately intertwined."
Mr. Okuda started to work for Toyota in 1955. He became, in 1995, the first president of Toyota, who is not from the Toyota family. He was instrumental in restructuring Toyota to become a global corporation. Last March, when the government restructuring was foundering, he did not hesitate to say, "If I were the Prime Minister, I would fire the ministers in charge." With such straight talks, he is popular among Japanese.
Concerns of Renewed Money Politics
The raised political profile of Keitairen is due to the boosted clout of the business community thanks to (recent) economic recovery, and the rapid change of political climate inside Japan. (Ruling) Liberal Democratic Party and (opposition) Democratic Party are both in favor of the constitutional change, and public opinions are also supportive. That apparently encouraged the business community to join in.
Keitairen plans to recommend candidates for Liberal Democratic Party's proportional representatives in upper house election this July. It will also collect political donation of 4 billion yen and distribute it to political parties.
Some aired the sharp criticism that too much political involvement of the business community would lead to yet another money politics.
Asahi Shimbun pointed out that the change could affect Japanese business negatively in many Asian countries such as China which were invaded by Japan in the past.
/end my translation
Ping!
Japan must be permitted, even encouraged, to militarize.
we need their armed strength in the current world war against Islam, and shall need them against China soon enough.
Please keep us posted on any news you get regarding the new constitution.
Quite an interesting development. BTTT.
"Japan must be permitted, even encouraged, to militarize.
we need their armed strength in the current world war against Islam, and shall need them against China soon enough."
Who, what, when, where, why: Nice to see that Japanese journalists are every bit as clueless as their American counterparts.
Toyota has a long tradition, hundreds of years(they used to make good looms).
The scary thought it Japam has the potential to become more pro-capitalist than the U.S.
The most obvious change is to revive its regular military and allow offensive military operations outside Japan. No more Self-defense Force. Their draft will be announced this fall.
I don't know the ins & outs of East Asia but wouldn't this be about as relevant as our Chamber of Commerce drafting a new Constitution?
Yeah, it is unusual. Keitairen has a lot more political clout, though.
AuH2O = Goldwater
cuuuuute userID!
If they're going to do this, I sure hope they're staying on our side.
Only if our Chamber of Commerce planned to raise an army and plug up our Pacific flank as a modern military ally.
Your anguish would be pale in comparison with China's.:) They know it is coming. Still, when it finally comes, it would be quite a shock to them.
Is this meritocracy or a return to pre-war zaibatsu?
Where does Okuda Hiroshi stand there?
In his case, meritocracy.
In the case of Toyota, I have no doubt of that. That may be the finest manufacturing company in the world. The real question is, will that commitment to excellence translate to a system that supercedes the penchant for domination by familial networks?
One can only hope so.
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