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 Ca sĩ Khánh Ly tại tòa soạn Người Việt. (Hình: Dân Huỳnh/Người Việt) Hơn 200 câu hỏi của độc giả gởi về cho ca sĩ Khánh Ly trong buổi chuyện trò hôm nay. Dưới đây là phần trả lời độc giả của ca sĩ Khánh Ly.*** Ca sĩ Khánh Ly: Thân chào các bạn, xin cám ơn chung những tình cảm mà mọi nguời đã dành cho tôi và bây giờ chúng ta bắt đầu nhé. Câu hỏi: cho den bay gio chi van la ngươi tinh trong mong cua toi, bai toi thich nhat la toi oi dương tuyet vong voi giong ca vo cung nong nan cua chi (do trong thương - da nang, Viet Nam) Trả lời: Tôi cũng chỉ là nguời tình trong mộng thôi, đừng gặp vì gặp thì sẽ tuyệt vọng ngay. Thân ái. Câu hỏi: Thưa ca sĩ Khánh Ly, Ca sĩ có phê khi đứng ca cho tay tổng lảnh sự VC tại Houston nghe nhạc Trịnh Công Sơn trong một party ở Long Beach do Paris TN tổ chức. Trông ca sĩ KL hôm đó giống mấy em đi khách với nụ cười cầu tài nở trên môi.Quá đã Ca sĩ nghĩ sao khi thiên hạ cho rằng Xướng Ca Vô Loài? Cám ơn (NguySaigon - California) Trả lời: Em thân mến Là ca sĩ trình diễn, thì đối tuợng của mình nhiều hay ít, già hay trẻ... là ai đi chăng nữa, mình cũng phải hết lòng. Không lẽ truớc khi hát, phải hỏi ID của nguời ta. Em có thể hỏi má em cái cảm giác khi nở nụ cuời cầu tài. Cái này mới đã phải không em? Cô Câu hỏi: Chao Co Khanh Ly - Chau dang cho sach cua Co de dươc doc het nhung bai viet cua Co. Xin chuc Co lươn vui khoe. Thao (Thao T Tran - Tampa,Fl) Trả lời: cám ơn em, hy vọng "Đằng sau những nụ cuời" sẽ xong vào dịp cuối năm. Chúc em vui và bình an. Câu hỏi: Chi co the giai thich - vi sao chi lươn kinh trong nhac si ngươi thay cua chi Trinh Cong Son. Biet rang Ong ta la mot ngươi than cong - lươn tuyen truyen viet nhung ban nhac phan chien nghieng ve phia cong san. Mac du chi la ngươi ti nan cong san. Nhung chi lươn lam viec va hanh dong theo con dương ngươi nhac si vo liem si nay. Chi con nghi minh la ngươi ti nan nua hay khong? (Phi Trinh - Texas) Trả lời: Em thân mến, không riêng gì nhạc sĩ TCS, tôi luôn kính trọng những nguời lớn tuổi hơn mình, họ là ai, thân ai, đó là chuyện của họ. Tôi làm việc và đi theo con đuờng của TCS bởi vì anh là nguời có tư cách và luôn luôn muốn tôi làm những việc tốt. Tỵ nạn hay không tự mình biết. Thân chúc em vui. Câu hỏi: Thưa chị, trước năm 1975, chị hát đa số là nhạc Trịnh Công Sơn, trong đó có rất nhiều bài phản chiến ảnh hưởng đến tinh thần chiến đấu của toàn dân. 36 năm đã qua, đất nước vẫn nghèo khó, nhân phẩm người dân bị chà đap. Chị rời quê hương sớm, ở hải ngoại, chị có bao giờ nghĩ mình có một phần tội đối với đất nước Bao giờ thì chị ngỏ lời xin lỗi? H. Phạm - Minnesota (H. Phạm - Woodbury, Minnesota) Trả lời: Thưa ông, nếu nói là tội với đất nuớc thì tất cả những nguời Việt Nam đều có tội đối với đất nuớc, anh hãy xin lỗi truớc đi, sau đó sẽ có rất nhiều nguời trong đó có tôi. Kính. Câu hỏi: Chị nghĩ thế nào về Trịnh Công Sơn ,là 1 ngươi phãn chiến hay là ng hoạt động cho Việt Cộng (TuanNguyen - MOntreal Canada) Trả lời: Thưa anh, tôi cũng là một nguời phản chiến. Tôi chống chiến tranh, còn anh thì sao? Kính Xem phỏng vấn ca sĩ Khánh Ly Câu hỏi: ngươi hat nhac trinh cong son hay nhat la co dươc nghe va nhin co hat thay nhieu van nghe si ho thieu nhieu thu qua lang van nghe viet that may man co dươc mot khanh ly chuc co doi dao suc khoe de mang den niem vui va hanh phuc cho moi nha (hương - duc)Trả lời: Em thân mến, em nên cổ võ tất cả mọi ca sĩ, bởi vì có lúc tôi sẽ đi xa. Mong những giọng hát khác còn ở lại với em. Cám ơn em nhiều. Câu hỏi: tai sao hau het co chi chon hat nhung bai hat bươn? co phai vi nhung bai nay dieu mang tam trang cua co? (Thao lam - san jose) Trả lời: Em thân mến, tất cả các ca sĩ chỉ hát những ca khúc họ yêu mến vì đã nói lên đuợc tâm tình của họ và cả của tác giả. Những bài hát buồn đôi khi là một an ủi chia sẻ với mình. Cám ơn em. Câu hỏi: nhung chương trinh ma chau dươc xem co trinh dien, co mot dieu lam chau ngac nhien la tai sao co chi chon mot loai trang phuc ao dai de trinh dien, dau biet rang do la chiec ao dai truyen thong ton len ve dep cua ngươi phu nu viet nam, nhung doi luc ngươi phu nu viet cung nen thay doi doi chut, vi du nhu mac dam, nhat la ca si de lam moi hinh anh cua minh trong mat khan gia? (Thao lam - san jose) Trả lời: Em thân mến, là đàn bà ai cũng muốn mình đẹp, ai cũng muốn mình đuợc chú ý, khen ngợi. Riêng đối với cô, đã qua cái giai đọan thay đổi để làm mới mình, vả lại đa số khán giả không muốn thấy sự thay đổi. Có lẽ nhiều nguời nhìn cô như một kỷ niệm và kỷ niệm thì không thể thay đổi. Cám ơn em. Câu hỏi: Chi cam nghi nhu the nao khi hau nhu nhung bai chi hat do nhac si Trinh Cong Son sang tac, nhung gio day nhac si da mat dong nghia voi viec chi chi hat nhung bai cu, ma nhung bai hat nay khan gia nghe hoai cung nham chan? Chi co nghi la chi se thay doi bang cach chon mot nhac si khac voi dong nhac khac de hat phuc vu khan gia? (Tri Nguyen - San jose) Trả lời: Truớc và sau Trịnh Công Sơn, tôi hát rất nhiều tác giả khác và bây giờ cũng thế. Có những cái cũ cần đuợc giữ lại nếu đó là một phần đời của chúng ta. Cám ơn em. Câu hỏi: May ngươi con cua chi , co ai la con cua Tcs khong ? (Ha. Lien ton nu - USA) Trả lời: Xin lỗi chị. Tôi chưa kịp. Kính chúc chị vui. Câu hỏi: Khi nào cô xuất bản bút ký cô đã viết trên Hồn Việt? Cô còn dùng xì ke ma tuý (heroin) như trong bút ký cô tự thú kg? (Huy Dong - Saigon, VN) Trả lời: Thưa anh, tôi hy vọng đến cuối năm nay. Tôi có hút xì ke hay không tùy theo sự nhận xét của anh, bởi nếu anh tin thì tôi còn gì để nói. Kính chúc anh vui. Câu hỏi: Kính chào Khanh Ly, tiếng hát yêu thương của đồng hương hải ngoại. Câu hỏi của tôi là trong thời gian sinh hoạt nghệ thuật với Trịnh Công Sơn, Cô có biết là TCS đã hoạt động cho CSVN không? Hoặc Cô có nghi ngờ gì về TCS không ? Hải ngoại đồn nhiều về những việc làm của TCS tuy nhiên, nếu được chính Cô giải bày thì có thể làm sáng tỏ con người của TCS. Cám ơn Cô . Vũ (Vũ Trương - GA, USA) Trả lời: Thưa anh, tôi không biết những sinh họat gì của Trịnh Công Sơn đuợc coi là họat động cho CSVN, tôi không hề nghi ngờ bất cứ việc làm lời nói nào của TCS và thưa anh tôi không đủ tư cách làm sáng tỏ con nguời của TCS. Tôi biết chắc là điều đó không cần thiết. Thân chúc anh vui và bình an. Câu hỏi: Cám ơn giọng hát tuyệt vời của Cô Khánh Ly góp phần làm thăng hoa nền tân nhạc Việt Nam.Trôi theo thời gian, giọng hát Khánh Ly vẫn giữ nguyên giá trị của một DANH CA. Vẫn còn một số hạn chế đối với ca sĩ. Khi hát thì thật hay, nhưng khi trả lời phỏng vấn thì làm người nghe thất vọng bởi cách ăn nói không được lưu loát, có khi trở nên vô duyên. Cô Khánh Ly nghĩ sao về điều này? (MINH VÂN - Garden Grove, California) Trả lời: Cám ơn em, tôi nghĩ có lẽ em nên dễ dàng hơn trong việc đòi hỏi ca sĩ phải ăn nói lưu lóat như một MC bởi vì đơn giản là mọi nguời muốn ca sĩ thì hát chứ không phải nói như con chim phải hót vậy. Thân ái. Câu hỏi: Xin hỏi KL 1 câu và gổi KL 1 lời yêu cầu : 1/KL có buồn không khi đất nước VN bị cái họa xâm lăng từ Trung Quốc. 2/Yêu cầu KL dùng tiếng hát hay lời nói trên diễn đàn kêu gọi mọi người chung tay giữ nước. Nếu KL làm điều này, tôi chết cũng hài lòng. Cam on KL (TAM - WASHINGTON DC) Trả lời: Thưa anh, ai cũng nói ca sĩ là đồ xuớng ca vô lòai, là lọai thuơng nữ bất tri vong quốc hận, thế nên những ý muốn của anh có phải là hơi nặng quá đối với tôi hay không? Thân chúc anh vui. Câu hỏi: Toi ai mo tieng hat Khanh Ly tu thoi sinh vien . Khoang 10 nam trươc, sang du lich Hoa Ky, co han hanh du ky niem 40 nam ca hat cua Khanh Ly o Houston . Toi dang o My . Nghe noi Khanh Ly co trinh dien trong show Thang Dao o California . Xin cho biet chi tiet . Hy vong toi se qua kip de du . Chuc Khanh Ly suc khoe va hat hay mai mai . Nguyen Ho Nai (Nguyen Ho Nai - Dong Nai, Viet Nam) Trả lời: Thưa anh, ngày 8 và 9 tháng 10 tới đây, KL sẽ trình bày 10 bài hát của TCS trong show của Thắng Đào, Rose Center theater, gần Tuợng Đài Việt Mỹ, Westminster. Mong gặp anh. Câu hỏi: Mọi lời khen ca sĩ K.L.đều là thưà.Nhưng đâu dễ có dịp được nói chuyện với cô.Nên xin lập lại ý kiến cuả 1 số người:"có 2 giọng ca mà nhiều thế hệ sau sẽ khó mà tìm được,đó là Khánh Ly và Tuấn Ngọc.Bởi vì giọng ca cuả họ ngoài cái hay ,còn có 1 nét riêng, độc đáo,đặt biệt không thể tìm thấy ở ai khác". (Gphan - California,Hoa Kỳ) Trả lời: Em thân mến, ý kiến của mọi nguời chỉ do bởi lòng yêu thuơng dành cho Tuấn Ngọc và Khánh Ly. Chúng tôi luôn cố gắng đi cho tốt đẹp con đuờng còn lại, thân ái. Câu hỏi: . Em xin phep hoi chi. Chi nghi gi ve cong dong nguoi viet o hai ngoai. Khi cac Hoi Doan - cac Ton giao - cac cuu quan nhan VNCH va dong bao Hai Ngoai bieu tinh chong van hoa -van cong ma cong san muon chi cung nhu cac ca si lam cho ho . Chi da to chuc 1 dem ca nhac ton vinh nguoi nhac si than cong Trinh Cong Son. Mac du co su phan ung cua dong bao Hai Ngoai. Nhung chi van lam ngo va to thai do thach thuc ca cong dong. Hanh dong y nghi cua chi co hoi han khong? (trido - costamesa california) Trả lời: Bản thân những ca khúc không có tội tình gì. Cá nhân nguời ca sĩ hay tác giả cũng không tội tình gì và cũng không ai có thể bảo chúng tôi phải làm gì. Tôi chưa từng tổ chức một đêm nhạc nào dành riêng cho TCS. Tôi luôn lắng nghe nhận xét và phê bình từ khán thính giả. Tôi không có gì để hối hận. Chúc em vui. Câu hỏi: Chị Khánh Ly ơi, xin cám ơn Chị đã đem một hạnh phúc vô biên đối với những người thuộc nhiều thế hệ khác nhau qua giọng hát bất hủ của Chị. Xin hỏi Chị hai câu: (1) Chị sắp có CD nào mới không? (2) Chị còn nhớ mình đã hát bài PHỐ MƯA của Tôn Thất Lập không? Bài đó Chị hát hay quá!!!! Cám ơn Chị Khánh Ly và chúc Chị cùng gia đình lưôn vui khoẻ. (Trí C. Trần - California) Trả lời: Cám ơn anh, vì chính anh là một trong những nguời đã cho chúng tôi hạnh phúc đuợc hát. Mong anh đừng thay đổi nhé. Tôi có 3 CD mới, "Như một vết thuơng" nhạc TCS, "Nụ cuời trăm năm" nhạc Trần Dạ Từ, "Chưa phai" những lời đồn thổi về cuộc tình TCS-KL. Thân chúc anh vui và bình an. Câu hỏi: Nghe tin cô sắp về VN hát nhân sinh nhật nhạc sĩ P.D.,có đúng không? Tôi ủng hộ sự trở về này.Cô là biểu tượng cuả nền văn hoá văn nghệ miền Nam tự do,nên khi cô trở về hát cho người dân trong nước nghe được những ca khúc đẹp đẽ trước 1975,tôi nghĩ đó là 1 thắng lợi cuả chúng ta. (Phan hà Đan - California,USA) Trả lời: Không có chuyện đó đâu em. khi nào KL về VN em sẽ biết liền. Bye nhé. Câu hỏi: Xin chi cho biet lap truong chinh tri cua chi hien nay, vi co bang chung chi da tham du va giup vui trong bua tiec tiep dai phai doan thương mai cua csvn sang My de lam an. Bua tiec do co Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen lam MC?? (Duc Tran - AZ, USA) Trả lời: Thưa anh, tôi chỉ muốn đơn thuần là nguời VN, trong rất nhiều buổi hát tôi tham dự ở Mỹ và Âu châu có sự tham dự của những viên chức VN. Họ là khán giả và điều quan trọng là họ đến nghe hát. Chắc anh cũng biết trong tiếng nhạc ồn ào ầm ĩ, không ai có thể nói chuyện gì đuợc. Mà thật ra cũng chẳng có gì để nói. Kính Câu hỏi: Chào Chị, 1.Chị có dự định tổ chức ngày 50 năm tiếng hát Khánh Ly.Nếu có, sẽ ở Little Saigon hay là "Big Saigon" ? Chúc mừng Chị. 2.Tham dự tang lễ tướng Nguyễn Cao Kỳ ở thành phố Whitier với tư cách là người bạn thân thiết từ 4,50 năm trước. Chị có phải quê ở Sơn Tây ? (Văn Nguyễn - CA) Trả lời: Thưa anh, cám ơn anh đã có lời hỏi. Thật ra tôi có đáng gì đâu mà tổ chức 50 năm. Thưa anh, tôi chỉ biết tôi sinh đẻ ở Hà Nội, còn gốc gác ở đâu thì tôi thật không biết. Mắt tôi xấu lắm nên tôi không thể nào là nguời Sơn Tây đuợc. Kính chào anh. Câu hỏi: Gửi tới cô Khánh Ly ngàn lời kính mến và ngưỡng mộ. Luôn mong ước cô mãi mãi trong tim khán giả mến mộ cô. Một khán giả đã nghe cô hát gần suốt hơn 30 năm. TN (Westminster, CA) (Thuy Nguyen - Westminster, CA) Trả lời: Cám ơn em, KL và các bạn luôn mong mỏi đuợc ở mãi trong tim của khán giả VN. Thân chúc em và gia đình an vui. Câu hỏi: Không phải nhạc TCS đưa tiếng hát KL lên mà ngược lại,nhạc TCS đến được với đông đảo quần chúng là nhờ tiếng hát KL.Cô hát ca khúc cuả nhạc sĩ nào cũng làm cho bài ca đó hay hơn. (Phan Thu - California,Hoa Kỳ) Trả lời: Thưa anh, xin cám ơn anh rất nhiều nhưng tôi luôn nghĩ nếu không có các nhạc sĩ thì sẽ không có các ca sĩ, thế nên tôi luôn biết ơn ông TCS. Kính chúc anh vui. Câu hỏi: Chỉ có chính thể VNCH mới có thể sinh ra được những con người đầy tài năng và tư cách như ca sĩ K.L. (Luân Phan - Florida,U.S.A.) Trả lời: Em thân mến, cám ơn em rất nhiều, hy vọng đuợc như lời em nói. Tôi luôn cố gắng, cám ơn em. Câu hỏi: Toi rat thich cs Khanh Ly hat nhac TCS khong ai hat hay hon Khanh Ly nhung xin gop y voi cs Khanh Ly dung nen noi sau khi hat thi tot hon ,Xin cam on (Hung Tran - California) Trả lời: Xin cám ơn lời phê bình của anh, tôi sẽ làm như thế. Thân chúc anh vui. Câu hỏi: Bac Khanh Ly da ve VN hat lan nao chua ? Lau roi chau dươc biet chong bac noi o VN tra bac 1 trieu dollars ma bac van khong ve co dung khong ? Chau rat thich giong hat cua bac .xin bac dung noi sau khi hat xong nhe vi bac noi thi ngươc lai voi hat nhieu.Chuc may man. chau se don doc (paull tran - dallas Texas) Trả lời: Paul thân mến, cô có về VN hai lần nhưng không hát, điều Paul muốn biết thật ra là lời đồn, chính tai cô thì chưa nghe. Sẽ không nói gì sau khi hát. Chào em Câu hỏi: Chao Chi KhanhLy, Em thich nghe chi hat bai "Can Nha Xua" cua tac gia Nguyen Dinh Toan. Em co mot tam hinh khy niem chup chung voi chi cach day vai nam trươc khi chi sang Fortworth texas, khong biet chi con nho khong :-), chac co le chi co qua nhieu khan gia ngương mo, nen khong nho het noi :-)...Trong tương lai chi co du dinh ve VN hat hoac lam liveshow nhu nhung ca si hai ngoai khac khong? Khi nao chi co dip sang Dallas fortworth hat nua ? Chuc chi suc khoe . Tony (Tony Tran - Dallas, Texas) Trả lời: Cám ơn em, từ giờ tới cuối năm sẽ gặp lại em. Vui và bình an nhé. Câu hỏi: Chao` Chi Khanh' Ly,trươc' het em xin kinh' chuc' chi nhieu` suc' khoe,va sau day em co' 2 cau hoi~ ma` khong biet hoi~ cung` ai,hom nay hy vong chi se tra loi` cho em biet. Thu' 1/ nghe noi' chi bi ung thu gan ky` cươi' cung` dung' khong chi? Thu' 2/ Ngay` xua trươc nam 1975 chi va ca si~ Le Thu la` 2 ca si~ khong doi troi` chung dung' khong chi? (Lam Tien' - Cali,USA.) Trả lời: Tiến thân, cám ơn sự quan tâm của Tiến, nếu là ung thư gan thì giờ này chị chết rồi, chỉ là viêm gan thôi và đã khỏi. Chị Lệ Thu với chị ít găp nhau nhưng không phải là kẻ thù, vẫn ở chung Cali đấy chứ. Cám ơn em. Câu hỏi: Doi song cua chi Khanh-Ly va sinh hoat doi song ngay thương nhu the-nao ? Cac con cua chi co song chung voi chi khong ? Ong xa cua chi co de-tinh khong ? Em rat thich giong hat cua chi. Cau chuc chi K.L. that nhieu suc-khoe va doi song that an-lanh va tot-dep. Mai Vy (MaiVY - Aliso Viejo, CA) Trả lời: Cám ơn lời thăm hỏi của em, hiện giờ các con chị đều đã có gia đình và đang ở xa. Nhà chỉ còn hai con "khỉ già" và một nguời đẹp 4 chân. Ở với nhau lâu quá không nhớ tính tình của chồng mình như thế nào, bảo khó thì là khó bảo dễ thì là dễ, tùy nguời đối diện thôi Vy ơi. Vui nhé. Câu hỏi: Chao Ca si Khanh Ly.. Da thay rat nhieu cac ca si ten tươi ve vietnam hat, nhung van chua thay den Khanh Ly..khong biet vi ly do gi hay Khanh Ly chua bao gio nghi toi.. cam on..chuc vui ve. (N Nguyen - U.S) Trả lời: Em thân mến, thấy bạn bè và mọi nguời về VN như đi chợ lòng cũng nôn nao lắm, nhưng mà còn đang bận một tý vì chồng vì con vì cháu, nên không dám nghĩ đến chuyện ngày mai. Thân ái. Câu hỏi: Chao Chi Khanh Ly . Em la ngươi rat thich nghe Chi hat . Cam on Chua da ban cho Chi mot giong hat tuyet voi , vươt thoi gian. Cau mong Chi dươc nhieu suc khoe va giong hat mai mai lam bao nhieu ngươi say dam. Chi co ve Viet nam de hat nhu bao ca si khac khong vay Chi ? Rieng em thi khong thich Chi ve mac du rat thich nghe Chi hat . Chi khong ve thi van giu dươc gia tri cua Chi . Chao Chi . (hong thu trương le - sai gon . viet nam) Trả lời: Xin cám ơn tất cả những điều em đã dành cho tôi. Càu chúc em và gia đình luôn bình an. Câu hỏi: Đã có rất nhiều ca sĩ từ hải ngoại về thăm & biểu diển tại quê hương nhưng chưa đến lượt chị, điều gì ngăn cách chị với quê mẹ hay Quê mẹ giờ chỉ còn là một khái niệm mơ hồ mà thôi? (hoangvanvien - Sài Gòn, Việt Nam)) Trả lời: Em thân mến, đã có một quê huơng trong lòng thì không hề có sự chia cách. Nếu có duyên gặp lại thì sẽ gặp. Chúc em vui. Câu hỏi: Có bao giờ ca sĩ Khánh Ly dự trù sẽ tổ chức một buổi trình diển để vinh danh nhạc sĩ Trịnh Công Sơn không? (Dan Heaven - Seattle) Trả lời: Không cần thiết. Có những điều chỉ giữ riêng trong trái tim của mình thôi. Bye nhé. Câu hỏi: Kính chào cô Khánh Ly, Cháu biết cô có viết Hồi Kí, vậy cô có ra sách chưa? nếu có thì cháu có thể mua hồi kí caủ cô ở đâu Kính (Quân Trần - London - UK) Trả lời: Chào em, đó không phải là hồi ký đâu, chỉ là những ghi chép những kỷ niệm cùng bạn bè trong những chuyến đi, hy vọng cuối năm, em nhé. Câu hỏi: Chào chị Khánh Ly, Em là người say mê giọng hát của chị từ lúc còn là 1 cô bé xíu, cho đến hôm nay, mỗi khi đang mệt nhọc cách mấy, chỉ cần nghe tiếng chị cất lên là bao nhiêu mệt nhọc tan biến,thấy "sướng" gì đâu...Chị có định về SG làm liveshow? Have fun Ánh Nguyệt (Ánh Nguyệt - Saigon) Trả lời: Chào em, đọc thư em chị cũng "suớng" gì đâu. Đuợc một nguời ở rất xa còn nghĩ đến mình, vui gì đâu á. Hãy cứ biết khi nào gặp thì sẽ gặp, hạnh phúc nhé. Câu hỏi: Có khi mô chị có ý nghỉ sè trở về Quê hương hát một lần cuối cung rồi đi mài vào thiên thu ? (loi .pham - HUE.VIETNAM) Trả lời: Thưa anh, ai là nguời có quê huơng mà không muốn trở về, đi hay về nó có số cả, còn bây giờ KL hình như đã vào thiên thu rồi. Thân chúc anh vui và bình an. Ca sĩ Khánh Ly: Nếu có yêu tôi thì hãy yêu bây giờ, tôi già rồi đấy nhé. Kính chào tạm biệt độc giả nguời Việt Online. ‘Nữ Hoàng Chân Đất’, là một tên gọi khác của ca sĩ Khánh Ly, giọng ca nổi tiếng trong suốt gần nửa thế kỷ mà đến nay, không có bất cứ ca sĩ nào thay thế . Tiếng hát của Khánh Ly trải dài theo những biến đổi của vận mệnh đất nước và tên tuổi của chị gắn chặt với giòng nhạc Trịnh Công Sơn. Định cư tại miền Nam California, Hoa Kỳ từ 1975, Khánh Ly có mặt trong nhiều sinh hoạt văn nghệ của người Việt ở Hải Ngoại trong suốt 36 năm qua với nhiều CD, DVD của hầu hết các trung tâm băng nhạc lớn. (ĐT) | ||
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Saturday, September 17, 2011
17/09 Ca sĩ Khánh Ly: Nếu yêu tôi thì yêu bây giờ
17/09 ハノイ：男性同性愛者が集まる「ラブガーデン」
2011/09/17 08:31 JST配信
記事保存＊関連記事:
>> 男性同性愛者が結婚、ベトナムで2例目 (11/06/16)
>> ダナン：男性同性愛者向けカフェが誕生 (11/03/12)
>> ベトナムの男性同性愛者増加で、HIV感染者も急増 (07/08/22)
>> ダナン：男性同性愛者向けカフェが誕生 (11/03/12)
>> ベトナムの男性同性愛者増加で、HIV感染者も急増 (07/08/22)
ハノイ市カウザイ区のジックボン公園に隣接した空き地では、昼間から恋人を見つけるために男性同性愛者が集まっている。「同好の士」の間では「ラブガーデン」として有名だという。13日付ダットベト紙(電子版)が報じた。
ジックボン公園とチャンタイトン通りに挟まれたこの空き地は、普段は人影がほとんどなく、人の頭の高さを超える草木が茂っており、見通しが利かない。このラブガーデンに人が集まるのは、正午頃と夜、特に週末の夜だ。
彼らがここに来る目的は恋人探しだが、お目当てが見つからない場合は10万ドン(約400円)ほどで手軽に処理する場合もあるようだ。売春「夫」の多くは麻薬中毒患者だ。近くで茶店を商う女性は、「ここに来る人の中には車で乗り付けるお金持ちもいる。彼らの目に留まれば1回のデートで数十万ドン(数千円)の小遣いがもらえるらしい」と話した。
ラブガーデンに集まる人はバイクに乗り、きちんとした服装をしている人が多い。彼らはささやくような声で話し交渉がまとまると、2人でバイクで別の場所に行くか、藪の中に消えるかする。覆面取材に入った記者（男性)は、新顔として彼らから強烈な視線が浴びせられたのを感じた。
ジックボン公園とチャンタイトン通りに挟まれたこの空き地は、普段は人影がほとんどなく、人の頭の高さを超える草木が茂っており、見通しが利かない。このラブガーデンに人が集まるのは、正午頃と夜、特に週末の夜だ。
彼らがここに来る目的は恋人探しだが、お目当てが見つからない場合は10万ドン(約400円)ほどで手軽に処理する場合もあるようだ。売春「夫」の多くは麻薬中毒患者だ。近くで茶店を商う女性は、「ここに来る人の中には車で乗り付けるお金持ちもいる。彼らの目に留まれば1回のデートで数十万ドン(数千円)の小遣いがもらえるらしい」と話した。
ラブガーデンに集まる人はバイクに乗り、きちんとした服装をしている人が多い。彼らはささやくような声で話し交渉がまとまると、2人でバイクで別の場所に行くか、藪の中に消えるかする。覆面取材に入った記者（男性)は、新顔として彼らから強烈な視線が浴びせられたのを感じた。
＊関連記事:
>> 男性同性愛者が結婚、ベトナムで2例目 (11/06/16)
>> ダナン：男性同性愛者向けカフェが誕生 (11/03/12)
>> ベトナムの男性同性愛者増加で、HIV感染者も急増 (07/08/22)
>> ダナン：男性同性愛者向けカフェが誕生 (11/03/12)
>> ベトナムの男性同性愛者増加で、HIV感染者も急増 (07/08/22)
[Dat Viet online, 8:49 AM, 13/09/2011, O]
© Viet-jo.com 2002-2011
© Viet-jo.com 2002-2011
17/09 Rain could burst dams in Nara, Wakayama prefs
A landslide dam in the Akatani district of Gojo, Nara Prefecture
With heavy rain predicted from Friday evening near landslide dams in Nara and Wakayama prefectures, the land ministry was calling for some residents to evacuate due to the possibility of further serious landslides and floods in their areas.
The dams were formed by landslides triggered by strong rains dumped by Typhoon No. 12 earlier this month.
According to the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry's Kinki Regional Development Bureau, water levels had not yet risen significantly behind two landslide dams deemed at particular risk in the Akatani district of Gojo, Nara Prefecture, and in the Iya district of Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture.
However, the bureau said 10 to 30 millimeters of rain could lead to the dams breaking.
If the dam in the Akatani district breaks, a flow of mud and rocks about 300 meters wide could travel about 20 kilometers downstream, it said.
As a result, a nonbinding evacuation directive has been issued to 521 people in 270 households in the two prefectures. The ministry began building emergency water conduits in the Akatani and Iya districts on Friday afternoon.
There were also fears of a break in the Obatakedoro landslide dam that was created in the Nagai area of Totsukawamura, Nara Prefecture, as a result of massive rains in August 1889.
Evacuation advisories were issued Friday to 45 people in 21 households living below the dam in the Shigesato area of Totsukawamura. A total of 178 people in 92 households live in Shigesato.
The area saw only minimal landslides as a result of the heavy rain brought by Typhoon No. 12, prefectural authorities said.
According to the Meteorological Agency, Typhoon No. 15 was hovering near Okinawa Prefecture, pushing moist air up from the south toward the Kii Peninsula. This was expected to cause particularly heavy rain from Friday evening through Saturday evening.
Some areas of Nara and Wakayama prefectures may see as much as 300 millimeters of rain in the 24 hours to noon Saturday, the agency said.
(Sep. 17, 2011)
Friday, September 16, 2011
16/09 Mountain washed away by March 11 tsunami
The Yomiuri Shimbun
SENDAI--Mt. Hiyori, regarded as the nation's second-lowest mountain at 6.05 meters high, was washed away by the March 11 tsunami, it has been learned.
The tsunami washed away not only the shortest official mountain in Miyagino Ward, Sendai, but also a reed field in the Gamo wetlands where wild birds such as snipes and plovers rested. Consequently, numbers of wild birds in the area have fallen sharply since the disaster.
According to a civic group working to protect the Gamo wetlands, about 50 species of bird are usually observed at this time of year. However, only 28 species were recorded in a survey on the area they took on Sunday.
According to the Sendai municipal government and other sources, Mt. Hiyori was the second-lowest mountain in the nation, behind the 4.53-meter-high Mt. Tempo in Osaka, based on a map issued by the Geospatial Information Authority.
A Geospatial Information Authority official said the body would decide what course of action to take regarding the mountain being featured on its map after checking aerial photos and information from local governments.
The mountain, which was quite easy to walk around, was believed to have been made by local residents around 1909. It overlooked Sendai Bay and was loved by local residents as a place to relax. Some residents have expressed disappointment for having lost the mountain.
An 81-year-old man from Miyagino Ward who used to live near Mt. Hiyori said: "I've not come here for a long time and I'm so surprised to see [the mountain] is totally gone. I regret the loss of the mountain, which made for the best playground when I was a child."
(Sep. 16, 2011)
SENDAI--Mt. Hiyori, regarded as the nation's second-lowest mountain at 6.05 meters high, was washed away by the March 11 tsunami, it has been learned.
The tsunami washed away not only the shortest official mountain in Miyagino Ward, Sendai, but also a reed field in the Gamo wetlands where wild birds such as snipes and plovers rested. Consequently, numbers of wild birds in the area have fallen sharply since the disaster.
According to a civic group working to protect the Gamo wetlands, about 50 species of bird are usually observed at this time of year. However, only 28 species were recorded in a survey on the area they took on Sunday.
According to the Sendai municipal government and other sources, Mt. Hiyori was the second-lowest mountain in the nation, behind the 4.53-meter-high Mt. Tempo in Osaka, based on a map issued by the Geospatial Information Authority.
A Geospatial Information Authority official said the body would decide what course of action to take regarding the mountain being featured on its map after checking aerial photos and information from local governments.
The mountain, which was quite easy to walk around, was believed to have been made by local residents around 1909. It overlooked Sendai Bay and was loved by local residents as a place to relax. Some residents have expressed disappointment for having lost the mountain.
An 81-year-old man from Miyagino Ward who used to live near Mt. Hiyori said: "I've not come here for a long time and I'm so surprised to see [the mountain] is totally gone. I regret the loss of the mountain, which made for the best playground when I was a child."
(Sep. 16, 2011)
16/09 Sunflowers no help for decontamination efforts
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Authorities trying to decontaminate radioactive soil in the aftermath of the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant have found that sunflowers, despite their reputation for absorbing radioactive cesium, have little effect, an experiment has shown.
The experiment was conducted by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry. Following the outbreak of the nuclear crisis, a large amount of radioactive substances were released, contaminating the areas around the plant.
Although the experiment found that scraping away the surface of the contaminated soil is effective to reduce the density of radioactive cesium, this method leaves the problem of how to dispose of a large quantity of contaminated soil.
The experiment on removing radioactive cesium started in May in farmland totaling 7,000 square meters in Iitatemura and other locations in Fukushima Prefecture.
In the experiment, the effects of the following four methods were examined: scraping away surface soil; washing contaminated soil with water and removing the water; burying topsoil and replacing it with subsoil; and using sunflowers and other plants to absorb radioactive cesium in soil.
The results showed the least effective of the four methods was the use of plants.
Sunflowers, which were planted in May and bloomed in August, absorbed only 520 becquerels, or about 0.05 percent, of about 1.07 million becquerels of radioactive cesium per square meter of contaminated soil.
When four centimeters of topsoil was scraped away, the density of radioactive cesium was reduced by up to 75 percent. When three centimeters was scraped away from pastures with green grass, the density was reduced by up to 97 percent.
While switching topsoil and subsoil reduced the density of cesium on the surface, the amount of radioactive cesium remained unchanged.
The central government restricts rice growing in paddy fields with soil containing more than 5,000 becquerels of radioactive cesium per kilogram.
In Fukushima Prefecture alone, there are about 8,300 hectares of rice and vegetable fields in which radiation levels were found to exceed the government-set limit. If the topsoil of all the fields is scraped away, about 3 million to 4 million tons of contaminated soil is expected to be removed.
Based on the experiment's results, the ministry intends to finance the removal of cesium-contaminated soil in the prefecture with reserve funds and the third supplementary budget for this fiscal year.
As it is an enormous task to scrape away such a large amount of soil, the ministry is expected to coordinate with local governments on decontamination efforts.
(Sep. 16, 2011)
Authorities trying to decontaminate radioactive soil in the aftermath of the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant have found that sunflowers, despite their reputation for absorbing radioactive cesium, have little effect, an experiment has shown.
The experiment was conducted by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry. Following the outbreak of the nuclear crisis, a large amount of radioactive substances were released, contaminating the areas around the plant.
Although the experiment found that scraping away the surface of the contaminated soil is effective to reduce the density of radioactive cesium, this method leaves the problem of how to dispose of a large quantity of contaminated soil.
The experiment on removing radioactive cesium started in May in farmland totaling 7,000 square meters in Iitatemura and other locations in Fukushima Prefecture.
In the experiment, the effects of the following four methods were examined: scraping away surface soil; washing contaminated soil with water and removing the water; burying topsoil and replacing it with subsoil; and using sunflowers and other plants to absorb radioactive cesium in soil.
The results showed the least effective of the four methods was the use of plants.
Sunflowers, which were planted in May and bloomed in August, absorbed only 520 becquerels, or about 0.05 percent, of about 1.07 million becquerels of radioactive cesium per square meter of contaminated soil.
When four centimeters of topsoil was scraped away, the density of radioactive cesium was reduced by up to 75 percent. When three centimeters was scraped away from pastures with green grass, the density was reduced by up to 97 percent.
While switching topsoil and subsoil reduced the density of cesium on the surface, the amount of radioactive cesium remained unchanged.
The central government restricts rice growing in paddy fields with soil containing more than 5,000 becquerels of radioactive cesium per kilogram.
In Fukushima Prefecture alone, there are about 8,300 hectares of rice and vegetable fields in which radiation levels were found to exceed the government-set limit. If the topsoil of all the fields is scraped away, about 3 million to 4 million tons of contaminated soil is expected to be removed.
Based on the experiment's results, the ministry intends to finance the removal of cesium-contaminated soil in the prefecture with reserve funds and the third supplementary budget for this fiscal year.
As it is an enormous task to scrape away such a large amount of soil, the ministry is expected to coordinate with local governments on decontamination efforts.
(Sep. 16, 2011)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Fw: [exryu-ww-vannghe] ĐÀN ÔNG TRUNG QUỐC MUA GÁI GIL VIỆT NAM GIÁ BAO NHIÊU ?
Thứ năm, ngày 15 tháng chín năm 2011
BÁO ĐIỆN TỬ ROMANIA HÔM NAY ĐƯA TIN VỀ DỊCH VỤ XUẤT CÔ DÂU SANG TRUNG QUỐC TẠI VIỆT NAM
ĐÀN ÔNG TRUNG QUỐC MUA GÁI GIL VIỆT NAM GIÁ BAO NHIÊU ?
Phamvietdao.net: Như vậy Việt Nam sau các mặt hàng xuất khẩu có thương hiệu như: Gạo, Cafe, Điều, Hạt tiêu, Cao su, Bauxite, Tôm, Hải sản, Cá basa... giờ có thêm món hàng xuất khẩu mới đó là gái chân dài...
Thương lắm thay, đau lắm thay...
Ở Trung Quốc phụ nữ không được ngoan cho lắm, giá lại cao vì thế nên rất nhiều đàn ông Trung Quốc tìm cách mò sang Việt Nam mua vợ. Các văn phòng môi giới lo tổ chức việc này tại Việt Nam cho biết: giá một cô dâu Việt Nam giao động từ khoảng 700-4500 EURO; cá giá này bao gồm cả khoản bảo hiểm thân thể trong vòng 1 năm ( canh giữ, bảo vệ để cô dâu không bỏ trốn trở lại Việt Nam… )
Hiện nay ở Trung Quốc do tỷ lệ sinh đẻ trai-gái mất cân đối cứ 116 bé trai thì tỷ lệ bé gái là 100; trong khi thế giới tỷ lệ này là 105/100…Điều này xuất phát từ truyền thống trọng nam khinh nữ tại Trung Quốc…
Nếu theo tỷ lệ này, tới năm 2020, 24 triệu đàn ông Trung Quốc sẽ không có vợ; vì lý do đó mà Trung Quốc đã bắt đầu hình thành loại dịch vụ tìm kiếm cô dâu từ bên ngoài Trung Quốc để thỏa mãn nhu cầu nội địa đang mất cân đối nghiêm trọng. Hiện nay tại Việt Nam và Brunei đã bắt đầu hình thành các dịch vụ này, đứng đằng sau là các doanh nghiệp, các công ty môi giới trá hình với giá khởi điểm một cô dâu là 700 EURO; Với giá 4500 EURO, bất cứ chàng trai Trung Quốc nào cũng có khả năng mua được một nàng Việt Nam " long lanh "…
Việc lấy chồng Trung Quốc là một cơ hội để các cô gái Việt Nam thoát nghèo, đảm bảo một cuộc sống yên ổn. Điều này cũng giống với mơ ước của một cô gái Trung Hoa tìm được một ông chồng Mỹ…
Theo các chuyên gia trong lĩnh vực này cho biết: thị trường cô dâu tại các thành phố Trung Quốc rất chi là đắt đỏ; để có thể lấy được một cô vợ chi phí không dưới 235.000 EURO. Đây là khoản tiền được hóa giá qua của hồi môn đi kèm đối với một đức ông chồng Trung Quốc muốn lấy được vợ thành phố: một căn hộ 80 m2 trong một khu chung cư đảm bảo, phải có một chiếc ôtô loại đắt tiền, phải có các vật dụng điện tử trong nhà thời thượng; tuần trăng mật phải tổ chức ở nước ngoài…
Đã bắt đầu hình thành các nhà doanh nghiệp, công ty môi giới kinh doanh mặt hàng cô dâu tại Việt Nam; các cô dâu này thường trốn chồng Việt Nam nghèo khổ sau tuần trăng mật tiến đền tuần "vỡ mật", quay sang theo đuổi giấc mông sang giàu ở đất nước Trung Hoa vĩ đại…
Nếu theo tỷ lệ này, tới năm 2020, 24 triệu đàn ông Trung Quốc sẽ không có vợ; vì lý do đó mà Trung Quốc đã bắt đầu hình thành loại dịch vụ tìm kiếm cô dâu từ bên ngoài Trung Quốc để thỏa mãn nhu cầu nội địa đang mất cân đối nghiêm trọng. Hiện nay tại Việt Nam và Brunei đã bắt đầu hình thành các dịch vụ này, đứng đằng sau là các doanh nghiệp, các công ty môi giới trá hình với giá khởi điểm một cô dâu là 700 EURO; Với giá 4500 EURO, bất cứ chàng trai Trung Quốc nào cũng có khả năng mua được một nàng Việt Nam " long lanh "…
Việc lấy chồng Trung Quốc là một cơ hội để các cô gái Việt Nam thoát nghèo, đảm bảo một cuộc sống yên ổn. Điều này cũng giống với mơ ước của một cô gái Trung Hoa tìm được một ông chồng Mỹ…
Theo các chuyên gia trong lĩnh vực này cho biết: thị trường cô dâu tại các thành phố Trung Quốc rất chi là đắt đỏ; để có thể lấy được một cô vợ chi phí không dưới 235.000 EURO. Đây là khoản tiền được hóa giá qua của hồi môn đi kèm đối với một đức ông chồng Trung Quốc muốn lấy được vợ thành phố: một căn hộ 80 m2 trong một khu chung cư đảm bảo, phải có một chiếc ôtô loại đắt tiền, phải có các vật dụng điện tử trong nhà thời thượng; tuần trăng mật phải tổ chức ở nước ngoài…
Đã bắt đầu hình thành các nhà doanh nghiệp, công ty môi giới kinh doanh mặt hàng cô dâu tại Việt Nam; các cô dâu này thường trốn chồng Việt Nam nghèo khổ sau tuần trăng mật tiến đền tuần "vỡ mật", quay sang theo đuổi giấc mông sang giàu ở đất nước Trung Hoa vĩ đại…
Để tránh không bị lừa, đàn ông Trung Hoa thường ký với các công ty môi giới một hợp đồng bảo hiểm cô dâu trong vòng 1 năm…
P.V.
( Theo Ziare.com )
15/09 In autumn of disaster recovery, Japanese should take comfort in 'voices' of nature （和英）
In one part of the Kokon Chomon-shu, a collection of stories compiled in the Kamakura period, there is a description of an insect-catching expedition to the Sagano area of Kyoto in 1095. The emperor at the time ordered his retainers and servants to head out on horseback to capture the specimens and present them in an insect cage strung with purple threads.
The party, reciting an insect-hunting poem as they went, reached Sagano where they got off their horses and continued their search until the evening. The search was very extensive, spanning around one kilometer. When they had collected enough insects, they headed back to the palace with their catch as well as bunches of flowers -- bush clover and golden lace -- and presented them to the emperor in a basket. There followed a great banquet, with drinking and poetry recitations, and a great time was had by all.
In no other country in the world but Japan may have events like these -- official banquets held by princes of long-standing dynasties to the sound of insect song -- ever taken place. The Japanese studies pioneer Lafcadio Hearn, looking to introduce the special qualities of Japanese culture to a Western audience through stories from history, quoted this tale of the banquet by insect song in one of his works.
While the summer heat lingers through September, the sound of insects singing in the bushes signals the coming onset of autumn. Insect song is an iconic part of the warmer months on the Japanese archipelago, but there are now fewer Japanese people who could distinguish the different varieties of insects just by their sounds. Yet it seems likely that there are very few Japanese people who would not, upon hearing the insects of this season, appreciate the special sweetness, and the pleasant but melancholy beauty of autumn, carried in their song.
According to the theories of neuroscientist Tadanobu Tsunoda, Japanese people hear the songs in the left brain, also responsible for language. This is said to stem from the special characteristics of the Japanese language, and to say that Japanese people hear the "voices" of the insects is certainly understandable.
It's also true that Japanese people in particular hear the sounds of birdsong and of flowing rivers as "voices." And so, in this autumn of disaster recovery and nuclear crisis, let us Japanese concentrate on the small wonders of nature, and open our ears to its voices. ("Yoroku," a front-page column in the Mainichi Shimbun)
Click here for the original Japanese story(Mainichi Japan) September 15, 2011
余録：虫の音の秋
「古今著聞集」という書物に嘉保２（１０９５）年８月の宮中の虫とりの様子が記されている。帝（みかど）より侍童や従者に嵯峨野で虫をとってくるようにとの詔があり、紫色の糸をかけた虫籠を与えられた。一同は左右馬寮の馬で出かける▲道中に「野に虫を探す」との歌題が出され、嵯峨野では馬を下りて夕刻まで１０町ほどの間で虫を探した。内裏へ帰ると、虫と共に萩（はぎ）や女郎花（おみなえし）を入れた籠が帝に献上され、宮中は酒宴と歌の朗詠で盛り上がったという次第だ▲虫とりと、虫の音を聞きながらの宴が王朝の半ば公的行事のように行われる国は他にあるまい。実はこの記述、小泉八雲（Ｌ・ハーン）が文中に引用しているので知った。彼は虫の音をめでる日本の文化を何とか西欧人に理解させようと、歴史から説き起こしたのだ▲残暑続く９月、草むらの虫の音が告げてくれる秋の訪れだ。今やその種類を聞き分けられる人も少なくなった日本人である。だがこの季節、「心地良いながらも胸苦しい秋の美、夜の声の不可思議な甘さ」（小泉八雲「虫の演奏家」）に思い当たらぬ人はまれだろう▲外国人は虫の音を機械の雑音と同じく右脳で聞くのに対し、日本人は虫の音を言語と同じ左脳で聞いているというのが脳科学者の角田忠信さんの説だった。この違いは日本語の特性に根ざすというが、私たちは虫の「声」を聞いているのだという話ならよく分かる▲虫だけでなく鳥のさえずりや川のせせらぎも「声」のように聞いてきたという日本人だ。震災と原発災害の秋、ことさらいとおしく思える小さな自然の営みに目をこらし、その「声」に耳をすませたい。
英訳毎日新聞 2011年9月15日 0時16分
15/09 To rebuild Tohoku, first rebuild trust
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The Democratic Party of Japan-led administration and the nation's politics as a whole are now on the very edge. It is essential for the government to do its utmost to carry out important policies with urgency and seriousness.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda delivered his first policy speech at the Diet since taking office.
The stagnant state of Japanese politics has come under scrutiny by other countries. Noda said the trust that Japan has accumulated over the years is now at risk. He also said the government and the Diet should fulfill their roles "to restore hope and pride to Japan."
We have no objection to Noda's view of the current situation. The problem is how to take concrete action to restore trust and revitalize the nation.
In his policy speech, Noda said restoration of social infrastructure and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake are among his Cabinet's top priorities, and emphasized that the government will speed up the compilation of a third supplementary budget.
Six months have passed since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, but restoration of social infrastructure and reconstruction of areas affected by the disaster have been significantly delayed. This is because politicians failed to exercise leadership and bureaucrats simply put the problem off.
===
Show respect for bureaucrats
An urgent task is to rebuild the relationship between politicians and bureaucrats. Noda needs to thoroughly instill among ministers, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries a mind-set in which politicians and bureaucrats work on tasks together. The Noda administration can be praised for its decision to reinstate administrative vice ministers' meetings, which is a positive step.
It is important for politicians to set policy priorities themselves and take responsibility for the results, but it is also essential for them to humbly listen to bureaucrats' technical opinions, to motivate them and to elicit and utilize their abilities to the maximum extent.
Noda also announced in his policy speech that the government will establish a new body tentatively called the "national strategy council" that will gather wisdom from academia, government and the private sector to achieve economic growth and restore fiscal soundness. He will charge the council with drawing up by the end of this year a strategy to revitalize Japan.
It is proper and appropriate for the government to cooperate with the business sector to effectively deal with the hollowing-out of industry and the yen's surge after the March 11 disaster.
===
Undo damage done by Kan
Economic policy went astray under the administration of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan due to his impromptu responses, and trust between the government and business groups was damaged. It is vital for Japan to work as one to overcome the current national crisis.
Noda also announced that the government will submit to the ordinary Diet session next year bills related to integrated social security and tax reforms that include a consumption tax rate hike. He called for discussions between the ruling and opposition parties on the matter as quickly as possible.
To pass those bills under the current divided Diet, it is imperative for the government and ruling parties to approach discussions with the opposition with "seishin seii" (sincere spirit and just intent), a Japanese term used by Noda.
Yet, the ruling parties decided to hold the extraordinary Diet session for a mere four days, the better to dodge questioning by the opposition. This is unreasonable. The ruling parties must repair strained ties with the opposition by holding examinations at the Budget Committee during a Diet recess as soon as possible.
The Liberal Democratic Party and other opposition parties also should be aware of their responsibility to revitalize Japan as they enter discussions with the ruling parties.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 14, 2011)
(Sep. 15, 2011)
The Democratic Party of Japan-led administration and the nation's politics as a whole are now on the very edge. It is essential for the government to do its utmost to carry out important policies with urgency and seriousness.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda delivered his first policy speech at the Diet since taking office.
The stagnant state of Japanese politics has come under scrutiny by other countries. Noda said the trust that Japan has accumulated over the years is now at risk. He also said the government and the Diet should fulfill their roles "to restore hope and pride to Japan."
We have no objection to Noda's view of the current situation. The problem is how to take concrete action to restore trust and revitalize the nation.
In his policy speech, Noda said restoration of social infrastructure and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake are among his Cabinet's top priorities, and emphasized that the government will speed up the compilation of a third supplementary budget.
Six months have passed since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, but restoration of social infrastructure and reconstruction of areas affected by the disaster have been significantly delayed. This is because politicians failed to exercise leadership and bureaucrats simply put the problem off.
===
Show respect for bureaucrats
An urgent task is to rebuild the relationship between politicians and bureaucrats. Noda needs to thoroughly instill among ministers, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries a mind-set in which politicians and bureaucrats work on tasks together. The Noda administration can be praised for its decision to reinstate administrative vice ministers' meetings, which is a positive step.
It is important for politicians to set policy priorities themselves and take responsibility for the results, but it is also essential for them to humbly listen to bureaucrats' technical opinions, to motivate them and to elicit and utilize their abilities to the maximum extent.
Noda also announced in his policy speech that the government will establish a new body tentatively called the "national strategy council" that will gather wisdom from academia, government and the private sector to achieve economic growth and restore fiscal soundness. He will charge the council with drawing up by the end of this year a strategy to revitalize Japan.
It is proper and appropriate for the government to cooperate with the business sector to effectively deal with the hollowing-out of industry and the yen's surge after the March 11 disaster.
===
Undo damage done by Kan
Economic policy went astray under the administration of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan due to his impromptu responses, and trust between the government and business groups was damaged. It is vital for Japan to work as one to overcome the current national crisis.
Noda also announced that the government will submit to the ordinary Diet session next year bills related to integrated social security and tax reforms that include a consumption tax rate hike. He called for discussions between the ruling and opposition parties on the matter as quickly as possible.
To pass those bills under the current divided Diet, it is imperative for the government and ruling parties to approach discussions with the opposition with "seishin seii" (sincere spirit and just intent), a Japanese term used by Noda.
Yet, the ruling parties decided to hold the extraordinary Diet session for a mere four days, the better to dodge questioning by the opposition. This is unreasonable. The ruling parties must repair strained ties with the opposition by holding examinations at the Budget Committee during a Diet recess as soon as possible.
The Liberal Democratic Party and other opposition parties also should be aware of their responsibility to revitalize Japan as they enter discussions with the ruling parties.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 14, 2011)
(Sep. 15, 2011)
15/09 PRIME MINISTER NODA'S POLICY SPEECH
Following is a provisional translation, provided by the government, of the full text of a policy speech that Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda delivered before the Diet on Tuesday.
===
1. Introduction
On the occasion of the opening of the 178th session of the Diet, I would like to offer my prayers for the repose of those who lost their precious lives in the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as in the concentrated heavy rains and typhoon, which followed in succession. In addition, I would like to express once again my sincerest sympathies to those who have been affected by disaster and who still have to endure inconvenience in their daily lives.
I have been recently appointed as Prime Minister of Japan. In any era, there is only one thing that is required of politics, which can be expressed in a simple phrase: "sincere spirit and just intent. "While listening to the voices of the people, with a just intent and sincere spirit, I am committed to being true to my conscience as a politician and doing everything in my power that is possible to take on the grave responsibility of dealing with the national crisis brought about by the disasters. In this endeavor I humbly ask for the understanding and cooperation of our coalition partner, the People's New Party, all other political parties and parliamentary groupings, and the people of Japan.
Already six months have passed since the fateful day of March 11. That disaster claimed so many lives and destroyed tranquil lifestyles in many hometowns. The scars it left are still deeply etched on the affected areas. Furthermore, the disaster, coupled with the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Station have had an enormous impact on the entire country, not only on the affected area. With the long-running challenges that face economic society in Japan still remaining, the disaster has imposed a further set of new and grave challenges that require urgent resolution.
Living during this national crisis, there is something that we should ensure we never forget. That is the high-minded spirit demonstrated by the Japanese people in the midst of despair after the earthquake disaster. Ms. Miki Endo was working as a disaster prevention staff member in Minami-Sanrikucho, where she continued to urge residents to evacuate to high ground. It was her voice, relayed over the radio from the disaster prevention offices, which gave people courage and saved countless lives. Although her voice was tinged with fear and apprehension, Ms. Endo continued to broadcast to the very end. She was engulfed by the tsunami and never returned home. If she were still alive today, she should have been celebrating her marriage this month. Everywhere in the disaster affected areas, there were deep bonds with fellow human being without regard for their own lives, and filled with a sense of mission. Determination to fulfill a public duty in the midst of a crisis, as exemplified by Ms. Endo, and also, the countless people affected by the disaster who, showing kindness to others, have silently withstood the trials and hardships they face--are these not the qualities that ought to give us pride as Japanese and hope for the future?
There is something else we should not forget. That is the people who are struggling on the frontlines of the disaster reconstruction effort to deal with the nuclear accident and provide support to affected people. Last week, in my capacity as chief of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters, I visited TEPCO's Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Station. There, more than 2,000 people are continuing to work silently and tenaciously, wearing masks and protective clothing and facing the dangers of both radiation and heatstroke, in order to bring the accident to a close. In the areas damaged by the earthquake and heavy rain disasters, there are also various local government officials, who, while affected by the disasters themselves, are nonetheless continuing to attend to the needs of residents, spearheading rescue, recovery and decontamination activities.
The mayor of Nachi-Katsuura, Mr. Shinichi Teramoto, is a supreme example of such commitment. Although filled with the pain of having lost family members, he continues to oversee and direct operations being undertaken in response to the heavy rains.
At this very moment, the struggle against the nuclear accident and disaster-related damage is continuing. Through various dedicated and ongoing efforts in the affected areas, Japan's present and future are being supported. Shouldn't we give greater consideration to these people with our encouragement and gratitude?
There is something else we should not forget. It is the feelings of the disaster-affected people, and above all those from Fukushima, for their hometowns. Although efforts toward reconstruction are now underway in many regions, residents of the area around the power station in Fukushima continue to face an unclear future and struggle with worries and unease about radiation they cannot see. I recall the words of a certain high school student about the feelings of the people of this area, "To be born in Fukushima, grow up in Fukushima, and work in Fukushima. To get married in Fukushima, have children in Fukushima and bring up those children in Fukushima. To see our grandchildren in Fukushima, to see our great-grandchildren in Fukushima and to end our days in Fukushima. That is our dream." These words are from a play by high school students from Fukushima, which was performed at the 35th All Japan High School Cultural Festival in Fukushima last month. These young people have overcome feelings of sadness and anger, unease and impatience, resignation and helplessness, and are filled with a strong desire to take a step forward toward tomorrow. Does such young enthusiasm not give us the conviction that we can achieve reconstruction in the disaster-affected areas and Fukushima?
It is highly regrettable that recently a Cabinet minister resigned following inappropriate statements lacking compassion for disaster victims. I would like to take this opportunity to pledge once again that the Cabinet will redouble its concerted efforts to bring the nuclear accident to a conclusion and advance assistance for disaster victims, restoring the public's confidence in the government.
Even after the disaster, global developments continue as before. Views and perspectives on Japan continue to be subject to rapid change on an almost daily basis. The voices who have praised the high-minded spirit of the Japanese are being drowned out by critical views on Japan's politics. We now hear certain mocking comments from overseas suggesting that "procrastination and the inability to show political leadership" are "the Japanese way. "The trust and confidence that our country has earned up to now is currently in real danger of being lost.
We must accept the severe and harsh realities we face. We must also overcome them. In order to prevail over the crisis before us, protect the lives of the people and restore hope and pride to Japan, now is the time for the executive and legislative branches of our country to fulfill their prescribed roles.
===
2. Recovery and Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake
Expediting recovery and reconstruction
It goes without saying that recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake are the greatest and highest priorities for my Cabinet. To date, the government has worked in cooperation with local governments, making every effort to engage in recovery operations, including the construction of temporary accommodation, the removal of debris and support for the livelihoods of the people affected by the disaster. Although it is a fact that in comparison to the immediate aftermath of the disaster substantial progress has been made, we have received comments that the operations have lacked speed and assistance is not reaching those who need it.
What my Cabinet needs to do is self-evident. We will implement each needed specific measure steadily and assuredly based on the Basic Guidelines for Reconstruction. To this end, we will expedite preparations for the compilation of the third supplementary budget. We will also work to formulate such measures as the provision of grants that can be easily accessed by local governments, and the creation of a system for special zones for reconstruction as matters of urgency.
The basic principle regarding financial resources for recovery and reconstruction is that the burden of these resources should not be passed onto the next generation, but instead should be shared together by all generations living here in the present. First of all, we will endeavor to secure resources through various efforts, including reductions in expenditure, the sale of national assets and a review of civil servant personnel costs. In addition, the multiple options available for time-limited taxation measures will be considered in a multifaceted manner that duly examines the current economic situation and takes into account other matters, including specific items for taxation, the period for such measures and their scope and scale in each fiscal year.
We will promptly submit to the Diet a draft bill for the establishment of the Reconstruction Agency, which will function as a body that transcends the current framework of multiple ministries and agencies, providing a one-stop response to the requests received from local governments that have been affected by the disaster. In order to accelerate reconstruction of the disaster-affected regions, I would request that the ruling and opposition parties work together on a concerted response.
Efforts to bring the nuclear power station accident to a conclusion and the revival of Fukushima
Bringing the nuclear power station accident to a conclusion is a national challenge. Without the revival of Fukushima Prefecture there will be no restoration of trust and confidence in Japan. We will engage in every possible endeavor to ensure that the release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere, ground and oceans is halted, and will steadily work on the realization of the roadmap toward the conclusion of the accident, while making maximum efforts to ensure the safety of the workers engaged in operations at the power station. By accumulating knowledge and expertise from around the world, we will also overcome the technical challenges we are facing. To ensure that there is no recurrence of such a nuclear accident, we will work tenaciously to identify the causes of the accident based on international perspectives, and will provide comprehensive information on such causes and prevention measures.
The disbursement of provisional compensation payments to people affected by the accident is another urgent matter. There are residents who have been forced to evacuate and have endured inconvenience in their daily lives over a long period; owners of livestock businesses who have faced the heartbreak of seeing their animals euthanized; farmers who have been forced to dispose of their crops; and owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who have been forced to stop their operations due to unfounded reputational damages. To assist these victims of the disaster facing such a severe situation, we will expedite measures to provide fair and appropriate compensation and provisional payments.
In order to alleviate worries and concerns of residents and further accelerate reconstruction efforts, it is essential that thorough efforts be made to eliminate the radioactive materials that have already been dispersed and provide failsafe measures to manage the health of residents in the vicinity of the nuclear power station. In particular, we will prioritize health management programs for children and pregnant mothers. In order to ensure safety and peace of mind concerning food products that people consume on a daily basis, we will further enhance the inspection structures in place for agricultural produce and beef, among others.
There are still areas, predominantly in the vicinity of the TEPCO's Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Station, where levels of radiation remain extremely high. Keeping firmly in our minds the sorrow and despair of those who have been forced to leave their ancestral lands, with the cooperation of local governments, the government will take responsibility for whole-hearted efforts to engage in large-scale decontamination measures that will eliminate the radioactive materials present in the living environment.
Furthermore, based also on the lessons learned from this disaster, as well as taking all possible measures to respond to the large-scale natural disasters and accidents which threaten the lives and health of the people, we will reassess the government's disaster preparedness measures with the aim of creating a sustainable, disaster-resilient nation.
===
3. Response to the Global Economic Crisis
In addition to recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, another priority issue that must be addressed by this Cabinet is the rebuilding of the Japanese economy. Since the March 11 disaster, issues such as the rapid appreciation of the yen, constraints on electricity supply and demand, and the instability of international financial markets have occurred in a composite manner. Japan is on the verge of suffering a major loss of national credibility due to the hollowing-out of its industries and its exacerbating financial situation.
Reconstruction of energy policy
The first step toward rebuilding Japan's economy is reconstructing its energy policy. We continue to face a situation where the supply and demand of electricity is constrained due to the nuclear power station accident. Without the stable provision of electricity, which is the very "blood" of our economy and society, the foundation for Japan's affluent lifestyle will lose stability and we will become unable to bolster domestic industrial activities.
Thanks to the energy saving efforts of the public this summer, we did not have to resort to carrying out rolling power outages. I thank you for your sincere understanding and cooperation. In order to empower Japan to escape the situation of being forced to endure energy-saving measures, we will spend the next one or two years implementing supply and demand countermeasures. At the same time, we will revise from scratch the current Basic Energy Policy, which lasts until 2030, and will create a new strategy and plan by around summer of next year. In doing so, we will steadily consider a mid- to long-term energy composition that citizens can feel comfortable with from the perspective of energy security as well as using cost analyses, while widely taking into account the views of wide-ranging groups of citizens.
Concerning nuclear power generation, it is unproductive to grasp nuclear power as a dichotomy between "zero nuclear power" and "promotion." In the mid- to long-term, we must aim to move in the direction of reducing our dependence on nuclear power generation as much as possible. At the same time, however, we will restart operations at nuclear power stations following regular inspections, for which safety has been thoroughly verified and confirmed, under the premise that a relationship of trust is developed with the local government. As per an organizational restructuring of nuclear safety regulation, the Nuclear Safety and Security Agency will be established as an affiliated agency of the Ministry of the Environment and will work to boldly unify regulations for nuclear power safety.
The history of humankind is also a history of people attempting to develop new types of energy. Japan, a country with few fossil fuel resources, must lead the rest of the world in constructing a society that bases itself on new forms of energy. Japan will utilize its advanced technological power to pair regulatory reform with measures to promote dissemination in transmitting a cutting-edge model for energy conservation and renewable energies to the world.
Implementation of bold countermeasures to the appreciating yen and industrial hollowing-out
Historical levels of yen appreciation paired with the rise of emerging economies and other factors are precipitating an unprecedented industrial hollowing-out crisis. The exporting companies and small to medium-size enterprises that have led Japanese industry in the past are now crying for help. Unless something is done, there is the concern that domestic industries will drop in strength and employment will be lost. If that happens, overcoming deflation and reconstruction in the affected areas will become significantly more difficult tasks.
Countries in Europe, the U.S. and Asia are engaging in a location battle where national efforts are being made to attract companies to their countries. In order for Japan to prevent the hollowing-out of its industries and maintain domestic employment, we must work together with the Bank of Japan, which conducts monetary policy, in utilizing all policy means available. First, we will utilize reserve funds and the third supplementary budget to implement emergency economic countermeasures that include the bold enhancement of location subsidies. Furthermore, we will take advantage of the merits of the appreciating yen to support Japanese companies in purchasing foreign companies and acquiring resource interests.
Achieving both economic growth and fiscal health
Since before the March 11 disaster, Japan relied on national bonds for half of its national revenue, and the national debt was at risk of reaching one thousand trillion yen. The disaster has raised the crisis level of the public finance even further, making Japan's situation the worst among major advanced nations. Today, as Japan's national credibility is severely questioned, we cannot continue to manage public finance by covering old debt with new debt. Do we have the right to force more debt on future generations, who cannot now speak for themselves? The responsibility of today's politicians is being put into question.
Financial reconstruction is by no means a simple problem that can be realized in a direct manner. There is the path of cutting expenditures, which is achieved by the streamlining of politics and governmental administration. There is also the path of increasing revenues realized by revitalizing the economy and the affluent lives of citizens. While exerting every effort to realize these two paths, there is also the path of revenue reform where we must ask citizens to bear a greater burden so that we do not create problems for future generations. We must push forward while keeping view of all of these three paths, and that makes for a difficult journey.
Economic growth and fiscal health must be advanced in unison like two wheels of the same vehicle. For that purpose, efforts to realize the New Growth Strategy formulated last year will be accelerated and a strategy that takes into account the circumstances after the disaster will be enhanced with the aim of compiling, by the end of the year, a strategy to revitalize Japan.
In order for the government to act as a "control tower" overseeing important national policies, including the realization of these strategies, we will gather the knowledge of the industrial, government, and academic sectors, consolidate existing meeting structures, and establish a new meeting structure, that I will administer.
It is the dynamism of private companies such as small and medium-size enterprises that will lead Japan's economic growth. We will develop an environment conducive to generating new industries and ample employment opportunities mainly in the environmental energy sector, which is also linked to resolving the problem of global warming, and the medical-related sector, which is in high demand due to Japan's longevity society. Moreover, in order to deepen relations with growing foreign markets, we will strategically promote economic partnerships and advance market development in a concerted effort between the public and private sectors, while at the same time strengthening efforts to attract expertise and funding from overseas.
The idea that "agriculture is the backbone of a country" is still alive today. Food supports and nurtures life. Due to the very fact that consumers demand a high standard of safety and reassurance, the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries may possibly become growth industries that assume the lead in the new era. Using efforts to revitalize agriculture, the core industry in affected areas in the Tohoku region, as a gateway, concrete measures will be compiled in order to swiftly revitalize the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries in accordance with the midterm recommendations of the Council for the Realization of the Revival of the Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Industries.
In addition, post offices are a pillar of social infrastructure that supports rural communities. I will work to ensure that the bill for the Postal Reform Act is quickly passed so that post offices are able to provide the basic services of the three branches in a unified manner as bond-forming bases among the people of each community.
The government will also continue to promote the reform for increasing local sovereignty.
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4. A Japan that has Hope and Pride
Along with overcoming the "two crises" of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the world economic crisis, we must invest in Japan's future in order to be a country filled with promise and a country which each and every person can have pride in and be grateful that they were born in this country.
The revival of a large middle class and social security reform
In times past, Japan used to be identified as a country in which all people belonged to the middle class. Supported also by one of the best social security systems in the world, the large middle class had been the basis of economic development and social stability. However, the birthrate decline and aging population have progressed rapidly, the employment and family patterns to date have largely transformed, and the "lifetime safety net" of the social security system, too, has begun to show some gaps. Among the people who used to belong to the middle class, there are now more people who are finding it difficult to get by.
Giving up could eventually turn to despair and then to anger, and then the collapse of the stability of the Japanese society from its core. "Hope" and "pride" will not emerge unless we bring back Japan which has "warmth" rather than "despair and anger." The social security system must be shifted to one that is tailored to all generations and one which all generations can feel is fair. Specifically, we need to strengthen support measures for the younger generation by advancing comprehensive support for children and child rearing, including the provision of child allowance agreed upon among the three parties of the Democratic Party of Japan, Liberal Democratic Party, and New Komeito party and the establishment of a framework for the unification of nurseries and kindergartens. Another major challenge is to eliminate any concerns about the healthcare and nursing care systems and to efficiently provide high quality services tailored to the community situation. Furthermore, amid prospects of a declining workforce population, we must improve the employment rate of young people, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. We must advance the realization of a society in which all people participate, in which everyone with a will to work is able to work. And we must form a reliable safety net to ensure that no one falls into the poverty cycle.
In June of this year, the government and ruling party's final draft plan for the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems was compiled after much discussion. With this plan as our basis, the ruling and opposition parties will sincerely carry out repeated discussions and we will aim to submit the relevant legislation during the next ordinary session of the Diet. In order for the ruling and opposition parties to have an open dialogue and to be able to reach an agreement on the passage of the legislation, I sincerely ask for the participation of the members of all parties and parliamentary groups in the policy discussions on the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems.
The aspiration to engage actively overseas and contribute to the international community and to all of mankind
In order for Japanese people to regain "hope" and "pride," there is one more important thing. That is never to become "inward-looking"--to have the aspiration to engage actively overseas. Since the Meiji Restoration, our forefathers paved the way to prosperity by boldly challenging the world. I believe there are definitely things that only we Japanese people can do to resolve the issues facing the international community and contribute to the future of all of mankind. In order to call forth the aspiration to become a pioneer of a new era among the young, we will advance the development of human resources, including the bringing up global human resources, and educate to develop people's ability to learn and think on their own. Furthermore, we will be exploring policies to open up frontiers of a new Japan, including the establishment of a new community development model which aims to achieve prosperous furusato (homelands), the development of sea areas which are said to be a reservoir of marine resources, and the establishment of a strategic scheme for promoting the development and use of outer space.
Restoration of confidence in politics and government administration
The country cannot function without the public's confidence in politics and government administration. We will strive to restore confidence through the generation of tangible outputs of administrative reform and political reform. Already, a Cabinet decision has been approved soon after the end of the war in 1946, which vowed to thoroughly revitalize the operations of the government in order to increase public confidence. Despite the fact that more than 60 years have passed since this Cabinet decision, government revitalization is still midway into the process. We will work to eliminate any wasteful spending and inefficiencies included in government administration and to strengthen the truly necessary government functions. These government revitalization efforts must be continued and reinforced consistently. We will enhance the methods of reviewing government programs (shiwake) that we have been undertaking since the change of government. Furthermore, the Government and ruling party will go back to the original goal of "putting the lives of the people first "and make concerted efforts to fight vested interests and to carry out an array of administrative reforms.
In order for the nation's civil servants to be able to truly demonstrate their capacities as those serving the needs of the people and realize efficient and high quality government services, we will endeavor to achieve the early passage of the legislation related to the reform of the system of national civil servants. Along with cutting the personnel costs of national civil servants, we will carry out efforts for materializing the reform of the civil servant system.
Our foremost priority in political reform is correcting the difference in weight attached to a vote, which is currently a violation of the Constitution. I expect that serious discussions will take place among the ruling and opposition parties regarding the mechanisms of the election system, including the issue of the number of Diet members.
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5. Foreign and National Security Policy that Addresses the New Requirements of the Times
Changes in the global situation and security environment surrounding Japan
The global situation surrounding Japan is continuing to change on a daily basis, even following the recent disaster. The global presence of emerging economies is increasing and in response to the new requirements of the times, brought about by multi-polarization it is vital that Japan's foreign policy respond robustly to these changes.
There is also an increasing lack of transparency in the security environment surrounding Japan. In such a situation it is naturally the responsibility of the government to create a system in time of peace that is capable of responding swiftly to any crisis that may unfold in order to ensure regional peace and stability as well as safety of the people. In accordance with the new National Defense Program Guidelines that were formulated at the end of last year, Japan will enhance its readiness and mobility and work to build a dynamic defense force, thus responding to the new security environment.
Deepening and developing the Japan-U.S. alliance
The Japan-U.S. alliance remains at the cornerstone of Japanese diplomacy and national security, and also a publicly shared asset fostering the stability and prosperity of not only the Asia-Pacific region, but also the world.
The significance of the Japan-U.S. alliance relationship that has been strengthened over the long course of more than half a century was reconfirmed during the disaster, through "Operation Tomodachi." In addition to moving quickly to build relations of trust at the leader level, we will work to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance on various levels, focusing particularly on security, economics, and exchanges of culture and human resources, thus deepening and developing an alliance relationship that is appropriate for the 21st century.
Regarding the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station, in line with the Japan-U.S. agreement, it is important to avoid a situation in which the Air Station becomes fixed in its current location and ensure that the burden on Okinawa is alleviated. We will make every effort in this regard, while explaining the situation sincerely to the people of Okinawa to ask for their understanding. We will also actively implement measures for the revitalization of Okinawa.
Strengthening bilateral relations with neighboring countries
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to remain as a center for global growth in the future and Japan will naturally continue to strengthen political and economic relations with countries in the region and also to deepen exchanges in cultural aspects. We will make efforts to build trust as a fellow member of the region and ensure robust relations.
In relations between Japan and China, in view of next year's 40th anniversary of the normalization of relations between our two countries, we will work to promote specific cooperation in a broad range of areas and, while seeking for China to play an appropriate role befitting its responsibilities as a member of the international community with greater transparency, we will work to deepen our strategic relationship of mutual benefit.
In relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), we will further strengthen relations, based on a future-oriented vision towards the next one hundred years. In relations with North Korea, in cooperation with other countries and based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, Japan seeks to normalize its diplomatic relations with North Korea through the comprehensive resolution of the outstanding issues of concern, including the abduction, nuclear, and missile issues, and settling the unfortunate past. Regarding the abduction issue, this is a grave issue that relates to national sovereignty and as the responsibility of the State, we will spare no effort towards achieving the return of all abductees to Japan at the earliest possible juncture.
In relations with Russia, in addition to continuing tenacious efforts to resolve the issue of the Northern Territories, which is of prime concern, we will work to build an appropriate relationship as a partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
Linkage in a multi-polar world
In order to cultivate assured bonds with each country in a multi-polar world, great strength of will be required to join together in resolving the challenges that the world faces in common. These "kizuna"--bonds of friendship-- must be broadened and expanded in multiple tiers of society, in various public and private sector bodies.
One example of such efforts based on such "kizuna" is recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The disaster-affected regions have benefited from the provision of countless instances of warm support from countries around the world. This assistance can be said to be one of the significant fruits of Japan's contribution to the international community in the post-war period and the trust the world places in us. Japan is the only country in the world to have suffered the devastation of an atomic bombing and is also a country that has suffered from the recent unprecedented disaster. In addition to continuing to take the lead among nations to appeal for nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, Japan must pay back the kindness that has been shown by the world, by sharing the lessons and knowledge we have gained in the areas of nuclear safety and disaster prevention with other countries.
Efforts to strengthen linkages between countries in economic aspects are termed "economic cooperation. "As a part of such cooperation, essential challenges are efforts to ensure growth in the global economy and prevent the hollowing out of industry. Based on the "Basic Policy on Comprehensive Economic Partnerships" we will make strategic moves seeking to conclude high-level economic partnership agreements (EPA). In specific terms we will advance the EPA negotiations with the ROK and Australia, and we will aim to initiate negotiations in the near term for a Japan-EU EPA and a Japan-China-ROK EPA. In addition, with regard to the participation in the negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, we will conduct thorough discussions with a view to reaching a conclusion as soon as possible.
With regard to measures relating to such issues as securing natural resources and energy as well as a stable supply of food, we will proceed actively with economic diplomacy. In addition, in respect of various global challenges, including assistance to developing countries and a response to international negotiations on climate change, a response to the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, and measures for fragile states, Japan will continue to make an active contribution.
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6. Closing Remarks
Politics is all about working tenaciously to bring about realistic solutions to issues, while coordinating contradictory interests and values. The essence of parliamentary democracy lies in consensus building based on carefully wrought dialogue and understanding.
Under the previous administration we have already found a number of solutions through repeated dialogue. Given the constraints placed on us by a divided Diet, now is an apt and opportune moment to reflect on the rightful nature of the legislative branch of government, namely the aim of reaching consensus through discussion.
To the honorable members of the Diet gathered here, representing your constituents, and to the people of Japan, I would like to reiterate the following.
In order to revive Japan from this historic national crisis, do we not need to now amass and concentrate all the latent potential in our country? The members of the Cabinet will make concerted efforts to discharge their responsibilities. The members of the bureaucracy will demonstrate their maximum abilities as experts in their fields. The ruling and opposition parties will engage in thorough discussions and dialogue and give their all to identify common ground. Is it not now time for the government, corporations and each individual, indeed every person in the nation, to be of one mind and united in our efforts to face this crisis?
I will take the lead among the Cabinet in listening carefully to the voices and the heartfelt cries of each and every person in the nation. I will conduct myself with "sincere spirit and just intent." I will devote myself only to the people of Japan, and, in order to overcome the crisis before us and resolve the challenges that have beset Japan for many years, I am determined to spare no effort as I advance tenaciously and doggedly forward, one step at a time.
I close my policy speech by reiterating my request for the understanding and cooperation of my fellow citizens.
(Sep. 15, 2011)
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1. Introduction
On the occasion of the opening of the 178th session of the Diet, I would like to offer my prayers for the repose of those who lost their precious lives in the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as in the concentrated heavy rains and typhoon, which followed in succession. In addition, I would like to express once again my sincerest sympathies to those who have been affected by disaster and who still have to endure inconvenience in their daily lives.
I have been recently appointed as Prime Minister of Japan. In any era, there is only one thing that is required of politics, which can be expressed in a simple phrase: "sincere spirit and just intent. "While listening to the voices of the people, with a just intent and sincere spirit, I am committed to being true to my conscience as a politician and doing everything in my power that is possible to take on the grave responsibility of dealing with the national crisis brought about by the disasters. In this endeavor I humbly ask for the understanding and cooperation of our coalition partner, the People's New Party, all other political parties and parliamentary groupings, and the people of Japan.
Already six months have passed since the fateful day of March 11. That disaster claimed so many lives and destroyed tranquil lifestyles in many hometowns. The scars it left are still deeply etched on the affected areas. Furthermore, the disaster, coupled with the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Station have had an enormous impact on the entire country, not only on the affected area. With the long-running challenges that face economic society in Japan still remaining, the disaster has imposed a further set of new and grave challenges that require urgent resolution.
Living during this national crisis, there is something that we should ensure we never forget. That is the high-minded spirit demonstrated by the Japanese people in the midst of despair after the earthquake disaster. Ms. Miki Endo was working as a disaster prevention staff member in Minami-Sanrikucho, where she continued to urge residents to evacuate to high ground. It was her voice, relayed over the radio from the disaster prevention offices, which gave people courage and saved countless lives. Although her voice was tinged with fear and apprehension, Ms. Endo continued to broadcast to the very end. She was engulfed by the tsunami and never returned home. If she were still alive today, she should have been celebrating her marriage this month. Everywhere in the disaster affected areas, there were deep bonds with fellow human being without regard for their own lives, and filled with a sense of mission. Determination to fulfill a public duty in the midst of a crisis, as exemplified by Ms. Endo, and also, the countless people affected by the disaster who, showing kindness to others, have silently withstood the trials and hardships they face--are these not the qualities that ought to give us pride as Japanese and hope for the future?
There is something else we should not forget. That is the people who are struggling on the frontlines of the disaster reconstruction effort to deal with the nuclear accident and provide support to affected people. Last week, in my capacity as chief of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters, I visited TEPCO's Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Station. There, more than 2,000 people are continuing to work silently and tenaciously, wearing masks and protective clothing and facing the dangers of both radiation and heatstroke, in order to bring the accident to a close. In the areas damaged by the earthquake and heavy rain disasters, there are also various local government officials, who, while affected by the disasters themselves, are nonetheless continuing to attend to the needs of residents, spearheading rescue, recovery and decontamination activities.
The mayor of Nachi-Katsuura, Mr. Shinichi Teramoto, is a supreme example of such commitment. Although filled with the pain of having lost family members, he continues to oversee and direct operations being undertaken in response to the heavy rains.
At this very moment, the struggle against the nuclear accident and disaster-related damage is continuing. Through various dedicated and ongoing efforts in the affected areas, Japan's present and future are being supported. Shouldn't we give greater consideration to these people with our encouragement and gratitude?
There is something else we should not forget. It is the feelings of the disaster-affected people, and above all those from Fukushima, for their hometowns. Although efforts toward reconstruction are now underway in many regions, residents of the area around the power station in Fukushima continue to face an unclear future and struggle with worries and unease about radiation they cannot see. I recall the words of a certain high school student about the feelings of the people of this area, "To be born in Fukushima, grow up in Fukushima, and work in Fukushima. To get married in Fukushima, have children in Fukushima and bring up those children in Fukushima. To see our grandchildren in Fukushima, to see our great-grandchildren in Fukushima and to end our days in Fukushima. That is our dream." These words are from a play by high school students from Fukushima, which was performed at the 35th All Japan High School Cultural Festival in Fukushima last month. These young people have overcome feelings of sadness and anger, unease and impatience, resignation and helplessness, and are filled with a strong desire to take a step forward toward tomorrow. Does such young enthusiasm not give us the conviction that we can achieve reconstruction in the disaster-affected areas and Fukushima?
It is highly regrettable that recently a Cabinet minister resigned following inappropriate statements lacking compassion for disaster victims. I would like to take this opportunity to pledge once again that the Cabinet will redouble its concerted efforts to bring the nuclear accident to a conclusion and advance assistance for disaster victims, restoring the public's confidence in the government.
Even after the disaster, global developments continue as before. Views and perspectives on Japan continue to be subject to rapid change on an almost daily basis. The voices who have praised the high-minded spirit of the Japanese are being drowned out by critical views on Japan's politics. We now hear certain mocking comments from overseas suggesting that "procrastination and the inability to show political leadership" are "the Japanese way. "The trust and confidence that our country has earned up to now is currently in real danger of being lost.
We must accept the severe and harsh realities we face. We must also overcome them. In order to prevail over the crisis before us, protect the lives of the people and restore hope and pride to Japan, now is the time for the executive and legislative branches of our country to fulfill their prescribed roles.
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2. Recovery and Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake
Expediting recovery and reconstruction
It goes without saying that recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake are the greatest and highest priorities for my Cabinet. To date, the government has worked in cooperation with local governments, making every effort to engage in recovery operations, including the construction of temporary accommodation, the removal of debris and support for the livelihoods of the people affected by the disaster. Although it is a fact that in comparison to the immediate aftermath of the disaster substantial progress has been made, we have received comments that the operations have lacked speed and assistance is not reaching those who need it.
What my Cabinet needs to do is self-evident. We will implement each needed specific measure steadily and assuredly based on the Basic Guidelines for Reconstruction. To this end, we will expedite preparations for the compilation of the third supplementary budget. We will also work to formulate such measures as the provision of grants that can be easily accessed by local governments, and the creation of a system for special zones for reconstruction as matters of urgency.
The basic principle regarding financial resources for recovery and reconstruction is that the burden of these resources should not be passed onto the next generation, but instead should be shared together by all generations living here in the present. First of all, we will endeavor to secure resources through various efforts, including reductions in expenditure, the sale of national assets and a review of civil servant personnel costs. In addition, the multiple options available for time-limited taxation measures will be considered in a multifaceted manner that duly examines the current economic situation and takes into account other matters, including specific items for taxation, the period for such measures and their scope and scale in each fiscal year.
We will promptly submit to the Diet a draft bill for the establishment of the Reconstruction Agency, which will function as a body that transcends the current framework of multiple ministries and agencies, providing a one-stop response to the requests received from local governments that have been affected by the disaster. In order to accelerate reconstruction of the disaster-affected regions, I would request that the ruling and opposition parties work together on a concerted response.
Efforts to bring the nuclear power station accident to a conclusion and the revival of Fukushima
Bringing the nuclear power station accident to a conclusion is a national challenge. Without the revival of Fukushima Prefecture there will be no restoration of trust and confidence in Japan. We will engage in every possible endeavor to ensure that the release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere, ground and oceans is halted, and will steadily work on the realization of the roadmap toward the conclusion of the accident, while making maximum efforts to ensure the safety of the workers engaged in operations at the power station. By accumulating knowledge and expertise from around the world, we will also overcome the technical challenges we are facing. To ensure that there is no recurrence of such a nuclear accident, we will work tenaciously to identify the causes of the accident based on international perspectives, and will provide comprehensive information on such causes and prevention measures.
The disbursement of provisional compensation payments to people affected by the accident is another urgent matter. There are residents who have been forced to evacuate and have endured inconvenience in their daily lives over a long period; owners of livestock businesses who have faced the heartbreak of seeing their animals euthanized; farmers who have been forced to dispose of their crops; and owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who have been forced to stop their operations due to unfounded reputational damages. To assist these victims of the disaster facing such a severe situation, we will expedite measures to provide fair and appropriate compensation and provisional payments.
In order to alleviate worries and concerns of residents and further accelerate reconstruction efforts, it is essential that thorough efforts be made to eliminate the radioactive materials that have already been dispersed and provide failsafe measures to manage the health of residents in the vicinity of the nuclear power station. In particular, we will prioritize health management programs for children and pregnant mothers. In order to ensure safety and peace of mind concerning food products that people consume on a daily basis, we will further enhance the inspection structures in place for agricultural produce and beef, among others.
There are still areas, predominantly in the vicinity of the TEPCO's Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Station, where levels of radiation remain extremely high. Keeping firmly in our minds the sorrow and despair of those who have been forced to leave their ancestral lands, with the cooperation of local governments, the government will take responsibility for whole-hearted efforts to engage in large-scale decontamination measures that will eliminate the radioactive materials present in the living environment.
Furthermore, based also on the lessons learned from this disaster, as well as taking all possible measures to respond to the large-scale natural disasters and accidents which threaten the lives and health of the people, we will reassess the government's disaster preparedness measures with the aim of creating a sustainable, disaster-resilient nation.
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3. Response to the Global Economic Crisis
In addition to recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, another priority issue that must be addressed by this Cabinet is the rebuilding of the Japanese economy. Since the March 11 disaster, issues such as the rapid appreciation of the yen, constraints on electricity supply and demand, and the instability of international financial markets have occurred in a composite manner. Japan is on the verge of suffering a major loss of national credibility due to the hollowing-out of its industries and its exacerbating financial situation.
Reconstruction of energy policy
The first step toward rebuilding Japan's economy is reconstructing its energy policy. We continue to face a situation where the supply and demand of electricity is constrained due to the nuclear power station accident. Without the stable provision of electricity, which is the very "blood" of our economy and society, the foundation for Japan's affluent lifestyle will lose stability and we will become unable to bolster domestic industrial activities.
Thanks to the energy saving efforts of the public this summer, we did not have to resort to carrying out rolling power outages. I thank you for your sincere understanding and cooperation. In order to empower Japan to escape the situation of being forced to endure energy-saving measures, we will spend the next one or two years implementing supply and demand countermeasures. At the same time, we will revise from scratch the current Basic Energy Policy, which lasts until 2030, and will create a new strategy and plan by around summer of next year. In doing so, we will steadily consider a mid- to long-term energy composition that citizens can feel comfortable with from the perspective of energy security as well as using cost analyses, while widely taking into account the views of wide-ranging groups of citizens.
Concerning nuclear power generation, it is unproductive to grasp nuclear power as a dichotomy between "zero nuclear power" and "promotion." In the mid- to long-term, we must aim to move in the direction of reducing our dependence on nuclear power generation as much as possible. At the same time, however, we will restart operations at nuclear power stations following regular inspections, for which safety has been thoroughly verified and confirmed, under the premise that a relationship of trust is developed with the local government. As per an organizational restructuring of nuclear safety regulation, the Nuclear Safety and Security Agency will be established as an affiliated agency of the Ministry of the Environment and will work to boldly unify regulations for nuclear power safety.
The history of humankind is also a history of people attempting to develop new types of energy. Japan, a country with few fossil fuel resources, must lead the rest of the world in constructing a society that bases itself on new forms of energy. Japan will utilize its advanced technological power to pair regulatory reform with measures to promote dissemination in transmitting a cutting-edge model for energy conservation and renewable energies to the world.
Implementation of bold countermeasures to the appreciating yen and industrial hollowing-out
Historical levels of yen appreciation paired with the rise of emerging economies and other factors are precipitating an unprecedented industrial hollowing-out crisis. The exporting companies and small to medium-size enterprises that have led Japanese industry in the past are now crying for help. Unless something is done, there is the concern that domestic industries will drop in strength and employment will be lost. If that happens, overcoming deflation and reconstruction in the affected areas will become significantly more difficult tasks.
Countries in Europe, the U.S. and Asia are engaging in a location battle where national efforts are being made to attract companies to their countries. In order for Japan to prevent the hollowing-out of its industries and maintain domestic employment, we must work together with the Bank of Japan, which conducts monetary policy, in utilizing all policy means available. First, we will utilize reserve funds and the third supplementary budget to implement emergency economic countermeasures that include the bold enhancement of location subsidies. Furthermore, we will take advantage of the merits of the appreciating yen to support Japanese companies in purchasing foreign companies and acquiring resource interests.
Achieving both economic growth and fiscal health
Since before the March 11 disaster, Japan relied on national bonds for half of its national revenue, and the national debt was at risk of reaching one thousand trillion yen. The disaster has raised the crisis level of the public finance even further, making Japan's situation the worst among major advanced nations. Today, as Japan's national credibility is severely questioned, we cannot continue to manage public finance by covering old debt with new debt. Do we have the right to force more debt on future generations, who cannot now speak for themselves? The responsibility of today's politicians is being put into question.
Financial reconstruction is by no means a simple problem that can be realized in a direct manner. There is the path of cutting expenditures, which is achieved by the streamlining of politics and governmental administration. There is also the path of increasing revenues realized by revitalizing the economy and the affluent lives of citizens. While exerting every effort to realize these two paths, there is also the path of revenue reform where we must ask citizens to bear a greater burden so that we do not create problems for future generations. We must push forward while keeping view of all of these three paths, and that makes for a difficult journey.
Economic growth and fiscal health must be advanced in unison like two wheels of the same vehicle. For that purpose, efforts to realize the New Growth Strategy formulated last year will be accelerated and a strategy that takes into account the circumstances after the disaster will be enhanced with the aim of compiling, by the end of the year, a strategy to revitalize Japan.
In order for the government to act as a "control tower" overseeing important national policies, including the realization of these strategies, we will gather the knowledge of the industrial, government, and academic sectors, consolidate existing meeting structures, and establish a new meeting structure, that I will administer.
It is the dynamism of private companies such as small and medium-size enterprises that will lead Japan's economic growth. We will develop an environment conducive to generating new industries and ample employment opportunities mainly in the environmental energy sector, which is also linked to resolving the problem of global warming, and the medical-related sector, which is in high demand due to Japan's longevity society. Moreover, in order to deepen relations with growing foreign markets, we will strategically promote economic partnerships and advance market development in a concerted effort between the public and private sectors, while at the same time strengthening efforts to attract expertise and funding from overseas.
The idea that "agriculture is the backbone of a country" is still alive today. Food supports and nurtures life. Due to the very fact that consumers demand a high standard of safety and reassurance, the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries may possibly become growth industries that assume the lead in the new era. Using efforts to revitalize agriculture, the core industry in affected areas in the Tohoku region, as a gateway, concrete measures will be compiled in order to swiftly revitalize the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries in accordance with the midterm recommendations of the Council for the Realization of the Revival of the Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Industries.
In addition, post offices are a pillar of social infrastructure that supports rural communities. I will work to ensure that the bill for the Postal Reform Act is quickly passed so that post offices are able to provide the basic services of the three branches in a unified manner as bond-forming bases among the people of each community.
The government will also continue to promote the reform for increasing local sovereignty.
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4. A Japan that has Hope and Pride
Along with overcoming the "two crises" of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the world economic crisis, we must invest in Japan's future in order to be a country filled with promise and a country which each and every person can have pride in and be grateful that they were born in this country.
The revival of a large middle class and social security reform
In times past, Japan used to be identified as a country in which all people belonged to the middle class. Supported also by one of the best social security systems in the world, the large middle class had been the basis of economic development and social stability. However, the birthrate decline and aging population have progressed rapidly, the employment and family patterns to date have largely transformed, and the "lifetime safety net" of the social security system, too, has begun to show some gaps. Among the people who used to belong to the middle class, there are now more people who are finding it difficult to get by.
Giving up could eventually turn to despair and then to anger, and then the collapse of the stability of the Japanese society from its core. "Hope" and "pride" will not emerge unless we bring back Japan which has "warmth" rather than "despair and anger." The social security system must be shifted to one that is tailored to all generations and one which all generations can feel is fair. Specifically, we need to strengthen support measures for the younger generation by advancing comprehensive support for children and child rearing, including the provision of child allowance agreed upon among the three parties of the Democratic Party of Japan, Liberal Democratic Party, and New Komeito party and the establishment of a framework for the unification of nurseries and kindergartens. Another major challenge is to eliminate any concerns about the healthcare and nursing care systems and to efficiently provide high quality services tailored to the community situation. Furthermore, amid prospects of a declining workforce population, we must improve the employment rate of young people, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. We must advance the realization of a society in which all people participate, in which everyone with a will to work is able to work. And we must form a reliable safety net to ensure that no one falls into the poverty cycle.
In June of this year, the government and ruling party's final draft plan for the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems was compiled after much discussion. With this plan as our basis, the ruling and opposition parties will sincerely carry out repeated discussions and we will aim to submit the relevant legislation during the next ordinary session of the Diet. In order for the ruling and opposition parties to have an open dialogue and to be able to reach an agreement on the passage of the legislation, I sincerely ask for the participation of the members of all parties and parliamentary groups in the policy discussions on the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems.
The aspiration to engage actively overseas and contribute to the international community and to all of mankind
In order for Japanese people to regain "hope" and "pride," there is one more important thing. That is never to become "inward-looking"--to have the aspiration to engage actively overseas. Since the Meiji Restoration, our forefathers paved the way to prosperity by boldly challenging the world. I believe there are definitely things that only we Japanese people can do to resolve the issues facing the international community and contribute to the future of all of mankind. In order to call forth the aspiration to become a pioneer of a new era among the young, we will advance the development of human resources, including the bringing up global human resources, and educate to develop people's ability to learn and think on their own. Furthermore, we will be exploring policies to open up frontiers of a new Japan, including the establishment of a new community development model which aims to achieve prosperous furusato (homelands), the development of sea areas which are said to be a reservoir of marine resources, and the establishment of a strategic scheme for promoting the development and use of outer space.
Restoration of confidence in politics and government administration
The country cannot function without the public's confidence in politics and government administration. We will strive to restore confidence through the generation of tangible outputs of administrative reform and political reform. Already, a Cabinet decision has been approved soon after the end of the war in 1946, which vowed to thoroughly revitalize the operations of the government in order to increase public confidence. Despite the fact that more than 60 years have passed since this Cabinet decision, government revitalization is still midway into the process. We will work to eliminate any wasteful spending and inefficiencies included in government administration and to strengthen the truly necessary government functions. These government revitalization efforts must be continued and reinforced consistently. We will enhance the methods of reviewing government programs (shiwake) that we have been undertaking since the change of government. Furthermore, the Government and ruling party will go back to the original goal of "putting the lives of the people first "and make concerted efforts to fight vested interests and to carry out an array of administrative reforms.
In order for the nation's civil servants to be able to truly demonstrate their capacities as those serving the needs of the people and realize efficient and high quality government services, we will endeavor to achieve the early passage of the legislation related to the reform of the system of national civil servants. Along with cutting the personnel costs of national civil servants, we will carry out efforts for materializing the reform of the civil servant system.
Our foremost priority in political reform is correcting the difference in weight attached to a vote, which is currently a violation of the Constitution. I expect that serious discussions will take place among the ruling and opposition parties regarding the mechanisms of the election system, including the issue of the number of Diet members.
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5. Foreign and National Security Policy that Addresses the New Requirements of the Times
Changes in the global situation and security environment surrounding Japan
The global situation surrounding Japan is continuing to change on a daily basis, even following the recent disaster. The global presence of emerging economies is increasing and in response to the new requirements of the times, brought about by multi-polarization it is vital that Japan's foreign policy respond robustly to these changes.
There is also an increasing lack of transparency in the security environment surrounding Japan. In such a situation it is naturally the responsibility of the government to create a system in time of peace that is capable of responding swiftly to any crisis that may unfold in order to ensure regional peace and stability as well as safety of the people. In accordance with the new National Defense Program Guidelines that were formulated at the end of last year, Japan will enhance its readiness and mobility and work to build a dynamic defense force, thus responding to the new security environment.
Deepening and developing the Japan-U.S. alliance
The Japan-U.S. alliance remains at the cornerstone of Japanese diplomacy and national security, and also a publicly shared asset fostering the stability and prosperity of not only the Asia-Pacific region, but also the world.
The significance of the Japan-U.S. alliance relationship that has been strengthened over the long course of more than half a century was reconfirmed during the disaster, through "Operation Tomodachi." In addition to moving quickly to build relations of trust at the leader level, we will work to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance on various levels, focusing particularly on security, economics, and exchanges of culture and human resources, thus deepening and developing an alliance relationship that is appropriate for the 21st century.
Regarding the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station, in line with the Japan-U.S. agreement, it is important to avoid a situation in which the Air Station becomes fixed in its current location and ensure that the burden on Okinawa is alleviated. We will make every effort in this regard, while explaining the situation sincerely to the people of Okinawa to ask for their understanding. We will also actively implement measures for the revitalization of Okinawa.
Strengthening bilateral relations with neighboring countries
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to remain as a center for global growth in the future and Japan will naturally continue to strengthen political and economic relations with countries in the region and also to deepen exchanges in cultural aspects. We will make efforts to build trust as a fellow member of the region and ensure robust relations.
In relations between Japan and China, in view of next year's 40th anniversary of the normalization of relations between our two countries, we will work to promote specific cooperation in a broad range of areas and, while seeking for China to play an appropriate role befitting its responsibilities as a member of the international community with greater transparency, we will work to deepen our strategic relationship of mutual benefit.
In relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), we will further strengthen relations, based on a future-oriented vision towards the next one hundred years. In relations with North Korea, in cooperation with other countries and based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, Japan seeks to normalize its diplomatic relations with North Korea through the comprehensive resolution of the outstanding issues of concern, including the abduction, nuclear, and missile issues, and settling the unfortunate past. Regarding the abduction issue, this is a grave issue that relates to national sovereignty and as the responsibility of the State, we will spare no effort towards achieving the return of all abductees to Japan at the earliest possible juncture.
In relations with Russia, in addition to continuing tenacious efforts to resolve the issue of the Northern Territories, which is of prime concern, we will work to build an appropriate relationship as a partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
Linkage in a multi-polar world
In order to cultivate assured bonds with each country in a multi-polar world, great strength of will be required to join together in resolving the challenges that the world faces in common. These "kizuna"--bonds of friendship-- must be broadened and expanded in multiple tiers of society, in various public and private sector bodies.
One example of such efforts based on such "kizuna" is recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The disaster-affected regions have benefited from the provision of countless instances of warm support from countries around the world. This assistance can be said to be one of the significant fruits of Japan's contribution to the international community in the post-war period and the trust the world places in us. Japan is the only country in the world to have suffered the devastation of an atomic bombing and is also a country that has suffered from the recent unprecedented disaster. In addition to continuing to take the lead among nations to appeal for nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, Japan must pay back the kindness that has been shown by the world, by sharing the lessons and knowledge we have gained in the areas of nuclear safety and disaster prevention with other countries.
Efforts to strengthen linkages between countries in economic aspects are termed "economic cooperation. "As a part of such cooperation, essential challenges are efforts to ensure growth in the global economy and prevent the hollowing out of industry. Based on the "Basic Policy on Comprehensive Economic Partnerships" we will make strategic moves seeking to conclude high-level economic partnership agreements (EPA). In specific terms we will advance the EPA negotiations with the ROK and Australia, and we will aim to initiate negotiations in the near term for a Japan-EU EPA and a Japan-China-ROK EPA. In addition, with regard to the participation in the negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, we will conduct thorough discussions with a view to reaching a conclusion as soon as possible.
With regard to measures relating to such issues as securing natural resources and energy as well as a stable supply of food, we will proceed actively with economic diplomacy. In addition, in respect of various global challenges, including assistance to developing countries and a response to international negotiations on climate change, a response to the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, and measures for fragile states, Japan will continue to make an active contribution.
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6. Closing Remarks
Politics is all about working tenaciously to bring about realistic solutions to issues, while coordinating contradictory interests and values. The essence of parliamentary democracy lies in consensus building based on carefully wrought dialogue and understanding.
Under the previous administration we have already found a number of solutions through repeated dialogue. Given the constraints placed on us by a divided Diet, now is an apt and opportune moment to reflect on the rightful nature of the legislative branch of government, namely the aim of reaching consensus through discussion.
To the honorable members of the Diet gathered here, representing your constituents, and to the people of Japan, I would like to reiterate the following.
In order to revive Japan from this historic national crisis, do we not need to now amass and concentrate all the latent potential in our country? The members of the Cabinet will make concerted efforts to discharge their responsibilities. The members of the bureaucracy will demonstrate their maximum abilities as experts in their fields. The ruling and opposition parties will engage in thorough discussions and dialogue and give their all to identify common ground. Is it not now time for the government, corporations and each individual, indeed every person in the nation, to be of one mind and united in our efforts to face this crisis?
I will take the lead among the Cabinet in listening carefully to the voices and the heartfelt cries of each and every person in the nation. I will conduct myself with "sincere spirit and just intent." I will devote myself only to the people of Japan, and, in order to overcome the crisis before us and resolve the challenges that have beset Japan for many years, I am determined to spare no effort as I advance tenaciously and doggedly forward, one step at a time.
I close my policy speech by reiterating my request for the understanding and cooperation of my fellow citizens.
(Sep. 15, 2011)
15/09 Most cesium in forests found 'on fallen leaves'
The Yomiuri Shimbun
As much as 50 percent to 90 percent of radioactive cesium on the ground in forested areas as a result of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant accident is concentrated on fallen leaves and branches, according to a measurement by experts.
The discovery indicates it is possible to reduce large amounts of ground radiation by removing fallen forest materials, and likely will become basic data for decontamination measures.
A research team led by Tsukuba University Prof. Yuichi Onda reported the results of the measurement, which was carried out between June and August, at a review meeting of the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry on Tuesday.
The research team compared densities of radioactive cesium and its cumulative quantities at a coniferous cedar forest and a forest with ample broad-leaved beech trees, both in Kawamatamachi, Fukushima Prefecture, and within the government-designated evacuation zone.
The cumulative amount of radioactive cesium in living leaves at the cedar forest was found to be higher than in the broad leaf forest. However, in fallen leaves at the broad leaf forest, the cumulative amount of radioactive cesium was three times to six times higher than in fallen material at the cedar forest.
Of the cumulative quantity of radioactive cesium in the cedar forest, about 50 percent to 90 percent was found to be concentrated on fallen branches. In the broad leaf forest, more than 90 percent of radioactive cesium was found to be accumulated on fallen leaves, according to the research.
The result likely indicates that larger amounts of radioactive cesium contaminated ground covered with fallen leaves in the broad leaf forest because there were fewer living leaves in the forest in March, when the crippled nuclear plant began spewing large quantities of radioactive material.
Decontamination of forests has become a problem in evacuation zones in the prefecture. Onda said removing fallen leaves would be an effective way of decontaminating forests. "In addition to this, we want the government to consider trimming branches and cutting down trees as decontamination measures," he said.
(Sep. 15, 2011)
As much as 50 percent to 90 percent of radioactive cesium on the ground in forested areas as a result of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant accident is concentrated on fallen leaves and branches, according to a measurement by experts.
The discovery indicates it is possible to reduce large amounts of ground radiation by removing fallen forest materials, and likely will become basic data for decontamination measures.
A research team led by Tsukuba University Prof. Yuichi Onda reported the results of the measurement, which was carried out between June and August, at a review meeting of the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry on Tuesday.
The research team compared densities of radioactive cesium and its cumulative quantities at a coniferous cedar forest and a forest with ample broad-leaved beech trees, both in Kawamatamachi, Fukushima Prefecture, and within the government-designated evacuation zone.
The cumulative amount of radioactive cesium in living leaves at the cedar forest was found to be higher than in the broad leaf forest. However, in fallen leaves at the broad leaf forest, the cumulative amount of radioactive cesium was three times to six times higher than in fallen material at the cedar forest.
Of the cumulative quantity of radioactive cesium in the cedar forest, about 50 percent to 90 percent was found to be concentrated on fallen branches. In the broad leaf forest, more than 90 percent of radioactive cesium was found to be accumulated on fallen leaves, according to the research.
The result likely indicates that larger amounts of radioactive cesium contaminated ground covered with fallen leaves in the broad leaf forest because there were fewer living leaves in the forest in March, when the crippled nuclear plant began spewing large quantities of radioactive material.
Decontamination of forests has become a problem in evacuation zones in the prefecture. Onda said removing fallen leaves would be an effective way of decontaminating forests. "In addition to this, we want the government to consider trimming branches and cutting down trees as decontamination measures," he said.
(Sep. 15, 2011)
15/09 UAVs, robots to join response to N-disasters
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The government plans to introduce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and military robots to bolster the response to any future accidents at nuclear power plants and other disasters.
The purchase cost totaling an estimated 1 billion yen will be outlaid in the third supplementary budget for the current fiscal year, an official said Tuesday.
UAVs and military robots will be used by the Ground Self-Defense Force, and research will be conducted on practical applications for the purpose of disaster response, the official said.
The introduction of the advanced technology is based on lessons learned from the ongoing nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, triggered by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
GSDF helicopters were mobilized to collect data from the Fukushima plant following the outbreak of the crisis, but their data-gathering ability was limited due to dangers of radiation exposure. Unmanned U.S. surveillance planes and military robots took the place of the helicopters to assess the situation inside and around the reactors.
The government plans to purchase two ScanEagle autonomous unmanned vehicles developed and built by Boeing Co. and the Insitu Group, both of the United States, as well as two domestically manufactured UAVs.
The ScanEagle, which has a wingspan of about three meters, was used by the U.S. military for operations in the Middle East and elsewhere.
For military robots, the government is considering U.S.-based iRobot Corp., whose robots were used to measure radiation levels inside the Fukushima nuclear complex.
If the UAVs and military robots prove successful in disaster-response efforts, the government will also consider using them in antiterrorism operations.
(Sep. 15, 2011)
The government plans to introduce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and military robots to bolster the response to any future accidents at nuclear power plants and other disasters.
The purchase cost totaling an estimated 1 billion yen will be outlaid in the third supplementary budget for the current fiscal year, an official said Tuesday.
UAVs and military robots will be used by the Ground Self-Defense Force, and research will be conducted on practical applications for the purpose of disaster response, the official said.
The introduction of the advanced technology is based on lessons learned from the ongoing nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, triggered by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
GSDF helicopters were mobilized to collect data from the Fukushima plant following the outbreak of the crisis, but their data-gathering ability was limited due to dangers of radiation exposure. Unmanned U.S. surveillance planes and military robots took the place of the helicopters to assess the situation inside and around the reactors.
The government plans to purchase two ScanEagle autonomous unmanned vehicles developed and built by Boeing Co. and the Insitu Group, both of the United States, as well as two domestically manufactured UAVs.
The ScanEagle, which has a wingspan of about three meters, was used by the U.S. military for operations in the Middle East and elsewhere.
For military robots, the government is considering U.S.-based iRobot Corp., whose robots were used to measure radiation levels inside the Fukushima nuclear complex.
If the UAVs and military robots prove successful in disaster-response efforts, the government will also consider using them in antiterrorism operations.
(Sep. 15, 2011)
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