Mon 2008/09/01 22:32
Tonight's TV programs were interrupted by a broadcast by the current prime minister Yasuo Fukuda announcing that he is to resign. Since I came into contact with Japan, I noticed that the prime minister seemed to changed with the seasons - all the time ^^; They really don't last long here and receive a bashing from everyone as soon as they are appointed as prime minister. Does your prime minister/president change with the seasons too? Image from ABC, News from the TV
Posted on Mon 2008/09/01 22:32 by
will rozen aso take over?
(ID #287106) Posted on 2008/09/01 22:45
rofl that would be great ahah
(ID #287530) Posted on 2008/09/02 06:36
actually i do remember hes running to take the job. I hope he gets it
(ID #287533) Posted on 2008/09/02 06:41
Writer.
Yeah, was on the news tonight. Very same guy which lost out to Fukuda during the elections, too. Would be funny to see a fellow otaku lead a country.
(ID #288323) Posted on 2008/09/03 00:12
this is really crazy. how come the political winds in Japan are so violent? this is quite unexpected. wonder if the Nikkei 225's going to take a further fall tomorrow...
(ID #287115) Posted on 2008/09/01 22:53
Nope, our president is chosen by elections in November. Our election is in full swing. They serve 2 years before the next election I think and no more then four. Not sure if this right, been awhile since I took government in high school.
(ID #287116) Posted on 2008/09/01 22:54
4 years is right, but there has been a few presidents who served longer than that.
(ID #287141) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:08
Secretary
Each term is 4 years, you can be reelected once (so a total of 2 terms).
(ID #287547) Posted on 2008/09/02 07:27
Whether your current President "Dubya" Bush was ever legitimately elected could be debated. I'm putting my money on Obama this time. An African American president could bring a shift in perception to everyone, and that can only be a good thing.
(ID #287172) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:40
The issue with Obama is the huge hype surrounding his slogans "change" and "hope". If he performs anything but spectacular (hard to do when inheriting a country in a recession) then it could hinder the perception of other minority candidates or even other politicians for the foreseeable future.
(ID #287555) Posted on 2008/09/02 07:49
Photographer/Night Auditor
Four years per term and can only be elected twice for a possible total of eight. I've already made up my mind so not paying attention to the freaking media circus that has become the election run off.
(ID #287228) Posted on 2008/09/02 00:41
average highschool geek
Singapore prime ministers don't change very often. in fact, the first lasted from 1959 to 1990; the second 1990 to 2004; and the third is currently holding the position. Note: 1.the third is the first's son. 2.the second is not. (note the difference in the term served) *hint*hint*
(ID #287122) Posted on 2008/09/01 22:57
LOL Seconded
(ID #287229) Posted on 2008/09/02 00:43
That's still like 14 years, he must've governed with some efficacy, ne?
(ID #287282) Posted on 2008/09/02 01:37
Almost the same situation in my country. Current Prime Minister is only the 5th so far. And the 4th had been around for a very very long time.
(ID #287508) Posted on 2008/09/02 05:48
Kinny Riddle (Registered on 2008/03/19 22:37)
If we keep our fingers crossed, the current Malaysian one will be dumped into the dustbin of history in about 2 weeks time.
(ID #288326) Posted on 2008/09/03 00:13
Government Agent
didn't he just took office not too long ago? like last year? ever since Koizumi left, last 2 seem like total garbage compared to him... i hate to be the next person in line for the next Prime Minister...
(ID #287135) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:05
Over the past 20 years, Japanese prime ministers have had short terms. Koizumi was the exception; he was more of a rock star (popularity-wise) than the others, and got out when the going was good. Plus, following the political gaffs surrounding Fukuda (and Abe, before him), it wasn't unexpected that he would resign. The timing is what caught most of us political insiders off. ^^;
(ID #287742) Posted on 2008/09/02 12:52
College Student
Yes, tenrou, I agree. Not only charismatic, but also a rock fan with a somewhat rock-style personality. But the only thing I don't like about him is the Yasukuni Shrine visit. Anyway, it seems that the ruling party (or the government) is pretty screwed up right now.
(ID #287939) Posted on 2008/09/02 16:08
former Emperor of Britannia
whoa... its almost like a hobby of them to do this.
(ID #287149) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:19
we usually choose our president for every 5 year but the last 4 year is full of citizen bashing LOL its always like that in any part of the world its hard to be a president, i think^^
(ID #287155) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:25
Well in a job where you're trying essentially to please everyone, it's a total impossibility to be a complete success. You'll always have one person, or group, or another hating you or wanting you out of office.
(ID #287302) Posted on 2008/09/02 01:48
same here in India too. But many governments hardly last even the 5 years. some die halfway near 2-4 years. Present govt is lasted almost 5 years now (somehow), so its time for elections here too.
(ID #287708) Posted on 2008/09/02 12:13
Pseudo-Graphic Designer
I remember voting for the Indonesian election a few years back at the Indonesian Consulate. I didn't really know who to vote since I was so out of the political news over there, so I had to ask my dad.
(ID #287928) Posted on 2008/09/02 15:59
Student and full-time otaku
We've been with the same for about 7 years now I believe. Don't change often over here (elections every 4 years), but sometimes 'political crises' as they call 'em make for earlier elections. Doesn't happen extremely often though
(ID #287159) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:27
Australian prime ministers are elected for terms of three years, though they can keep re-running for election ad-nauseum (I think). Our current PM Kevin Rudd (Labor Party corporatist) was elected last year. Previously the PM was John Howard (Liberal Party neocon with authoritarian tendencies) who held office for about 12 years I think, which was roughly 11.5 years too long for my liking. Mind you, in reality there are only two political parties with sufficient numbers to get elected in Australia, and they're pretty much the same. They're all mostly self-serving yes men to the USA. Rant over:)
(ID #287165) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:34
Mine changes almost every season, since the regime of Soeharto (deceased) falls(10 yrs ago).. every 5 yrs .. Only 1 president was changed 3 yrs after he ruled my country..
(ID #287166) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:35
anime/cosplay events organizer
Our government here is using the Presidential system so that means we change presidents for every 8 years (iirc) unless there's an impeachment... But there are plans to change the government system into a Parliamentary system... There are times that I don't like politics >.>
(ID #287167) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:36
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
Actually it's only 6 years.... You really wouldn't want a charter change within this time.... But I guess it's Ok when SHE finally gets to step down this coming 2010. I personally would like a Federal Government though. Darn it, I'm here in DC to forget about school...
(ID #287257) Posted on 2008/09/02 01:19
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:30)
lol! however if you think about it there's a very clear contrast between Japan's Prime Ministers and the Philippine presidency. in Japan, when their honor is questioned they themselves would resign, in the Philippines when the president's honor is questioned they would just turn a deaf ear and say the hell with you. ^^ however I tend to think like how CNN put it during the height of the Clinton white house intern scandal. "as long as the president is doing his/her job". thus if the current administration is doing a good job in running the country, scandals and controversies should be taken as nothing but tabloid-like sensationalism
(ID #287721) Posted on 2008/09/02 12:27
ABAP Developer + Mecha Junkie
don't want to start an endless political rant here, but now that's the primary question -- is the current administration doing a good job in running the country?...
(ID #288077) Posted on 2008/09/02 17:55
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:30)
could be better, but IMHO better than the past administrations. ^^ just jaded with all the controversies. but like Wildflug said, I'd rather talk about gundams and anime while at DannyChoo.com. ^^
(ID #288389) Posted on 2008/09/03 01:11
Kamen Rider MavericK......not. Part-timer.
Is Mr Fukuda trying to pull a 'Asakura Keita' on the citizens of Japan? =P
(ID #287169) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:39
Well, I know the previous prime minister of Japan got into trouble with all the minister scandals and the destruction of the pension records. Makes you wonder if the country is ruled by inept and corrupt politicians, huh? I have no idea why this current prime minister of Japan is resigning though. He seemed to have gotten on rather well by mending ties with China and.. hmm, I have no idea what he else has done so far either.
(ID #287186) Posted on 2008/09/01 23:55
I would say mending ties with China would be a big reason he's resigning. The USA and Japan are close politically and economically, and the USA doesn't want China getting any more trade deals/concessions in the region because they want to control Asia themselves. That's also why the USA is in Afghanistan, and will never leave.
(ID #287206) Posted on 2008/09/02 00:16
Exactly, america still relies on that antiquated notion that failing finesse, brute force will save them from any peril. They're an anachronism in this day and age. The whole debacle with the iraq war stems from the fact that america simply didn't understand, and won't understand, what they were getting into. They have a few people at the top directing things that don't understand that you can't walk into a society rooted in thousands of years of religious zealotry and theocratic systems and brutalize their "bad guys" and everyone will be free and love you and welcome democracy with open arms. It's not that simple for those people as black and white, "terrorists" and civilians, but hell if they're not going to try and force it on them, because it's in the US's best interests. Japan needs to unpolarize itself from america and stop kowtowing. So perhaps Fukuda was a "planned sacrifice" to start those wheels in motion? Regardless, China is coming up fast and america needs to stop burying it's head in the sand before they have to go to war on another front because of all of their saber-rattling and lack of adequate foreign policy or sense of compromise. Just remember, Rome fell and look at how mighty and large it was... no reign is forever.
(ID #287316) Posted on 2008/09/02 02:04
Software Quality Engineer
WELL SAID Karasu-kun! Well said.
(ID #287375) Posted on 2008/09/02 02:57
In regards to America in Iraq, the Iraqi people had no problems with the U.S. coming in and overthrowing Saddam. The problems started when the U.S. wouldn't leave. To quote one Iraqi government official: "This isn't like the end of WW II. You didn't conquer us like you did Germany and Japan. You freed us from a violent dictator. You should have left us, and let us run our own country. Instead, you treated us as an occupation, and stayed." As for Japan kowtowing, either you need to look up the definition of that word, or look at relations between Japan and America more closely. The U.S. has managed to keep its bases on Japan, but that's about it. Most of the policies and decisions between the two have been in Japan's favor (the security agreements between the two are a good example). As for polarizing, Japan is not the only bilateral partnership the U.S. has in Asia. South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and a host of other nations in the area are tied to the U.S. And China is actively working at engaging with Washington to work up a mutual interest framework.
(ID #287764) Posted on 2008/09/02 13:09
I agree with you mostly, except that America (and all her Western allies) don't give a damn about democracy (i.e. a leader freely elected by the people). Basically, the West (USA,UK,Canada,Japan, Australia et al) only believe in democracy if the people elect someone that is friendly to the corporate interests of the West.
(ID #288177) Posted on 2008/09/02 21:37
One of my teachers once said: "If elections would change anything they would have been abolished." I think he was right on this one.
(ID #288387) Posted on 2008/09/03 01:10
Actually, the U.S. has no problems with the trade deals between China and other nations, since they're trying to strengthen ties with China, themselves. In fact, the U.S. has been urging Japan to strengthen ties with China, too. The reason he's resigning has to do with the division within the Diet. The Upper House is currently run by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), while the Lower House is run by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Fukuda, an LDP member, has been unpopular with the DPJ for a while, now. Additionally, he's pissed off a lot of people within his own party. Now, several crucial bills are up for vote in the Diet, and the parties have come to a political deadlock. Fukuda is a big reason for this deadlock, so in hopes of breaking it, he's decided to resign, and let someone else take charge.
(ID #287752) Posted on 2008/09/02 12:59
JR. College Student
I actually like the Democratic Party of Japan, I hope one of them takes office! DPJ Banzai!
(ID #287827) Posted on 2008/09/02 13:56
It will be difficult, since the Lower House is the more powerful of the two houses, and Prime Ministers are traditionally elected by them. Still, stranger things have happened...^_^
(ID #287854) Posted on 2008/09/02 14:13
I'd still say China getting cosy with Iran and Saudi Arabia is not very palatable to the U.S. I'd be interested to know what the bills are that the parties can't agree on in Japan. I'd be willing to bet that some of it is still related to the interests of the USA, either directly or indirectly. As you can tell, I like my USA world domination conspiracy theory ;)
(ID #288189) Posted on 2008/09/02 21:58
Good article on the resignation at http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20080902TDY01304.htm And you're right, the U.S. doesn't like China getting cozy with Iran. Or with Myanmar. Or with Sudan. Pretty much the same people that most of our allies (that includes your government)don't like, either...^^
(ID #288512) Posted on 2008/09/03 03:10
no not changing with season, but it during 6 mounths to 2 year in a average !
(ID #287198) Posted on 2008/09/02 00:06
My country now is Tsunami Politics...Anwar Ibrahim gonna get current PM down and change government @ 16 th of Sept 2008..
(ID #287211) Posted on 2008/09/02 00:22
man, its dangerous to talk about our country's politics. before u know it, ISA is knocking at ur door.. and remember that Negarakuku guy - he got his *** scr*w up by the politicians and brainwashed him and now he is [fill in the blanks].
(ID #287357) Posted on 2008/09/02 02:40
Web Surfer, 大学生 【だいがくせい】
Negarakuku??? Sounds like a DC memeber?was he??? Sorry i don't follow politics.
(ID #287379) Posted on 2008/09/02 03:03
well if you must, negaraku (My Country) is the national anthem of M'sia. negarakuku is a parody of the song done by a frustrated M'sian student aboard. more details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negarakuku http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyiBvJtJ5Z4 lets hope ISA doesnt read this blog
(ID #287386) Posted on 2008/09/02 03:09
Full time nerd
man, if its not a country that changes their leader too little too fast, it's countries leader that don't want to change out like Malaysia.
(ID #287710) Posted on 2008/09/02 12:14
I just googled ISA as I hadn't heard of it. Scary stuff. Believe it or not, Australia has similar laws that were brought in as anti-terror laws after Sep 11 2001, where you can be detained without charge. They still need a warrant signed by a judge, but the govt can claim they have secret evidence against you that can't be disclosed due to national security reasons, and so a government minister effectively has the sole power to detain you without charge. And this is the 'Lucky' country. Good luck to you all in Malaysia.
(ID #288200) Posted on 2008/09/02 22:12
Working Otaku mom
Around here, it's more like president starts wars for what seem like to a lot of people are good reasons, but deep down inside we know these wars are just really stupid. And when the war hits and prices of everything tend to skyrocket (such as gas,etc...)... if it's not that it's people getting involved in the presidents scandals that should really be nobody elses business but his and his family...
(ID #287224) Posted on 2008/09/02 00:34
it's the season for stepping down lalalala lalalala it is my belief that political leaders are cannon fodder for us. with the exception of singapore...
(ID #287240) Posted on 2008/09/02 00:55
I've just heard of it not long ago either. It's a pity as he was considered by some as a new hope for easing the tensions with its neighbouring countries that Koizumi has done. There has been political problems in various places over Asia. Thailand faced an uprising very recently, former Taiwanese president is accused of money laudering and more (and the current one isn't satisfying his people), and Hong Kong isn't doing much better either. There's a Legco (Legislative Council) election this week... Gotta decide who to vote for soon.
(ID #287256) Posted on 2008/09/02 01:18
TK-8316 / 宅男 Otaku / 工程师 Engineer
singapore has always been ruled by a single family. even when he step down, he is still in power, he's the master yoda of the cabinet. the family is very powerful. heck even the PM's wife is powerful. http://www.asiaone.com/Just%2BWoman/News/Women%2BIn%2BThe%2BNews/Story/A1Story20080828-84726.html
(ID #287259) Posted on 2008/09/02 01:20
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
Very useful stuff Danny! Presidents here in the Philippines have a term of 6 years in office. But other presidents such as Ferdinand Marcos extended his regime for quite a time. And our current president is trying to extend her term by implementing a charter change, as Henry said she wants our government system to be changed into parliamentary.
(ID #287263) Posted on 2008/09/02 01:24
Unfortunately in the last eight years ours hasn't changed with the seasons. -_-; He did however steal the first election and "fudge" his way in the second time. Ah well, Planet of the Apes had to happen some time. And I'm talking the Marky Mark remake, not the one with that gun nut in it, what's his name? =P
(ID #287278) Posted on 2008/09/02 01:34
Web Surfer, 大学生 【だいがくせい】
Charleston Heston?
(ID #287384) Posted on 2008/09/02 03:06
As far as i know such a thing never happened in post-war Germany. Our President is elected for a term of 5 years and is only allowed to be reelected once. While he is the head of state his function is more ceremonial. The most power lies with our parliament and the actual goverment which is led by a chancellor. (electted every 4 years)
(ID #287295) Posted on 2008/09/02 01:43
Theoretically he has a lot of influence because no law can come into effect without his signature. For example he could do so when a draft law is unconstitutional. This hardly happens though because by doing this he would piss off the people that elected him (=Federal Assembly). Thus more often than not even clearly unconstitutional draft laws like the Telecommunications Data Retention Law got signed. I'm quite sure that if we didn't have the Federal Constitutional Court Germany would be an authoritarian state by now.
(ID #287590) Posted on 2008/09/02 08:38
radical anime fan in Singapore; starting to freeze up. Mmm, end-of-year weather. (Registered on 2007/01/25 22:08)
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
In Singapore, Prime Ministers bash YOU! XD No, not really, but no one ever criticizes them. After all, with 2/3 PMs from the same family, you've gotta think that something is starting... :P
(ID #287314) Posted on 2008/09/02 02:00
Unless the President is assassinated, its unlikely that he won't serve out his entire term, regardless of his public ratings, or personal/job actions. Take President Bush for example. He started an illegal, unconstitutional war, signed on the Patriot Act essentially allowing the government to do ANYTHING they want if you are suspected as a terrorist....and gladly signs on for 500 billion dollar war bills.... Of course its all to further the political agendas of a small grp of people who notoriouslly shifted all the power to the executive branch, and refused to be accountable for anything they do claiming executive privilege if you question them. Also if you question them you are considered unpatriotic, or accused of not supporting our troops. The whole point is my country is run by criminal elements of the federal government who have introduced fear and terror into their own country to usher in a new age of imperialism.....first Iraq..then Afghanistsan...now we have Iran surrounded. Did i mention our support of Georgia..yea they're right on the other side of Iran. Now that we have multiple locations to launch offensives against any other middle east nations that won't concede to our powers that be (the world bank, central bankers, and corporations), its only inevitable that Iran is next. Read some old presidents quotes to see the truth of this matter. The government has been in the hands of the international bankers since the days of Andrew Jackson. And the central bankers love nothing more than war..it creates oppurtunities to reap billions of dollars in profits. I LOVE MY COUNTRY. A patriotic individual has an obligation to make sure their government is operating correctly, and standing up to injustice and criminal elements within the fed is the most patriotic thing you can do.
(ID #287315) Posted on 2008/09/02 02:03
Web Surfer, 大学生 【だいがくせい】
How do you fight corporations???
(ID #287387) Posted on 2008/09/02 03:09
Service desk support
that's not true, The prime minister before Shinzo Abe, Koizumi was ridiculously popular and lasted several terms and only left because he was not allowed to go for another one. can't say I'm surprised by the resignation announcement. From my understanding, Fukuda inherited low popularity from his predecessor as well as a considerably stronger opposition compared to when Koizumi was in charge so his policies were blocked most of the time, so the public wouldn't rally behind him. Plus, he was more old fashioned and conservative compared to the maverick and (trying to be) hip Koizumi The British PM, Gordon Brown is in a similar situation, but his opponents aren't as strong. As for the US Presidential election, I think Obama will win it but he will be a pretty ineffective President. His policies lack focus and he keeps harping on about changing the political system, which he will find is very hard to do.
(ID #287320) Posted on 2008/09/02 02:09
Agreed...^^
(ID #287769) Posted on 2008/09/02 13:12
Kinda off topic but, i found one of the quotes i was looking for:
" I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous than standing armies.....If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of currency, the banks and the corporations that grow up around them will deprive there people of their property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered"
-Thomas Jefferson, former US President
AND THE REAL EYE OPENER:
“I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated Governments in the civilized world - no longer a Government by free opinion, no longer a Government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a Government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men.”
-Woodrow Wilson, former US president
Yea so it doesn't really matter who is president.........anywhere
(ID #287341) Posted on 2008/09/02 02:24
I was at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo when Toshikatsu Matsuoka commited suicide. At first I thought tons of helicopters always circled the diet, then I learned later that it was a pretty big event. Japanese say they are a very proud people, however I think they are selfish and weak for quiting so easily. The idea of (losing face) infront of your family/friends and country is way way way overblown in Japan. I hope the Japanese people learn to not be so critical of eachother in the future. I hope Aso is appointed next Prime Minister. That guy is awesome. If you rally in Akiba you get a star in my book. Also he loves Rozen Maiden. I was at the democratic national convention in Denver last week, and I was walking around everywhere with a pin that said Junichiro Koizumi for US President. lolol.
(ID #287370) Posted on 2008/09/02 02:51
Web Surfer, 大学生 【だいがくせい】
Segata Sanshiro for President!!!
(ID #287391) Posted on 2008/09/02 03:12
The PM needs more time for his figures collection.
(ID #287389) Posted on 2008/09/02 03:10
The PM needs more time for his figures collection.
(ID #287390) Posted on 2008/09/02 03:10
In my country we actuallly dont elect the leader, we simply elect the people who are parties that are gonna make up the governing body (179 members) and then they chose the leader of them, but he doesnt really decide alot of things cause if he doesnt get majority by the counsil to his suggestions he must resign immidiatly. I think the longest anyone has server is 12 years, and they usually server 4-8 years.
(ID #287405) Posted on 2008/09/02 03:27
university film student