[Japan] All-Nippon News Network

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All-Nippon News Network​

 

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All-Nippon News Network https:// news.tv-asahi.co.jp/​

English News Division Political News Alert September 15, 1995

New Government Takes Power Under New Election Rules A new government has been formed under Prime Minister Ryūtarō Hashimoto from the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (自由民主党, Jiyū-Minshutō). Former Socialist Party Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama was forced to dissolve the existing governing coalition earlier this month citing irreconcilable differences between the coalition parties. The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan-led coalition of the LDP, the New Party Sakigake, and the New Frontier Party won a sweeping victory under rallying cries of economic reform and a renewal of the Japanese Self Defense Forces which had been allowed to decay recently. This was the first election under the new rules which ended the multi-representative district system. Former Prime Minister Murayama faced mounting internal pressure from within the governing coalition due to the continued economic lagging of the Japanese economy. LDP members pushed for privatization of some state-held entities and reduction of the government administrative apparatuses as a means of stimulating the economy but Murayama refused. The issue that finally broke the coalition was the LDP's desire to end the self-imposed defense export ban. Prime Minister Murayama refused any proposals that could be construed as a return of the Japanese Military-Industrial complex. The new governing coalition, led by the LDP, came as a shock to the country as the LDP and the New Frontier Party were the two largest, and largely competing parties. The LDP's adoption of the New Frontier Party's more hawkish views on revitalizing Japan's military seems to have won the new party over. Several LDP members left the party over this issue but the addition of the New Frontier Party's seats allowed the LDP to form a strong majority government. It seems that the LDP is rebuilding itself as both the New Frontier Party and the New Party Sakigake were splinter parties from the LDP. This was the first election under the new election rules which ended the multi-representative district system. Now, the Japanese Diet has two parallel voting systems for the Diet. Voters now vote in two distinct categories. First, voters will vote for a single direct representative meant to represent their regional needs, then voters cast ballots for parties to represent national issues. New Prime Minister Hashimoto promises to end the economic downturn with tightening the government's belt as well as several projects meant to stimulate the economy.

 

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All-Nippon News Network https:// news.tv-asahi.co.jp/​

English News Division Political News Alert September 16, 1995

Defense Export Ban Lifted Wasting no time to make good on campaign promises, Prime Minister Ryūtarō Hashimoto and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ichirō Ozawa, issued a joint statement announcing that Japan's long self-imposed ban on exporting domestically produced defense assets has been lifted. Prime Minister Hashimoto emphasized that sales of these assets would stimulate both the national economy of Japan as well as replace government funding that is to be cut by his government. Deputy Prime Minister Ozawa spoke at length about the sovereignty of Japan as a full state in the global system. He said it is imperative that Japan participates fully in the global economy, stepping forward fully into a new future. The hope is that sales of domestically produced Japanese defense assets would provide many more jobs in the heavy manufacturing industry. Private corporations, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, have issued states strongly in favor of the lifting of the ban and have announced that they will be exploring expanding their operations to meet the potential demand. Takako Doi, a prominent leader in the Japan Socialist Party, wrote a scathing opposition to this that was printed widely across the country. She wrote that this action was the herald of a return to Japanese militarism, stating that having Japan's defense corporations involved in world conflicts would push these corporations, and their political pawns, to pursue more aggressive policies in the world rather than seeking peaceful resolutions.

 

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All-Nippon News Network https:// news.tv-asahi.co.jp/​

English News Division Political News Alert September 24, 1995

Japanese Government Officially Apologizes for WWII Marking 50 years since the ending of World War 2 hostilities, Prime Minister Ryūtarō Hashimoto, before a packed audience delivered the following message: "The world has seen fifty years elapse since the war came to an end. Now, when I remember the many people both at home and abroad who fell victim to war, my heart is overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. The peace and prosperity of today were built as Japan overcame great difficulty to arise from a devastated land after defeat in the war. That achievement is something of which we are proud, and let me herein express my heartfelt admiration for the wisdom and untiring effort of each and every one of our citizens. Let me also express once again my profound gratitude for the indispensable support and assistance extended to Japan by the countries of the world, beginning with the United States of America. I am also delighted that we have been able to build the friendly relations which we enjoy today with the neighboring countries of the Asia-Pacific region, the United States and the countries of Europe. Now that Japan has come to enjoy peace and abundance, we tend to overlook the pricelessness and blessings of peace. I believe that, as we join hands, especially with the peoples of neighboring countries, to ensure true peace in the Asia-Pacific region -indeed, in the entire world- it is necessary, more than anything else, that we foster relations with all countries based on deep understanding and trust. Furthermore, I will continue in all sincerity to do my utmost in efforts being made on the issues arisen from the war, in order to further strengthen the relations of trust between Japan and those countries. Now, upon this historic occasion of the 50th anniversary of the war's end, we should bear in mind that we must look into the past to learn from the lessons of history, and ensure that we do not stray from the path to the peace and prosperity of human society in the future. During a certain period in the not too distant past, Japan, following a mistaken national policy, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations. In the hope that no such mistake be made in the future, I regard, in a spirit of humility, these irrefutable facts of history, and express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology. Allow me also to express my feelings of profound mourning for all victims, both at home and abroad, of that history. Let us be clear with our apologies: to China for untold horrors wrought upon your people, to Korea for years of exploitation, to the United States for a brutal campaign, and to others too many to count, let me extend our humblest apologies. Building from our deep remorse on this occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of the war, Japan must promote international coordination as a responsible member of the international community and, thereby, advance the principles of peace and democracy. At the same time, as the only country to have experienced the devastation of atomic bombing, Japan, with a view to the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons, must actively strive to further global disarmament in areas such as the strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. It is my conviction that in this way alone can Japan atone for its past and lay to rest the spirits of those who perished. It is said that there is a fundamental and innate human goodness. We strive to uphold that belief and make it a reality. Thank you"

 

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All-Nippon News Network https:// news.tv-asahi.co.jp/​

English News Division Political News Alert October 2, 1995

Nationalist Protests Against the Prime Minister's Speech; High Level Resignations Follow Several nationalist groups within Japan gathered in protest Monday in a planned, unified march against the Prime Minister's apology for World War II. Protests were held in most major cities, most notably Tokyo and Nagoya. Cries went out asking the Emperor to bring pride back to Japan as his father had before him. The protests were largely peaceful, with no arrests made, but tensions ran high. Police were able to keep the protesters and counter-protesters separated. Several high-ranking military officers resigned following the apology speech. Such a demonstration has made the newly elected government seem at odds with the nation's military. This has placed the newly elected LDP in a strange position, given that the LDP ran on a platform of rebuilding the military. Deputy Prime Minister Ozawa made a statement following the protests, "Our government has the greatest respect for our veterans and armed services members. For too long their service has been demeaned and made trivial. Our government has pledged to restore the pride in our armed forces and we will continue to do so. Plans are underway for large scale recruiting, armaments purchases, and military investments. Banzai!" The Deputy Prime Minister's speech was met with raucous applause from some, but others who heard the speech were concerned by the nationalist undertones of the speech and said they are concerned at any attempts to return Japan to the culture that resulted in World War 2. "Japan has abandoned that in the past. We are a nation of peace. We must stay on this course."

 

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All-Nippon News Network https:// news.tv-asahi.co.jp/​

English News Division Political News Alert September 24, 1995

FRESH GRADUATES FROM TRAINING CAMP TO FILL THE RANKS OF THE SELF-DEFENSE FORCE ​ The first batches of newly trained and minted soldiers and sailors graduated boot camp recently. 25,000 men now can officially call themselves members of our great Self-Defense Forces, with almost 200,000 more soon to follow. Trained in the most modern and effective training, these new soldiers and sailors represent Japan's best and brightest. Their graduation ceremony was a grand affair, with high ranking members of the government and even the Imperial Family making an appearance. The Prime Minister addressed the crowd, remarking: "We thank the volunteers who filled the ranks of our Ground Self-Defense Force and Maritime Self-Defense Forces. The represent the vanguard, our first brave volunteers who stepped up to help rebuild this nation's armed forces. Let us not forget the most recent affairs happening across the world. The need for a strong, modern, and well equipped military is required now more than ever. Let the bad actors of the world know that Japan is now protected by these brave men. To the initial volunteer forces that first staffed our Ground Force and our ships, we salute your efforts. All initial volunteers have now been transferred to to the reserves of the Ground Self-Defense Forces. Some of our newest sailors aren't here with us because they have set forth on an important mission of hope and international harmony to our neighbors affected by this most recent strategy. We salute them as well. Congratulations to our brave soldiers. BANZAI! BANZAI! BANZAI!"

 

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All-Nippon News Network https:// news.tv-asahi.co.jp/​

English News Division Political News Alert September 24, 1995

MASSIVE MILITARY PARADE ANNOUNCING COMPLETION OF THE TRAINING OF MAJORITY OF SELF DEFENSE FORCE; PRIME MINISTER VOWS TO STAND WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY ACTS OF TERROR The parade is Tokyo was unlike anything the country had seen in sometime. Almost 200,000 newly trained soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines marched together. Much of Japan's new military hardware was on display as the new Type-90 tanks rolled down the streets. Jets of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force rocked the sky overhead. In the harbor, ships of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force put on a display of numerous flags and allowed limited citizen access to the top deck of the ships. Citizens could walk off the ramp, be escorted by JMSDF members. Pictures were taken from permitted locations which would not threaten the security of the ships. Some people were even invited to fly in the Kawasaki T-4 trainers. All to make the military more accessible to the people. At a speech by the Prime Minister, the troubles of the world were discussed, "Recent events show us the need and utility of a strong, modern, and responsive force. Not only for the needs of Japan, but for the needs of the world. To those who seek to harm the innocent through cowardly attacks, know that this is what you must answer to. These brave men and women will stop you. To those who have been harmed by these cowards: The United States, the United Kingdom, The Kingdom of Spain, we stand with you. To those who are threatened: Belgium, Kuwait, Syria, Israel and the Middle East Region, we stand with you. Japan will do its duty as a responsible member of this world to keep it safe. Let us know how we can help." @John @Jamie @JamieA @HeadlessSeeker @Strix @Flying Damascas @Dutchy @Logan @Zak

 

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All-Nippon News Network https:// news.tv-asahi.co.jp/​

English News Division Sports News Alert May 28, 1996

MITSUBISHI NATIONAL ARENA BUILT! INTERNATIONAL SOCCER TO RETURN The Mitsubishi National Area is a state-of-the-art open-air stadium meant to host numerous types of events located just outside Tokyo. It consists of two primary parks. The largest park, Mitsubishi Field, is built in a "U" shape, wide enough to serve as both a baseball and soccer field, with a seating capacity of 25,000. The second, Tokyo Fields, is a horse race track, with a seating capacity of 5,000. Between the two parks is a large commercial shopping and services center. Restaurants, shops, arcades, massage parlors, tea houses, etc. are open for shopping inside the commercial area. There is also a luxury hotel built inside the commercial area. There is a small medical facility as well as a security building that houses the cameras that monitor the stadium as well as serving as a holding cell. Finally, there are stables built next to the race track to house horses waiting to ride in the stadium. The possibilities of these facilities are limitless! With the construction complete, the ISA has announced its intention to open the 1996 World Soccer competition. Sports fans, rejoice!