A bit of a shocker in the news a few days ago when Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns from the post. Pretty bold move for a head of the one of the most powerful nations of the world. I really am astounded that this country runs on integrity of leadership for the people, everytime a leader loses face and support of his constituents one would be willing to commit political suicide for the sake of the country. I went to Japan last year as he rose to power, and resigned as I left eh? I even saw him in person really, campaigning or something in a speech held in a shopping district. I have no pics though so it didn’t happen I guess.
Well Abe is in the hospital for now, and as I read news articles, some interesting name shows up… Taro Aso. Huh? Rozen Aso? He seems to be a prime candidate for taking the helm. This should be interesting.
While I don’t think that he would transform Japan into Akihabara Country it would be interesting for us foreigners to see what kind of otaku-related legislation he would make (did he do something as Foreign Minister anyway?). Maybe promote moar moe~ overseas? Count me in for the cry for cheaper hobby goods that come out of the country. I’m betting he would spread the manga lovin first though, so all you manga lovers brace yourselves.
Don’t get your hopes up though, Aso may not even win. I’m not too keen on Japanese politics but if a PM can resign on a whim situations can be as volatile as a climax of a manga arc.
On the other hand, if government offices start hiring maids wearing gothloli Rozen Maiden-like outfits I would be pleasantly surprised. Sound impossible? Remember this is Japan, anything goes.
UPDATE: He lost though.
lol I bet we all know how volatile lawmakers can be when there is no clear winner. 😛
Correct me if i am wrong but wasn’t our dear “Rozen Aso” aligned with right-wing nationalists? Eg. His comments on North Korea, China…you can find the rest via Wikipedia
I doubt we should be happy too soon.
The last thing I would want would be a ‘nationalistic’ trend in the anime+manga fandom. I would seriously love it if Japan starts to seriously embrace the international community as being part of the fandom. However, if they push the nationalism agenda too far…at least I’d have some problems with it.
Whatever it is….Suigintou is on-route for national domination =P
I would hardly say it was on a whim…ever since the LDP got their butts kicked in the last election he’s been coming under pressure to resign. The only thing surprising about it is how suddenly he made his announcement, considering he’s resisted it all the way until now.
As for Aso’s views on nationalism and such, he’s basically the same as Abe in that regard.
Yeah, dear Rozen Aso is very much a right-wing nationalist neofascist. He’s even farther right field than Abe was. But then again, so is pretty much everybody else who would be in a posistion to become the next PM. (*sigh*)