On a side note, I’d just like to add to what was said in the broadcast about the US supporting Japan’s bid for a UNSC seat. Someone (sorry, I don’t know who–this is only the second show I’ve listened to) said that “it’s a change in language,” which is true, but it’s just that–language. Paying lip-service to Japan’s quest for a permanent seat on the Security Council is a small price to pay for the US because they know it’s never going to happen. The other members, especially China, would veto any attempt to bring Japan in.

Cultural Imperialism, its the first time I have heard of it… in fact there is a great deal I don’t know. Specially with regards to Japanese politics. I knew about article 9 before comming to Japan, its one of the reason I came. I want to live in a country that doesn’t take part war. Where do you live? Is there such a constitution in your country? Wouldn’t you like to also have Article 9? Would it be classes as Cultural Theft?

The interesting thing about the cultural imperialism brings me to tell you about my new book. The title “CHARLIE DESU, CHIKYU JIN DESU” (Charlie, World Person (about the best translation I can find)) is the main theme of the book. You can look at it from many angles but I guess what I want to say is that there is only one world, and we are all the same in that we are unique and have the same rights to happiness.

Thanks EVAN BEVVIN for you comment I will update my HP so that people can find out more about what I did with respect to Article 9. For now try this link http://www.ex1st.com/kyu/kyucharlie.php or read the article on the Japan Times here http://www.flickr.com/photos/1manjapan/493376864/

The question: what exactly do you on behalf of Article 9? might also be on the mind of the TPR people too. I rode my bike from Okinawa to Nagano (after cycling from Nagano to Hokkaido and to Okinawa) and gave out 5000 origami birds (no, not the crane) called Kyu Chan to people on the street and asked them about Article 9. So thats 5000 people! I also gave speeches at over 50 gathering, big and small. I got on TV and in the newspapers… and now I’m publishing a book about it all. The book is another way to reach people who might not know about Article 9 in a friendly and interesting way.

(Many books on Article 9 wont interest people who dont know what Article 9 is. Also, they are often too heavy!)

I also sell origami, Kyu Chan’s own. But you dont need to buy the 100 yen pack with intructions and 20 sheets of paper… to tell your friends about Article 9. But how many people feel confortable in Japan about talking to their friends about “political stuff”. Not many, so Kyu Chan is a away to start the conversation. Its an unusula flapping origami that NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW IN JAPAN - surprisingly. So its nice when Kyu Chan makes people smile. That is also a small peace activity right there.

So why do I want Japan to keep Article 9? Its not just an issue I feel is important, its not just a Japanese issue - its a world issue. If you want to present an idea like Article 9 to the rest of the world - it would be a shame if Japan loses it. Keeping Article 9 is only the start. My next trip will be a round the world bicycle trip to promote Article 9 to children, parents, politicians that havent even heard of it. Its only the people who will make their governments do what they want them to do. Follow me on the adventure!

LOVE C:

2) Given that the “Ozawa Incident” is already over and forgotten, and it’s the troubles with Moriya and now Nukaga that have stayed in the news, I think if the DPJ plays it right and public sentiment is on their side, a censure motion would work in their favor.

They need to ensure that the public is on their side with this issue, block it in the Upper House, and see if the LDP will take the bait. If the public is behind them, a DPJ censure motion should play out to their advantage.

Let’s change the subject. What do you guys think about the possibility of a censure vote? Worse for the DPJ or the LDP? Is Aso going to come back onto our TVs after finding a way to use this discord to further his aims?