Sannenzaka Correspondence

Editors’ Diary 25/10/2023

While I often find myself leisurely contemplating the remnants of the Kaga Clan’s estate on the Hongo campus of the University of Tokyo, my recent discontent stems from discussions abruptly advocating a reduction in tax revenues, despite the longstanding issues of an excessively small government and a distorted budget structure. It feels akin to the perplexity of Urashima.

Without delving into specific agendas, I wonder why certain political actions in Japan show minimal interest in means such as elections or market participation, instead seeking refuge solely on the judicial stage. During my time conducting distinctive (unattainable by others) investigations while cycling in Tokyo, I as a news reporter, frequently expressed these sentiments on Twitter/X. This, however, remains a source of profound questioning. What bicycles appeal to us is the ease of repair—a viewpoint stemming from design and engineering. Here, it’s not about society but viewing the world, at large.

The crux lies in the unquestioning reverence for the impact of “coercion” (Gewalt in German). In Japan, an unfounded atmosphere prevails across organizations, portraying a deep understanding of coercion as intellectually sophisticated. Mastering such a mindset can be beneficial, yet its essence often appears whimsical, rooted more in a vague “just because” sentiment, and this is barbaric.

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