Press translations [Japan]. Editorial Series 0350, 1946-02-02.

Full Translation:

All the economic problems with which we are now confronted, after all lead to a greater goal. This goal is the establishment of a sound and active economy which is to be developed, keeping pace with the policy and culture of the new peaceful JAPAN, through the speedy rehabilitation and prompt reorganization of the economic situation destroyed and confused by the war. On its positive side, there are the restoration and conversion of industries damaged by the war, the resumption of civil industries remaining intact, and the increase find self-supply of foods; on its negative side there are the counter-measures against unemployment, the reconstruction of the national economy envisaging the large amount of estate-tax, and the establishment of the new price system. The security of the people's livelihood and the checking of the inflation are none other than two sides of the same question also. These are like two wheels of a cart, and all the economic problems which we are facing at present as well as all other social affairs taking place owing to the economic situation make another part of one of the wheels. Therefore, when we have adjusted and solved all these problems simultaneously and systematically the construction of the economy of the new JAPAN will begin to run on the beaten track. If we take up these problems singly, we shall be unable to solve even one problem fully. For example, the problem of unemployment in the present day differs essentially from that in the days of economic depression. In the days of economic depression, the surplus of labor, that is to say, a situation of unemployment appeared amongst completely equipped industrial machinery and the systematic arrangement of labor. Against this, the factors of the unemployment in the present day are the industrial machinery which has not as yet been restored from its damaged condition, and not been converted from the munitions industry, and the arrangement of labor which is still confused and has not yet been organized. In addition, we cannot overlook the mental singularity of the people who have lost their will to labor owing to the shock of defeat and to the shortage of food. We cannot, consequently, consider the solution of this problem apart from these items of environment.

To solve the problem of food, the security of the production and distribution of fertilizers and the other necessities for farmers is required, and it also relates to the increase in the production of coal and iron, and to the establishment of the new price system. Furthermore, the present surplus of burglars, the overflood of black-marketeers and other deplorable social phenomena bear relation to the shortage of foods, to the confusion of the distribution system and to the problem of unemployment.

EDITORIAL SERIES: 350 (Continued)

ITEM 1 (Continued)

In the present administrative system, the measures against unemployment fall within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Welfare; the problem of foods, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; the production of coal, iron and necessities for livelihood, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; the price policy, the Ministry of Finance. Consequently a close relation between the measures against the respective problem cannot be expected. There is a sole liaison organ, that is the so-called Economic Council of the Cabinet Ministers, but it is very doubtful how many substantial results this council has realized up till today.

Hereupon, we offer a proposal to establish the Board of Economic Rehabilitation (provisional name), as the pivotal organ which is to map out and carry out simultaneously, and systematically all plans for not only important economic problems which require prompt solution but also all the problems of social affairs relating to the economic problems. As to the rehabilitation of the war calamities, the War Sufferers' Rehabilitation Board has already been established and is now in charge, but it is rather questionable that the Government has not an organ to execute the rehabilitation of industry and economy.

Since the rehabilitation of war calamities bears close relation to that of economy, the question of industrial facilities, should be included in the charge of the Board of Economic Rehabilitation, if not, it must bear closer relation to the said board. At any rate, it is an urgent affair to consolidate all economic plans, establishing a powerful pivotal organ which promises the future development of the economy of new JAPAN, and well-being of Japanese people.

Full Translation:

The general election was fixed for 31 March under the new Election Law. Much attention is being paid to the result of women's participation in politics to be indicated in this election. The significance of women's suffrage has changed, now that the food problem has taken precedence over the rest. It is clear that the solution of the food problem depends partly upon the improvement of kitchen management in the household, that is, the rationalization of the daily diet. The old habit of living solely on staple foods such as rice, wheat etc. should be abandoned and the evil habit of the so-called "full stomach" disregarding scientific opinion, should also be discontinued. In this respect, the position of the housewife who plays an important role in household management should not be underestimated.

It is the duty of future JAPAN to be a peaceful country with a high culture. It is, therefore, expected that the range of women's activities will be enlarged in the future. Consequently, their social position will be equal to that of men. Then their opinions will be duly respected in the management of national institutions and social facilities. Thus, women's participation in politics will at last come into its own.

However, this right to participate in politics is not as a result of long and hard experience as was the case with European and American women. Therefore, if we entertain high hopes as to their use of that right, we shall certainly be very disappointed. Japanese women today are not very anxious to have the right to vote. This attitude should be corrected as soon as possible, if they recollect what we have mentioned above. In fact, national politics leads directly to the kitchen. We are deeply conscious of this fact at present when food and clothing are extremely short.

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EDITORIAL SERIES: 350 (Continued)

ITEM 2 (Continued)

The present situation, an evil result of militaristic administration since the Manchurian Incident, should never be repeated. This must be the conviction of every Japanese woman who is much interested in kitchen management. From this point of view, then, Japanese women must be the most ardent users of the right to vote. Apart from the tremendous casualities caused by the air-raids during the war, the loss of sons or husbands at the front was a serious blow to them. Therefore, any Government that threatens to involve the nation in war in the future should be thoroughly scrutinized by women. In this respect also, women's participation in politics has come to acquire vast importance.

The fate of a defeated nation is an unhappy one. The nation must make its way through the thorns on its own. Nevertheless, we see a slight ray of [illegible]ope, That is, JAPAN has been freed from the immense sum of military expenditures as a result of the Potsdam Declaration which provided for the complete destruction of Japanese armaments. JAPAN will be able to appropriate that money for the betterment of peaceful and cultural pursuits. It would not be too much to call this a privilege. For what, then, should that money be appropriated? The best answer to this question should be given by the women who have suffered most during the war. Here lies another reason why Japanese women should face a keen interest in participating in politics.

Full Translation:

It is reported that some women have been taken to police stations for the reason that they are injurious to public morals. However, even if the police authorities have arrested those so-called street-walkers, social discipline has not improved. The Metropolitan Police Office has said that the love for love's sake and the laissez-faire attitude in every home has led them into these evil ways, but the true cause is more serious. Human beings, if they need to eat, commit all sorts of evil deeds, - robberies, frauds, and even prostitution.

If getting food by robbing and distributing, it freely is against the law, those who have concealed the materials to be distributed to the people also deserve to be punished. Furthermore, what measures has the Government taken against the police authorities who have shown indifference to the hiding of materials and essential commodities. In the current unsettled situation, even if some have commited a few misdemeanors. There is no need for control by police authorities. Although such steps are the last attempts of the reactionary SHIIDEHARA Cabinet, the people cannot be persuaded. The world has already changed more than the present Chief of the Police can understand.

The Government authorities intend to show their influence by detaining such week girls as mentioned above, but the people consider it as nothing less than abduction.

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