Press translations [Japan]. Editorial Series 0364, 1946-02-05.

Full Translation:

It was announced that the British occupation forces in JAPAN would land a KURE.

The Supreme Commander's intention for the reduction of personnel in the American occupation forces was also published. We hear, too, that Japanese reparations should be thorough or else they cannot be expected to be sufficient. Indeed, we can only say that if the Allied Powers refuse to limit reparations we can only give up the idea.

For all that, the Japanese people should try to recover from the present state of collapse and do things of their own accord. How should we live so that we can accomplish things without troubling the occupation forces? In what condition are our national resources? These problems cannot be solved so long as the people remain critics, leaving all problems to the government and the officials

At this juncture, every possible step must be taken to collect and arrange all reports and returns with regard to the investigations of national resources, Every means must be devised to make efficient use of all materials which are now in the possession of the government, finance, and science.

Speed is needed more than anything else. This can be achieved only by the democratization of methods of investigation. Certainly this will be appreciated by the Allied Powers. The study of Japanese history is not the sole thing to be accomplished by the Japanese people.

Full Translation:

Prices are soaring day by day. Considerable increase in wages or salaries may be regarded as the sole way to restore normal housekeeping. However, while incomes increase, prices also increase. Even railway fares are to be raised four times. How can we stabilize our expenses? This must be the basic problem for Japanese housekeepers.

Some may simply think that repeated increases in wages will solve the problem. Of course, wages or salaries should naturally increase as price advance. However, our livelihood cannot be stabilized as long as the tardy advance in wages is racing against the rapid inflation. Prices must be lowered by every means possible.

To be sure, increased wages may be realized through negotiations with companies or offices, but in order to stop soaring prices, we have no definite agency with which to negotiate. Even if the government takes steps to bring prices down, the black here of inflation will run on as long as we cannot actually acquire necessities at new prices.

EDITORIAL SERIES: 364 (Continued)

ITEM 2 (Continued)

Then, how can we solve the problem? The answer is quite simple. We should discover the way ourselves through consultation. In this case the agency with which we should consult is our political party. In other words the efforts of political parties are indispensable for stabilizing our livelihood. Our consultation will bring about good results only in the event of our government being formed by a party which will do its utmost to solve this question, by working out adequate measures.

In order to have such a party form the new government, it is necessary for us to vote for and elect as many candidates of the party as possible in the general election which is scheduled for 31 March. Only in this way con woman suffrage will be utilized in the best interests of the entire Nation. For which party, then, should we vote? A certain criterion must be provided. Needless to say, the party is first required to be kind to the people in the true sense of the word. However, this does not make a suitable criterion, for every party, without exception, will profess that it best fulfills this requirement. Then for the good of our housekeepers, we will try to give an account of the criterion which we think is the safest.

It is quite obvious that as long as there are no goods in the market, we can buy nothing, no matter what amount of paper money we may have. As long as the supply of daily necessities is poor, increased wages are meaningless. It is easy to understand that an abundant supply of goods in the market is the only fundamental measure to stop further rises in prices.

There are three ways to allow goods to appear on the market. The first way is to search for goods already produced and unlawfully stored, and to distribute them among our people. The second is to amend the current rationing system so that goods already on the market may be fairly and equitably distributed. The third is to increase production through nation-wide effort. When these three methods are properly followed, the supply of goods will gradually increase and our livelihood will be stabilized.

Thus we come to the conclusion that we should vote for the party which is doing its best to carry out these steps. Food is too scarce to meet the demands of this year, so we must import food. In order that we may be allowed by SCAP to import food, it is essential for JAPAN to become a truly democratic country as soon as possible. It naturally follows that collateral commodities for imports must be produced.

It is up to the housekeepers to look into the activities of each party in cities, towns or villages and to pass judgement as to what party is most sincerely studying the above three problems. For this purpose it may be beneficial if the housekeepers of the same neighborhood association exchange opinions with each other or if the housekeepers discuss the matter with their husbands.

The three criterion we have mentioned are all important points. Good understanding of them and careful investigation of each party's intention. is very important in the coming election.

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