Press translations [Japan]. Editorial Series 0137, 1945-12-21.

Full Translation:

The Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers ordered in the directive of 15 December the separation of SHINTO from the State, the removal of militaristic and ultra - nationalistic ideology from SHINTO doctrines, and the elimination of SHINTO from the schools. This has too important a bearing upon our country to attempt a full discussion of it in this small column. What the Supreme Commander intends is clear - namely, the revival and promotion of a democratic trend in JAPAN and, accordingly, the abolition of all institutions which check the development of that trend.

It is needless to say how disgraceful is the protection that State SHINTO has enjoyed up to now. Even the SHINTO sect has basked in State favor, though the people have been conscious of the difference between State SHINTO and the SHINTO sect. The privileges which State SHINTO enjoyed were not confined to rituals alone. It has played a very important role in the development and conduct of Japanese thought both in and out of the political sphere.

The object of the directive is to make State SHINTO equal with other religions by abolishing its privileges and eliminating its mysteries, which have thus far been carefully screened from the public. Though there may be dissenting opinions because of its disparity of social rank, age and culture of those who interpret the directive, if they grasp its aim rightly, they will be sure to find that it has the same intentions as that of the directive of 25 November which ordered the suspension of pensions for military and naval men.

In order to direct JAPAN toward democracy all obstacles should be removed from her [illegible]above all, these old privileges must be abolished. This is a revolutionary measure which will cause temporary confusion among the people at large. In time, however, the people will comprehend its true meaning.

Full Translation:

The 89th extraordinary session of the Imperial. Diet was concluded Tuesday, with the Lower House dissolved as scheduled. At the beginning of the session it was doubted that the passing of the three major bills would be possible. This was the main reason for calling the session. Happily, those reform bills were passed. However, in reality neither the Diet nor the Government was sincere. The Diet revealed its lack of diligence and sincerity, as was often the case in former days, in its deliberation on the Labor Union Yaw and on the agrarian reform. It

EDITORIAL SERIES: 137 (Continued)

ITEM 2 (Continued)

wasted much precious time over the war responsibility issue and indulged in various discussions of Election Law amendments from their own selfish viewpoint. On the other hand, the Government also revealed its ineptness for reconstructing a democratic JAPAN, as well as failing to solve any of the urgent problems which confronted the masses who are suffering from hunger and cold. This miserable state of the Diet, as well as of the Government, indicates nothing except the fact that our political leaders have not fully realized the stern reality of the defeat. They lack the vigor and ability to revolutionize JAPAN by their own hands. Furthermore, it is to be recalled that most of the House members are those who were selected by the TOJO Cabinet through its precedent-breaking interference with the last election. They did nothing in the Diet but chime in with TOJO policy.

A general election is to be held in a month and a half which will be the most important general election since the establishment of the Diet, whether or not the Nation can reconstruct a new JAPAN is entirely dependent upon the outcome of this election. The people must fully realize the weighty responsibility which rests upon their shoulders. The number of voters has suddenly increased from 15 million to 40 million, due to woman suffrage and the lowering of voting age requirements. The will of the whole Ration will most certainly be manifested in the forthcoming election. Needless to say, such an important election must be carried out fairly and justly. Therefore, it is desirable that the Government, the press and the intellectuals commence to enlighten the Nation politically in a thorough manner. The democratic construction of politics depends upon the reconstruction of the Diet, particularly of the lower House. Representative government will ultimately resolve itself into party government and it is the party which has the majority in the Diet that will have the power. This is the normal course of constitutional government. Nevertheless, there is yet no sharp division among the existing political parties. It is true that the Social-Democratic, Progressive, Communist and other minor parties have already been formed. But who can tell if the Progressive Party, at present the majority party, will long remain unchanged? Presumably this chaotic political condition is the reason why the Diet was obliged to adopt the restricted plural ballot system, hesitating to adopt proportional representation on a major electorate basis. Therefore, in the forthcoming election the choice will be between "Party first" and "Candidate first". Such an analysis of representative government will also require political education for the masses on a large scale.

At any rate, a really representative government has been set in motion for the first time in JAPAN's 50 years of constitutional government. And yet, in this time of unprecedented hardship, we can expect nothing from the political bosses. On the contrary, we find it urgently necessary to eliminate these old-type political leaders. The present leaders of the Diet, who are responsible for the present deplorable state of the Nation, should be forced to give up the idea of running in the next general election. We earnestly hope for the appearance of new politicians who are really progressive and possess the ability to put their proposals into action. The future of JAPAN now rests with the will of 40 million voters of our Nation.

Full Translation:

I was filled with deep emotion while reading "MacARTHUR's Revolution" in this column on 9 December. The military and civil officials, who ruled

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ITEM 3 (Continued)

the people during the war resemble those workers who ride on the trucks of the occupation forces, and mocking those waiting in line for trams. How can we Japanese rid ourselves of dependency on authority? Why do not the people stand on their own authority? We are confronted by the fact that those who acquired money and position in the confusion caused by war are now beaten down. Under such a social situation, the Japanese, if they can not be independent, will suffer the same fate as the BOER people who disappeared from the world after their struggle with ENGLAND.

Momentary pleasure is now out of the question. We Japanese should be hopeful for the future, and longing for independence, even though we are reduced to our present deplorable state. (SUZUKl, Ichiro)

Summary:

Cold and hunger have become real now and inefficient officials have created no effective measure to cope with the situation. What is most necessary is not discussion or study, but immediate action, the absence of which will cause many to die of hunger and cold before next spring, hear that the lack of transportation facilities is the main cause for the food shortage in cities. Therefore, I propose the following plan:

Many men who are now out of work are spending their days idly, without any plan for the future. These idlers should be mobilized forcibly for the transportation of food and fuel. As reward for their labor, proper amounts of food and fuel should be put aside for them to take home. I feel confident that this measure will be very effective in alleviating the shortage of food and transportation.

(HYODO, Sadatake.)

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