Press translations [Japan]. Editorial Series 0259, 1946-01-17.

Full Translation:

By taking the following measures against the recent successive difficulties with electricity we can diminish the trouble to some extent:

A regulation of fuses is imperative. In accordance with the capacity of the transformer, the maximum current should be fixed at five amperes, or, if possible, at ten amperes for each house. We should make people understand that use of different fuses will cause an interruption of current which will greatly effect the entire neighborhood. Also by changing to nicrome wire, electrical equipment can easily keep up to a regulated capacity. With these adjustments made, although the heat might net be enough, it would be better than having an eletric stove which is unusable. It is quite within the means of the electric company, a monopolistic enterprize, to issue fuses.

In considering subsequent conveniences, though the east may initially be high, I recommend, for the several families who draw current from the some transformer, a new one which would distribute about two kilowatts per house, should be installed in a convenient place for the joint owners The manufacturers will show an enterprising spirit, and will tax their ingenuity in this matter, if it proves to be paying proposition in consideration of the free market. The electric company also should do its best to support the undertaking.

I wish the company would thoroughly investigate the abovementioned plans ans strive for their realization. We cannot expect much by relying upon the electric company alone. Without dismissing the matter as of no direct concern of the masses, I propose to ask the company for their co-operation.

Answer from the KANTO-HAIDEN Electric Company

When a fuse blows people substitute various kinds of fuses, which cause us great trouble. If people insist upon making repairs by themselves, they most employ the same fuse as before. Heretofore, our electric current has been 500 watts and five amperes, but recently it became 600 watts and ten amperes. We are always regulating fuses, yet distribution of fuses to families means keeping some of them idle in stock; on the other hand, various kinds are sold in the street. It is a good idea to use stoves of the same number of watts. Inasmuch as there are various kinds already permitted, and all sorts are sold in the street, we can only resort to the dissemination of knowledge about electricity among the people.

EDITORIAL SERIES: 259 (Continued)

ITEM 1 (Continued)

We have formed an influential committee, and during the period from 10 January to 20 February, we are doing our best by encouraging the committee to buy now fuses, to borrow them from munitions factories, to repair older ones, and so forth, in order to secure the necessary amount of fuses. Where new transformers were set up, we notice that permission to use them has been granted to late applicants.

The main deficiency is in silicon steel plate, so that production of new fuses is almost impossible. In any case, before 20 February the trouble will be removed.

Full Translation:

The postponed general election is scheduled to be held in the latter part of March. We have often mentioned the important issues in the forthcoming general election, such as the encase[illegible]t of [illegible]n suffrage and the increase in the number of voters caused by the lowering of age qualifications. Moreover, considering the great effect of this general election on JAPAN's future we must hold ourselves strictly responsible in voting. The Revised Election law cannot be ideal nor will democracy be completely achieved by this election. However, the first step in constructing a democratic JAPAN will be made.

The general election will result in the formation of a new Government in accord with the will of the people. Of course the detailed results of the election remain to be seen. We can be assured that any Government like the present one, not supported by the will of the people, will never be elected.

Judging from current conditions neither a coalition nor an interim cabinet will be permitted to form after the election. Accordingly, the general election will doubtldssly create an impetus which will bring about normaly in politics. The people must see the significance of the election.

What should the new Government and the Diet do? Important problems Such as the revision of Constitution, war profit tax, and property tax lie, waiting for the Government and the Diet to debate. The new Government will be charged with the mission of solving the food problem and price problems and with stabilizing the people's living, together with the important problems of foreign affairs such as that of reparations.

When thus viewed, the mission and the significance of the earning general election cannot be considered too seriously and too gravely. It may not be an exaggeration to say that the groundworks of constructing a new JAPAN will be laid by this election. Therefore, the people must understand the election be interested in it, study it, andthen select candidates and a political party which can accomplish this important mission.

The people, however, are too much occupied in securing food to be concerned or to study an election so significant and grave. Let them bear in mind that without stabilizing politics, the people's living cannot be stabilized. Where should we look for political stabilization? There is no way to achieve this except through the estalishment of democracy. We must consider again the mission and significance of the general election as a means to achieve democracy. The purge directive issued by MACARTHUR's Headquarters has more than the general election as its object, but it should guide the people's mental attitude towards the election. The

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EDITORIAL SERIES: 259 (Continued)

ITEM 2 (Continued)

people need not hesitate nor be timid to do anything they believe right, but must break the old corrupt custom of preserving reaction without progress. When we consider the forces which must stabilize politics and the peoples livelihood in the future JAPAN, we find that adherence to reaction means nothing but self-destruction.

Exercising our vote is left to out free dicision, but we must do it with true recognition of the meaning of freedom. Then both voters and candidates really grasp its meaning, a real democracy will be truly achieved. The people should bear in mind that the elements which can elevate the people's culture, as well as the elements which can stabilize education, polities, and the people's livelihood are included in the forthcoming general election.

Full Translation:

In pre war days the "popular front" was formed in various countries of the world for joint action against the rule and menace of the fascists.

The political organizations were, of course, under their control in those countries at that time. However, under present post war conditions, the situation is fundamentally different. That is to say, the fascists have already been, or are being, swept away from the governing positions.

In our country the fascistic rule has been removed, thanks to the Allied forces.

The political control of the military clique, the bureaucrats, the major financial combines, and the big landowners has been purged. Accordingly, the present-day "joint action" must be formed to exterminate the remnants of the old ruling influences by a vast, unified front uniting all organizations of the people other than those of the old ruling forces.

In the sense of a unified front of all democratic forces, therefore, it is more appropiate to use the name "unified democratic front" (MINSHUSHGITEKI TOITSU SENSEN) or "democratic Front" (MINSHU-SHUGI SENSEN) or, still simpler, "people's front" (MINSHU SENSEN). These are preferable to a tripe "popular front" (JIMMIN SENSEN), which is already a historical name.

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