CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- It is with hesitation that I write about the current imbroglio involving the Foreign Ministry. First, this is a matter for the Japanese to sort out. Second, suspicions of partiality may arise, given my diplomatic background. But in spite of these valid points, I humbly put forward some thoughts, as I am physically and organically a distant observer, focusing mainly in the area of the image of Japan. I beg forgiveness for any unintentional distortion on my part of the two sides' conflicting positions.

As this sad situation has been continuing for a considerable time, I am worried about the broader damage it may inflict on Japanese diplomacy at a time when attempts are being carried out to improve Japan's image. Indeed, it is unfortunate that an internal bureaucratic issue attracts so much regional and international media attention, distracting from other, more important, issues.

Although it is true that scandals in high places excite readers and TV viewers throughout the world, a sense of measure is also needed: Similar departures from moral conduct are not the monopoly of bureaucracy; the world of politicians is not immune to the virus either, and this is not the case just in Japan. Ministries of foreign affairs, in particular, given the ceilings of their budgets and the nature of their mission, are perhaps statistically less prone to misconduct.