Regarding the Feb. 18 articles "Nakagawa resigns after G7 disgrace," and "Japan, U.S. sign accord on forces" with a photo of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Prime Minister Taro Aso: It has been said that Japanese people are indifferent to politics. But after watching many times on TV the eyebrow-raising behavior of Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa at a news conference in Rome, I now realize that Japanese politics may be showing terminal symptoms.
By contrast, Clinton came to Japan and appeared to perform her duty energetically with a graceful smile. I think she recognizes her responsibility perfectly. Moreover, she never forgot to show her respect for Japan, visiting the Imperial family and Meiji Shrine. She fulfilled her mission without showing fatigue. I was mesmerized by her pride as a professional. I think U.S. President Barack Obama appointed the right person to this post.
How ironic, then, that two incidents reported on the same day — about two VIPs — should move us to think about Japan's future. We must CHANGE.
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