sbdcsierra Chapter 1291, 1300: This country is beyond saving!
Chapter 1291, 1300: This country is beyond saving!
Chapter 1291, 1300: This country is beyond saving!
"This country is beyond saving!!!"
On a university campus in Shinjuku Ward, just after class, a student stood in the plaza shouting loudly, tears of anger and sorrow streaming down his face. He seemed to be the last vestige of conscience in Japan.
Holding a copy of the Asahi Shimbun, he roared at all the students passing by:
"If we don't do something, Japan is doomed!!!"
"Yes, yes!" "Let's do something!" "."
Two students who seemed to be from a club were nearby, offering scattered words of support.
However, in the bustling campus, few students stopped to look at it, and some didn't even seem interested. It's because Japan's suppression of student movements in recent years has dampened the students' spirits.
People aren't paying attention to politics anymore; they'd rather think about how to graduate and how to find a good job.
As Tsuruko walked by, arm in arm with Ishii Junsui, she remarked with some curiosity:
"Are these guys trying to get into politics?"
Junsui Ishii nodded:
"That club seems to like organizing parties to build connections. Maybe some seniors asked them to stir up some trouble on campus."
Don't think college students are easy to fool, especially Waseda University students. These guys are the most talented people in Japan!
With careful consideration, it's easy to see that this show is clearly orchestrated by someone behind the scenes, most likely the opposition party trying to take this opportunity to overthrow the current ruling party and cabinet.
The two best friends walked away as they talked. They had naturally seen the newspaper report, but for ordinary people, political affairs were too far removed from their lives.
"That's just how Japanese politics is; once a new party comes to power, bribery is inevitable too."
"But they'll probably tone it down a bit when they go up there first~"
"That's not necessarily true. Once the opposition comes to power, they might become even more reckless. From having no power to wielding it, very few people can control themselves."
At this time, Nagayama Tsuruko will never know that the real cause of this incident was actually her closest brother!
Naoki Nagayama of Yamazakura-in was also reflecting at this moment:
"I only wanted to protect the Film Association, but I didn't expect it to turn into such a big mess."
The information exposed in today's newspapers is far more than what he gave out; it even includes the current prime minister, former prime ministers, and officials at all levels of the cabinet!
This is practically trying to encompass the entire ruling party!
He also knew that it was definitely the opposition party, especially the Socialist Party, that was behind it. This time, the opposition party wanted to completely overturn the Japanese political scene!
"Sure enough, once the floodgates were opened, the floodwaters became uncontrollable."
After thinking it over for a moment, he felt relieved that the incident would not involve Naoki Nagayama or the people around him.
However, one advantage of Japan's rigid class system is that even if there's a huge uproar in parliament and two or three prime ministers are replaced, it's all political stuff and has little impact on the daily lives of the general public.
Even national policies, the courts, and the police system continue to operate according to the previously established rules and regulations.
People still have to go to work, eat, and watch TV as usual; even the late-night entertainment shows don't seem to be losing viewership.
"Naoki-san!"
Akina called out from the living room.
"Come and hug Huajiang! Your daughter is getting heavier and heavier, my arms are getting sore from carrying her!"
"."
Naoki Nagayama walked over and picked up the little one, then lifted his chubby, smiling daughter high in the air.
"My flower jam isn't heavy, is it?"
Xia Hua let out a clear laugh while on her father's arm.
Akina felt a pang of jealousy watching the father and daughter being so affectionate. She ran over and hugged her husband's waist sweetly for a while, but didn't dare to do anything too outrageous.
Now that she's pregnant, the taboos of the first and last three days of pregnancy are coming up again, so the young couple has no choice but to sleep in separate rooms.
This made Xia Hua and her husband happy. Before going to bed, they would go to their mother's room and then their father's room, until they were so sleepy that they would just find a hug to fall asleep.
"I'm going to rehearse for the concert with Michael tomorrow. There are too many people and it's not convenient to bring the kids along."
Akina nestled against Naoki Nagayama and said,
Looks like Hana-chan will be home alone~
Although there are nannies and housekeepers, the little one still needs his parents by his side.
However, Naoki Nagayama's eyes darted around:
"I can take the flower sauce to Tree Friends Capital, anyway, I'm not busy these days!"
Now all he needs to do is go to the company office in the morning, communicate with his subordinates in other countries, and then handle things in Japan before he has nothing to do in the office.
Because of their extremely conservative approach, they're almost done with processing traders' daily reports.
"Take her to the company? And get her bandaged?" Akina asked, a little worried.
"Anyway, Hua Jiang has hardly ever gone out at all."
Naoki Nagayama touched the little one's face. He and Akina had to be very careful from the moment their child was born. Other children this age could go to parks, temple fairs, and kindergartens to play with other children of similar age, but she could only stay in the Yamazakura-in.
"Since I'm free now, I can take her to Ginza for a stroll and have some tea at Sanmai-ku."
"Children shouldn't drink tea!" Akina slapped Naoki Nagayama's arm. "Be careful, or you won't sleep all night!"
"Haha, then I'll just have a little bit of pastry."
And just like that, Xia Hua's schedule for tomorrow has been arranged!
Ikebukuro, Tree Friends Building.
On the fourth floor, at the Film Association headquarters, Shuichi Itō was meeting with Ikuo Suō to discuss matters related to the Tokyo International Film Festival.
At this moment, Suoh Ikuo's face showed a mixture of relief and schadenfreude:
"Luckily, we didn't let Takeshita Noboru give the opening speech, otherwise we would be in the middle now."
"Yes, who would have thought that even Takeshita Noboru would get involved!"
The Licourt case has gone from involving a lowly bureau chief to a member of parliament, then a high-ranking official, and now even the leader of the ruling party. It's truly astonishing!
"Speaking of which, this Vice Minister Jiang is truly a remarkable person! He has managed to cultivate relationships at all levels!"
Zhou Fangyuxiong sighed,
"If it hadn't been exposed this time, his Recruit Company might have really become the next chaebol!"
The entire upper echelon has been opened up, and if the next prime minister takes office, he will definitely be supported.
After all these years of hard work, Suo Ikuo finally managed to build a good relationship with Congressman Hamada Koichi, who could then lend a helping hand in crucial moments.
"Hiromasa Ezaki is a graduate of the University of Tokyo, so he's one of them."
Using the university as a link, the University of Tokyo has long established a vast network of connections in political and business circles. Even in politics, politicians from the University of Tokyo affiliation form a large faction. Classmates are always among the closest of relationships.
Just as the two were talking, Nobuo Asai arrived at the Film Association headquarters and went straight to the president's office:
"President Itō, there's something I need to discuss with you."
"Hmm?" Itō Shuichi was a little confused about his purpose. "Please speak."
"I went to the hospital for a check-up yesterday, and the doctor said I have several chronic illnesses and it's not advisable for me to continue to overwork myself."
Asai Nobuo said without changing his expression,
"Therefore, I am not competent to perform the duties of the Standing Committee of the Film Association. I would like to submit my resignation."
"Please select a replacement member representative as soon as possible!"
"."
Shuichi Itō and Ikuo Suō, who was listening nearby, were both stunned. Nobuo Asai, was he going to resign?!
Just two days ago, they were busy reviewing the film festival's budget, trying to find mistakes and take charge of some activities. How come, only two days later, they've already resigned?!
In fact, Nobuo Asai didn't want to do this either. He was originally ordered to plant a spy in the Film Association and, with the support of the Takeshita faction, wanted to take control of the association.
However, starting last night, many members of parliament and high-ranking officials began to resign, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology was particularly involved.
Former Minister of Education Yoshiro Mori was implicated, and Vice-Minister of Education Kunio Takaishi resigned as well. Even the Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kenkichi Kurita, who had been working with Mori, resigned overnight!
The precarious state of the Takeshita faction made him realize that all subsequent support was definitely lost!
In this case, how can we infiltrate the film association controlled by the tree friends' allies, and how can we interfere with the tree friends' support fund which is firmly controlled!
Rather than waiting to be driven out, it's better to take advantage of this wave and make a graceful exit. As long as no one is harmed, there might still be a chance to turn things around.
"Asai-san, isn't this a bit too hasty?"
Suo Ikuo opened his mouth,
"At least wait until the film festival is over!"
"I have no choice but to take care of my health!" Nobuo Asai had lost his previous toughness. "I've made up my mind, and I hope Chairman Itō will understand!"
"This..." Itō Shuichi pondered for a moment, "Asai-san suddenly resigned, and now he's so busy, it'll probably be the end of the year before they can find a replacement."
At this moment, Suoh Ikuo said directly:
"Then why don't we just wait a few more months and elect them directly at the next general meeting of members?"
"That's right."
Nobuo Asai was initially promoted to the Standing Committee under pressure from the Ministry of Education and the television station, which were driven by the Takeshita faction. Shuichi Itō did not want to add another unstable element along the way.
"so be it"
Hearing their excuses, Nobuo Asai didn't say anything more. The victor is king, and there was no point in saying anything now.
He already knew that back when he was with the Film Promotion Association.
Watching Nobuo Asai turn and leave, Shuichi Itō and Ikuo Suō felt a mixture of admiration and emotion.
"He resigned immediately upon seeing the situation turn against him; Nobuo Asai is quite decisive!"
"Yes. Unlike others, who might be reluctant to part with it."
It's important to know that even being a standing committee member of the Film Association can bring considerable benefits to the entertainment industry.
Leaving aside their status and influence at various film events, they also have enormous potential to build connections, resolve disputes, act as matchmakers, and even influence film award rankings at upcoming film festivals. All of this is about interests!
Many lobbyists from lobbying groups are genuinely willing to offer real money to persuade you to do something!
Many talent agencies also spend money to promote newcomers on the film festival red carpet.
To give it up like that is truly admirable!
"If that's the case," Suo Ikuo quickly realized something, "could it be that Atsuko Toyama, the head of the Planning Division of the Higher Education Bureau of the Ministry of Education, also..."
Atsuko Toyama was originally the Ministry of Education's representative in the Film Association and was on good terms with Itomo, but she had previously followed the wishes of Takeshita's faction and helped Nobuo Asai seize power.
"That's unclear."
Shuichi Itō shook his head.
"If she gets involved, she should resign from her public office first, and then we will naturally replace her."
"Even with the passage of the Film Industry Workers Protection Act, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will still send a representative! Even the Ministry of Labour and Welfare will have to send someone."
Suo Ikuo nodded:
"Hopefully the next person will be easier to get along with!"
After chatting about the political situation for a while, Shuichi Itō and Ikuo Suō continued to discuss matters related to the Tokyo International Film Festival.
It's already October, and the film festival starts in two weeks!!
The Asahi Shimbun's exposé was like a huge stone hitting neon lights, first causing a stunned silence, and then layers of splashing water and ripples!
The top leaders of the Liberal Democratic Party discussed the matter in a small room all night, but could not come up with any effective measures. They could only hold a communication meeting to appease the public.
Then, those involved with solid evidence began issuing their resignations one after another, like dumplings being dropped into a pot.
Fortunately, the newspapers still carried news about Michael Jackson's concert, the Tokyo Film Festival, and even the renewed buzz surrounding Akina Nakamori's pregnancy.
This gives the Liberal Democratic Party more time to prepare!
Meanwhile, the opposition party, which deliberately pushed for the revelations at this time, was not idle. They contacted the media to continue their in-depth reporting, coordinated with other parties' lawmakers to hold joint protests, encouraged the public to speak out, and some have even begun to organize demonstrations.
However, the authorities temporarily suppressed this application under the pretext of "ensuring the smooth running of the Tokyo International Film Festival."
Television programs and newspaper articles were all demanding answers from the ruling authorities, and the immense public pressure was causing a major headache for Nakasone, who was still in office.
What angered him even more was that some members of the faction actually made such a suggestion:
"This is a collective corruption within the cabinet during Nakasone's term, which shows that Nakasone lacked leadership and was incompetent in governing, so he should bear all the blame!"
"Nakasone should resign as an apology!" "He's already nearing the end of his term, so resigning now won't hurt him!" "It's time for him to shoulder the greater good and demonstrate his responsibility!"
"Perfect for taking the blame!" "Making use of waste."
Of course, the last two sentences were made up by Nakasone himself, but he was sure that this was what many members of the Liberal Democratic Party were thinking!
Indeed, the resignation of a prime minister can quell this wave of public opinion to a great extent!
But why don't you consider what Nakasone himself thought?!
With such a huge stigma, he resigned in disgrace, and his political life was completely over! He can no longer even run for parliament!
He's only in his sixties! He's in his prime in politics!
Besides, no matter how you look at it, he's still the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party!
How can we let the boss take the blame?!
"In short," Nakasone stubbed out his cigarette and said to his trusted subordinate, "First, push Takeshita Noboru out to take the fall!! He was featured on the cover of the Asahi Shimbun!"
"Right now, most people's attention is on him!"
"Make him hold a press conference, make him kneel in apology, make him resign, and make him take the blame!"
"."
The trusted secretary looked at his prime minister speechlessly. "You don't want to take the blame, but does Takeshita Noboru really want to?"
"We should consider this matter more carefully."
"What's there left to discuss?! Do you really want the entire Liberal Democratic Party to resign?!"
"How about a collective apology?"
The secretary brought it up suddenly.
"They shift the blame to their secretary, claiming ignorance and then sincerely admitting their mistake, attributing it all to systemic error. Ultimately, they believe the law will not punish everyone."
Although he was a secretary, secretaries were meant to take the blame, so he was used to it. Secretaries relied on their employers for their livelihood, not on the public.
As long as you keep your mouth shut and don't betray us, you'll still be hired after the storm passes, and the relationship will become even closer!
"."
Nakasone thought about it seriously and felt that this method might actually be feasible.
You can blame a single legislator for succumbing to temptation, but if all the high-ranking officials succumb, who's to blame?!
Of course, it's the people who elected these people!
Isn't that the opposite of what you'd expect?!
(End of this chapter)