Comments on: Toshikatsu Matsuoka commits suicide.

By: Andrew Smallacombe

Andrew Smallacombe — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:43:39 +0000

I believe Ishihara also stated that Matsuoka had fulfilled his reponsibilities.
責任を果たした。彼は侍だった。

By: Liberal Japan » Blog Archive » Matsuoka’s suicide, some stray thoughts …

Wed, 30 May 2007 13:56:20 +0000

I’ve commented some more on this story here.

By: Global Voices Online » Japan: "Thought Check" Screening for Citizen Judges

Global Voices Online » Japan: "Thought Check" Screening for Citizen Judges — Wed, 30 May 2007 07:28:53 +0000

[…] news in Japan this week was understandably fixated on the sensational suicide of Agriculture Minister Matsuoka Toshikatsu (and related scandals), as is often the case this country, another story — somewhat less […]

By: Matt Dioguardi

Matt Dioguardi — Tue, 29 May 2007 12:40:12 +0000

Ken,

I am rather appalled at Ishihara’s comments, but not surprised. Thanks for letting me know what he said.

I’m very curious about J-green and am hopeful that something brings the whole house of cards down. Thanks for giving me the link.

I’m following the discussion about this at TPR closely, and hope if I have time to blog some more on this topic as things develop.

By: Ken

Ken — Tue, 29 May 2007 07:06:38 +0000

I would guess that the likes of Shintaro Ishihara would approve of such bravery, as it matches those of the kamikaze he recently glorified in the movie For Those We Love.

In a TV interview last night, Ishihara referred to Matsuoka as a 本当の侍.

Abe says there will be no more investigation into what went on (yet there was another J-Green related suicide this morning: http://www.nikkei.co.jp/news/main/20070529AT1G2900S29052007.html)

My own theory is that Nakagawa told him to give up the stupid-ass sushi police idea. But that’s just my idea.