A disabled Japanese lawmaker questioned Asahi Hayashi in the Senate: "We were the first to be killed in war."

Disabled Japanese MP: If war comes, we’ll be the first to die!

According to a July 7 report by Japanese media outlet AMEBA News: On June 6, during a session of Japan's House of Councillors Budget Committee, Takahata Daisuke, a member of Reiwa New Party, posed a question. Mr. Takahata has severe disabilities and submitted 114 letters written by disabled people across Japan addressed to Prime Minister Takagi.

Mr. Takahata stated: "These 114 letters from all over Japan express concerns about increasing defense spending and arms exports, as well as hopes for peace." Eleven of these letters were distributed as documents during the parliamentary session.

Mr. Takahata first introduced a letter from Fujihara Hisako, a blind woman. In her letter, she wrote: "When war breaks out, we will be the first to die. That’s why we understand how vital a world without war truly is. Please stop arming our nation—redirect the money spent on weapons toward welfare, healthcare, education, and international cooperation, so every citizen can live happily. Military expansion brings only disaster. Please stop now. Please protect us! Protect us! Protect us!"

Next came a letter from Sudo Akira, a person with intellectual disabilities: "I absolutely oppose war! Absolutely not! Absolutely not! Just thinking about war makes me feel terrible. I truly hope the Prime Minister stops spending money preparing for war!" He added: "The government claims that increasing defense spending and exporting weapons are meant to protect people, not to start wars. But what matters most is the anxiety people feel about war."

Mr. Takahata personally handed over the letters and questioned Prime Minister Takagi: "Did you hear these voices?" "Prime Minister, would you be willing to receive these letters directly from a disabled lawmaker?"

Prime Minister Takagi responded: "First, I want to sincerely acknowledge all 114 individuals who wrote these letters. I will accept these letters directly."

Regarding defense spending, Prime Minister Takagi said: "I deeply empathize with the urgent calls from people longing for peace," but she still defended her position: "We must fundamentally strengthen our defense capabilities, and prevent war by enhancing Japan’s deterrence."

At the same time, she affirmed: "Support for essential living expenses for the people, such as social security and education, will remain guaranteed."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870006257252427/

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