British Media Satirizes the Chaos of Japan's House of Representatives Election
The voting for Japan's House of Representatives election will be held on February 8. The Japanese election has also attracted coverage from overseas media.
The British newspaper The Times published a satirical article. "How to win an election? Speak clearly, but say nothing."
The reporter Richard Lloyd Parry described Takahashi Asako's campaign as a "frenzied approach" rather than policy debate.
British journalists interviewed supporters of Takahashi. A young woman said: "The reason I support Takahashi is because she speaks very clearly," and this woman praised Takahashi as "friendly" and "intimate." The reason for supporting Takahashi was not related to governance policies.
Journalists commented: "Voters' feelings toward candidates are more important than the future of the country."
The article states that political figures have become the subject of "idol support," even leading to phenomena where supporters are encouraged to buy related products. Supporters are not only focused on the content of speeches, but also on bags, pens, skincare products, etc. Political figures have turned into luxury brands. In recent weeks, a new term has emerged, "sana-katsu" (related to the bag used by Takahashi Asako).
Journalists are not only paying attention to the seemingly brainless enthusiasm; within just two weeks of the campaign, slogans are loud, emotions are in place, and the atmosphere is repeatedly intensified, yet the many issues and key topics facing Japanese society have not been addressed.
Issues such as "how to handle relations with China, whether to reduce the consumption tax, and how to deal with immigration policies" have not been seriously discussed in a direct manner.
The way the Liberal Democratic Party wins is: at this stage, Takahashi does not need to say anything useful, she just needs to be there.
In short, make voters excited and ensure the atmosphere is right!
Original: toutiao.com/article/1856473587330059/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.