Regarding the article "Recent changes to Japan’s defense policies attracts support in U.S. House" in the May 17 edition, Shinzo Abe's policies contain so many conceptual holes it's possible to see right through the other side to the dichotomies that render his rule absurd.
Domestically, he insists he is his own man and that Japanese should shake off their masochistic psyche, but ultimately his term in office has bullied the majority of Japanese people. While bending over backward to the rich to ensure the cozy relationship between them and his party continues, most citizens are much worse off under his government.
Internationally, he has been kinder to foreigners than any other prime minister by rigging currency rates to ensure rich Chinese can shop till they drop on favorable buys and by loosening entry regulations. How much money the government will throw at foreigners to make the Tokyo Olympics work is unfathomable to ordinary members of the public, but surely this is like economic sadism because Abe's electorate will be footing the bill!
The most glaring paradox of all must be his attempts to revoke the Constitution because ultimately it serves America's purposes more (like the TPP) as it will have a new arm to its military might in East Asia, and when it gets cut off by China or North Korea, who will be the masochists then if not Japanese soldiers and their families at home?
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.