No informed Japanese would have been surprised to hear Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara using dead but racist language in his speech at a Ground Self-Defense Force anniversary last Sunday. He has been known for repeatedly indulging in a poor choice of words, for his complacent tendency to confuse arrogance and outspokenness, and for his penchant for seeing the complicated global ties among nations from a simplistic perspective.
Some aspects of such traits have been variously seen as representing his frank and unreserved personality, his guts or his leadership quality. These traits could at times, although not always, have been signs of eccentricity. But, in reality, they have conspired to form an image of Mr. Ishihara as a political leader of outstanding individuality and originality, which has greatly helped him in winning votes in elections.
For all that, however, his latest remark containing the obsolete word "sangokujin" (third-country nationals) puts on the line his integrity as the capital's top administrator. Mr. Ishihara reportedly said that residents from other countries might riot should a major disaster hit. He later said he will no longer use the word because it is "liable to cause misunderstanding." However, he refused to retract or apologize for the remark.