Tokyo Governor Ishihara Hints He Will Run Again
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 Posted: 12:15 PM JST
The Asahi Shimbun reported yesterday that Shintaro Ishihara has indicated that he will seek a third term in next spring's election. The Tokyo governor is infamous for nationalistic remarks that have incensed people both in Japan and abroad.
"One of Ishihara's major goals, writes the Asahi, "is to further develop the capital by winning the bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics... 'If Tokyo wins the candidacy, there will be even more troublesome issues to deal with,' Ishihara told reporters Monday. 'I just can't go and say, Hey, whoever replaces me, it's all yours.'"
According to the Asahi, "Ishihara remains highly popular among the public and exerts considerable control over the Tokyo's metropolitan assembly."
During the Tokyo assembly election last year, Ishihara's achievements and political methods were the main issues in the campaign. He has done several things that are extremely positive, like imposing stricter pollution standards on diesel vehicles and proposing high taxes on major banks headquartered in Tokyo.
But he has also said some things that show a scary part of his beliefs. He told members of the Ground Self-Defense Force that foreigners would riot during a natural disaster, has openly disputed the Nanking Massacre, and has forced students and teachers in Tokyo to stand for the anthem and the raising of the flag during school ceremonies.
Keywords: national_news
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