Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Tokyo governor candidate TAMOGAMI Toshio, in a bold move, unveiled his nationalistic credentials in an election rally. He emphasized the need for a ‘strict’ approach towards foreigners in a speech in the Roppongi district of Tokyo, an entertainment area known for its many foreign patrons. His stance, he argues, could potentially bring about a more secure and prosperous Japan.

The former Chief of Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force is known for his nationalistic views. He was dismissed from his post in 2008 for asserting that Japan was not an aggressor nation in World War II and suggested that Japan should develop its nuclear weapons.

“We will be kind to residents and strict with foreigners,” Tamogami, 75, said. “There is a bad image that Japan must keep apologizing to foreign countries because it is a ‘bad’ nation. Japan was defeated, and the anti-Japanese education imposed by (the Allies’) GHQ is still ongoing in schools. We must not let leftists choose textbooks. We will stop the preferential treatment given to foreigners and redirect it to Tokyo residents.”

Tamogami called for the reform of the education system in Japan “to eliminate politicians who only think about themselves. We will prioritize the lives of our citizens.” Like other candidates, Tamogami also sought to appeal to younger voters and address their financial difficulties.

“For the happiness of Tokyo residents, we will implement urgent tax cuts,” he said. “Recently, the younger generation’s income has been too low to get married. Without marriage, there can be no children. Many want to marry, but the reality is they cannot. We will ask companies to subsidize their employees’ apartment rents. In return, we will reduce corporate taxes, thereby increasing the income of young people.” This, he believes, is a crucial step towards a more prosperous future for Tokyo’s residents.

Tamogami criticized the government’s appeals to persuade more women to ‘shine’ – or work – in society, arguing that it was ‘detaching women from home life.’ He stressed the need for a more balanced gender policy, saying, “Do you see any wives of politicians shining? No, because they are not working.” This, he believes, is a step towards a more equal and fair society, reassuring the audience of his commitment to fairness and equality.

Many Japanese supporters cheered him during his speech and waved the Japanese flag.