3/11:The Fallout

3/11:The Fallout
Just what the heck is going on?

Friday 10 January 2014

2014: Welcome to the Pleasuredome




      Why is Prime Minister Abe so intent on antagonizing the Chinese and Koreans with his visits to the Yasakuni Shrine? Why is it currently unsafe to eat seafood along the west coast of the USA? Which parts of the USA have experienced snowfalls with abnormally high levels of radiation? Where exactly did the liquified nuclear fuel go after the Fukushima meltdown? What is a 'hydrovolcanic explosion'?
      These and other questions will not be answered in 2014, if the Japanese government has its way. 
      The new Secrecy Law means that the incompetent, cack-handed methods of Japan's nuclear industry will continue without change. The only difference is that the nuclear lobbyists will be more aggressive about people who ask questions or criticize their judgment.
      That means if you are worried about the consequences of the botched Fukushima clean-up, or if you support investment in renewable energy resouces, or if you are concerned about future health problems resulting from radioactive contamination, you now have a target on your back.
      The Japanese government is commencing a news media blackout so that when the inevitable health problems arise, it will be able to avoid responsibilty. The Japanese public has given up protesting, because they know it's pointless; since the establishment of the military government at the beginning of the Edo period, the purpose of government is to keep the ruling class in power, and the purpose of the samurai/salaryman/housewife is to follow orders without question.
Nothing has changed that. A lot has been said about the samurai philosophy of 'never give up'; in practical terms, this translates to - 'Keep doing the same thing again and again. If anyone has different points of view, ignore them or bully them until they leave Japan.'
      There is speculation that the government does not actually intend to go through with the 2020 Olympics, because in six years time Japan - as a nation - will not exist in its current form. It was only meant as a short-term propaganda coup.  Secret plans are being made, doors are being closed, curtains are being drawn. Journalists such as Jeff Kingston and Jake Adelstein are referrring to this as the beginning of Japan's 'New Dark Age'.
       So what does this mean to foreigners living in Japan, or independent-minded Japanese nationals? Feeling worried yet? Helpless? Angry? What can you do?
       There are two things you can do.  
1) If this has motivated you to help, then consider investing in a copy of the book on the link below. It's a practical guide to disasters both natural and man-made, and the proceeds are going to Tohoku charities.
2) Wait for further instructions, to be issued on March 11th 2014.
      This is The Fallout.
      You will hear from us again soon.