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Japan Forward
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Ex-Ambassador Tarumi: Japan Must Stand Firm and Defend Its National Interest
In Part II of his interview, former Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi offers his insights on the fundamentals of diplomacy and the importance of standing firm. Tarumi, who served as ambassador from 2020 to 2023, spent his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs focused on China. He now teaches as a professor at Ritsumeikan University. Excerpts from Ambassador Tarumi's statements in the interview follow. Read Part 1 Former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Nobutaka Machimura was a politician who firmly conveyed Japan's position to China. When large-scale anti-Japanese demonstrations broke out in China following Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to Yasukuni Shrine, Machimura traveled to China in April 2005. There, he met with his counterpart Li Zhaoxing, demanded an apology, a return to the previous state of affairs, and measures to prevent a recurrence. Although the Chinese side claimed to be the "victim," Machimura pushed back, saying, "Does patriotism justify any kind of action against Japan? We strongly demand an apology for the violence directed at the Japanese Consulate-General and Japanese businesses in China." While many politicians hesitate to take a firm stance against China, Machimura was unwavering. Machimura was a man who exemplified what a politician should be. Japanese politicians should first study the history of the Senkaku Islands issue and understand its position under international law. It's not enough to have a vague idea of what happened in which year. They need a thorough grasp not only of Tokyo's stance but also of all of Beijing's claims and why those claims are unfounded. This is the most important responsibility for any national politician involved in diplomacy. The Senkaku issue is often blamed on the China School within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, it's the politicians themselves who have historically been lax in their handling of the matter. The Senkaku Islands (©Sankei by Kenji Suzuki） In 1972, for instance, during normalization talks between Japan and China, Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka asked Premier Zhou Enlai for his thoughts on the Senkaku Islands. Zhou replied, "I don't want to talk about it now." Tanaka's response was essentially, "What?" After all, it was his side that brought up the subject. Later in 1978, Deng Xiaoping unilaterally declared at a press conference in Japan that "a shelving agreement has been reached" regarding the Senkaku issue. Tokyo's official position is that there is no territorial dispute over the Senkakus. So why didn't Takeo Fukuda — who was Prime Minister at the time — or the Chief Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister respond to Deng's statement? One of them should have said, "There is nothing to be shelved regarding the Senkaku issue." Japan's claim to the Senkaku Islands is fundamentally strong, both in terms of international law and historical evidence. So why is this strength not more clearly asserted? Members of the Diet need to be able to explain and defend Japan's position wherever and whenever the issue arises. The Chinese leadership always tries to conclude talks with its own statement. It's a mistake to allow the discussion to end on their terms. Many politicians aren't even aware of this. Japanese PM Ishiba meets President Xi of China on the sidelines of APEC in Peru. (©Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister) As a diplomat, I have always been concerned about whether my actions could stand the test of history and whether I conducted diplomacy that would not bring shame in hindsight. We must never engage in diplomacy that ends with us being told what to do. I believe this applies to politicians as well. In matters of sovereignty and territorial disputes, we must have the final word. Young members of the ruling party often do not know when they will be appointed to key positions in foreign affairs and defense. For that reason, continuous learning is crucial. Some political parties and politicians in Japan seem to have little regard for the concept of national interest. One of the biggest challenges we diplomats faced in the past was arguing with the Chinese government over Fukushima's treated water issue. Even when we refuted Beijing's claims by citing specific figures, pointing out that the tritium, a radioactive substance in the treated water, was higher in Chinese nuclear plants, they would respond by saying, "Japanese Diet members and some scholars have also called it 'contaminated water'." It felt like being stabbed from behind. Tanks storing ALPS-treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (© Sankei by Akihiko Otsuka) Some parliamentarians were waffling over unscientific claims about the release of treated water, but it's nothing more than self-serving theatrics. They were working hand-in-hand with China. Even if these politicians visit China, it will be merely a trip and will be of no significance for Japan. In fact, it's counterproductive. In China, the term "rùn," meaning to escape overseas, is becoming popular. Among those, the number of "rùn ri," or running to Japan, is rapidly growing. Chinese seeking the freedom they have lost in China and Hong Kong are gathering in Japan, especially in the Kanda area of Tokyo. More than 100 years ago, Sun Yat-sen and others were supported by Japanese businessmen, bringing about the Xinhai Revolution. Today, many Chinese people come to Kanda and other areas in Japan seeking the democratization of their homeland. Chinese bookstores have become gathering places where various issues are debated. That said, the Japanese establishment remains largely unaware of this movement. Many inbound tourists from China and elsewhere crowd Osaka's Dotonbori commercial area as the Chinese New Year begins. January 28, 2025 (©Sankei by Miyako Nagumo) If we approach this with a dislike of the Chinese people, we risk missing an important emerging trend. The United States Embassy in Japan is observing this movement with greater interest. One of these individuals could one day become China's leader. It's time for Japan to develop a long-term strategy. Of course, there are many troublemakers and misbehaving individuals among the Chinese population. These behaviors should be properly regulated and policed. However, not all Chinese people are like that. It's shortsighted and unstrategic to make enemies of all 1.4 billion Chinese. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo clearly emphasized that a distinction must be made between the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party. If a Chinese aide stood next to the Japanese Foreign Minister, that alone might be criticized as being "pro-China" in Japan. However, it's the Chinese Communist Party that we must confront, not the people. China is not synonymous with the Chinese Communist Party. The Japanese media also shares some of the blame. Until now, they have not made a clear distinction. For example, the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party in the US House of Representatives is often reported simply as the US House of Representatives Special Committee on China. The literal translation is Special Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party, where the most serious and intense discussions take place. Japan's diplomatic stance is fundamentally centered on the idea that "harmony is key to success." This principle is also reflected in the Analects of Confucius, but with a caveat. "A wise man maintains harmony but does not blindly follow the crowd. An unwise man blindly follows the crowd but does not maintain harmony." While cooperation is important, we must not easily compromise our independence as Japanese. In other words, we must never lose sight of Japan's national interests. We must remain a sovereign nation. Author: Shimpei Okuhara, The Sankei Shimbun ( Read this in Japanese )
The Mainichi
20-07-2025
- Health
- The Mainichi
Death-themed events inspiring life amid increasing youth suicides in Japan
TOKYO -- Youth suicides climbed to a record high in Japan in 2024, raising the question of how to rescue young people harboring suicidal thoughts. Various groups, including universities, governments and private organizations have launched initiatives to address the issue, including events that lift the taboo on discussing death. Simulating death to inspire life On June 24, Ritsumeikan University hosted an experiential lecture where students participated in a "coffin experience." The session was led by Mikako Fuse, a custom coffin maker. Students lay in coffins with the lids closed for several minutes. This experience, also conducted at the end-of-life planning bar Memento Mori in Tokyo's Koto Ward, apparently changes many participants' perceptions of death and increases their desire to live, according to Fuse. Of the 30 students who attended the lecture, about 80% participated in the coffin experience. The impact was profound. Students shared positive reflections such as, "It was an opportunity to reflect on myself and reset my worries," and, "The fear of death disappeared, and I felt a stronger desire to live." The experience seemed to heighten their focus on "self-understanding and connections with others." Rising suicidal ideation among young students The lecture was prompted by growing concerns over increasing suicidal ideation among young people. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of suicides in 2024 reached about 20,000, the second lowest on record. However, among elementary, junior high and high school students, the trend is increasing, with 529 taking their own lives in 2024 -- the highest figure among records dating back to 1980. Many young people harbor suicidal thoughts without acting on them. In a 2022 Nippon Foundation survey of some 15,000 people aged 18 to 29, 44.8% admitted having seriously considered taking their own lives. "Today's youth face complex and multilayered social isolation. They may, after much contemplation, choose suicide to alleviate their struggles with life's difficulties," said Aya Seike, a professor of social medicine at Ritsumeikan University who organized the lecture. Explaining the goal of the event, Seike stated, "Facing death as a means of reevaluating life is an extremely important activity." She plans to use data from these coffin experiences to develop programs aimed at alleviating the difficulties of living, with the hope of preventing suicides. Events focusing on death gaining momentum The Shibuya Hikarie commercial complex in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward hosted "Death Fes," a fest centered on the theme of death, around April 14, informally designated as "Good Death Day" in Japan. Attendance doubled from the previous year's inaugural event, with approximately 4,200 people, about 20% of whom were in their teens and 20s. The event featured talks and discussions on death, including programs that emphasized a strong awareness of mortality. Asked about the reason for holding such an event, Nozomi Ichikawa, who organized and managed Death Fes, stated, "Death is often taboo in society, but many people want to learn about it." A survey by funeral company Tear Co. found that 26.8% of people in their 20s are engaged in "end-of-life planning," such as drafting wills. This indicates an increased awareness of mortality among young people. This, Ichikawa emphasized, is precisely why events like Death Fes are necessary. "It's not possible for others to unilaterally address someone's wish to die. If they have a place where such feelings can be acknowledged, it leads to a sense of security. We need to delve into why someone wants to die," she said. A shift in perspective for a young man Kazuki, 27, a volunteer at Death Fes, has personally grappled with suicidal thoughts. Without a clear reason, he described a vague anxiety that led to feelings of wanting to die. His interest in death led him to work in caregiving, where he witnessed the end of life firsthand. Searching for answers, he attended last year's Death Fes and has since engaged in ongoing dialogues with participants. "Deepening my understanding of death and having someone to consult with has been a major turning point. The presence of family and friends who believe in me is significant," he said. Kazuki now sees his desire to die as a reflection of a wish to live better. He feels that his suicidal thoughts have significantly diminished. Kazuki's experience is not unique. Many have struggled and contemplated death, but sharing concerns with others can bring peace of mind. Both government and private sectors have established hotlines for easy access to support, many of which operate around the clock. (Japanese original by Yuko Shimada, Business News Department) -- Suicide prevention hotline in Japan with English support TELL Japan (English): Telephone hotline: 03-5774-0992 (Daily) Online chat: Counseling inquiries: 03-4550-1146 A selection of emergency numbers with multilingual support is also provided at the bottom of their home page. *Operating hours for the telephone hotline and online chat depend on the day and are subject to change. Check the Facebook page linked below for up-to-date information:
Nikkei Asia
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Nikkei Asia
UK's 2nd ekiden relay race ends in victory for Japan's Ritsumeikan
Sports Japanese-style event features teams of 10 runners covering 114 kilometers A runner crosses the finish line for Ritsumeikan University, which was later awarded the championship. (Photo by Masatoshi Ida) MASATOSHI IDA WINDSOR, U.K. -- The second running of the FT Nikkei U.K. Ekiden took place on Friday starting in this London suburb, with Kyoto's Ritsumeikan University taking the championship in a field of 31 universities and companies from both Japan and the U.K. Ekiden is a long-distance relay race format that originated in Japan. The U.K. Ekiden was started in 2024 with the aim of spreading the race's culture there. Based on the Hakone Ekiden, one of the most famous yearly university races in Japan, the U.K. version is sponsored by the Financial Times and Nikkei.
BBC News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Japanese university triumph in second UK Ekiden on Thames Path
Japan's Ritsumeikan University have won the second annual UK Ekiden race after frontrunners from the University of Oxford were disqualified for an illegal sash 70-mile (114km) mixed-gender relay race takes place along the Thames Path in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. The race started at Maidenhead and travelled though Bisham Abbey, Henley-on-Thames, Sonning and Reading before retracing the route to the start. Oxford finished four minutes and 28 seconds ahead of the Ritsumeikan team but organisers stepped in after spotting them pass their relay sash outside of the designated area. Under traditional Ekiden rules an illegal sash pass sees the offending team University came second and St Mary's University were third. A total of 15 corporate teams and 16 from universities competed. "It's really exciting to see so many young athletes out on the route" said founder of the UK race Anna Dingley. "This is year two. Last year we launched it when there was a state visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the UK - and it also coincided with the 100th Ekiden of one of the most famous ones in Japan, called the Hakone Ekiden."We've got more universities involved and we're making it a little bit more competitive for the athletes because Ekiden in Japan is a very serious running race." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Japan Forward
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Racing the UK Ekiden Through 160 Years of Ties
One of Japan's best-loved sporting disciplines is making strides overseas. Britain will host the second UK Ekiden race along the banks of the River Thames on June 20. The event has grown exponentially from the 2024 inaugural event, with 310 runners in 31 teams. Each team is made up of 10 runners competing in a 114km course from Windsor to King's Meadow in Reading and back again. This time, the field includes 16 teams from British universities, as well as a guest team from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. Runners from private companies will also be there, representing well-known names such as Japan Airlines, sporting equipment manufacturer Asics, the Financial Times Nikkei media alliance, and Britain's Royal Air Force. Significantly, a team of students from Kyushu will also be competing. This year marks the 160th anniversary of a group of 15 young men of the Satsuma domain who arrived to study at University College London, despite Japanese being forbidden to travel overseas at the time. The Anglo Satsuma War (photograph of a page in the London Illustrated News) Anna Dingley, founder of the UK Ekiden and a former resident of Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan, says the participation of modern-day Satsuma students "helps to celebrate the best of the UK and Japan." "I remember when I lived in Kagoshima and someone pointed out some damage from British cannon fire from 1863," Dingley said. She was referring to a bombardment carried out by the Royal Navy in the brief Anglo-Satsuma War of August 1863. "I did not believe it, but it turned out it was true," she told JAPAN Forward. After the three-day conflict, it was agreed that students ー one just 13 years old ー would travel to the UK to learn about the Industrial Revolution and help build bilateral ties. The students' experiences in Britain helped shape their future, with at least two going on to serve as government ministers. Others also went on to prominent positions in diplomacy, the armed forces, industry, and trade. Masato Fujiwara and his modern-day Satsuma Students running team. (Courtesy of Masato Fujiwara) Today, it is just as important to forge bilateral ties, said Dingley. "I think it's a hugely positive platform for the next generation to learn about Japan, and to take part in the race with Japanese runners too. "Many people in the running fraternity are curious about it, and the wider Anglo-Japanese community too," she said. "There have been one or two local ekiden races in the UK in the past, but this is quite different as we are bringing in many universities to take part, and then the corporate teams who sponsor and fund the race. "It's a virtuous circle because the universities get to participate for free, the students have a great experience of racing and teamwork, and also get to meet all the companies," she added. "The companies have a great teamwork experience too. Often it's a great chance to bond with their Japanese clients or colleagues, and they also get to meet the younger generation." Many, she said, are also drawn by the sport's long history and the devotion it attracts in its homeland. Originally, ekiden was not a sport but referred to the system of horse couriers that carried letters in stages between Japan's major urban centers, primarily the ancient capital of Kyoto and Edo, modern-day Tokyo. The transfer of the post to the next carrier is reflected in the handing over of the sash ー the "tasuki" ー to the next runner in the race. In 1917, the first-ever ekiden was staged as a three-day race over 23 stages from Kyoto to Tokyo. Then, it was a 507-kilometer event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the transfer of the nation's capital to Tokyo. However, it was quickly adopted as a competition by universities and companies, emphasizing unity, resilience, and shared goals. Today, the most important event on the ekiden calendar is the two-day New Year race. Teams of students from Japanese universities run from Tokyo to the mountain town of Hakone and back the following day. It covers a distance of 219 kilometers. Jo Auer, student at Magdalen College, Oxford, was on the winning team in 2024's inaugural race and will be hoping to repeat that feat in 2025. (©Phil Hill) Jo Auer, a 26-year-old student at Magdalen College, Oxford, will be competing in this year's race once more. She's hopeful that her team can repeat their victory in the 2024 inaugural race. "We didn't go in with any expectations ー it was more about enjoying the experience and working together as a team. So crossing the line in first place made it all the more special," she said, adding that running an ekiden was different from her previous races. "It was unlike anything I'd done before," she said. "I'd never raced in a long-format relay, and it turned out to be far more fun and memorable than typical solo racing. Wearing the traditional 'tasuki' sash added a unique cultural touch. And running the final leg ー with Windsor Castle coming into view as I emerged from the woods ー was genuinely unforgettable." Ekiden running demands a different approach, she added, but also has benefits. "There's nothing quite like it," said Auer, who is originally from Brisbane in Australia. "The long-format relay demands endurance and strategy, but also a deep sense of teamwork. You're not just racing for yourself — you're carrying something symbolic, both literally with the sash and figuratively with the team's shared effort. Covering such a long distance together, across a beautiful landscape, and then celebrating as a unit at the finish, it's a uniquely rewarding experience." Masato Fujiwara will carry the traditional sash in honor of the Satsuma students. Nevertheless, he admits to being something of a running novice. "I have had little experience with running before, and I am not a member of my university's ekiden team. For me, running was something that I did in high school," said Fujiwara, who is studying pharmacy at Fukuoka University. "I have been fitting in training around my university life since I found out I would be participating in the race in April," he said. "As a complete beginner when it comes to running, I have been thinking about how to train most effectively in a short time so I can run just over 10 km. Masato Fujiwara, third from left, outside Exeter Cathedral during his UK homestay. (Courtesy of Masato Fujiwara) It will not be Fujiwara's first visit to the UK. He spent three weeks in the city of Exeter as a homestay student during middle school. At the time, he was impressed by the number of historical buildings in Britain. "Although the UK and Japan are far apart, I hope that through this race, we can overcome that distance, sweat together through sports, and become good friends," he added. "I also hope that by sharing the culture of Japan's ekiden with others, more people will become interested in Japan as a country." Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at Oxford University during their state visit to the UK, which overlapped with the inaugural UK Ekiden in June, 2024. (©Reuters) After 30 years dividing her time between the UK and Japan, Dingley shares that hope. "To be honest, I didn't really know so much about ekiden when I lived in Japan," she admitted. "I've always enjoyed iconic journeys rather than necessarily focusing on running. I've cycled the length of Britain, Land's End to John O'Groats, sailed across the Atlantic, and travelled back from Japan overland on the Trans Siberian Express in midwinter. "It's that iconic journey aspect of the Hakone ekiden, which is one of the key reasons I knew our UK Ekiden also had to be along a special route like the Thames Path," she added. In 2024, the UK Ekiden coincided with a state visit to London by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Both had studied at Oxford University. A portion of the profits was also donated to charities. Among those were organizations supporting the rebuilding of the Noto Peninsula, devastated in a January 2024 earthquake. The relationship between the UK Ekiden and Ishikawa Prefecture will continue in the 2025 event, Dingley said. Raising awareness and increasing assistance to the hard-hit region remains front and center in the event. By Julian Ryall
