The Criterion Symposium of June 29, 2019

* This article was written as of July 3, 2019.

I would like to convey the atmosphere of the Kyushu symposium held by the Hyogensha Criterion school led by Professor Satoshi Fujii, which I attended.

The venue was Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka. Most participants were not students but a relatively older crowd — highly politically engaged people, patriots worried about the state of their country, I imagined.

Under the theme “Japan's revival, thought through from Kyushu,” the speakers discussed the distinctive, rich local culture and people of Kyushu, and the danger posed by the mentally unwell state of Nagatacho (Japan's political centre).

They then argued that politics is in disarray precisely because it lacks the fiercely independent spirit of Kyushu people — a spirit they called essential to Japan's revival.

Voices from the Audience

Many questions from participants expressed concern about the consumption tax hike. Many seemed alarmed by a political situation in which a tax increase that, by any measure, would damage Japan was about to be pushed through.

Several participants who said they came from Soka Gakkai also asked questions expressing growing distrust of Komeito.

At the end of the symposium, Professor Fujii spoke passionately about his six years as a special adviser to the Cabinet, during which he fought to stop the consumption tax hike.

July 3, 2019 — sandragon965

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