tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805664.post292516475987104174..comments2007-09-16T21:04:12.086+09:00Tobias Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483833677342376445observingjapan@gmail.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805664.post-18430294233230768152007-09-16T20:03:00.000+09:002007-09-16T20:03:00.000+09:00The <I>Asahi</I> piece has probably spun the MAFF story far beyond the realities that the facts (which I do not dispute) justify.<BR/><BR/>The DPJ holds sway over the Upper House. It is only prudent that the ministries upgrade their customer relations department as appropriate. I believe that the other ministries are doing likewise, if only because otherwise no bill not initiated by MAFF would pass enacted other than by way of supermajority revotes, and the Fukuda and/or Aso administration would hate that. If fact, because of this, I believe it highly likely that the LDP-New Komeito coalition has given its blessing, or at least implicit approval, to do so.<BR/><BR/>In the 90s when the LDP briefly went into the opposition, it felt cold-shouldered by the bureaucracy. It did not leave their newfound resentment behind when it returned to power, and the wound has never completely healed. This is one more reason for the bureaucracy to check with the LDP before it makes adjustments to its relationship with the opposition.<BR/><BR/>As for substance, every ministry has its range of opinions, ranging from ultra-orthodoxy to outright heresy, and it is not difficult to find officials who will express their dissent as they kibitz with reporters. Leaks and non-attributable confessions are not confined to the corridors of Washington.<BR/><BR/>All this is as much conjecture as the <I>Asahi</I> article, since I am years removed from the times when I could have confirmed it first-hand. I think, therefore you decide. But, I remind you, unlike the <I>Asahi</I> reporter, I am not under the professional compunction to sex it up.Jun Okumurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291478225274759649noreply@blogger.com