安倍晋三首相の突然の引退会見、海外でも報道されたようで、アービン君がスカイプしてきました。
Arvin
Hi, Toshi-san. I was browsing the web and came up with an article about Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s determination to resign from his post.
What exactly happened?
Toshi
Well, it was so sudden that we have no idea what was going on behind the scene. But I get the feeling that the main reason is his health.
Arvin
Is there any other reason than that? Such as declining support rates or a possible rebellion by his fellow party members?
Toshi
I don’t think that’s the case this time. There are many tweets thanking his dedication to his duties. Also now is not the time to reshuffle leadership amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Arvin
He had good programs especially during the onset of the coronavirus, right? Yeah, I think. He was able to give aid to many people. That’s good he was able to do those. He was able to express his strong will and initiative, right?
Toshi
Exactly that is correct. However, it is also pointed out that he had this strong ambition to change our constitution. It would allow SDF (Self-Defense Forces) to fight overseas.
Arvin
Do you mean that any military activities are prohibited under the current Constitution?
Toshi
That’s right.
Arvin
Even if it’s just for help or assistance?
Toshi
Basically, yes.
Arvin
What do the Japanese citizen feel about Prime Minister Abe’s intention?
Toshi
They are split into two sides – pros and opposition, almost fifty-fifty.
Arvin
If it was a law that was made a long time ago and now it no longer benefits the people of the current time, I think it’s only good to make some modifications to it.
Toshi
You have a point there. But there are still many people who insist that the law should be kept as it is. They believe any change would bring Japan back to what it used to be before the end of WW2.
Arvin
Toshi-san, there is a proverb, so to speak, the only permanent thing in this world is change. So I guess Japan cannot stay like this forever.
Toshi
Well, let’s see what happens in the future.