Latest news with #Ishin
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Election Success for Chinese-born Critic of Japan's China Policy
このページを 日本語 で読む In Japan's House of Councillors election on July 20, it was confirmed the following day that Seki Hei, a 63-year-old political commentator and first-time candidate, had secured a seat. He ran under the proportional representation system as a candidate for Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party). Seki Hei is also a JAPAN Forward contributor with his own column, China Watch. Born in China, Seki faced a barrage of abuse over his candidacy. But throughout the campaign, he stood firm, declaring he would not "succumb to slander." Seki was born in 1962 in Sichuan Province. He became disillusioned with the Chinese government following the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, and later cut ties with China mentally and ideologically. In 2007, he became a naturalized Japanese citizen. People march through central London on June 4, 2023, to mourn the victims of the Tiananmen Massacre in China 34 years earlier. (© Kyodo) During the campaign, Seki called for constitutional reform, a tougher stance on China, stricter naturalization laws, and stronger measures to curb mass immigration. All of this, he said, was "to protect Japan." He initially announced his candidacy with Ishin in February 2025 but withdrew after facing a wave of slander and personal attacks. However, he later reversed course, saying, "I realized I must not give in to slander," and decided to run after all. When Seki re-declared his candidacy in June, he pointed to Japan's China policy, especially under the leadership of Shigeru Ishiba, as a major concern. "Japanese politics isn't responding," he said. "It's unbearable to watch. I felt I had no choice but to step up." As for why he chose to run with Ishin, Sekii explained that the party's platform matched his own views. He added that Osaka Governor and Ishin leader Hirofumi Yoshimura shared his concerns about China's growing hegemonic threat to Japan. Author: The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Spectator
7 days ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Could Japan soon be governed by chatbots?
Tokyo Could Japan be the world's first -algocracy – government by algorithm? The concept has been flirted with elsewhere: in 2017 a chatbot called Alisa challenged Vladimir Putin for the Russian presidency. But there is reason to believe that if any major country is going to replace its politicians with AI, it will be Japan. The citizens of Yokosuka in Kanagawa have had a remarkably lifelike AI avatar of their mayor, Katsuaki Uechi, at their service for over a year now. It (he?) speaks perfect English with a slight Japanese accent, with Uechi's facial features manipulated to make it look as if he is pronouncing the words correctly. The avatar exists on the city's website and YouTube channel, standing at a podium, making speeches. The avatar's portfolio has expanded since it was launched and the phantom image will apparently be used during times of disaster to 'disseminate information' and spread a 'message of peace'. Meanwhile, the mayor of Sagamihara, Kentaro Motomura, has begun delivering responses to the city council based entirely on AI drafts. Politicians around the world have probably been doing this for a while in secret, but Motomura might be the first to boast about it. He claims that the software developed has been 'trained' with three years' worth of council responses and administrative terminology and can produce in seconds what salarymen used to toil late into the night for. However, these innovations seem minor compared with the ambitions of Michihito Matsuda, otherwise known as the 'AI mayor', who has stood for office several times, and promises to replace all politicians with AI. In Matsuda's hi-tech update of Athenian democracy, the people of Japan will register their views on all issues online. AI will then take over and formulate policy based on the resulting collective intelligence. The algorithms used will be available for all to scrutinise and revise should errors, biases or 'hallucinations' become apparent. The advantages of this, says Matsuda, are obvious. The whole political class can be removed at a stroke. Trust will be restored to democracy as people will be consulted on every issue and the process of how their views become policy will be transparent. Matsuda, who wears a mask in all his campaign videos, is formally running as a 'representative of AI' as the rules do not yet allow machines to stand for public office. This issue would be resolved in his AI dream world. What is remarkable about Matsuda, a somewhat controversial character with a colourful past (he is a former pro-wrestler), is how seriously he is taken. He has never come close to winning in his three mayoral and one gubernatorial contests, but he got 8 per cent in his first outing and nearly 3,000 votes when he ran for Tokyo governor, which is not bad in a contest with 56 candidates. He has also earned the endorsement of a major national party (Ishin – a sort of Japanese Reform). In interviews, Matsuda comes across as intelligent, amusing and entirely serious – a bit like a more upbeat and affable Dominic Cummings. It is not hard to understand why Japan is receptive to the idea of AI governance. In many ways, Japan already resembles an AI culture. Many aspects of everyday life and almost every professional (and even much personal) interaction are streamlined and formalised to eliminate all risk of spontaneity. This produces reliable but often robotic exchanges that do feel as if they have been crafted by an algorithm. Life can appear scripted (quick tip to visitors to Japan: do not engage shop staff in conversation; I tried this on my first week, asking a girl stacking shelves if she was having a busy day – she fled to the stockroom). Likewise, in politics, exchanges are often scripted to the word ahead of time. How much of what is left really needs a human? Matsuda did some research for one of his campaigns and concluded that 80 per cent of a mayor's duties could be completed by robots or eliminated entirely. The rest, the creative part, could be AI-generated. Even in the arts, the Japanese seem quite relaxed with the idea of AI taking over. When Rie Kudan won the prestigious Akutagawa prize for her novel Sympathy Tower Block and revealed part of it had been produced by ChatGPT, there was more criticism outside Japan than in. AI has been used to create the voiceovers in anime films and write some of the scripts. As for music, would anyone mind, or even notice, if the interchangeable manufactured J-pop girl bands were replaced by avatars? Matsuda looks for support from young voters. They have been excluded from Japan's so-called 'grey democracy', where everything is decided by and for the older generation, and are often resentful of it. Matsuda told a podcast interviewer that an algocracy was inevitable as soon as the over-seventies, who are heavily invested in the current system, die off. Politics seems not only irrelevant to the lives of young people but also unremittingly boring. This was brought home to me sharply when I was preparing to begin a university class and discovered that the former prime minister Shinzo Abe had just been assassinated. The news was greeted with a collective shrug; the students barely looked up from their phones. After all, with so many parts of young people's lives now governed by algorithms, why not politics? AI has worked its way into every aspect of life, even sex. Japan's dating drought, along with a near-obsession with anime, has caused a boom in virtual liaisons. More and more young men and women dream of saying 'I love you' to pixelated entities. A survey by the Japanese Association for Sex Education found that 15 per sent of young respondents were romantically attracted to anime and video game characters. If things get serious, there are even companies that issue marriage certificates for such unions. If you can fall in love with an avatar, you could surely vote for one.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kurti sets for women: Stunning picks you'll want to repeat; Our top 8 stylish picks
Tired of playing mix-and-match every morning? Let us introduce you to your new wardrobe superheroes; Kurti sets that come pre-styled, pre-matched, and always ready to wow. If it's an impromptu dinner, a day at work, or a festive function, these sets have your back with zero effort and maximum style. From breezy cotton pairings to dazzling sequins and shararas that twirl like a dream, this collection has everything. All you have to do? Pick your favourite and show up glowing. A kurti set that's equal parts desi and dreamy! This Ishin number features a gorgeous floral print, a comfy sharara, and a flowy dupatta that adds drama. Whether it's a haldi, brunch, or college fest—you'll be picture-perfect. Styling tip: Add chandbalis and juttis for a fresh festive look. Drip in royal flair with this House of Pataudi ensemble. With subtle sequin work and rich fabric, it's an ode to Mughal elegance with a modern silhouette. Perfect for intimate weddings or evening soirees. Styling tip: Pair with heels, sleek hair, and a clutch to let the kurti shine. Hello, Patiala swag! This cotton kurti set is your perfect mix of comfort and charm with gold zari detailing and a flattering keyhole neckline. Ideal for family functions or small celebrations. Styling tip: Go classic with jhumkas and a gajra in your hair. Boho vibes incoming! This Taavi kurti set with its block print and tiered flare brings folk-art realness to your closet. It's artsy, flowy, and made for twirling through festivals and flea markets alike. Styling tip: Pair with oxidised jewellery and kolhapuri flats for an indie look. Need something elegant but easy? This FIORRA kurti set comes with delicate embroidery, straight-cut finesse, and a dupatta that pulls the whole look together. Think formal lunches, office celebrations, and everything in between. Styling tip: Style with kitten heels and a nude lip for understated glam. This blue beauty from Vishudh is for the girl who loves all things ethnic. With intricate embroidery and a flared sharara, it's a dreamy pick for any festive affair or family pooja. Styling tip: Stack bangles and go bold with kajal and bindi. For the minimalist who still wants impact, this linen kurti set is breezy, earthy, and oh-so-chic. The subtle print and breathable fabric make it great for daywear and travel looks. Styling tip: Add tan flats and silver hoops for clean, casual charm. For when you want to sparkle without trying too hard—this Shae kurti set is it. With sequin detailing, flared sharara, and a flattering empire cut, it's made for dance floors and daawat looks. Styling tip: Add a clutch bag and go for soft curls or beachy waves. One outfit, full impact; kurti sets are the real OGs of the Indian wardrobe. They save you the styling stress, look fab instantly, and take you from morning rituals to night-outs with effortless grace. From sequins to shararas, cotton to linen; grab the one that suits your vibe best! 8 Handpicked Paithani sarees for modern maharani vibes Fabric ka funda: The ultimate kurti decoder you didn't know you needed! Chikankari kurta sets: Soothing pastels, serious wow; Check out our top 8 picks Yes! Many of these styles feature embroidery, sequins, and festive silhouettes perfect for special events. Kolhapuris, juttis, or block heels go beautifully depending on the occasion. Some do, like the Ishin and Fiorra sets. Others are two-piece combos—check product details. Absolutely. Cotton, linen, and printed sets are ideal for daily or office wear. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
South China Morning Post
01-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Japan must ‘resolutely reject' Trump's US military cost demand: ex-minister
Japan needs to firmly refuse US President Donald Trump's calls for Tokyo to increase what it pays to keep American military bases in the country, a former Japanese foreign minister said, a day before the second round of talks over tariffs between the allies. Advertisement 'Japan has already been paying more than enough for defence,' Seiji Maehara, now co-leader of the opposition Ishin party, said in an interview in Washington on Wednesday. 'We should resolutely reject the US request to increase the cost of supporting American bases,' he said. The expense of US military bases has been brought up by Trump amid negotiations over tariffs imposed on Japan as part of the president's global trade offensive, and may be raised again going into new talks set for Thursday. Ahead of the first round on April 16, Trump posted on social media: 'Japan is coming in today to negotiate Tariffs, the cost of military support, and 'TRADE FAIRNESS.'' The largest permanent US overseas military presence is in Japan, where roughly 53,000 active duty service members are stationed at bases around the country. Under the current 'host nation support' agreement running through early 2027, Japan pays the US an average of ¥211 billion (US$1.4 billion) each year in costs for the bases. Advertisement Trump demanded Japan raise its contribution to US$8 billion a year during his first term, according to a book by John Bolton, who was a US national security adviser.
Bloomberg
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Japan Must Refuse Trump's Military Cost Demand, Ex-Minister Says
Japan needs to firmly refuse US President Donald Trump's calls for Tokyo to increase what it pays to keep American military bases in the country, a former Japanese foreign minister said, a day before the second round of talks over tariffs between the allies. 'Japan has already been paying more than enough for defense,' Seiji Maehara, now co-leader of the opposition Ishin party, told Bloomberg on Wednesday in an interview in Washington. 'We should resolutely reject the US request to increase the cost of supporting American bases,' he said.
