Japanese → English transcript

Mr. Mizuho Umemura — I'm asking whether you are aware of this.

No. When Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress were on the throne,

they showed how much they cared for the people and for our country.

Even though that has been demonstrated, are we to accept forceful, pushy opinions

and swallow them whole without question?

There are, I think, people who, if possible, would like to return to the soil of their homeland —

to be returned to Japanese soil. But we value harmony,

and we also place importance on public health, so localities may be making choices for that reason.

Isn't that the reality? Our country is one where, when in Rome, you do as the Romans do,

and I want you to state that clearly.

Of course, there are many Muslims who legally reside here, work earnestly,

and contribute to Japan as members of society — that is something we absolutely recognize.

However, their values and cultural norms inevitably differ in some respects from the general Japanese sensibility.

Precisely for that reason, when accepting them into society, we must fully recognize

that there will be both positive and negative effects, and the political side must clearly

draw the line about what is okay and what is not.

If we do not, local governments will be left in difficulty — that is what I want to say.

The problems between Muslims and existing society are something, I think,

we should learn from by looking at what is happening now in the West.

If you end your life in Japan, you will need to be cremated here or, at your own expense,

arrange international transport of the remains back to your home country — that must be recognized,

as I said earlier.

But I believe that we legislators and the political side need to make our position clear in law.

I did not give notice about this question, but—

finally, could we have one more word from the Minister?

But could the Minister say one last thing?

Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno, speaking from the position that oversees the law,

as I have been saying a short while ago, this is, ultimately, treated as a matter of local self-government,

so, while taking into account guidance from the local community, please

ask each municipality to examine it, I would appreciate it.

Umemura Minatoko-kun, we do not need any more soil-layer cemeteries.

I respectfully ask for politics that put Japanese people first,

and with that I conclude my questions. Thank you.