Japanese → English transcript

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

Isn't that so? When Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita were still with us

they showed how deeply they cared for the people and for our country

yet are we to accept the strongly held opinions of advocates

and just swallow them whole?

I think there are people who, if possible, would wish to return to the soil of Japan

and I believe some earnestly hope for that, but we—

we emphasize harmony, and we also place importance on public health, so

isn't there a reality that we are choosing according to those considerations? Our country is not a place that simply admits people indiscriminately

and you must clearly say that our nation is one that follows its own ways

Of course, I understand that there are many Muslims who reside legally, work earnestly

and contribute to our country as members of Japanese society

I am fully aware of that, but values and cultural norms

can naturally differ from the sensibilities of ordinary Japanese people

That is precisely why, when accepting people into society, we must recognize there will be both good effects and not-so-good effects

and we must properly take that into account and draw clear lines about what is acceptable and what is not

If the political side does not firmly set those boundaries, local communities will be left struggling

I wanted to make that point. The issues between Muslims and existing society

are something we should learn from by looking at what is happening now in Europe and the West

I think we need to learn those lessons

If someone ends their life in Japan, they must either be cremated here or pay a large personal cost for international transport of the remains

and arrange to have them sent back to their home country — I want people to recognize that

as I said earlier, but I also believe that we must, by law,

have us members of the Diet and the political side make our position clear

I did not give notice of this question, but finally, could I ask the minister for a word?

Could we hear once more from Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno?

Yes. From the position responsible for administering the law, as I have been saying—

as I mentioned earlier, this is, in any case, something that has been classified and handled as a municipal matter.

So, taking local implementation into account, we ask that each municipality examine it.

We would appreciate it if they would do so.

Umemura Minso-kun: No additional burial grounds for earth burials are necessary.

I ask for a Japan-first policy, and with that I will end my question—

That concludes my question. Thank you.