Japanese → English transcript

Ms. Mizuho Uemura I am not asking whether you are aware of it.

This is about Their Majesties the Emeritus Emperor and Empress, who,

during His Reign,

showed us just how deeply They thought about the people and our nation.

Even though that has been made so clear,

do we have to quietly accept pushy, forceful opinions?

I think there are also people in our country who, if they could, would like to

return to the earth, who would like to be buried and return to Japanese soil.

However, since we regard harmony as the most precious value,

and we also place great importance on public hygiene,

is it not the case that we are choosing cremation?

We need it to be stated clearly that our country is one where, when in Rome,

you do as the Romans do. We must have that said plainly.

And of course, there are many Muslims who are lawfully residing here,

working diligently,

and contributing to our country as members of Japanese society— I am fully

aware of that, as is only natural.

But of course there are aspects of their values, culture,

and sense of justice that differ from the general sensibilities of us Japanese.

That is precisely why,

when we accept them into our society, we have to recognize

that there will be good influences and influences that are not so good,

and take that properly into account. The political

side must draw a clear line as to“ this is OK” and“ this is not allowed,”

otherwise local communities will be left struggling— this is what I wish to say.

As for these issues between Muslims and our existing society,

I think we must learn from what is happening right now in Europe and America.

If you are going to end your life in Japan, then it is cremation,

or, with a high out- of- pocket cost,

after international transport of the body,

you must arrange for burial in your home country— as I said earlier,

I really want people to understand that. And I believe that, through law,

we politicians, we members of the Diet, need to make our stance clear.

Um, I actually did not give prior notice of this question, but… Minister,

could we have one last word from you? Minister of Health,

Labour and Welfare Ueno Yes,

well, speaking from the position of being in charge of this law,

as I have been saying for some time now, this is

something that has been classified strictly as a municipal administrative matter,

so taking local circumstances into account,

I would like each municipality to consider it, if at all possible. Ms.

Mizuho Umemura We do

not need any more burial grounds for in- ground burials than we have now.

Putting the interests of Japanese people first in politics,

I respectfully ask for your support, and with that I will conclude my questions.

Thank you very much.