Japanese → English transcript

Umemura Mizuho-kun, I'm not asking whether you are aware of that.

And yet, when Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress were in residence, it was shown that they cared so deeply about the people and about our country.

Do we have to swallow and accept pushy, forceful opinions?

There are also citizens who, if it were possible, would like to return to the soil—to return to Japanese soil, I think.

However, because we value harmony and also place importance on public health, isn't the reality that people choose cremation?

You must clearly state that our country is a nation governed by the rule of law.

Of course, we fully recognize that there are many Muslims who legally reside, work diligently, and contribute to our country as members of Japanese society.

However, values and cultural or religious norms will, of course, differ in some respects from the general sensibilities of us Japanese.

Therefore, when accepting them into society, we must properly take into account that there will be both positive effects and negative effects.

I want to say that the political side must clearly draw the line on what is unacceptable, because otherwise local governments will be left in difficulty.

Regarding problems between Muslims and the established society, I think we must learn from what is happening now in the West.

As I mentioned earlier, I want them to recognize that if someone ends their life in Japan, they will either be cremated here or have to bear the high personal cost of transporting the remains internationally to their home country.

I believe that we, as lawmakers and the political side, need to express our stance on that through legislation.

I haven't given notice for this question, but could I ask the Minister for one final word?

Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno

Yes. Speaking from the position responsible for overseeing the law, as I have said earlier, this is in principle categorized as a matter for local government, so I would ask each municipality to consider it while taking guidance from the local community into account.

Umemura Minzoku: We do not need any more soil burial grounds than we have now. I respectfully request politics that put Japanese people first. With that, I end my question. Thank you.