Discussion on Burial Practices in Japan

- Mr. Mizuho Uemura.

I am not asking whether you

understand.

You see, Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus

and Empress Emerita,

during their reign,

showed such deep concern for the people

and for our country,

that they have been thinking

about them so profoundly,

and yet,

must we accept forceful opinions

and keep swallowing them?

Do we have to?

The people of our country too, if possible,

wish to return to the earth.

They wish to return to Japanese soil

and desire burial in the ground,

I believe.

However, we regard harmony

as precious and value public health,

so we choose cremation,

which is the reality,

is it not?

Our country follows the customs

of the place it enters,

and that is what

must be stated

clearly.

Of course, I know there are those who legally

reside here and work diligently,

as members of Japanese society,

contributing to our country,

many Muslims

among them, naturally,

I am well aware of that.

However, their values, culture,

and sense of justice may differ from the general

sensibilities of us Japanese,

as a matter of course.

That is precisely why, when accepting them into

society, we must recognize that there are good

influences and not-so-good influences,

and properly take that into account.

This is OK,

and this is not OK,

and the political

side must clearly draw those lines,

or local governments too

will be put in difficulty,

is what I wish to say.

This issue between Muslims and

existing society

is,

we must learn from what is now happening

in Europe and the United States,

I believe,

should we not?

If they are to end their lives in Japan,

they must choose cremation or pay the high cost of

international transportation of the remains,

and have it done in their home country,

that is what they must do,

and I want them to recognize that,

as I said earlier,

but that must, after all,

be established by law,

by us members of the Diet,

and the political side must show its stance

I believe it is necessary.

This question is a bit...

Well, I did not give notice,

but one final word

from the minister once more,

- if we could have it.

Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno

- Yes.

From the standpoint of overseeing

the law,

as I have been saying

all along,

it is, after all, classified as

a matter under local government

jurisdiction,

so while taking local circumstances into account,

I would ask each local government

to consider it,

- if possible.

Kamimura Mizuho. No more burial

cemeteries are needed.

I ask for politics that puts

Japanese people first,

and conclude my questions.

Thank you very much.