Waking Babies Everywhere
Written by: adekun on 16 April, 2007 9:19 am - Filed under: blog
During my first visit, the Orwellian aspects of Japanese daily life were quickly apparent. The use of loudspeakers in particular struck a chord. The announcements can range from the warning of a nearby fire, a missing loon from the nearby institute, the lone salesman and politicians hungry for votes. Here in Yonago the election campaign has finally come to a close. From the beginning of the month the sound trucks hit the streets. These tend to be tired diesel mini vans, modified to accommodate placards and a commanding PA system.
They patrol both public and residential areas screaming an introduction “this is candidate X” followed by a phrases such as “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (please look upon me favourably) and “ganbarimasu” (I will do my best). The vans are often tailed by a car load of dressed up supporters hanging out of the windows, waving at everything and distracting passing drivers. The consequences for a pleb of the same undertaking would be most severe.
The recitals border on the hysterical and can be heard from afar. There is little chance of the shift worker, the sick or infants sleeping through the disturbance. Conversations have to cease, it is so penetrating, I have little doubt that a cranked up television set or modest hi-fi could compete.
The continuous seven or ten day spell is regulated to between the hours of eight in the morning to eight in the evening and exploited to the fullest.
If I were to seek the support of my fellow citizens, I would question this method thus:
- Are my polices, values and the like being conveyed?
- Is my own personal gain more important than people’s privacy?
- Is this practice good use of public funds?
- Does this influence people?
- Is this correct, e.g. environmental cost?
- And so on.
I had decided against publishing this post as my understanding is short and opinionated. After reading a story on the Maininchi site, I now have chance to offer a happier ending.
It seems ten hopefuls have been doing some similar thinking have stated they will not by riding sound trucks. One even travels by bicycle to seek support. Although not of the same proportions, I quote Henry Kissinger “Ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation.” I hope the idea catches on.
tanabata
20 April, 2007 #
I thought about posting about this too- they’ve been blasting messages here for the last couple of weeks and driving me crazy. It’s been interesting to discuss it with some of my students who are surprised that it’s generally not done like this in Western countries. So it must be my gaijin perspective but if I could vote here, the guy with the most invasive, annoying loudspeaker announcements would have automatically LOST my vote many many days ago! Thankfully the voting takes place on Sunday so things should go back to the usual dull roar of city sounds.
Adekun
21 April, 2007 #
It’s seems that in these rural parts we get an earlier dose. What I find surprising is for a culture built on civility and respect this is accepted. Why should this pathetic intrusion be rewarded? In either case I think one party plays the sheep.