This event will be held on Sunday morning, November 4th at Parea. The level of Japanese required to understand all of the discussion will undoubtably be quite high but I hope some of you will be intrigued enough to attend. Ms. Yuka Ogata, the famous member of the Kumamoto City Council whose activities we have followed so closely on this page, will be one of several panelists talking about local government.
I’ve learned a little more about local government, specifically the Kumamoto City Council, through my association with Ms. Ogata over the past year. I’ve been particularly interested to learn about the deeper issues that have influenced flaps about babies and lozenges: (1) extreme conservatism (don’t change anything – especially the rules that govern us), (2) an apparent expectation that younger politicians should be docile followers and learn the importance of going along to get along, and, of course, (3) talk about opening politics to women is mostly just that – talk. I think there will be a lively discussion of these sorts of issues. I’m not sure but I think it will probably also be possible for attendees to have a few words with Ms. Ogata after the formal discussion concludes. Of course, she is able to speak English very well so a one-to-one conversation could take place in English.
– Kirk
P.S. The final image is the one with the information about the event in which Ms. Ogata will appear.