Transcription
Hello. Hello. It's Monday, July 20th, a special edition of "Tobikkiri Shizuoka" on Marine Day. Our regular Monday commentator is election comedian and former "Tobikkiri" soccer commentator, Mr. Yamamoto Mae. Thank you for joining us. Thank you. To all the soccer-loving residents of Shizuoka Prefecture, I have an announcement today. As a "Tobikkiri" soccer commentator, I have made mistakes, such as predicting the Tunisia match, [music] the Sweden match, the Brazil match, and then predicting the winning country, France, and being wrong. In a place called the "Soccer Kingdom," such a failure is entirely [music] the personal responsibility of Yamamoto Mae. As of today, I will resign as "Tobikkiri" soccer commentator. I am truly sorry. And today's guest is Mr. Konno Fujino, former political reporter for the Asahi Shimbun. Thank you. Yes, thank you. Why did everyone bow together? I was tricked, weren't I? [Laughter] I was a little tricked. We were bowing. Ah, but you quit gracefully. I heard you were celebrating in the dressing room. Were you? Please stop. It's like some prime minister who, after being defeated in three games, didn't quit and clung on, saying it was the first battle, last year. Ah, that kind of persistence. And that persistence was exactly one year ago, on July 20th, the day of the Upper House election. [Laughter] Exactly one year ago. Ah, is that so? Well, I heard that you offered to resign yourself. Well, after missing the France prediction, I went ahead and made my own predictions for Spain and Argentina in places that "Tobikkiri" didn't know about, and I said, "Spain won!" and posted it on social media, saying, "Tobikkiri staff, please look!" and I said, "This one was right!" but it didn't work out. [Laughter] But I thought it wouldn't be good to cause division within "Tobikkiri," so yes. It could lead to a "Yamamoto oshi" (ousting of Yamamoto), so it's a bit frustrating. So, yes. I will gracefully resign. You know, it was around 3 AM, and you were feeling bad, and you predicted Spain or something, and [music] you changed it on social media, didn't you? You posted it. You moved the goalposts, didn't you? The posts. [Laughter] I thought it might be okay to move the goalposts just for soccer. That's fine. But, you know, things like Argentina reaching the finals, or President Trump being there at the awards ceremony, those kinds of details were correct. I predicted that President Trump would be there when Spain lifted the trophy, and I waited for a while, but no one came, so I said, "I was right!" later. Is that so? Yes. I guess that was meaningless. Yes. Well, on the day the World Cup ended, Mr. Kijimada, thank you for your hard work. Thank you. [Music] Thank you very much. Yes. Please watch as a soccer fan. Yes. Yes. Then, yes. Yes. Spain, crowned champions for the first time since 2010. Let's look back at the highlights. Spain played against Argentina and won 1-0. Then, the third-place playoff was held, and England defeated France 6-4. Mr. Mae predicted France to win. That's a good look. The result was Spain winning for the first time in years. You're smiling, as if you didn't imagine this outcome. So, how was the final again? Messi, zero goals. Yes, that's right. Spain was completely organized. Argentina also won the previous tournament, but they lost their first match to Saudi Arabia and then won. This time, Spain drew their first match against Cape Verde, and we wondered if they were okay, but they gradually changed their formation and became more organized, and there were no gaps in Spain's play. They were overwhelmingly strong. When they were lifting the trophy, I thought I would be called a commentator today, but I was completely off. You sounded a bit like a commentator just now. Yes. Ah, I guess it hasn't completely worn off yet. [Laughter] Yes. For a month, I was immersed in it. Yes. I may not have fully switched gears yet. Yes. [Laughter] Mr. Konno, how did you see the final? The final was exciting, wasn't it? It's exciting to see players like Goto, isn't it? Yes. Ah, and he's only 21, isn't he? And Ayase Ueda also played brilliantly this time, but he couldn't participate in the previous tournament. He's 21, so he can participate twice. That's right. It's exciting, isn't it? Yes. The stars of Shizuoka are exciting. Yes. The Japanese national team this time also has many young players. In the new season, Mr. Kijimada will be teammates with Mr. Suzuki, a former Shimizu S-Pulse player. Yes. Well, especially playing in Germany, and still young, and achieving results in third place in Germany, and now moving to bigger clubs, I think the number of players going to big clubs will be a point of interest for the next World Cup. Also, Goto is the right age to play in the Olympics, so that's something to watch. Yes. That's right. His name was called last when he was selected this time, but I hope his name will be called earlier next time. Yes. Four people from Shizuoka Prefecture were selected this time, but how many will be selected in four years? That's something to look forward to. We've been reporting on the World Cup. Next, it's this. The extraordinary Diet session has been extended. What will happen with the welfare bill? And Team Mirai's investment will appear live on "Tobikkiri" later. We'll ask them in detail about politics and digital. So, Mr. Asa, Mr. Ano will finally be in the studio. Well, I think politicians with ties to Shizuoka Prefecture would normally appear, but for someone who doesn't to be able to appear, I'm really excited to see how it unfolds. Also, I'm glad I didn't have to see the apology. [Laughter] But you won't see it behind the scenes, will you? Yes. Mr. Konno, are you looking forward to it? [Cough] I'm looking forward to it. Yes. Yes. Everything is moving in the national government right now, so I want to ask about that. Team Mirai is showing its presence with its unique stance. The extraordinary Diet session has been extended. The focus is on the welfare bill, a pet project of the Ishin party. [Music] I've never heard of extending the Diet for a private member's bill. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to restart it at the autumn extraordinary Diet session? Team Mirai, after deliberation and amendments, has decided to support the welfare and bill. [Applause] It has been exactly one year since we became a national party. [Music] This weekend, we held our first convention since the election. What you are seeing here is the Diet Members' Office Building in Nagatacho, where engineers are at the very heart of the political world. This is a scene that has never been seen in politics before. What Team Mirai is advocating is changing politics with technology. Political reform utilizing AI, artificial intelligence, and the internet is their biggest feature. Leading the future. [Music] AI engineer, Mr. Takafumi Ano. He says that AI is a crucial issue that we must face. The exchange during the policy debate that garnered attention also stemmed from this sense of urgency. I believe that we politicians must never underestimate the impact of AI. I would like to ask Prime Minister Kishida to experience it firsthand by actually doing it. If necessary, I will come to your home as a tutor, so please consider it. There is no development without overthrowing. Yes, please. Thank you. Today, I would like everyone to experience firsthand the creation of desired functions using AI. The path to Prime Minister Kishida in 2030 has not yet been realized, but the AI study group for members of the National Diet has attracted over 24 participants. Please do this. Keep up the good work. Thank you. I'm so happy. Mr. Ano's party, in the February Upper House election in Shizuoka, won 11 seats, more than double their target. Team Mirai is the only party that is not advocating for a consumption tax reduction. This is because we believe that reducing social insurance premiums is a priority. At the national convention held after the Upper House election, we also took a stance against consumption tax reduction. After discussing with various business owners, we found that a consumption tax reduction on food items has many significant disadvantages. [Music] Prime Minister, while these discussions are progressing, do you still believe that the consumption tax should be reduced? He pressed for the consumption tax reduction with these words. There is a saying, "To change one's words." However, I would like to ask the Prime Minister of Japan to make a decision that looks towards the future. I expect Prime Minister Kishida to be the type of person who can change his words, so I would like to ask you to do so. What do you think? Changing one's words is a phrase that I also value. If what was said first is wrong, then re-evaluating and taking the best course of action is a given. It would be best if a conclusion could be reached at the national convention. Thank you. Today on "Tobikkiri," Mr. Ano will be appearing live in the studio. We will ask him in detail about the extraordinary Diet session, consumption tax reduction, and the future of politics. Once again, Mr. Takafumi Ano from Team Mirai has come to the studio today. Welcome. Thank you. It feels fresh. Yes. First, Mr. Ano, there's one thing I want to ask you: Do you know "Tobikkiri Shizuoka"? It often appears on the internet. For the past six months. Yes. [Laughter] Indeed. What happened? How? Well, in terms of changes in the past six months, it's probably Mr. Kijimada and Mr. Konno. [Laughter] Mr. Takai and others. Takai, too. Yes. However, we are actively disseminating what we have been doing locally. We are happy that you are doing so. This is the first time a national party has come to "Tobikkiri," so it's the most important reason. Yes. Do you come to Shizuoka often? Yes, I come to Shizuoka occasionally. Last week, I was in Shizuoka, and before I ran for governor, I also helped some companies in Shizuoka. Ah, is that so? That was during your original work, wasn't it? That's right. And today marks exactly one year since Team Mirai became a national party. In other words, it's also one year since Mr. Ano was elected to the National Diet. How has this past year been? Yes. It feels like it went by in a flash, but so many things have happened that I don't even know if it was short or long. I'm numb. Is that so? Has it been a year already, or is it still a year? Yes, yes, yes, yes. I have both feelings. Is that so? You came from the industry and then went into politics, which is a big career change. Yes. Yes. It's a completely different feeling? Yes. Yes. The common sense of Nagatacho and the common sense of the IT industry are a bit different, but both are skewed in different directions, so for me, it's been difficult at times, but also interesting at times. Is that so? And actually, the Diet session was supposed to end, but since it's been extended, we are in the middle of the Diet session. Let's look at the final schedule. Yes. Yes. Let's look back at Team Mirai's response in the current Diet session. Please take a look. Yes. First, last Monday, the 13th, the Disaster Prevention Information Act was passed, and the Election SNS Act was passed. Mirai supported both. Then, on Tuesday the 14th, a revision agreement was reached on the welfare bill between the Liberal Democratic Party, Ishin, and Mirai. The party leader stated that our proposals, such as the digitalization of administration, were reflected, and we supported it. Let's move on to Wednesday the 15th. There was a policy debate. The party leader pressed Prime Minister Kishida to change his words. Then, on Thursday the 16th, there was a national convention. The decision on the consumption tax reduction was postponed. Team Mirai's party leader said, "We have consistently argued that it should not be reduced." Then, on the 17th, the Diet session was extended by 8 days. Regarding the revised Imperial Household Law, Mirai took a free vote, removing the party whip. Then, the revised National Security Act was passed. Mirai opposed it. Regarding the National Flag and Anthem Law, Mirai also took a free vote, removing the party whip. Then, yesterday, Team Mirai held its first convention since becoming a national party. And here, the party leader stated, "We want to realize democracy in the AI era." And today, the 20th, you are appearing live on "Tobikkiri." We will also look at the schedule for the rest of the week. Regarding the welfare bill, which is of concern, it will be deliberated in the House of Councillors on Tuesday the 22nd. Whether it will be passed by the end of the session on the 25th. Team Mirai will support it. The majority in the House of Councillors is 124. Including Team Mirai, it's 122, so we are two seats short. Yes. There's so much happening in just these two weeks. Mr. Konno, what are your points of interest, and what would you like to ask Mr. Ano? Yes. It's probably the welfare bill. Mirai generally chooses free votes for things like the Imperial Household Law and the National Flag and Anthem Law. When it comes to issues that they don't primarily advocate for in elections, they tend to choose free votes, not to enforce party discipline. However, this time, regarding welfare, they have completely shifted to supporting it. While digitalization is a factor, some are criticizing it, saying it's vague, like the National People's Party. How do you see this? Yes. We also assign yes/no votes to the items we list on our platform. For example, for the Imperial Household Law or the National Flag and Anthem Law, which we haven't listed, we have free votes. However, regarding the welfare bill, we originally proposed that digitalization should be further promoted, including for local governments. We are supporting it because the concept has been properly reflected. And, fundamentally, in a situation where we need to have robust backup functions in case of a major earthquake, or perhaps a volcanic eruption of Mt. Fuji, having backup functions is something we support. And in this era, it's not necessarily true that the disaster is physical; electronic systems also need to be backed up. This is an aspect that is often overlooked. We believe that we should promote and effectively utilize digital technology, and that is why we are supporting this, as it is something we have always said. Yes. Yes. This is with amendments and conditions for support. The content of the amendments seems surprisingly small, doesn't it? We feel that way. There are two main points. One is that we should work hard on digitalization. Whether it is explicitly stated or not will affect the budget allocated later. Securing human resources and system development are areas that should be invested in, so even if the number of characters in the amendment is not large, we believe it is meaningful. The other is that we have added an obligation to report to the Diet on how things are going in the Diet. When you look at the system, for example, there is the Capital Area Development Act, and it mandates reporting to the Diet. However, for welfare, even though it is something the government is focusing on, there is no reporting, and governance could be lost. Therefore, we proposed adding this, and we have incorporated these two points. Indeed, even if it starts, we want to know the results and the progress. If we don't ask, things will proceed without our knowledge, and governance will be lost, and money may not be used effectively. So, those two points. Another point, what happened to the tutoring? The policy debate. The previous policy debate. In the policy debate last month, you asked Prime Minister Kishida to tutor you on AI, saying you were knowledgeable about AI. It was quite a topic, but did it happen? It hasn't happened yet. It hasn't happened yet. We are coordinating schedules for "Kaiki Ni" (after the session) rather than during the session. Yes. It was difficult during the session. [Cough] It was difficult. So, after the session, or rather, after the extension, it will be possible. We haven't decided on a specific date yet, but the coordination is progressing. Ah, the coordination is progressing. Yes. By the way, in the policy debate, you used words like "tutoring" and "changing words" every time. In such a short time, you seem to leave behind words that are likely to be picked up on the internet. How are these words constructed? Are they based on AI? [Laughter] No, I don't ask AI. You don't ask? It's my hobby. Ah, it's the hobby of the writer, Mr. Ano. [Laughter] The phrase "changing words" also, you always bring it up at the end, even though your time is the shortest, you use words that are easily usable. Yes. Yes. But it's really only 3 minutes. In 3 or 4 minutes, to exchange information that is essentially meaningful, you have to use condensed words. So, it's a matter of exchanging phrases like "changing words." Yes. I see. Is the tutoring a group activity or one-on-one? It's still being coordinated. Is it being coordinated? Understood. And regarding the other point, "changing words," Mirai prefers income-linked benefits or cash handouts rather than the consumption tax. Yes. You know, there are problems with returning consumption tax, but on the other hand, many people are suffering from the current high prices, and there are many voices asking for a food consumption tax reduction. How do you address those voices? We agree that measures should be taken against high prices. Then, when using the same funds, it's a comparison between reducing the consumption tax and income-linked benefits, which is our idea. Which one reaches people faster, more reliably, and without waste? When you consider that, if you reduce the consumption tax on food, it will damage farmers and the restaurant industry, so they will need special compensation. And the system will also need to be changed, and compensation will be needed. As a result, the money that reaches middle-income individuals who are struggling with high prices will be significantly reduced. Out of trillions of yen, only about 1 trillion yen will reach them. With income-linked benefits, about 3 trillion yen will reach them. Therefore, in terms of using precious funds without waste, and in terms of not causing side effects, it has advantages. I see. And another point, regarding things that are not included in the manifesto, if they are not written in the manifesto, then it's a free vote, and party discipline cannot be applied. However, as a national party, don't you have responsibility for those things as well? Yes. Yes. I think this is probably the first type of national party for Team Mirai. That is, it's not a single-issue party that only has one point of debate, nor is it a full package that answers every question. It's in between. It's called a "focus-issue party." And in other countries, there have been focus-issue parties from time to time, but I don't think there have been many in Japan until now. So, we are honestly still exploring. In a sense, we want to move forward with what we have listed in our manifesto. And for things not on that list, there are both proponents and opponents, and they are within the same party. However, we can join hands because we prioritize moving forward with the issues we are focusing on. That's how we operate. Yes. And, regarding how much we should deviate, or what the responsibility of a national party is, I think there should be various discussions, but we want to express our own way of thinking, and honestly, there are parts that will be refined through trial and error, so we want to think about it. It's only been a year. Yes. Mr. Kijimada, what do you think about this? Yes. Regarding party discipline, rather, it's because we've been bound by parties, and there are people whose individual points of appeal differ from what the party appeals for. But in the end, people who say, "I followed the party's instructions," are in the majority. In that sense, clarifying where individuals stand is quite helpful for voters. And besides, they say they will do what they promised in their election manifesto, so it's not a betrayal. I think it's quite kind to voters. And I'm watching it with the feeling that they are doing it. Also, the way Team Mirai operates, for example, in the case of the welfare bill, it became not just a ruling party's bill because Team Mirai reached a revision agreement. And regarding the national convention, it felt like the ruling party was listening to opposing opinions because Team Mirai participated. It's like the movements and participation of Team Mirai are so timely, like a player from the Spanish national team in the World Cup who came on in the second half and made a very effective move, like soccer. [Laughter] But it feels like Team Mirai's movements and participation are so timely. Yes. Yes. Basically, the example of the national convention is easy to understand. We were the only ones saying that the consumption tax should not be reduced now. And in the national convention, we could advocate for that. [Cough] And so, even though we are a small to medium-sized party in terms of seats, we have the potential to have an influence beyond our number of seats and to move things forward. Although we have been criticized, we were the only opposition party to participate in the national convention, and looking at the results, the consumption tax reduction was postponed on the 16th. We have been saying for the past six months, and also at the national convention, that the side effects are too great. I believe that this has also contributed to the outcome, so I believe that participating and discussing properly was meaningful. Yes. Well, Mr. Konno, following the flow of the conversation, Team Mirai's role seems different from what we have thought of as the opposition or smaller parties. Yes. On the one hand, those who hold traditional views might say that it's irresponsible for a party not to enforce party discipline even if they won by proportional representation. But listening to Mr. Konno's story, it seems like they are exploring a new form of party, as in Europe. So, whether you look at it broadly or strictly, it depends. So, in the case of the national convention, if you look at it maliciously, it might seem like they are being skillfully used by the Liberal Democratic Party or Prime Minister Kishida. The balance here seems very difficult. It will be even more so from now on. Ah, whether they will be accepted by the ruling party, and then by the public. How do you feel about that now? Yes. Well, for example, in the case of the national convention, there are people within the Liberal Democratic Party who oppose the consumption tax reduction. There are also criticisms that they are being used, but fundamentally, we have been saying since the election campaign that the consumption tax should not be reduced now, and we are simply doing that. Yes. And, what I find difficult is the trade-off between how much to revise and whether to oppose or move forward even a little with revisions. This is a difficult choice, and honestly, we still don't know. We are still exploring. For example, regarding the welfare bill this time, our initial concern was that it might be an Osaka bill, but after various revisions, those concerns were removed, so we felt it was within the range of support. And, frankly, in the House of Councillors, we only have two seats. With only two seats, but if we can move forward towards the future we aim for, from our perspective, there are various ways to see it, but with these seats, we have secured what we can, and it's not an Osaka bill, and it has no side effects, so we made that judgment. Yes. Even with Team Mirai joining, there are still two seats short in the House of Councillors. Mr. Konno, what do you think will happen? Yes. Well, that's the thing, but how are the decisions made by the current members of the National Diet? In the Liberal Democratic Party, they have a general meeting, and then a final decision is made by unanimous consent, but how does Team Mirai make its final decisions? Yes. It comes to me in the end. Yes. And before that, we are starting to create committees, and people who are knowledgeable in that area, and not just members of the Diet, but also our expert staff members, are involved, and we gradually raise it up. That's the process we're taking. During the Upper House election, there were also members of the National Diet from other parties. And Mr. Ano is also a newcomer, so there can be disagreements, like "this party did it this way," and it can be messy, especially in new parties. Is that functioning well now? Yes. No, we are still exploring. It's our first time in the Diet, and while other parties have experienced members, the methods of each party are different, and fundamentally, no one has seen a "focus-issue party" before. And within our party, we haven't seen one either. So, what is the future-like way of operating for a focus-issue party? This discussion is very lively within the party, and we are still exploring. Yes. Mr. Konno, will the welfare bill pass? Regarding welfare, the Liberal Democratic Party is secretly negotiating with people who have no affiliation. I see. So, it's still uncertain. Yes. It's still uncertain, but I think it will pass. However, it's not a situation where we can say it's definitely okay. Those two seats. Yes. While that is still uncertain, let's look at the approval rating of the cabinet, which has fallen below 50% for the first time. Yes. According to an ANN public opinion poll, the cabinet approval rating has fallen below 50% for the first time. The public opinion poll was conducted on the 18th and 19th. Those who answered that they support the Kishida cabinet were 49.2%. Ah, 49.2%. This is a decrease of 10.9 points from the previous month. Disapproval is 34.8%, an increase of 11.8 points from the previous month. We have just reported on the ANN public opinion poll, but it seems that other recent surveys also show a downward trend. Let's look at Jiji Press. According to a survey conducted from the 10th to the 13th, 49% of respondents supported the cabinet, a decrease of 5.3 points. Disapproval is 3%. Let's look at the Mainichi Shimbun's survey conducted from the 18th to the 19th. It has decreased by 10%. It has decreased by 10 points. Yes. And, disapproval is 44%, an increase of 9 points. In the Mainichi Shimbun's public opinion poll, disapproval has surpassed approval. Let's also look at the public opinion polls by Election.com and J.com. In a survey conducted on the 11th and 12th, telephone surveys showed a decrease of 5.6 points in the approval rating. Online surveys also showed a decrease of 3.4 points. Looking at online surveys, disapproval has surpassed approval. Yes. Mr. Konno, the approval rating of the Kishida cabinet has fallen below 50% for the first time, and various surveys show a decline. What do you think? Well, it has indeed fallen this time. However, the decline has been happening for the past few months. First, it's often said that it's the "Imperial Household Law shock" or the "bold economic plan shock," but the approval rating was already a bit high, and the current economic situation, inflation, is causing hardship everywhere, as explained by Jiji Press. Inflation causes prices to rise, which directly affects people's lives. Especially in Japan, food is largely imported. In such a situation, it's understandable that this is happening, as it reflects people's lived experiences. Yes. I also agree with the analysis by Mr. Komei of J.com. The age groups that are currently declining are younger generations rather than older people. Regarding these issues, they are not necessarily very knowledgeable. There was also a public opinion poll result to that effect. If that's the cause, then the approval rating of older generations shouldn't have decreased. So, it's not that, but fundamentally, it's probably about economic measures. Also, regarding the consumption tax, the Kishida administration has been under immense pressure, and some voters thought it would be decided quickly, but the consumption tax has not yet been decided, and prices are rising. This might be why younger generations are distancing themselves, as they thought it would be decided quickly. I think economic measures are one of the reasons. Yes. Yes. It seems that the most familiar aspects of life have not changed. Is that so? Yes. Yes. Mr. Ano, what do you think about this decline in cabinet approval ratings? Yes. Well, I don't disagree with what you just said at all. However, in terms of measures against high prices, it really affects young working people. Therefore, the speed of implementing measures is very important. Also, during the Upper House election in January, we talked about the consumption tax on food. At that time, food prices were indeed rising, but now, prices are rising across a wide range of items. I think we need to keep up with these changes. Have you felt any changes since this cabinet was formed? Yes. Well, honestly, although there were debates, I personally don't feel any change in Prime Minister Kishida's momentum in his replies. I see. Understood. Yes. Yes. And regarding Team Mirai, its first convention since becoming a national party was held yesterday. Please take a look. Yes. This is the scene of the Diet as seen by the party leader. The plan presented at yesterday's convention is "Updating Democracy in the AI Era." We aim for digital democracy that listens to voices, refines policies, moves society, conveys results, and circulates with the help of technology. Yes. Yes. Mr. Ano, could you tell us about this? Yes. This is about what politics should be. Listening to people's voices broadly, quickly, and deeply is the first important thing. However, before the advent of digital technology, the cost of doing this was quite high. But in this era, new methods are possible. Furthermore, not just listening to voices, but how to reflect them in policy proposals. The cost of disseminating how we think about this is also decreasing, so I think it will become transparent. I believe that thoroughly doing this is a way of democracy that is possible precisely because it is the AI era. Yes. What do you think, Mr. Konno? Yes. At the party convention, he gave himself a score of 50 points. I thought, "Halfway there," but it was out of 1000 points. Yes. It's out of 1000 points. Normally, it's out of 100 points, and 50 points means, "Oh, he was strict with himself." But it's 50. So, I think the concept of democracy itself is wonderful, but what is the 100-point mark for democracy? Everyone thinks 100 points is the maximum, but perhaps it can go up to 1000 points. Yes. And when talking about countries where democracy is progressing and where it is not, they are perhaps just competing between 60 and 70 points, and perhaps there is really 1000 points. I see. And what we should aim for is not to catch up to 70 points, but to achieve 1000 points. I believe we should set high goals towards that. That axis is new. Yes. And here is Team Mirai's policy for the unified local elections next spring. Yes. We will not aim for the maximum number of seats in the short term. We will aim for a reasonable number of candidates. Yes. Mr. Kijimada, what do you think about this? Yes. I was a bit shocked. I think many people who are now doing a victory pose are doing so. Since we have momentum, the general trend is to expand our national presence and then field many candidates in local elections. And when local assembly members are born, there are people who help with elections, and they can directly hear voices from the region, which makes it easier to penetrate the region. In that context, why are you deliberately not fielding candidates? I sincerely want to ask. Yes. Yes. Why is that? The answer is that we actually think it's a shortcut. We have researched various overseas political parties. We have looked into the history of new political parties. And when new political parties have momentum, they usually field a large number of candidates in local elections. And they actually win a large number of seats. Because they have momentum. However, what happens afterward is quite a challenge. The number of members expands rapidly, leading to weakened governance, a party that doesn't know where it's going, and a flood of scandals, which can deplete the party's management resources. So, at this stage, trying to maximize the number of seats because there is momentum and they might win is actually counterproductive. Yes. Yes. So, we are not saying we will never field candidates, but for the unified local elections in April next year, it's still too early. We want to focus on solidifying our foundation. This doesn't mean we won't be active locally. Rather, we want our 12 members and staff to go to various regions and engage in events and listen to people's voices more than ever before. That's why we are deliberately not fielding candidates. Yes. So, you're going to narrow it down. Yes. Yes. In that context, how are you supported in Shizuoka? Yes. In the recent Upper House election, we received 113,000 votes. Yes. Mr. Kijimada, please explain. Yes. Team Mirai, not just in Shizuoka, but nationwide, tends to have very high proportional representation votes in urban areas. Yes. In Shizuoka, we have high support in Shizuoka City and Hamamatsu City. However, in Shizuoka City, in the blue wards, the area that is higher than that is Nagaizumi. Yes. Yes. This was also a point that surprised me when I first saw it. The reason is that Mishima City is also nearby, and support is high there. People who commute from Mishima Station to Tokyo by Shinkansen are sometimes called "Mishima citizens" or "Nagaizumi citizens." In areas where many such people live, and where many young people live, Team Mirai has a good compatibility, and that's why support is high. Yes. On the other hand, in areas where Mirai is not getting much support in Shizuoka, for example, Kikugawa City, which was the former local assembly member's area for Mr. Shinba, it is a stronghold for the National People's Party. So, the surrounding areas of Mr. Shinba are currently hindering Team Mirai's deep penetration. Yes. So, for example, in the upcoming unified local elections, where you say you will narrow down, in Chuo Ward, Hamamatsu City, there are many seats, and based on past proportional representation votes, it would normally be a viable option. But I wonder about that. Yes. We currently have no plans to do so. Not fielding candidates in Shizuoka. Ah, this is not just about Shizuoka. Yes. [Cough] For the unified elections next year, it will be limited nationwide, very limited. Yes. This must be making many political parties uneasy. People in the ruling party must be thinking, "Ah, I see," when they hear this. And I think everyone is wondering how many people "limited" means. Many people are thinking, "Is it 100, or 50, or 10?" It will be completely different. Yes. Hamamatsu was mentioned earlier, but is it correct to say that you have a policy of not fielding candidates in Shizuoka Prefecture? Yes. Well, there is still about a year left, about 9 months, so I cannot promise what the final decision will be, but currently, there are no such plans. It's extremely difficult not to field candidates. For example, there are local assembly members who help with the Upper House and Lower House elections. And these local assembly members have their own aspirations, like wanting recognition. There are people who support them with pure intentions and people who support them with expectations. In that context, some people might get angry and say, "Then our help was meaningless." It's a very difficult task to suppress that. Yes. Yes. Is that happening often? Yes. From our perspective, it's not that we will never do it, but we believe that once the foundation is solid, we will be able to do so. So, rather, we believe this is a shortcut in the long run. Yes. For now, and while local activities are important, looking at examples from Europe, it's difficult domestically, but there have been such parties domestically. As the number of local assembly members increases, scandals and management become difficult. There's a third party. [Laughter] The two engines have started. The party leader's time is also limited, so thank you very much for today. Thank you. Please come again. Yes. Thank you. Mr. Ano's appearance ends here. Next, it's this. Yes. Construction may be suspended due to unforeseen circumstances. JR Central has signed an agreement with Shizuoka regarding the Linear Chuo Shinkansen. Related parties are lined up. In the center are the president of JR Central, Mr. Mizushima, Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Governor Suzuki. [Music] We are about to conclude the Natural Environment Conservation Agreement related to the construction of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, and we feel deeply about it. The real work begins now. The Natural Environment Conservation Agreement signed by the prefecture and JR Central obligates JR Central to implement the environmental conservation measures that have been discussed. It also includes provisions for temporarily suspending construction and conducting investigations and countermeasures in case of unforeseen circumstances. The conclusion of the Natural Environment Conservation Agreement is a prerequisite for commencing construction in Shizuoka, and with this, approval has been given for construction in the prefecture, which was the only remaining obstacle. The construction period is estimated to be over 10 years, and the earliest completion date is 2036. We feel a sense of responsibility. We will proceed with preparations so that construction can begin as soon as possible. JR Central President Niwa, who repeatedly stated that the start date for construction in Shizuoka is undecided. On the other hand, mayors in the Oi River basin have expressed their concerns. [Music] Above all, securing water resources is important. Today is by no means the end, but rather a milestone in the ongoing process. We will bear significant social risks over a long period of uncertainty. What we wish for most is that the impact on water resources is minimized. We hope that the impact of this construction will be minimized. The most frightening part is yet to come, and we hope that construction will be carried out with all due diligence to avoid any issues, and that we will be reliably and quickly provided with information if anything happens. The prefecture will establish a new monitoring organization and evaluate JR Central's response. At the same time, [Music] we have also reached a basic agreement on promoting regional development with JR Central. [Music] Also, for the people, it is free of charge. We will monitor it with a solid monitoring system. We will ensure that construction is carried out safely and that water resources and the ecosystem are protected. We will continue to check without fail to ensure that both can be achieved.