When Leading by Example Breeds Contempt
LDP Boss Gets Caught Visiting Ginza Hostess Club during Pandemic Lockdown
Let’s imagine what probably went down on that infamous evening of January 17.
We should really just go straight home tonight after work, right? I mean hasn’t a State of Emergency been declared for Tokyo? Aren’t we supposed to avoid non-essential, non-urgent meetings? Aren’t the bars and restaurants going to be closed by 8 pm in any case? If somebody sees us, won’t this look particularly bad, considering the fact that we are political leaders who have sworn to serve the general public and protect their lives above all else? By the way, you’re just going to expense the charges, right?
These imagined arguments that may have been raised by a somewhat naïve underling are all valid points—even if some are more self-indulgent than others. He—and I intentionally selected the pronoun “he” in this case—probably simply bit his tongue and went along with the evening’s evolving schedule, as usual. That is if such a babe in the woods actually exists.
You know as well as I do that the most probable response from ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chief Deputy Secretary Jun Matsumoto, 70, the leader of this evening’s night out on the town, was, most likely, something along the lines of “Stop being such a pussy and get your ass ready to go!”
Thus, in the middle of a global pandemic that has already taken the lives of more than 5,000 Japanese people and the well-publicized State of Emergency for Tokyo which calls for everyone—no matter who they are—to abide by the rules and dutifully avoid going out at night, “’da boys” started off on what must have been a series of eateries and bars in swanky Ginza on their way to the ultimate destination of an exclusive hostess club.
It was, most likely, one of those places that typically charges approximately 40,000 yen (US $400) per person for a 90 minute “set” which is also subject to a “service charge” of up to 50%. Thus, along with a bottle of whatever, we’re talking somewhere in the neighborhood of 80,000 JPY ($800) per person. That’s not including the cost of dinner at a posh Italian restaurant before they ended up at the hostess club in Ginza.
Lingering Questions
How did this happen? Why are these people still employed? Why is there not more public outrage?
Let’s take a closer look at what exactly went down on that infamous night and why has the outcome been deeply unsatisfying. Specifically, let’s examine the following:
Who are these people that obviously believe that they are above the law?
Instead of being fired on the spot, why were they, essentially, simply let off the hook with only a slap on the wrist by none other than the prime minister himself?
Besides all of the political drama, what’s the deal in Japan with middle aged men in positions of power and hostess bars?
LDP boss Matsumoto was not alone. While it is unclear just how many accomplices were present on January 17, we do know for certain that Kiyohiko Toyama, 51, a lawmaker and acting secretary general of the Komeito political party, an ally of the LDP, was also visiting a separate hostess bar in Ginza on January 22.
Last night the two publicly apologized on national television for their “extreme lack of judgement in this time of great pain and suffering by the Japanese people.” Sorry but this almost knee-jerk reaction of declaring “moshi wake arimasen” or to say “my bad” came across as an insincere gesture.
There was no mention of resignation or any attempt to atone for their sins. Thus, Matsumoto and Toyama must think that the rules should not and do not apply to them. They must consider themselves to be above the law or at least somehow absolved of having to abide by the strongly worded public health recommendations to avoid all non-essential dining out. The poor decisions of these two “leaders” are despicable. They should have done the honorable thing and resigned.
Perhaps the reason why the outcome of these evenings was so different than what should have happened is because Matsumoto and Toyama were confident that they would emerge relatively unscathed with no more than a slap on the wrist. From their perspective and probably based upon previous experience, the whole affair would simply get swept under the table.
If we cannot count on the perpetrators to repent and resign, then at the very least the general public should be confident that ethics rules would result in the premature firing of these two characters, right? Their bosses—ultimately including the prime minister in Matsumoto’s case—would demand their resignations, right? Apparently not!
Last night Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga meekly apologized on their behalf on national television and pledged that this would not happen again. Whaaaat?
Talk about a missed opportunity at least to appear as a strong leader by demanding that the two honorably resign! Suga instead appeared weak by not seizing the occasion to reprimand these men. Of course, he may have adopted this approach so as not to appear double-faced. Suga had, in fact, personally flaunted the rules by cavorting with more than 5 others at a dinner party at an expensive steakhouse in Ginza back in December (before the State of Emergency) and had gone quiet on this subject ever since.
Time to Act
It’s not too late for Suga to act.
He is, however, running out of time to appear decisive. For all we know Suga may be diligently working behind the scenes to negotiate the terms of at least Matsumoto’s resignation. Maybe he is even taking steps to strengthen ethics guidelines. Well, that is probably wishful thinking. By now this whole sordid affair should have been handled. Instead, it is turning into a political distraction for Suga.
As a foreign resident of Japan I am simply a long-term guest in this country—albeit one who pays his fair share of taxes. I am unable to vote. I would, however, encourage my fellow Japanese citizens who can vote to do so to get these guys out of office. In the meantime, every outraged citizen should contact their local representatives to demand that political party leadership do the right thing and purge Matsumoto and Toyama from their parties.
In any case, why do middle aged men in positions of power tend to gravitate toward hostess bars? This sort of thing just keeps being an issue. Hey, I’m not a prude; Maybe they're just horny!
The image of a doting, young hostess who pour drinks, makes conversation, sings karaoke, sometimes dances, and routinely cuddles up next to men who could literally be their grandfather is, in reality, not really the story in this case.
These “extra-curricular activities” are, though, probably more closely related to the desire of men in power—whether they are in politics like Matsumoto and Toyama or managers of businesses—to demonstrate to their flunkies that they are, in fact, the boss. Those in power essentially demand that a cadre of subordinates accompany them on these surrogate stag parties where they can easily demonstrate their authority over the women who work at such establishments simply by paying for it.
The real show of force is, though, related to their relationship with their fellow party goers. There is often no way simply to opt out. Especially considering the extraordinary circumstances of this case (recall the global pandemic and State of Emergency for Tokyo) during which this night out with ‘da boys occurred, I bet that at least one lower-ranking member of the group did not want to be there. Not only did he—another intentional “he” in this case--probably know better, but he probably secretly resented having to show his fealty toward this boss.
It is, moreover, common for unscrupulous bosses who really do know better to demand that their underlings pay for their “fair share” of the evening under the threat of falling out of favor as a consequence. It can be a significant financial burden for the subordinate. This type of boss is often fully aware of the ethics violations and blatant circumvention of work rules related to business expenses, but he goes ahead regardless. This phenomenon is still entrenched in the culture, but there are signs that younger generations aspire to do better. At the very least ethics rules can be strengthened.
Potential for Change
Although these altruistic suggestions for enhanced ethical policies and guidelines would be ideal, after many decades in Japan I am savvy enough to know not to hold my breath! Maybe Japan’s future political leaders will prove me wrong. I hope so!
Links to Sources:
https://ginzakyujin.com/difference-between-club-and-lounge/
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Suga-apologizes-in-Diet-after-LDP-execs-visit-hostess-bars
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP1W6T5YP1WUTFK014.html?iref=pc_ss_date_article
When Leading by Example Breeds Contempt
The subject of ethical behavior transcends all cultures. That makes it a universally hot topic. I particularly enjoyed the psychology explored in an effort to explain the Japanese male mentality. How insightful! Great article! Pam Baran, Sarasota, FL
Update: As of just a few moments ago on 1 February 2021 (MON) at 9:00 am it was announced in the Japanese media that Representative Toyama of Japan's Komeito political party resigned in disgrace over this episode in Ginza at which he spent 110,000 JPY (approximately US $1,100). LDP boss Matsumoto similarly resigned on 29 January (FRI). Thus, to a certain extent my faith in the system has been restored. These resignations probably were, however, the result of extreme shaming and pressure behind the scenes--perhaps even from Japan's Prime Minister Suga. In any case, it took a little time for these two gentlemen to decide to resign on their own. The decision probably only came after their positions within their own political parties simply became untenable amidst public outcry. We shall see whether these two examples are used to fortify existing ethics rules and guidelines.