WIT Life #199: Young Japanese Politician Power
Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers 
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WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
I am currently in DC interpreting for a six-person delegation that is here on a two-week program with the American Council for Young Political Leaders (ACYPL). Group members represent both the DPJ and LDP, as well as one participant from the New Komeito Party. Our other destinations are Tennessee and Washington State, so despite their short stay my group will have the opportunity to experience different parts of the U.S.
Speaking of young politicians, last week the New York Times profiled Japan’s youngest mayor, 31-year old Naomichi Suzuki of Yubari, Hokkaido. Yubari is known for its expensive melons, as well as being Japan’s only bankrupt city and also its most elderly. So far during our trip the declining birth rate and increasing aging population are two of the main domestic issues the delegates keep highlighting, and Yubari is facing the same challenges. It will be interested to see if the injection of Suzuki’s youthful energy and innovation can turn things around in this northern town.
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