08/04/09 Interview with Oraizan
Faeyas
My name is Oraizan. I am a long time eJapanese citizen, congresswoman, and running for President of Japan. My most recent article you can see here http://www.erepublik.com/en/article/more-into-o-residency-881938/1/20
Thank you for that introduction. I will now begin to ask you a series of general questions. As to not favor one candidate over the other in responses I will not be asking any follow up questions to your reposes. Furthermore, I will simply ask the questions already prepared, all you have to do is reply. Since this is the case, I ask that you try to be as clear as possible when answering the questions I have for you today. Thank you.
The first series of questions have to do with you as a player. Let’s begin with our first question:
Why did you decide to run for president?
I have been in Japan for awhile and witnessed many things. From the very beginning I wanted to change things, and I have been able to do it on a smaller scale. I want to expand what I have done, what I have changed, and do more. From the beginning of my career I set out to learn as much as possible to help Japan in the long run. Now that I have learned a lot I want to use this knowledge in a better and more productive way. A few people in the past gave me criticism on what I lacked. After changing those flaws, I finally want to achieve my goal and better Japan in all aspects.
Which is more important to you - supporting a friend or ally that is doing something wrong, or staying true to your values and fighting for what is right?
It would really depend on the situation. If the wrong can be justified or is not very terrible, I would definitely help my friend. If it was dealing with one person, I would definitely tell them their faults. People can always better themselves and being honest is important in friendships. Allies for a country are a lot more important. They determine if a country survives or falls. If the pro's for supporting them out-weight the cons, I would definitely support my Ally. Should it be something terrible that I will never forgive myself for, sticking to my values and not self-sacrificing them would be the right thing to do.
How do you intend to prevent personal matters (friendships, emotions, popularity, etc.) from affecting your ability to make decisions for this eCountry?
Initially I can be a brutally honest person. When a friend is doing wrong, I let them know (usually in private). In my campaign one of my important aspects is that I want to bring back the old Japan. In the past Enemies were able to work together. I want my government to be able to do that, and in-turn I will as well. So to answer the question, yes I promise to prevent personal matters from affecting my decisions.
What experience do you have in eRepublik and how does this affect your candidacy?
Ah, tons. It may sound big-headed, but bear with me. As in many of my articles (look to my recent one) I have done a lot for Japan up until now. I have set out to gain as much experience as possible, and I have achieved that goal. I learned as much about the game mechanics as possible, and also read books In Real Life that relate to eRepublik and will allow me to be much more effective. I have taken part in just about every aspect of Government, and I do believe this is very important in a president. If I want to be a leader, I have to understand what I am leading! Sorry for sounding like a bigot, I hope none of you hold it against me!
How are you helping your country right now?
The most important way I am helping Japan is by being active. I have always been active from day one, and plan to continue it. I participate in every aspect of eRepublik. I retain good relations in other countries. I have participated in re-working the army and Foreign Affairs aspect of government. On a daily basis I try my best to answer questions to citizens. I write articles every 2-3 days (though when I was ill I lacked a little). Well, there is tons more...
People say the President is usually the face of the country when the country is engaged in the diplomatic relations with other country. What will make you the good face of the country?
Of course! I have recently been making other countries open up to Japan a lot more. I have friendships all-over the globe. I will be able to keep Japan with a positive image if elected. But I will not let these friendships get in the way of my decisions! Japan will always come first.
What do you plan to do should you not win?
This is a hard question to answer. I may stick around, or I may retire. I have been working In Real Life with my fathers company (as many on IRC know) to fund a hospital for a new playground for children. I may decide to come more active in the company In Real Life, should I not win. It is not that I don't love Japan, I just really enjoy seeing children smile. If I win, I will definitely give Japan my usual 200%.
Should the masked vigilantes who call themselves the 'Sparkling Justice V' give themselves up to the police?
I will hold a giant party for all of Japan! What else am I supposed to do? xD
If there's something strange - Godzilla, for example - in your neighborhood, who are you going to call?
GHOST BUSTERS! Nobody. I will be the president, so I will initiate the discussion and give out the orders along with my MoD. Then we can capture Godzilla and he can become our pet!
To begin our series of domestic questions, we will start out with questions pertaining to your Cabinet.
So your first domestic question is: Who will you put in your cabinet and why?
I personally don't believe in giving out that information. I want to win based on my ideas and who I am, rather then who I bring along with me into my cabinet. I will say that I plan to branch out and include people from all parties. I want more aspects to government, and I want to revive some of the old and bring in some new people.
Additionally, which government organizations (National Bank of Japan, Japanese Interior Service, Japanese Imperial Army, Japan Election Commission, Sempai-Kouhai Program ect) will be controlled by which members of the cabinet?
I plan to have one person who has access for no real reason beside me. That way if nobody is around with access, there is a backup person. Then the organizations will go along with the regular jobs. MoD will have access to the army organization, finance to the bank of japan, etc.
Should Cabinet members keep quiet about matters that do not fall under their responsibility?
Granted there is not a lot of power anybody actually has. I will definitely make it known who spread what, and the consequences will probably end up in that member not being re-elected. I would also ask them to step down, depending on the seriousness of the information leaked. Trust is important, and if somebody cannot be trusted Japan should know.
If people in your Cabinet were acting inappropriately or not doing their job, how would you handle the situation?
First approach them and let them know that they are doing wrong. Once that it known there will always be a second chance. If it is continued, as 'the boy who calls wolf' I will probably find a replacement. Thankfully Japan is much better then that and I have faith I will never have to do such things.
Do you feel there is a conflict of interest if Cabinet members are also members of congress?
No, it is perfectly fine. Cabinet members should have some experience in their area of field, and for some positions that requires debating and proposal experience. Though it is not important to be in congress, it definitely does not conflict anything.
Your Cabinet isn’t the only aspect of government that affects a presidency. The role of Congress is also important so we shall move onto Questions concerning congress.
Do you believe that members of congress are given the will of the people, or perhaps just the privilege to represent some of the people?
Initially Congress supports those who voted for them. Which would mean a select few, and for some just themselves. If you win by only voting for yourself, you represent yourself. If you win with 10+ votes, you speak for many people. Congress can always go against the will of the people though.
Should members of congress be held liable for what they say in public?
Of course they should. People are always liable for their actions. That does not mean they won't be forgiven. Once you are in government you are responsible for what you say and do.
Should a president be held liable for the words and actions of congress members?
To an extent. We cannot control people, but if we do not make an effort into letting them know when they are doing wrong, we should be held liable as we are the leader.
Do you believe the President has the final decision to attack a country, or is that a role of Congress?
Congress. Despite my beliefs, if something is voted on then I must oblige by that decision. Congress are voted by the citizens, they make the decision, and as a president I should always give the citizens what they want once final. Even if I am against it.
What is the role of the president, in your opinion, in comparison to Congress?
To lead. Push for things, keep people active, take most of the drama. Presidents are responsible for being around, being actively part of everything. Negotiations. They have to put people onto certain tasks, and watch over those tasks and people.
Now let us discuss your role in all of this, the role of the president:
What would you say are the three biggest accomplishments of our current president, Kokawayoshi Makoto?
His initial unity, and being able to have everything reformed and improved. He started with very little that was not functional and turned it functional. With exception to the Army of course. Under his term a lot changed and many attacks were countered.
What is your opinion on allowing presidents to get elected 3 times in a row?
No problem, as long as they stay active. If they are active and still making changes and helping the country, they can go on for a fourth term if they wish. If they dwindle down and become inactive and secretive, then they should step down earlier.
I want to say Foreign Affairs, because it is something that has greatly improved since it was taken over. Japan has actually become known as important on the map, we are not just another Asian island over here. When Kokawa became president Japan was definitely not well known.
What aspect do you feel needs the most work and why?
The army. It is the only part of Government that is not functional, even though it has funding.
What will be your goals in your one-month mandate?
I wrote them in my article (though some are long-term)
http://www.erepublik.com/en/article/more-into-o-residency-881938/1/20
If you could only be sure of completing one thing during this presidency what would that one thing be?
Educating the citizens. In the long term this will benefit Japan greatly. Although it would be nice to have the army functioning, without people educated on game mechanics and such, we cannot go very far as a country in general. This would be the number one project I would pursue.
How do you plan to pay for all the projects or plans you are proposing?
Many of them do not need funding. If it did it would be up to congress to decide if it were donation or government funded. Depending on the plan there would be pro's and con's to each side. Things like the military will always be government run. Others (like the Kokawa Jinja) will run better on donations.
Now let us move onto questions will be concerning the Army:
What do you consider the purpose and mission of the Army?
Home defense. I want Japan to be able to defend itself. In the future it would be nice to branch out, but realistically home defense is all we can afford for the time being.
How much do you think the government should spend on the Army per month?
After reviewing the taxes and such, currently we can afford 50G per month. Right now the 25G is adequate for testing, but in the future I would like to see it raised. With the changes of taxes in the future and more citizens and more war-games, I hope we will be able to grow this amount even further.
How should the Army be funded?
Government funded through taxes, and maybe some congress milestones.
The final sets of domestic questions are concerning eJapan’s citizens, economy and culture.
What role do you think Japanese culture should play in our nation?
I am Buddhist so I will probably run my decision making in a similar fashion. Culture is important in keeping citizens active. I believe many citizens come to Japan FOR our culture, so to keep them here and satisfied we should be very proud and respecting of it.
What is your stance on national security versus the public's right-to-know?
If it is something that can cause chaos, it must be kept secret until the problem is over. If it is not a big deal and the citizens can know, then they will know. National Security problems do not come along very often, that is for sure.
How would Japan handle citizenship requests under your administration?
I planned on opening a cabinet position for immigration. Somebody who can set guidelines for accepting people into the country, and also watch over them closely and contact these immigrants.
Do you believe that all citizens are equal, that we should not elevate one citizen higher than another?
This could be taken in many ways. I do believe in people being recognized for their accomplishments. Thus, they would be elevated to a higher position in government. I do not believe that any citizens are not equal though. We all have the same rights, and we should all be treated the same, respectfully.
How are you planning on insuring the growth and strength of Japanese citizens, and Japan as a whole?
I hope with myself as a president I am able to unify Japan and move it back to what it was, respectful. The country is split, it needs to come back together. I hope that as a person of neutrality I will be able to accomplish this over my terms, and bring people back together again. I also hope to be able to grow the more eyoung population in the same way, that way the future of Japan can stay neutral and inevitably strong together. As long as we work together, we will succeed, grow, and strengthen our country.
What do you want to do to increase the activity within the country?
Create more activities for everybody to take part in. I want to bring regular citizens and government together, and throw away the 'elitist' way of working. Many of my ideas are yet again in my articles! Read them!
🙂
Should citizens keep quiet about things they don't understand?
No! They should ask questions, as long as they are not controversial questions. It is important that if they do not understand something, that they can learn and understand. They are our future!
What do you want to do to prevent the departure of people like Inferno, Origineel, and Gabriel Lavanche?
Initially everybody has the right to do what they want. Personally I want to make it clear that I hope people will not just give up on their country. Sticking to your country is one of the best things you can do for it. Through thick or thin, we stand together unified. Though in Lavanche's case, I am glad he left. He is now running for president in Finland, and he will probably do very well in the country. Although I will miss him (I really really wanted him on my cabinet) and he would have done Japan well, he can really help another country as well. As his friend I believe he made the best decision. As a member of Japan Congress, I wish he would come back!
Is there anything you want to do against monopolies in the Japanese market?
I believe in free market. I only wish to step in should there be a serious problem. For example, too much food on the market. I would then push to have it taken out and sold. I made a cabinet position to watch over these situations as well!
Have you got plans to have more active governmental companies?
Not officially. I want to see the Kokawa Jinja become active again. Other then that as I said, free-market.
Will there be increase on tax? if so, in what areas?
Currently I like where our taxes are at. If we change them the country markets will become unstable. In the future as the markets change I would like to see a slow increase in some areas such as food and other regularly used products. Mainly I am for decreasing taxes, though right now with our population we cannot afford it.
What is your stance on Tariffs?
Japan importing and exporting is important. We do not have very much materials, and I know that our country needs to import and export to grow. Therefore, I believe for most sectors of the market it is important to keep the taxes low, and allow these goods to come in and go out cheaply.
Now that we have examined your position looking inwards, let’s turn our gaze outwards and discuss international matters:
What are your opinions and policies regarding alliances?
Alliances are important for small countries. Although bigger countries could probably fair well on their own, if Japan was attacked we would need immediate and intelligent help from the stronger countries. Alliances make a country stronger.
Specifically, what are your policies towards PEACE and Sol and why?
Although PEACE has angered many, they are strong and I believe we should stick by them. They will always be there for us now, and their protection is something great that will keep Japan safe.
Sol is a great way to continue relations with Asian countries, and I think it will benefit Japan as an -under-alliance- for us to join it.
The charter was definitely well written, and those that wrote it (you know who you are) I applaud it. It is flawless and has no loop-holes to that I can see (I have studied law, so I like to believe i can notice these things..
😨). Some of the countries are a little hostile, and I hope that Sol can change that for us.
In your own words, please describe PEACE and explain your reasoning?
PEACE is initially a party for defense. They protected Germany from Sweden, and in the past has protected Japan from TO's, as well as many other countries. They have proven what they can do, and what they stand for. Although recent events may lead you to believe otherwise, I will stand the same. I have relations with PEACE, and although they can be a little creepy as people, they also do amazing work and stick to most of my beliefs.
What is Japan's role in PEACE? How would you visualize their relationship?
Japan has little to no role in peace, other then to participate in war-games. I personally plan on participating in discussion on their forums, but other then that, we are just another founding member. We do not have much power to offer them, but we can offer it when needed (as we did with Germany). I believe Japan's only role is in the discussion and process, but in-game we do very little.
Our relationship is great though. Many high figures in PEACE are personally friends with me, and other people in Japan. Glados even used to be part of Japan, and they love it here. I would like to see this continue should I be elected.
PEACE will keep us safe. They will protect us from threats, small or big. That is the main thing, Japan's safety. They also make the game more interesting for other countries. I have to admit, they even made Japan a little more active with current situations. Long-term though, they will protect us.
What is your opinion on the lease of Kyushu?
It is said throughout the discussions, though I will say it again. I believe there really was no good option. Saying no and saying yes both had their faults. Giving Kyushu in return for other things I believe was the 'lesser of two evils' though. We were able to oblige and retain relations with our allies, and receive restitution for it.
I just want to say, I believe many citizens blew the situation up. It really was NOT that big of a deal for Japan, and it worked out fine. Many over-reacted to the situation, and I must admit in my own way I did too. We all could have handled it better.
What is your stance concerning the Korean refugees, North and South?
All I can do is wish them a save de-merging when the time comes. For now I hope they will span out and absorb into Japan. I welcome them all and hope they enjoy their time here.
How would you have handled the Indonesia situation as President?
Same as it is, but probably less dramatic. I was initially part of the main negotiations (although I did not step in until late) and I am part of how it turned out.
This is a pretty general question. I want Japan to continue to reach out and be seen as a great country. To do this (which we are) we need to have citizens from Japan participate in other countries. I want Japan to be able to help as many countries as possible, and retain positive relations.
Do you have any connections to anyone in country other than Japan that is part of the government?
Ah, tons. I participate in many countries forums for debates. My main one right now is Austria, I am friends with most of their congress and president. I also retain relations with most PEACE countries, indo being my number one, and UK my second. I have joined a lot of country IRC's and Forums with the intentions of getting Japan's name out there and image positive.
Lastly, the most obvious question that should conclude this interview: Why do you think you are the best candidate for this job, and why should eJapan's citizens trust you with the position?
I have experience. I have been around Japan and enthusiastic for a very long time. I will be able to guide it in the right direction. I have proven that I am responsible in my past. Everybody has seen my growth. I have proven that I am hardworking and get the job done. I will always be active. I am Neutral. I want only what is best for Japan. I want to stop selling myself, I feel big-headed.
😨
Vote Oraizan!
Thank you very much for your time. Your answers will be openly published for all Japanese Citizens to read in hopes of helping them decide their future president. I wish you good luck with your campaign and the upcoming election.
Comments
nice again and very long X_x my eyes hurt now from reading those articles
I'm disappointed you refused to reveal your Cabinet. Don't the good people of Japan deserve to know who all they are voting into government if they choose to vote for you?
Personally, I think we should continue to promote transparancy. Something Kokawa originally set out to do and something we should take from his terms. But, of course, that is only my opinion!
I plan to be voted into office for who I am, and not who I bring along with me. When I set out for parties to support me, I said the exact same. I will not give party presidents positions because I want their support either. Such is a fair way to run my campaign, and how all my past role models have done it as well. Starting way back when Angrr ran for president, up until now.
I wrote an article saying what positions I am bringing to my cabinet. Other then that I apologize, but I want my campaign to be as fair and clean as possible.
Vote Oraizan on the fifth.
I at first thought the not showing candidates was odd, but after thinking about it, it makes sense. You get supported for who you are, not because PP's get shiny cabinet positions and then randomly decide to support because of that.
Anyway, it's a good interview, the questions were answered very well :3
Vote Oraizan!
Well, I wouldn't say that.
The people should vote a President in based on his/her plans and their beleifs.
I would say that the assemblement and justification of the government is part of ones plans and beliefs.
~Minamoto
I just figured that you would want to educate the people and show them that you are for change. I mean, if you say you are for change and plan on keeping the same people in government, then isn't the only change in the figurehead and not the government?
I never said that I am for complete change. Actually, I want to make Japan the proud nation that is was before, rather then change it anymore then it already has. Right now I think Japan is going in the wrong direction, and I want to fix that. I showed the people what my cabinet positions will be, and that's as far as it gets.
I will be voted for what I have to offer the country, and not the people I bring along with me. I know your intentions, and I will stick to my decision. If people can trust in my campaign and myself, then they can trust I will make proper decisions with my cabinet.
"You get supported for who you are, not because PP's get shiny cabinet positions and then randomly decide to support because of that."
This is how I thought of this matter as well, thus I took similar approach back when I had my time. This is just my personal belief, but when I think of things, I usually think of offering cabinet position and revealing them before the election was some kind of vote buying or last minute voter shifting to try to get votes because of who you have around you, and not because of you yourself. I personally hope president to be chosen depending on who they are, and not who they are surrounded by. And I want president to be supported because of their idea, not because you are getting position of power, for example like Vice President.
I think this is the first time since the time I have started playing erepublik that cabinet positions were released before the presidential election in eJapan. I do not believe there were past example of such thing. In past, people released info regarding what position will be open, but never used thus cabinet pick info for their advantage in the election.
Of course, I do not know whether it is for the better or not. of course it is suspicious when we have "would be vice president" running around spamming every article in Japan and shouting like every hours to vote for certain candidate.
@Akki - I usually read most articles and commented on them way before this election. So do you. Why is mine spam and yours not? Lol. And of course I shout (3x a day, not every hour) to support Minamoto. I am passionate about what I believe in (just like you). That is why I appreciate Akki so much. He is always there to keep everyone on their toes!
Akki; They never did release information before. Even Angrr wouldn't do that when he ran. Which is why I will not either. I grew up with those morals thanks to my 'sempai's', and I will stick to the way they ran, which I believe is proper.
I think letting people know your cabinet says a bunch about your character. It tells the voters about your decision making skills. who you pick can also say something about what you plan to do with the position, and gives insight that way. If you pick bad, then naturally it will mark you down, but there is really no reason, in my mind, to be afraid of being raised up for making good choices. Unless, of course, you feel that those choices may upset the general population or your own backers.
However that is my opinion.
Just because things have been done a certain way in the past doesn't mean that way is necessarily better. I think posting the Cabinet members in advance gives voters confidence about the type of people candidates will surround themselves with. As we've seen in the past few months, the Cabinet members are in some ways more important than the President, and when we cast our vote we should feel confident knowing who we're voting for.
"I think letting people know your cabinet says a bunch about your character. It tells the voters about your decision making skills."
True, however, I would still call that one method of vote buying. of course, you are not giving money for a vote (as we see it often happening in our recent congressional election) but a position of power and title. I do not think Oraizan is worried about her picks. She rather not be elected because of who she gave the power, but on her platform alone. I believe that is something that must be respected.
"Just because things have been done a certain way in the past doesn't mean that way is necessarily better. I think posting the Cabinet members in advance gives voters confidence about the type of people candidates will surround themselves with."
Of course it does not always mean it is good. however, in this cases, I must argue, that old method would constitute to more fair, and less corrupt election. less buying of the voters because of the people they will surround themselves, and more on who their ultimate leader is. As you know, only the president in the end gain power within the game due to game mechanics. thus in emergency situation, president is who the final decision falls to. Something we seems to be forgetting now days is erepublik game mechanics, and we are continually blaming something, which can not be accomplished by the system offered to us by admins.
Here is my two cents. learn the game mechanics, system formula, how game works, and the game rules before complaining or proposing something. That would definitely help our nation, and not cause our nation to end up like eUSA, where only arrogant and ignorant people gain power to lead the country without even understanding the game mechanics.
Lost my first comment to the bitbucket, time to try again.
Oraizan's choice not to release the people she would have in her cabinet is a fair one to make. The choice not to release the cabinet member list a normal part of most RL governments, largely for the above mentioned reasons.
From an ethical point of view, to name your cabinet in advance calls into question the candidate's loyalties, what did these people do to get named to the cabinet before the election is even held?
And most probably most importantly, this is a personal style choice. It speaks to the method in which the candidate will conduct themselves.
I would also point out that here we see Miyamoto criticizing Oraizan's choice, but she's standing her ground and not responding with criticism of her own. I would have all citizens think what this says about your Presidential candidates.
Well Akki, running a campaign is a method of 'buying votes' and it can be justified in the same way.
I believe Oraizan asked the peolpe she wants in Cabinet if they were willing to do it before hand. So first of all, Akki, according to you that is buying votes. Soulscode, I believe the people are already named in private, the names are just not released.
Also, Miyamoyo was MUCH more respectful this time (thankfully) and he posted some perfectly valid opinions (note the "I think" in his comment). It is the citizens job to criticise in a respectful manner such as that.
However, I realise that you don't want it to influence the voters decisions but I don't understand why it is something that shouldn't influence their decision- it is still part of the term- the solid planning that you always call for, Akki (and yes, you shouted for a solid plan and not empty promises for this election).
~Minamoto
I actually did not ask most of the people, Minamoto. The whole sense of 'buying votes' is that you get the votes of those that support the person who you put in the cabinet too. Which inevitably leads to more then just your own ideas. If you don't agree with it, just respect it. As much as I respect your opinions, I plan to stick to my own belief that running a clean campaign also means keeping who I pull along with me secret.
"I plan to stick to my own belief that running a clean campaign also means keeping who I pull along with me secret."
Wow. Yeah, no.
Despite some comments from the vocal minority, you have my support and I look forward to your presidency. Ganbare!
"Wow. Yeah, no."
Care to elaborate on that, my North Korean friend?
Thank you Faeyas for creating this interview .
I agree with Oraizan in not releasing the names of the cabinet members. Honestly, you're voting for the president's ideals which in turn would most likely be connected with the cabinet members he/she chooses. When we vote for the president of the United States, he doesn't reveal his cabinet members until after the elections. Of course, people can speculate, but that doesn't necessarily mean it'll happen. Not to go back into American history, but government leaders did buy votes by offering people government positions.