Heizo Takenaka, Former Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy, Awarded Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Igniting Fierce Debate on Social Media

The recent announcement of the Autumn Imperial Decorations, specifically the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun bestowed upon Heizo Takenaka, former Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy, has sparked a significant uproar, primarily on social media. Numerous users are engaging in heated discussions regarding the merits and demerits of Takenaka's past policies, raising questions and criticisms about the decision to grant him the award.

According to a report by Livedoor News, Takenaka himself commented on receiving the decoration, saying, “I have been involved in tasks such as dealing with non-performing loans, reducing public works, and other jobs that drew criticism from some. I honestly didn't expect someone like me to be a recipient of an imperial decoration.” While acknowledging that his policies were controversial, he expressed surprise at receiving the prestigious honor.

However, on social media, this award has been met with a barrage of harsh opinions, such as “The very person who destroyed Japan” and “He has grown fat by preying on our nation's laborers.” In particular, many views suggest that his economic policies under the Koizumi administration, such as postal privatization and deregulation of dispatch labor, led to the impoverishment of the populace and the expansion of non-regular employment. Voices also pointed to his vested interests, stating, “While serving as chairman of the staffing company Pasona, he infiltrated government advisory councils and incited employment destruction.”

Some users vehemently criticized Takenaka with strong language like “He deserves the guillotine” and “A traitorous political merchant,” demanding, “The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun is an insult to the nation. Revoke it immediately!” Posts also emphasized the negative aspects of Takenaka's “reforms,” such as “Increase in non-regular workers → sluggish consumption → deflation → solidification of the Lost 30 Years. Takenaka's 'reforms' benefited large corporations and foreign capital; ordinary citizens only suffered.”

This decision to grant the award has also raised questions about the value of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun as a national honor. Comments like “The Order of the Rising Sun has fallen this low” and “It should just be abolished now” were heard, expressing distrust in the selection process and the ultimate decision-makers. Touching upon the system where recommendations for recipients are made by ministers of various ministries, passed to the Prime Minister, and formally decided by the Cabinet, some speculated, “Who selected him?” and “Former Prime Minister Koizumi's husband also received an award; isn't there a political background?” or “Is this a parting shot from Shigeru Ishiba?” Opinions questioning the nature of the decorations, citing the controversial awarding of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to Curtis LeMay, who allegedly commanded carpet bombing operations in Japan, were also seen.

The awarding of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to Takenaka has ignited a deep-seated national debate among the public concerning the historical evaluation of economic policies and the nature of national honors.

The context

Heizo Takenaka (竹中平蔵): A prominent Japanese economist and politician. He served as Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy (2001-2005) and Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications (2005) under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. He was a key figure in Koizumi's “structural reform” agenda, advocating for deregulation, privatization (notably Japan Post), and reforms to labor laws, including the expansion of dispatch labor. His policies are widely debated, with proponents crediting him for tackling Japan's economic woes and critics blaming him for widening income disparities and increasing precarious employment. He is currently the chairman of Pasona Group Inc., a major human resources and staffing company, a connection that draws criticism regarding potential conflicts of interest given his past policy-making roles related to labor.

Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (旭日大綬章 - Kyokujitsu Daijushō): This is one of Japan's highest national decorations, awarded by the Emperor. It is granted to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the state or public, often in fields like politics, business, and academia. The Grand Cordon is the highest class of the Order of the Rising Sun. Such awards are typically seen as a recognition of a lifetime of public service and contributions.

Koizumi Administration (小泉政権): The government led by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi from 2001 to 2006. It was known for its “structural reform without sanctuaries” policy, focusing on privatizing public corporations (e.g., Japan Post), reducing government spending, and deregulating various sectors of the economy. While these reforms aimed to revitalize the economy, they also led to significant social changes.

Dispatch Labor (派遣労働): Refers to temporary or contract work through staffing agencies, a form of non-regular employment. Deregulation during the Koizumi administration, championed by Takenaka, led to a significant increase in dispatch workers, which critics argue contributed to the expansion of precarious employment and income inequality.

Pasona Group Inc. (パソナ): A major Japanese human resources and staffing company. Heizo Takenaka's role as chairman of Pasona while also advising government councils on labor policy has frequently been cited by critics as a conflict of interest, especially when discussing his past promotion of dispatch labor.

“Lost 30 Years” (失われた30年): A term commonly used in Japan to describe the period of economic stagnation and deflation that has affected the country since the early 1990s, following the bursting of its asset bubble. Critics argue that certain economic policies, including those associated with Takenaka, contributed to or failed to alleviate this prolonged economic downturn.

Curtis LeMay (カーチス・ルメイ): A U.S. Air Force general who commanded strategic bombing operations against Japan during World War II, including the firebombing of Tokyo. He was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 1964 by the Japanese government for his contributions to establishing the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. This decision was highly controversial at the time and is still sometimes brought up to question the criteria and appropriateness of imperial decorations.