Local Hero: Marutei Tsurunen



Here is an update about Japan's only politician from - Finland (!):

Tsurunen is an unabashed Japanophile who, in addition to rendering his Finnish name, Martti Turunen, into its current Japanese form, has translated The Tale of Genji and other local classics into his native language. His populist tactics brought him tantalizingly close to victory in each race, and upon finally taking office he touted protecting the environment and “internationalizing” the nation as his priorities. These days, he's homed in on sustainable agriculture as a member of the Diet's Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and founder and secretary-general of the Parliamentarian’s League for the Promotion of Organic Agriculture. But he says his mission is not confined to these.

Read the entire article about Marutei Tsurunen to find out what he thinks about nationalism, fingerprinting foreigners, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s Yasukuni Shrine visits and an education bill that mandates patriotism. As a House of Councilors parliamentarian, he also has a cool website with his views and photos. His English site is here.

Comments

Pandabonium said…
Very interesting person with very creative and positive ideas.
12:08 pm, August 05, 2006
Martin J Frid said…
P: Yes, isn't he interesting

N: I always believe that even one person can make a big difference

Thanks for the comments!
11:42 am, August 08, 2006
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