Marutei Tsurunen is literally one-of-a-kind.
Being an ex-pat foreigner in any country is difficult enough, but
how about a politician in the Japanese Parliament? Tsurunen became
just that on October 4, 2002. Born to a small farm in Northern Karelia,
Finland, it was a long road he trod to become the first foreign-born
politician in Japan's Diet (parliament).
The Foreigner - Japan caught up with him during a brief moment
in his busy schedule, the day after his first opportunity to speak
in a plenary session in parliament.
-Matt Goerzen
TF-J:
So how was your first speaking session in the Diet sir?
Tsurunen:
I was very happy but tense, but now I feel
I'm really here, and addressing all our upper house members.
They really wanted to hear what I say. Usually they shout many
things, but they were very silent and listening. My colleagues
said it was quite good. Even the member of the opposition gave
me some praise. I have speeches very often... but in Plenary
session you must do it correctly. Even after 35 years here,
it's still difficult.
TF-J:
What do you do as a Japanese politician?
Tsurunen:
My main job is to work for the Japanese diet.
One of my tasks, however, is to work for the foreigners living
here. It's one of my many jobs. For example, I'm a member of
the research commission on the constitution. We have a project
team working on foreigners' rights. I'm the leader of that project
team.
TF-J:
I remember reading an article back in
February that said there was a plan underway to change the constitution,
so that foreigners would have the right to vote without becoming
Japanese citizens. What is happening in this issue? Are there
any new developments?
Tsurunen:
In our plans, for our party (ruling parties)
there will be no recommendation to give foreigners voting rights.
To change the constitution in Japan is very difficult. It will
take a long time. Many people give recommendations and ideas,
but they are not ready yet to recommend. There is no mention
yet of any foreigners. Education is also being questioned...
should it be open to foreigners just like Japanese? Experts
say our constitution doesn't prohibit foreigners from participating.
We should change other laws, not the constitution. Even the
election law is possible to change. It doesn't stop foreigners
from voting. Some members of the diet think we should change
it. But the major trend is not to give voting rights to foreigners.
They should become full citizens. Our party is in the opposition.
TF-J:
Why is it so difficult to change the laws?
Tsurunen:
There are many groups who want to make a new
law, basic law for foreign residents, to give them rights for
education, state universities, take exams for state universities
or to serve in public jobs. It's very difficult to get this
through now. Now, maybe the trend is in the opposite direction.
Nationalism is getting stronger. They are planning to change
the education law so that they must be respected.
I became Japanese myself. In Scandanavian countries, if you
live there for two years, you have the right to vote. We've
had that kind of law for about 10 years. You can run for local
elections and vote. This is in countries like Scandinavia,
New Zealand and Australia. That's what I want here in Japan.
I'm for it. But it's very difficult to change the law now.
TF-J:
So what have you been doing in your first term in office?
Tsurunen:
I've been doing many things! I've been preparing
the law for garbage for homes, It's almost ready, and we can
submit it to the diet next month. I've succeeded to make law,
or revising of the law you could say. I'm a member of the environmental
committee as well. In our party, I am the director of the international
department. If our leader goes to China, I usually go. I arranged
the last party's meeting with them.
TF-J:
Why did you first come to Japan?
Tsurunen:
I came here as a missionary first. From the
very beginning, I believed this was my calling... to serve this
country. I really came here to get inside and to get into this
culture. Still my background is in Finland. To become a politician,
it is the best way, and the most effective way to serve the
country. Many, many members said they accept me as a Japanese
inside. I'm really happy about that. Expectations are so high.
For example, foreigners call me, and expect me to work for them,
and help them solve problems
But I think it's about human rights also. Everyone who lives
here should have equal rights to live and work in this society.
They should have the right to live and keep their nationality
also.
The Democratic Party of Japan is called "Minshuto"
in Japanese. We are the biggest opposition party, with 180
members. But it's not enough to become the ruling party. That's
the reason there is so much corruption. We should get them
out of there. In Finland I was working for the church. 12
years ago I thought politics was the way to go. Only 1 per
cent of the population here in Japan is Christian. To go out
of the church, to serve society generally, that's what I wanted.
Still I'm Christian, but if you are politician, you have a
chance to influence much more. I have still four years left,
but when my term ends I will be 67 years old.
TF-J:
What do you think about Japanese culture?
Tsurunen:
I studied a little bit about Japan before
I came. I lived first two years in Tokyo, I saw the mix of
West and East, really different than Finland. It's still very
different, and very eastern. In the deep meaning it is still
a very oriental culture. It's very difficult to really fit
in. In my case I'm very lucky to get this position. Most people
however feel like real outsiders here.
TF-J:
Do you feel that after all your years
in Japan, you are a part of this society?
Tsurunen:
This is my place and this is my work. I really
felt finally I am one of them. But still ex-foreigner of course,
and they know it really well. I hope there will be more ex-foreigners.
We have 750 diet members. If we could have one per cent of foreigners
as diet members, thus reflecting the population, that would
be good. I really hope someone could come there and work with
me.
Comments to date: 4. This is page 1 of 1.
vam china
Posted at 6:11am on Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
i read your comment Sven.
Pierson Browne Montreal
Posted at 2:23pm on Friday, April 3rd, 2009
Marutei Tsurunen is an inspiration to us all!!
I am very supportive of your intention to improve agricultural sustainability and health by promoting a more Vegetable-heavy diet; I am a vegetarian too, and I am very supportive of your ideas for reform.
Do your best!!
Sven Sweden
Posted at 11:55am on Sunday, December 14th, 2008
No one will probably read this comment judging that this article was written 2 years ago, But It would be a shame if I didnt show any kind of reaction. Marutei Tsurunen is a man that is keeping my spirit up for a future life in Japan. To me, Tsurunen is a role model for future generations in Japan!
Jim Ellingwood Location unknown
Posted at 9:53pm on Friday, November 17th, 2006
Really neat! As a former expat in Japan, I admire the heck out of Tsurenen.
