Opinion Wasting Tax Money By CHRISTINE O. CUNANAN-NOMURA	フレームで見る  英文をプリントする  脚注をプリントする
税金の無駄使い バブル経済の崩壊以降、政府がいかに税金の無駄使いをしてきたかが明らかになり始めた。筆者は、税を担っている国民一人一人が、自らの意見を政府に伝えるよう、もっと努力すべきだと述べている。

Since the bursting of Japan's "bubble economy" several years ago, the government's flagrant use of taxpayers' money for extravagant projects has come to light and aroused citizens' anger.

Two of the most notorious cases were the proposed Tokyo World Exposition fair on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay and the construction of the huge Tokyo Metropolitan Government office complex in Nishi-Shinjuku.

Both plans were initiated during the term of former Tokyo governor Shunichi Suzuki, whose administration was afterward heavily criticized for these expensive and glamorous projects of no direct benefit to most Tokyo residents.

At the height of the bubble economy, the government and corporations― known collectively as "Japan Inc." ― believed the economy would continue growing indefinitely. Thus, they built magnificent concert halls, public venues and other monuments that they thought were essential for Japan to become a First World country. Today, many of these buildings stand as evidence of reckless excesses.

How could Japan Inc. initiate so many highly visible but non-essential projects when the average Japanese person's actual lifestyle badly needs so much improvement?

Foreigners are often surprised at the stark contrast between Japan's elaborate public facilities and the actual living conditions of ordinary Japanese. Japan may be one of the world's richest countries, yet Japan has come to be known as a First World country with Third World living standards.

Recently the misuse of taxpayers' money has once again become an issue because of plans to renovate and rebuild central government buildings in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki district at an estimated cost of ¥100 billion. Critics of the plans say the government should first decide whether a new capital will be built outside of Tokyo. There are plans to build a new capital at great cost within the next decade.

In my opinion, the rebuilding of government offices, while the capital moving issue still remains undecided, is a risky and unnecessary expense. It would be unthinkable for the government to spend taxpayers' money so carelessly and then expect citizens to pay higher taxes to cover the shortfall later on.

Although many people are against the government's profligate spending, most also feel they cannot do anything to change it. However, individual taxpayers ―who are all shouldering a portion of the government's bills ― can make their feelings known, even if only in a small way.

Concerned citizens can join the activities of reliable consumer groups, which aim to ensure that public institutions spend taxpayers' money in the best possible way. Citizens may also write letters of complaint to their ward tax offices or to the newspapers.

Even if citizens' efforts cannot bring immediate changes, I think it's important to make public officials realize that many Japanese are becoming increasingly vigilant about how their hard-earned tax money is being spent.

Shukan ST: Oct. 18, 1996

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