Reviews of my essay "Japanese demonstrations in 'galapagosian' way allow continued tyranny" from three prominent individuals, both inside and outside the country.

I have already introduced comments from three prominent people on my essay published two years ago in "Anti-war Bulletin", but here is the English translation from the Japanese text and the original English text together again.

2年前に「反戦情報」に発表した私のエッセイ「『ガラパゴス』状態の日本のデモが暴政継続を許す」についての著名な３人からのコメントはすでに紹介していますが（こちら），あらためてそれらの，日本語文からの英訳と，英語の原文とをまとめて紹介します．

Kenji Urata, Professor Emeritus of Waseda Univ., jurist
I learned about the claim that "nonviolent direct action" is necessary and even indispensable for the realization of democracy, not only that, but that it was already practiced in the UK in 2007.
I think the feedback mechanism diagram captures the relationship between the four entities and very well depicts them as a movement fueled by exploitation and deprivation.
I also found the references to the group self-suggestion that "the Japanese are docile," Matsushita's "moral pornography," and the issue of arrests to be illuminating. I also felt that I would like to pick up a copy of Michael Randall's "Civil Resistance".
(Edited and summarized by the citing author)

Angie Zelter, peace activist, UK, founder of Trident Ploughshares, laureate of the 2001 Right Livelihood Award
Great to read your essay. It is really enlightening and interesting and very necessary.
As you asked for responses/queries here are some:-
1. As a non Japanese reader I would have liked more information about what the 'personnel intervention' and the 'Japan Life' consist of and what the 'cherry-blossom viewing party' was. Just a footnote to explain them would be good. BUt as this was for a Japanese audience I guess this is not necessary.
2. It would be good to put an explanation of acronyms used when they first appear - eg. PCR and BLM.
3. Your point about whether an electorate even gets fair and practical information upon which to base their political opinions and behaviours is really important and is something we grapple with here in the UK where the press does not cover important issues fairly.
4. I liked your discussion of the ambiguity of the validity of wages and direct tax.
5. Great point about retired people being more free and able to risk arrest.
6. You have made me interested in trying to get a copy and reading Hosei Hahakigi's 'Stars in Heaven and Flowers on Earth'.

Peace Activist, USA I read your essay last night and really found it quite interesting and useful. I intend to share it with some friends who are Japanese or follow events in Japan.
I found many of the points you made about the political culture and current difficult organizing situation in Japan to be very similar to the challenges we face here in the US.