Japan Cabinet Secretariat explains Abe video controversy as an attempt to request youth to refrain from going out
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Yoshihide Suga, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, explained on the 13th that the video showing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resting at home, which received criticism, was intended to "urge young people to refrain from going out."
According to NHK and other broadcasts, Secretary Suga said at a regular briefing that morning, "Sending messages through social networking services (SNS) is quite effective in appealing to young people to refrain from going out." He added, "Within the scope we could confirm, it received more than 350,000 'likes,' the highest ever, and had a significant impact."
When reporters asked whether the video ultimately caused resentment among the public, Secretary Suga emphasized that it is more difficult than expected to devise ways to encourage young people to refrain from going out, and appealed, "Please consider that this was done through such SNS." He continued, "To get out of the state of emergency within a month, contact between people must be reduced by at least 70%, up to 80%," adding, "Regardless of age group, I want to ask all citizens to cooperate as much as possible using every means."
Earlier, Prime Minister Abe posted a video on Facebook the previous day showing himself resting at home, which drew criticism from netizens. The video, posted along with a self-composed song titled "Let's Dance at Our House" by musician Ken Hoshino, showed Abe playing with his pet dog and leisurely reading a book at home. In the post, Abe said, "I cannot meet friends. I cannot attend gatherings," but added, "However, your actions can surely save many lives," urging people to refrain from going out.
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However, Abe's relaxed demeanor later became the target of criticism. In the 56-second video, Abe was seen enjoying daily life by drinking tea, watching TV, and playing leisurely with his pet dog. This led to criticism that it was inappropriate for the nation's top official to show such a carefree attitude amid public anxiety caused by the spread of COVID-19.
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