>>18
Hmm, it's sort of hard to explain in English.. I think it depends. Sure, we have the right to vote, but once they are elected, they often break promises they make during election. Looking back on what prime minister Koizumi said, he pledged he wouldn't raise taxes if he was elected prime minister, which turned out to be a complete lie. But even if what he promised was a lie and if the bill is passed, the law will become effective. A law is a law. In fact, tax raise was supposed to be made at least last year when they decided to reform the pention system. But no politicians won't let it open to Japanese
citizens. They are very foxy. I don't like the way politicians behave. They have to put their money where their mouths are.

Anyway, what MITI/METI stands for?