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Wonderful quotes and sayings

Takashi Kawamura: Distinctive turns of phrase and memorable quotes. Addictive expressions spoken in Nagoya dialect.

Takeshi Kawamura, who has upheld the banner of “Tax Cuts Japan” and maintained his own distinctive political style as mayor of Nagoya.

His plain-spoken remarks and unique way of speaking, peppered with the Nagoya dialect, likely remain vivid in many people’s memories.

His words, which reveal his convictions and outlook on life as a politician, have a way of sticking with you, transcending mere approval or disapproval.

In this article, we introduce memorable quotes left by Takeshi Kawamura.

As you read on, we’ll also touch on the beliefs and personality behind those words.

[Takashi Kawamura] Distinctive turns of phrase and memorable quotes. Addictive words spoken in Nagoya dialect (11–20)

It’s a messed-up, rigged world where the people who pay taxes struggle while the ones living off taxes take it easy.

It sharply points out the unfairness of a society where the efforts of working people are not rewarded.

For example, when there are people who work hard every day, pay income taxes and social insurance premiums, and barely make ends meet, while others or certain organizations live easily through wasteful spending or privileged systems, the balance between effort and reward is undermined.

Politics and institutions should not belittle the sweat and hardship of working people, and they must be premised on taxes being used fairly.

This statement carries the message that the essence of politics is to build a fair and transparent society in order to protect citizens’ livelihoods and ways of working.

Before cutting costs, ban hereditary succession! Aristocratic politics, turning politics into a family business—this is no good, geez!

These words succinctly highlight the need to reassess how politics works from the perspective of ordinary citizens.

For example, when the number of “hereditary politicians” who inherit seats simply because their parents or relatives are politicians increases, it becomes harder for new perspectives and ideas to enter politics, leading to politics skewed toward certain families and power structures.

Rather than reducing the number of lawmakers, the priority should be to create a fair political environment where anyone can run.

This phrase clearly conveys the importance of institutional reforms that reflect the people’s voices and prevent politics from becoming a “business for the privileged class.” It carries the message that politics should serve the entire public, not a select few families or power holders.

It was a year of saying a big thank-you to all the citizens and to the gods and Buddhas.

It was a year of saying a big thank-you to all the citizens and to the gods and Buddhas.

These words use humor to express gratitude and reflection on the past year.

For example, they can be used when looking back on a year of facing citizens directly through elections and policy activities, listening to voices at street speeches and consultation sessions, and tackling local issues.

Also, by joking that the help of “the gods and Buddha” played a part when there were successes or improvements, it conveys not only the importance of hard work but also of luck and support.

This phrase is a positive message for a politician reflecting on a year of activity while thanking citizens and those around them, and it also gives a sense of approachability.

It reminds us not to forget our gratitude and to carry that attitude into the next challenge.

The poison of the My Number system!

The “poison” of the My Number system that only benefits the elite. Will it manage savings, assets, children’s school grades, and student IDs too? Will we regret it in the future, saying, “Just as Mr. Kawamura said”? Oppose the “communist” My Number system!
The poison of the My Number system!

These words sharply point out the dangers of systems that affect personal information.

For example, if personal data centrally managed under the My Number system were leaked or misused by mistake, there would be a risk of abuse of bank accounts, taxes, and social security information.

In addition, the complex procedures and clerical work that accompany the introduction of such systems can place a burden on the elderly and those unfamiliar with information processes.

The expression “poison” warns of the dangers and potential for misuse lurking behind convenience.

These words suggest that not only those implementing the system, but also the citizens who use it, need to understand the risks and respond cautiously.

It is also a warning that, beyond convenience alone, perspectives that consider safety and fairness are indispensable in politics and society.

If we try to steer the world this way based on human intelligence, won’t it end in failure?

[Part 2] A conversation with Councilor Takashi Kawamura! What is conservatism, and how do we update children’s education? [Tax-Cutting Conservative Children]
If we try to steer the world this way based on human intelligence, won’t it end in failure?

These words point out the reality that trying to change the world with theory and plans alone sometimes doesn’t work.

For example, even a perfectly designed policy may fail to function as expected—and invite confusion or backlash—if it ignores on-the-ground living conditions, people’s mindsets, and local circumstances.

The same is true for reforms in the education system or changes to social security: it’s important not to rely solely on armchair theory, but to understand the voices of those who are actually struggling and the realities on the ground.

This saying conveys the message that instead of moving forward with plans and knowledge alone, we should respond flexibly while respecting human and social diversity, as well as emotions and culture.

In conclusion

Takashi Kawamura’s famous sayings have a refreshing candor that lays bare his true feelings in a distinctive speaking style. While his unconventional stance as a politician draws both praise and criticism, you can catch glimpses throughout his words of a strong commitment to ordinary people’s sensibilities. Beyond approval or disapproval, I hope that engaging with the words spoken by a single politician will prompt you to reexamine your own values.