Nipponica

“It’s important to strengthen the SDF’s defense capabilities to protect the lives and the peaceful livelihoods of the people,” Koizumi said in a meeting with Miyakojima Mayor Noboru Kakazu. “I believe the understanding and cooperation of those in the city are essential in this respect.”

Kakazu in response, said, “The most important thing will be to carefully explain the SDF’s activities to the residents.”

Regarding the evacuation of the residents of Miyakojima island to another location if a Taiwan contingency were to occur, the mayor said: “Residents are anxious and have concerns. We think it will be necessary to discuss a variety of issues in detail.”

As with many things in modern life, the poorest are always the most affected when major powers collide. It is always worth acknowledging the innocent victims of the games countries play.

Locals say that beyond the cattle and tourism, Hokkaido has long lacked other industries. There's even a saying that those who go there do so only to leave.

But if the government succeeds in turning Hokkaido into Japan's answer to Silicon Valley - or "Hokkaido Valley", as some have begun to call it - the country could become a new contender in the $600bn (£458bn) race to supply the world's computer chips.

Expanding industry in Hokkaido is always welcome but they need the technical expertise to do so. Certain people in high office need to start pumping the brakes on the deportation train if they want this to succeed.