(Mainichi: February 19, 2016 – p. 5)

 Kazuya Maruyama’s remarks at House of Councillors Commission on the Constitution

 For example, from a constitutional perspective what would be the problem if Japan became the 51st state of the United States? This would not present a problem with the right of collective self-defense and Japan-U.S. security treaty. Seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are allocated in proportion to population. That would mean that the “state of Japan” would be allocated the most seats and a Japanese person could be elected U.S. President. For example, the U.S. has a black President. He is descended from blacks. Frankly speaking, [he’s is a decedent] of slaves. In those days, no one imagined a black person, a slave, could become U.S. President [in the future]. I must say that the U.S. is a country capable of undergoing a dynamic change.

 His explanation on Feb. 18

 <Japan becoming the 51st state of the U.S.>

 During a Commission on the Constitution session, an unsworn witness commented that Japan “should introduce a presidential system.” This is equivalent to a system to elect the prime minister by popular vote. I used the U.S. as an example of a country that has a bicameral presidential system.

 <Remarks related to U.S. President>

 My intention was to praise the U.S. for becoming what it is by undertaking self-reform. My remarks are being criticized as racist. That is the very opposite of what I meant and was not my true intention. I respect Martin Luther King Jr.

 <Ruling parties’ demand for resignation>

 I have a clear conscience. This is the issue pitting conscience against conscience. I will take up the challenge.