Filter out blinding colors and vote carefully

As a cub reporter, I remember how often I was disappointed when my black-and-white photos were printed, having envisioned better shots. It appears professional photographers also feel this: I have heard photographer Ken Domon (1909-1990) also felt similar bitter feelings about his work.

Domon explained how one comes to a false impression: Thinking a shot is "good" is an illusion that occurs when the photographer only looks at the colors and not the shape or movement of the subject being photographed. Does it deserve to be shot without color?

Apparently, it was difficult even for this talented photographer to discern the true nature of his subjects.

The Liberal Democratic Party presidential election officially began Wednesday. Five candidates entered the race, all with differing views and ways of working.

LDP Secretary-General Taro Aso, who lost to Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda last year, is seen as the likely winner this time. If he becomes enmeshed in an intense battle with the other four contenders, the election could be very colorful.

Is this unusually crowded field proof of the party's energy, a sign that it is in crisis or simply an act of gaiety? How serious will the debate be over policy? Or is policy of secondary importance, meaning the election is nothing more than an exhibition of LDP poster boys--and girl--a glimpse of what to expect from the party in the upcoming Lower House election?

Unless we filter out the color and carefully look at each candidate's true nature, we may be in for a big letdown.

Meanwhile, the opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) led by Ichiro Ozawa is just as colorful. Instead of presenting rosy ideals, it is trying to win support with its multihued policy of doling out funds in the form of income compensation to farmers, children-rearing allowances and other benefits. I wonder where the money will come from. Can Minshuto really deliver on its promises?

A few years ago, a British magazine wrote about the Japanese people's lack of an "ability for disappointment." I remember reading that having the ability to be disappointed is key to breaking a deadlock. Having seen two successive prime ministers abandon their administrations, I think our ability to be disappointed in politics has been well honed.

Voters must overcome these disappointments and decide who to pin their hopes on in the Lower House election. Think carefully, and don't let the colors blind you.