Politics Abroad

In one of the most technically advanced countries in the world, you would think that political advocates would have amazing electronic ads that are transmitted to the masses via ways us mere mortals would never imagine.  Japan has a reputation for electronics and technical advancements.  So how do they advertise for the upcoming election in the prefecture I'm living in?  They drive around my street with loud speakers mounted to their roofs spewing out campaign slogans (in Japanese!) louder than what I'd imagine a space launch would sound like up close.  

 (This isn't my picture, but it's a good example of the cars and vans that circle past our house every few hours.)




I've dealt with this type of  gorilla advertising before.  In Korea politicians advertise the same way.  Even fruit vendors will drive down the street announcing on their trucks loud speakers that the oranges in the bed are on special.  I used to bemoan those vendors, but no more!  At least once you were inside your apartment in Korea you could basically ignore them.  Today, I was in the shower, water running with the door closed.   In the bathroom with the window and the door closed.  In the back of the house, with all doors and windows closed.  If I were able to speak Japanese I would now be able to quote verbatum what the car driving by was saying.  It actually scared me, because it felt like the speaker was coming into my bathroom.  I wonder if they are breaking volume and noise ordinances when they drive by.

I know people back home are going through the beginnings of election fever.  Let me tell you, cherish those little lawn signs, and be thankful that no one has thought to put speakers on any of them to spout campaign promises!