Photo/Illutration Hanako Jimi, a state minister for regional revitalization, (back row, right) stands in a photo of part of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet. (Koichi Ueda)

This may come across as an abrupt question, but what on earth does “sogoteki na handan” (literally, “comprehensive judgment”) mean?

I can’t help feeling the expression is being overused of late. It is a peculiarly “odd” phrase, if you will, in that it makes you think you understand what it means, but then you become unsure.

The expression is used most noticeably in the political community.

It was used in late December by Hanako Jimi, a Liberal Democratic Party member of the Upper House and a state minister of regional revitalization, as her reason for quitting the party “habatsu” faction of which she had been a member.

But her mention of “comprehensive judgment” did not explain anything about her view of factional politics, which was what people really wanted to hear.

Words are supposed to mean something. But Jimi’s words came across as meaningless and incomprehensible though they are not a dog’s bark but human words. 

“Comprehensive judgment” was also the phrase used by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida when he explained why he hired his son as his aide.

Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga used the adjectives “sogoteki, fukanteki” (literally, “comprehensive, bird’s-eye view”) in reference to an issue he had with the Science Council of Japan, and these words were shortlisted for the year’s top buzzword award.

And businesses frequently used the same phrase in connection with the sex crimes committed by the late founder of the defunct Johnny & Associates Inc.

I believe the expression could not be more convenient for anyone who doesn’t want to honestly explain something but is still forced to say something.

And should someone fail to understand that, the speaker can confront that person and tell them, “You are dumb.”

Philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) studied human cognition and discussed at great depth the meaning of the German concept of “synthetisches Urteil” (“synthetic judgment” in English and “sogo handan” in Japanese).

Kant must be wryly smiling from the netherworld now that his phrase is being broadly used for purposes of obfuscation.

In our society that is never keen to explain, the arbitrary intentions of people in positions of power go unchallenged. I wonder if I will have to hear their words over and over again this year as well.

Comprehensively judging, I continue sighing.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 19

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.