Japanese flock to first-ever open budget debate

Japanese flocked to a large gymnasium in central Tokyo in recent weeks to see what for them was an unusual sight: senior bureaucrats being grilled over their budget requests for next year.

“Why is it just the Defense Ministry that is asking for a staff increase?” asked a particularly combative lawmaker, Renho, who goes by only one name. Later she demanded, “Could you give me a more compelling explanation please?”