Tone Changes as It Progresses
The Word 'Please' Mentioned a Total of 73 Times
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] It was reported by Asahi Shimbun on the 27th that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a total of eight press conferences over the past three months regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), during which he used the word 'please' 73 times.
As criticism from the Japanese public toward the government's COVID-19 response grew louder, interpretations emerged that his appeals became more emotional.
According to the report, Prime Minister Abe held eight press conferences over three months from February 29, when he requested a full school closure due to COVID-19, until the 25th of this month. It is known that the Prime Minister's statements were mainly written by economic officials at the Prime Minister's Office.
Professor Shigehiro Kato of Hokkaido University analyzed, "The tone of Prime Minister Abe's speeches related to COVID-19 changed as the sessions progressed."
Professor Kato explained, "In the three speeches until March, before the state of emergency declaration, strong leadership was emphasized with expressions like 'I have made a decision' or 'bold measures.' However, from April onward, emotional expressions increased, using phrases such as 'It is my responsibility for the confusion caused' or 'with a heart-wrenching feeling.'
Professor Kato also added that expressions of gratitude and encouragement increased, specifically mentioning medical workers fighting COVID-19 and small business owners.
He stated, "I believe the critical public opinion had a significant impact on the change in Prime Minister Abe's speech content. The emotional expressions reflected an intention to evoke empathy, conveying 'I am working hard too and share the same feelings as the people.'
He further noted that it was noticeable that Prime Minister Abe used phrases with the intent of 'please' a total of 73 times while requesting people to refrain from going out.
Although there were unavoidable aspects since the government could not exercise coercive power, it was interpreted as a strategy for Prime Minister Abe to reduce risk by shifting responsibility to the public if things went wrong later.
Asahi Shimbun criticized that whenever Prime Minister Abe was held politically accountable, he said things like 'I am responsible' or 'I will fulfill my responsibility,' but did not mention specifically how he would take responsibility.
Political analyst Atsuo Ito also pointed out to Asahi Shimbun, "Words are the most important element for politicians, but Prime Minister Abe only reads from a prompter, and his speeches lack his own warmth. In his speeches, he often refers to overseas cases, but what the public is curious about is how they themselves will be affected."
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