Japan's Politicians Just Gain Right to Use Social Media During Campaigns

Believe it or not, up until a deal was struck last week, politicians in Japan have been prohibited from using social media or (in theory) even updating websites during election campaigns.

It has been said that Japan is a land of contrasts, especially those that can be found between tradition and technology. Indeed, even people with only a passing knowledge of Japan are probably aware that many special rules of etiquette that apply in Japan and things like intricate tea ceremonies hold places of special importance. And, of course, the level of technological attainment in that country is pretty well legendary.

So it did come as a surprise to me to learn that the internet was off limits for Japanese politicos. In practice, apparently at least some were finding ways to get around the regulations, so perhaps that's why they decided to update the laws.