[War] Japan/Brazil: "A Measure of Mercy"

[Michael Downey]

"A Measure of Mercy"
Ambassadora Iida Tsuda, Japan
Chief of Staff Jaime Nacamura, Brazil
4 February 2013
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<Brasila>

Ambassador Iida Tsuda was in a foul mood. First and foremost the LDP
had just lost the Lower House election back in Japan. Given that he
was a longtime LDP supporter was reason enough for his ire. Increasing
his annoyance today was the fact that Tsuda's term as the Japanese
Ambassador to Brazil was about to end in one month's time and it was
unlikely the DPJ would renew his position. Given Brazil's increasing
global prominence, especially with their growing oil industry, meant
Tokyo would want a representative who was closer (and more loyal) to
that /ketsunoana/ Ahkihita.

But Tsuda's career problems were secondary. He may have been an LDP
through and through but he was also a Japanese civil servant, and his
duties had to take precedent. The Ambassador forced his face into a
much more pleasant expression as the doors to the office of the man he
wanted to meet was pulled open by a waiting secretary. This meeting
would take all the negotiating skill Tsuda could muster.

Jaime Nacamura, President Taveres chief of staff and one of the President's
closest friends rose when the Ambassador entered. He was a tall slender man
of indeterminate ancestry, however his name a Portuguese corruption of the
name Nakamura revealed his descent from Brazil's large Japanese community.
*Not that Japan considers us Japanese* he thought bitterly. However that wasn't
the concern of the moment, they had bigger concerns today.

Jaime smiled convincingly as he came around his desk and bowed before extending
his hand. "Ambassador Tsuda, a pleasure to see you again, I am sorry
we didn't have
more time to speak during the Inauguration dinner."

Tsuda returned the bow and grasped Nacamura's hand. "I am surprised
you even had time to speak with your own President, considering the
hive of activity the dinner was." Politics in Brazil had become very
interesting over the past few months. Many in Tokyo and Washington had
feared the downfall of democracy in the country due to former
President da Silva's corruption. "Thank you for meeting me on such
short notice."

Jaime laughed. "Yes it was a busy night," he said with a look that expressed
just how busy it had been but his smile returned as he released Tsuda's hand
and nodded at his comment. "Think nothing of it, Japan is an important friend,
and we always make time for our friends."

Jaime guided Tsuda towards his desk and indicated for him to sit
before he himself
sat down. "So shall we get down to business?"

"Abe Korinku," said Tsuda as he sat down. "Underboss of the
Inagawa-kai yakuza clan and one of the most wanted men in Japan. He's
been linked to five murders over the past ten years, including an
outstanding arrest warrant for his participation in the stabbing death
of a detective in the Saitama Prefectural Police. As I'm sure you
know, he was recently arrested in Sao Paulo during a police raid on a
brothel. He fled here to avoid arrest back home, probably hiding out
with local yakuza here in Brazil. We would like President Taveres to
agree to have Korinku extradited back to Japan."

Jaime nodded. *Why can't these things be simple? If the bastard had
murdered someone in a crime of passion it would be easy. But a cop
killer.* Jaime wished the Sao Paulo police had just taken the law into
their own hands and shot the man dead in the brothel and have done
with it. But then they didn't know what he was.

"I can see why your government would want him back so badly. May I
inquire what his likely sentence would be upon his return?"

*Just what he deserves* Jaimie thought knowing the answer.

"I cannot speak for the Public Prosecutor's office, but he will very
likely receive a life sentence if convicted of the police detective's
murder." What Tsuda didn't add was that if Korinku was charged and
convicted of any other murders, which was likely, he would likely be
hung. But as he had answered Nacamura's question truthfully, the
Ambassador didn't see a need to mention that fact.

"A life sentence," Jamie repeated, he had been certain that death
would be the natural consequence of killing a cop in Japan. But then
native Japanese were an odd people. "And we could be sure that is
all he would receive?" he asked.

"Again I cannot speak for the courts, but for a single murder, yes,"
answered Tsuda.

Jaime nodded finally understanding what was going on. "Then if the
Japanese government could provide us with assurance that the courts
would not seek the death penalty, for this or other murders, I think we can
successfully conclude the extradition."

Tsuda had known this would be the major hurdle in the negotiations.
Brazil did not practice the death penalty and had always been
extremely reluctant to extradite prisoners if they face such a fate in
their home countries. ``The penal code of my country stipulates that a
case of singular murder cannot be punished by the death penalty, and
currently Korinku is only wanted for a singular murder.

"I think the sticking point in that declaration is currently," Jamie replied.
"My President does not want to look like a fool, if we release this prisoner
to your government, we want to be sure he will not be going to his death."

"Your request is difficult to accommodate," noted the Ambassador.
"What you are asking us to do is alter our entire judicial process for
this man for all possible crimes, forever. We are more than willing to
agree not to execute him for the one murder he is accused of now. If
he is accused of more murders than that will be a separate affair from
this current crime and thus Brazil would not be linked in any kind of
responsibility."

Jaime rubbed his jaw. The man had a point, however he knew Jaoa
could be stubborn on what he considered moral issues. Still it was
worth bringing to him.

"I will bring your government's case to the President," he concluded.
"We should have an answer by the end of the week."
---

Actions:
1) Brazil and Japan conduct extradition negotiations.