Japan's Floundering Politics Need Shinzo Abe's Legacy

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July 8 marked the third anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Sh i nzo Abe, an outstanding prime minister and world leader. Abe was felled by a bullet fired by a terrorist as he gave a street corner speech. It happened during the last Upper House election, held in 2022. Once again, we offer our heartfelt condolences.

Let there be no doubt that assassination represents a direct challenge to democracy and is absolutely unacceptable. Not only does it take precious lives through violent means, but it also stifles freedom of speech.

Since then, politics in Japan have become unstable, and we are confronted with a crisis. This can be seen in the crushing defeat of the ruling parties in the 2024 House of Representatives election and the low approval ratings of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet.

The time has come to reevaluate "Abe politics."

*People pray near the scene of PM Shinzo Abe's assassination in Nara City, at 11:32 AM on July 8 (©Sankei by Kotaro Hikono)*

A National Vision and Strategy

First and foremost, Abe's political approach was characterized by a coherent national vision and strategy. He boldly sought to preserve the global order and regional peace and stability.

The strategic concept of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" that Shinzo Abe advocated has come to be widely embraced by the United States, European countries, India, and Southeast Asian nations.

Even after stepping down as Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe's stature and influence remained undiminished, both at home and abroad. Japan's international standing was high while Abe remained alive and well.

Countries around the world are currently being upended by US President Donald Trump's tariffs and other issues. Surely, many people wish that Abe, who enjoyed a close personal relationship with Trump, was still alive.

National Security to Protect the People

In the foreign and national security policy arena, Abe steeled himself to being subjected to fierce criticism from leftist and liberal forces. But, in the end, he successfully shepherded the enactment of security-related laws and paved the way for the exercise of the right of collective self-defense, albeit in a limited form. This was essential to preserve peace and protect the lives of the Japanese people. Sticking with Abe's approach, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida opted to drastically strengthen Japan's defense capabilities.

The current international situation is foreboding. It is Prime Minister Ishiba's duty to clearly explain to the public what is needed to ensure Japan's security. And then it is his job to take action. But, to date, he has done little in this regard.

We urge the Prime Minister to demonstrate the resolve required to protect Japan and the Japanese people from the nuclear-armed dictatorships of China, North Korea, and Russia.

Ishiba also displays no enthusiasm for constitutional reform. However, such reform is the official policy of the Liberal-Democratic Party (LDP) he heads.

A Clear Domestic and International Strategy

Then there is the issue of whether to allow optional surnames for married couples, a step sure to undermine family unity. Ishiba has hinted that he might remove the party discipline requirement if it comes up for a vote in the Diet. Where has his conservative pride gone?

Unless the LDP comprehends the significance of Abe's politics and champions them, its core supporters are unlikely to return.

Once again, we are in the middle of an Upper House election. Security during the campaign should be as thorough as possible to prevent terrorist attacks and other incidents. After all, it is in everyone's interest to protect democracy.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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