EDITORIAL | Komeito Must Do More to Defend the Nation

Komeito has held its leadership election and announced the results. Secretary-General Keiichi Ishii (66) was elected as the party's chief representative without a vote or opposition. The new leader will be officially installed in the top post at the party convention on September 28. 

This is the first leadership change in 15 years for the junior coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Outgoing president Natsuo Yamaguchi had served for eight consecutive terms. As has been true in the past, only one candidate ran in the election. In this case, it was Ishii.

Komeito's Role in Government

As part of the ruling coalition, Komeito shares responsibility for setting the course for the nation. Consequently, Ishii, as party leader, bears an extremely heavy responsibility. 

As Ishii takes over, we hope the party he leads will evolve into one that proactively protects Japan and its people. Under Yamaguchi, Komeito has come to accept the government's security policy. That includes the limited exercise of Japan's right of collective self-defense and drastic strengthening of defense capability, including counterstrike capabilities. He deserves high marks for these achievements.

However, given the current severe security environment, further progress is needed. Komeito has always emphasized the importance of "restraints" when adjusting its security policy. However, Japan finds itself in an era when the government needs to proactively take the lead in security policies to protect the Japanese people. 

It does not have the luxury of remaining fixated on restraints. Such a proactive approach, more than anything, would make it a "peace party" for our times. 

Suggestions for Ishii

Why doesn't Ishii consider making his first overseas trip to the United States? In the past, Komeito has forged close ties with the Chinese Communist Party regime. However, Ishii should also exchange views with our allies and like-minded countries regarding the security situation. That would help Komeito to share a common awareness of current global crises.

Too, Komeito will hopefully adopt a proactive response to revising the Constitution of Japan. This document forms the foundation of the nation. 

The LDP is aiming to create a new "Article 9-2" that would give formal recognition to the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). However, Komeito has instead called for strengthening relationships with political parties and leaders of like-minded countries, such as the United States and Australia. It would place that under the framework of  Chapter 5 Article 72 and Article 73 of the Constitution, which stipulate the duties of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 

That would be insufficient, however. The role of the SDF should be clearly addressed in either Article 9 or a new "Article 9-2."

Reviving the Komeito

Komeito has also adopted a cautious attitude concerning the creation of new clauses dealing with emergencies. Those include provisions for emergency government ordinances and emergency financial measures.

However, the government's ability to respond in the event of a major disaster or emergency is quite urgent. If there is no mechanism for concentrating authority in the Cabinet for a set time limit, the government will be unable to provide adequate protection for the public. Therefore, we hope to see Komeito come out in favor of such provisions.

Komeito has seen better days. Its proportional representation votes have trended downward since peaking at 8.98 million in the 2005 Lower House election. Komeito's votes fell to 6.18 million in the 2022 House of Councillors election.

Perhaps the key to reviving the party's fortunes is to adopt a more forthright stance concerning the defense of the nation.

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun