LDP leadership candidates present their views at LDP Headquarters on September 12. From left front: Takayuki Kobayashi, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Shinjiro Koizumi, Sanae Takaichi, Yoko Kamikawa, Katsunobu Kato, Taro Kono, Shigeru Ishiba and Toshimitsu Motegi. (©Sankei by Ataru Haruna)
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declined to run for reelection as president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Now, a record field of nine candidates are competing to become the next leader of the LDP.
Many of the LDP factions decided to disband, and that has created a favorable environment for politicians to run for party president. Kishida's successor will be announced after the final vote tally on September 27.
LDP Diet members and regular party members will participate in the voting. Which candidate is best suited to steer Japan, keeping in mind that this is a nation of 120 million people? All members are urged to consider their choice carefully and cast their vote accordingly.
A Period of Turbulence and Transition
The world has entered a turbulent era. Japan, too, is surrounded by nuclear weapons states China, Russia, and North Korea. These neighbors harbor no love for the nation of Japan.
Except for Ukraine under invasion by Russia and the Middle East, where conflict seems perennial, Japan faces the harshest security environment anywhere in the world. During the Cold War, Europe stood on the frontline of East-West confrontation. However today, Northeast Asia, including Japan, is in an equivalent position.
Japan is also a G7 member. In addition to defending our own country, Japan has a responsibility to maintain peace and order in the region and the world.
Reinvigorating Japan's Society and Economy
At home, the government must spur economic growth. The question is whether Japan can truly escape from the long-term stagnation known as the "Lost 30 Years." There is also no time to waste in addressing the decline in population. Along with that, the country must reform the social security system to make it sustainable.
The candidates must be aware that whoever wins will lead the government at a critical time of change. He or she must speak of his or her aspirations and concrete policies.
An early dissolution of the House of Representatives and a general election are also expected. Here, too, the LDP will not escape charges of irresponsibility if it merely offers a list of fine-sounding policies. What is important is the substance of the policies envisaged and the ability to implement them following the election.
Prepared to Protect the Homeland
Many years ago it did not really matter who was prime minister. That is no longer the case, however. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered the world the concept of a "free and open Indo-Pacific." Furthermore, he made it possible for Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense, although limited in capacity.
His successor, PM Yoshihide Suga joined the United States in emphasizing the importance of "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." Next, PM Kishida Fumio has championed spending ¥43 trillion JPY ($305 billion USD) on defense over five years and the acquisition of counterstrike capability. Kishida thus initiated a pivotal strengthening of Japan's defense capabilities.
Were it not for the decisions of these leaders, Japan would likely have found itself stymied in the face of North Korean missiles, the China threat and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The candidates should share Kishida's sense of crisis when he said, "Ukraine [today] could be East Asia tomorrow."
They must also promise to steadfastly continue and develop the foreign and security policies that have been in place since Abe was prime minister. Sanae Takaichi, Minister of State for Economic Security, proposes establishing a Cabinet Intelligence Bureau and a Cabinet Intelligence Council. These would no doubt provide greater security for the nation and the Japanese people.
Broader Protections
Today there is considerable concern that a Taiwan contingency will arise between now and 2027. The time remaining to improve deterrence and response capabilities is short. Therefore, we cannot afford to rush into ideological legal reforms. Japan must strengthen its alliance with the US and cooperation with like-minded countries. Meanwhile, we must continue promoting practical defense and civil protection measures.
Furthermore, in order to protect Japan for the next 1,000 years, there must be a stable imperial succession plan. The Kishida Cabinet has submitted a report to the Diet and the Liberal Democratic Party agrees with the report. The imperial line must be protected.
Carrying Out a Nation's Duties to its People
Constitutional reform is a basic party tenet of the LDP. Each candidate needs to explain the specifics of their position. In particular, their expectation of how and when they can achieve the explicit mention of the Self-Defense Forces and the creation of an emergency clause. Candidates should also demonstrate their determination to persuade the Komeito, LDP's coalition partner, and other parties.
Those who would lead the LDP must also demonstrate strong resolve to rescue all the victims abducted by North Korea.
Separate Surnames for Husband and Wife
One issue we would very much like to see them debate is the option of separate surnames for husbands and wives. This is an issue that impacts the fabric of the family and society. Rushing into a conclusion without having first achieved public consensus would invite societal division.
If optional separate surnames for married couples is introduced, surnames would in effect become personal names and marriage partners would be like so many grains of sand. Would there even be any need for a surname unless it represents the name of a family that has been passed down through generations?
The use of separate surnames would also mean that one parent and the children would have different family names. Remember that grandparents and other relatives are also involved. They should address how such change would sever a family's history and familial bonds, and disrupt the family registration system. "Optional" or not, this is not a question of individual freedom.
Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has said that he would like to see such a change realized within a year. But we have to disagree. The concern for individual choice can be addressed by expanding the use of maiden names.
Clean Government
The nexus between "politics and money" remains a critical issue. Unless trust is restored, the LDP will not be able to maintain strong policy momentum.
Hopefully, the candidates will thoroughly debate political reform. That includes preventing the recurrence of abuses and ensuring transparency in the handling of political funds. It also means defining how to govern the party in the wake of the dissolution of factions.
Safe and Secure Elections
There have been a series of terrorist attacks targeting politicians both in Japan and abroad. Everything possible must be done to ensure security during the election campaign.
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- Who's Who in the LDP Presidential Race
(Read the editorial in Japanese)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
