EDITORIAL | Policies of Noda, Wannabe PM, Not in Japan's Best Interests

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), met with Nobuyuki Baba, leader of the Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) following the October 27 general election. Noda asked Baba for his backing in the upcoming extraordinary Diet session election for prime minister.

The CDP gained 50 seats in the recent general election. It is the largest opposition party and doesn't deny it has been seeking cooperation by calling on other opposition parties. 

Nonetheless, if we look at its basic policy positions, it becomes clear the CDP is not qualified to govern. The policies outlined in the CDP's general election manifesto will not protect Japan's independence and prosperity. Furthermore, they will not protect the lives and livelihoods of its people. 

The CDP undeniably gained momentum in the election. However, if Noda is truly serious about forming a government, he needs to carefully reflect on the CDP's shortcomings. Then he must adopt a more realistic approach for the party's basic policies. 

CDP's Poorly Conceived Positions

During the election, the CDP proclaimed that "the Japan-United States alliance is the cornerstone of our foreign and security policies." Despite that, it did not change its position that limited exercise of the right of collective self-defense is unconstitutional. 

It also does not endorse Japan possessing the ability to retaliate if attacked. These positions would undermine deterrence. Furthermore, they would plunge the Japan-US alliance into a crisis similar to that of 2009-2011. That occurred under the CDP predecessor, the former Democratic Party of Japan.

In terms of energy policy, the party has declared  that "the construction of new nuclear power plants will not be permitted." Furthermore, its platform calls for bringing about a Japan with "zero nuclear power plants." This position runs counter to the goals of decarbonization and a stable supply of electricity. 

The CDP is also reluctant to amend the Constitution, which is the foundation of the nation. It opposes the proposal made by the Liberal Democratic Party to explicitly mention the Self-Defense Forces in the Constitution. Furthermore, it contends there is "no need" to create emergency clauses, including one that would allow an extension of the terms of Diet members in the event of a national emergency.

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His comments on ensuring the stability of the imperial succession are equally terrifying. Noda has been adamant that non-royal husbands and children of female members of the royal family should be made members of the royal family. This could lead to a female emperor, severing the Japanese imperial line.

Lacking Shared Principles or Political Reform Plan

Baba took back Noda's request to his party but sounded pessimistic that such electoral cooperation would be feasible. He explained his position as follows: "Without a shared principle or a concrete plan for political reform, I cannot join forces with him. [For them] it's really just the issue of politics and money."

If the negotiations are to be centered on issues of politics and money, then the prime ministerial nomination election will be distorted. Since this is an election to decide who will steer the government, the focus should be on fundamental policies. Especially on the composition of the royal family, foreign affairs, security, and energy. 

By its very nature, current intra-party discussions are of a different dimension from the normal parliamentary struggles in the Diet. Baba was on the mark in his comments on October 27. He criticized the CDP by saying, "Their party does not have unified stances on basic policies such as foreign affairs and security, energy, and the constitution."

Incompatible JCP

Noda also asked Japan Communist Party (JCP) chairwoman Tomoko Tamura to cooperate in the prime ministerial nomination election. 

It was definitely a mistake for Noda to ask the JCP for help. JCP's basic policies in their party platform include abolishing the Japan-US Security Treaty and are even more unrealistic than those of the CDP. 

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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