INTERVIEW | LDP's Shigeru Ishiba Talks to Mimei Sakamoto on Security, Reform, and Global Diplomacy

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election race officially commenced on September 12, 2024, with voting set for September 27. This contest will likely determine Japan's 102nd Prime Minister. With that in mind, LDP veteran Shigeru Ishiba sat down for an exclusive interview on June 5. Mimei Sakamoto and JAPAN Forward found the prominent lawmaker in his office at the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Nagatacho.

Ishiba's background includes his tenure as Minister of Defense. He is renowned for his forthright and outspoken perspectives on both Japan's global position and domestic matters. A significant figure in Japanese politics, Ishiba advocates for enhanced national defense, economic reform, and more effective public policies.

Excerpts of Sakamoto's interview with the Japanese lawmaker follow.

Tax, Pension, and Educational Inequality

Why did you decide to run for LDP leader for a fifth time?

The circumstances surrounding Japan and the world have changed significantly in the past three years. There are things that only I, with my long experience in national defense and regional revitalization, can accomplish. I believe that ensuring Japan's safety has been my mission throughout my years of work in defense.

Do you feel the current tax and pension systems are unfair and outdated?

While the government is promoting a shift from savings to investment, I have never considered taxing ordinary investors. However, tax benefits for the wealthy create a sense of unfairness, and redistribution is weakening. I also believe there are aspects of the current pension system that need to be reviewed.

Many people are hesitant to have children due to concerns about educational inequality.

I hate the term "oya gacha" (親ガチャ, meaning “born with a silver spoon in one's mouth") more than anything. Japan spends the least on education among developed countries. At this rate, inequality will only continue to grow. It is the state's responsibility to provide equal educational opportunities to all citizens. The fact that some people can’t receive an education due to lack of money needs to be corrected immediately.

Also, we must create a society where not just a few but everyone can live safely and securely. 

On the North Korean Abductions 

The prime minister has committed to working with the entire international community to solve the abduction issue. Why can't Japan resolve the issue independently?

Japan should exercise its own diplomatic power. While considering [Pyongyang's] demands, we should address the issue openly rather than through behind-the-scenes negotiations and pursue direct dialogue.

Sakamoto engages Ishiba in additional dialogue. Over the years, she has continued to appeal to the international community through art and song about the abductions issue. She has even proposed cooperation with the government. "I am concerned that the abduction issue is fading into obscurity," she tells the lawmaker."

"Mr Ishiba, you announced your candidacy at a shrine. While you respect Japan's religion, you are a Protestant, capable of dialogue on the same cultural foundation as foreign leaders."

Japan's Role in Global Conflicts

What kind of dialogue is possible regarding issues like Israel and Ukraine?

At the core of the Ukraine issue is also a religious conflict. The US support for Israel involves the ideology of "Christian Zionism." Given these factors, we must continue dialogue aimed at a ceasefire that respects both Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin. Since ceasefires and peace treaties are different, we must proceed step by step.

Leadership Style and Strategic Reform

How do we engage with non-democratic, authoritarian countries?

Some leaders focus solely on their own happiness, neglecting the well-being of their people, and that is something we cannot afford to overlook. This mindset extends to matters of defense. The rationale for Ukraine's lack of assistance was simple: it's not part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. That is why no collective action was taken. 

But what about Taiwan? Not only is it outside NATO, but Japan doesn't even have diplomatic relations with it. How do we protect it? What will Japan do? For 20 years, I've advocated for an Asian equivalent of NATO. While no one listened then, I stand by it now. If Ukraine's plight is due to its exclusion from NATO, shouldn't we be discussing a similar framework for Asia?

You seem to be somewhat isolated within the LDP.

I'm often perceived as someone who speaks out and can be a bit out of touch, which leads to some dislike [me]. However, Japan tends to shy away from debates, yet meaningful engagement with the international community requires discussion. We cannot afford to be passive. Without open debate, we risk being sidelined. How can we ensure Japan remains a key player in global trade? Let's find effective solutions rather than just paying lip service. Japan needs to take a proactive stance.

Finally, do you have a message for the people of Japan?

I am committed to confronting the public honestly and directly, without evasion or deception. Therefore, I urge everyone to meet this challenge with the same commitment, as Japan's future depends on it.

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Author: Mimei Sakamoto 

(Read this article in Japanese.)