INTERVIEW | Shinjiro Koizumi: Let The Public Speak on the Constitution

Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, is a former Minister of the Environment and candidate in the upcoming September 27 Liberal Democratic Party leadership election. Koizumi spoke with The Sankei Shimbun on September 16, sharing his thoughts on crucial issues. He addressed concerns from the stable succession of the Imperial throne to North Korea's abductions of Japanese citizens. 

Key excerpts from the interview follow.

Exclusive Interview with Shinjiro Koizumi

What motivated you to run in the party leadership election?

After becoming a father of two, I started thinking more seriously about my children's future. The current political system is lagging behind the pace of global change. Only the prime minister holds the authority to implement meaningful changes that strengthen policies.

What are your thoughts on ensuring a stable Imperial succession?

Considering the traditions of the Imperial family, I am opposed to the idea of a female-line emperor, which has no historical precedent. I intend to address this issue based on the fundamental principles laid out by the government's advisory panel and the party's position. Both of these uphold the traditional male-line succession.

Will you continue visiting Yasukuni Shrine if you become Prime Minister?

In any country, it is only natural to show respect to those who fought and sacrificed their lives for their nation. I have visited Yasukuni Shrine annually up until now. As for what I will do after becoming prime minister, I will make an appropriate decision at the time.

Defending the People and Homeland

How do you plan to address the issue of North Korea's abductions? Is a visit to North Korea on the table?

Absolutely. Ultimately, resolving the abduction issue requires direct dialogue between top leaders. [Referring to Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Worker's Party of Korea,] there's a precedent. Our fathers have met before. I want to explore new approaches, breaking away from past methods, and without imposing preconditions.

What are your thoughts on holding a national referendum on constitutional amendments?

I don't believe it's right to continue without ever giving the public a chance to vote. Would the people truly oppose defining the role of the Self-Defense Forces in the Constitution? Even if there's a possibility of rejection, we should still provide the public with the opportunity to vote.

How do you plan to manage relations with China?

To deter China, we must strengthen Japan's independent defense capabilities while showcasing the strength of the Japan-US alliance. 

Additionally, I intend to address China's unscientific stance regarding the release of ALPS treated water from TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. And I will work to resolve the reputational damage [China] caused.

Work and Home Life

You've advocated for a review of employment dismissal regulations. 

The current rules are based on court decisions made over 40 years ago. I'm proposing more of a modernization of those regulations. The goal is to ensure everyone has access to reskilling opportunities and to create an infrastructure that connects people to the job market. We need to address the labor shortage, where not a single person can be overlooked.

What are your thoughts on the selective married couple surname system, which faces opposition within the party?

My conservative stance is one of tolerance and inclusivity. Does allowing people the option to keep separate surnames really take away anyone's rights? 

If I become Prime Minister, I plan to submit a bill to the Diet to introduce the selective married couple surname system. Since this is a matter of personal values and views on family, I will not enforce party discipline when it comes to voting on this issue.

Is there a possibility that a bill to expand the use of maiden names could be voted on alongside the selective surname bill?

I'm not ruling out any possibilities at this point.

Thoughts on Politics

The issue of 'money and politics' has caused distrust toward the party. How do you respond to that?

The opposition initially urged Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to dissolve the House of Representatives. However, they've recently shifted their stance. Now they call such a step "an act of running away." This is purely a political maneuver. 

Typically, the opposition would view a dissolution as an opportunity to challenge for a change in government.

What are your thoughts on the timing of dissolving the House of Representatives?

At this point, the answer is "as soon as possible." 

The Liberal Democratic Party is just completing its longest-ever leadership election. Also, the Constitutional Democratic Party is holding its own leadership race. These developments may offer voters the necessary context to make informed decisions.

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(Read the interview in Japanese.)

Interview by: Shusuke Takenouchi and Shigeyuki Mizuchi, The Sankei Shimbun