Former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi responds to an interview on July 25, at the First Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives, Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo (©Sankei by Shunsuke Sakamaki).
Takayuki Kobayashi, former Minister for Economic Security (2021-2022), is a prominent figure in the speculation surrounding the September Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) post-Kishida leadership election. Recently he took time for an interview with The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward. In it, he affirmed his readiness to take on the future responsibility of leading the country. "I am ready to lead the nation someday," he declared.
Kobayashi also directly addressed the persisting issue of amending Japan's Occupation-era constitution. The LDP needs to develop a strategic plan due to the current stagnation in parliamentary debates, he suggested. At the same time he emphasized that constitutional reform should not be used to advance particular agendas.
Excerpts follow.
Free from Hidden Agendas
The LDP has made constitutional reform a core principle. As an LDP member of the National Diet, I find it natural to engage fully in this process. However, it is essential to ensure that constitutional revisions are not driven by specific agendas or ulterior motives. Although these changes could affect political dynamics, the Constitution underpins the nation's structure. Therefore, we must handle it with the highest level of sincerity.
As the director of the House of Representatives' Commission on the Constitution, I am working to advance discussions in the Diet. However, progress is slow due to differing views among the parties. To pave the way for constitutional revision, the LDP needs to have a clear strategy.
We have proposed four key amendments to the Constitution, including explicitly mentioning the Self-Defense Forces. However, not all these proposals should be treated with equal priority. In my view, the core of politics lies in managing national crises. That is why creating emergency provisions and explicitly recognizing the Self-Defense Forces are particularly urgent priorities.
It is problematic that essential functions such as national defense are not enshrined in our nation's highest law.
Respecting Tradition, Pursuing Steady Reform
I deeply value conservative principles. Our ancestors' traditions and cultural wisdom, which have endured through time, deserve our utmost respect. We should make the most of existing social systems while adjusting and evolving them to fit contemporary needs. Instead of pushing for radical changes, political strategies should focus on gradually guiding the nation towards a long-term vision and ideal. This gradual approach is, in my view, the best way forward.
Currently, the LDP faces intense scrutiny over issues related to politics and money, including the non-disclosure of party factions' income. Restoring trust will require more than quick fixes. The essential steps are to adhere strictly to the revised Political Funds Control Act enacted in the last regular Diet session. Additionally, we must continuously review and improve our practices.
Furthermore, we must clearly articulate our vision for Japan's future and diligently implement the necessary policies and national framework. While this will take time, I am confident that this approach will help restore trust.
Preparing for Leadership
I entered politics to elevate Japan's global presence. If I were to name one politician I deeply admire, it would be former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. When I had the chance to meet him about a decade ago, I was profoundly impressed by his steadfast determination. I also admired his ability to represent Japan's interests while engaging with leaders worldwide, including the United States.
I'm not entirely certain about the expectations regarding my potential candidacy for the upcoming party leadership election. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the support several of my colleagues have expressed.
I remain committed to my political activities with the intention of one day assuming the responsibility of leading the country. My primary focus is to enhance my abilities as a politician to ensure I am well-prepared for such a role.
Economy Over Fiscal Concerns
As we move forward, I believe that our primary focus should be on economic policy, including economic security. My background is in the Ministry of Finance, which might make people think I favor austerity. However, I want to emphasize that economic priorities should come before fiscal concerns. Sustaining economic growth is crucial for maintaining fiscal stability.
I don't believe the economy can prosper based only on private sector efforts at this stage. The government needs to play a more active role.
We must build an economic framework that allows businesses, including SMEs, to generate enough profit to enable wage increases. This is crucial for enhancing Japan's growth potential.
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Read the article in Japanese.
Author: Nobuhiro Imanaka, Sankei Shimbun reporter
