INTERVIEW: LDP Candidate Ishiba Questions Abe’s Political Style

September 9, 2018

Tokyo- Liberal Democratic Party presidential candidate Shigeru Ishiba has questioned the political style of his only contender in the Sept. 20 LDP election, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In a recent interview with Jiji Press, the former LDP secretary-general said Abe has presented ideas about constitutional amendment and ways to use revenues from the planned consumption tax hike that are "completely different" from what the party discussed so far.

He said he doubts whether everyone in the ruling party really agrees with Abe's political stance.

On the war-renouncing Article 9 of Japan's constitution, Abe has proposed keeping its two clauses intact while adding a provision to clarify the legal status of the Self-Defense Forces.

Abe has also expressed his resolve to put an end to the debate on the constitutionality of the SDF through the rewrite.

On the other hand, Ishiba is suggesting the removal of the second clause, which rejects Japan's possession of military power.

"Even if the SDF is mentioned in the constitution, the debate will, without a doubt, continue so long as we keep the second clause," Ishiba said.

He added that he "does not see any meaning" in simply referring to the SDF in the constitution.

Meanwhile, Ishiba expressed skepticism about the outcome of regional revitalization measures under the Abe administration.

Explaining why he emphasizes regional revitalization in his campaign, Ishiba said he believes rural areas and small and midsize companies have "the biggest potential for growth."

He promised to take steps to develop their potential to the full.

"Stock prices have risen on a weaker yen reflecting monetary easing" conducted as part of the prime minister's Abenomics economic policy package, he said. "But have the incomes of each individual increased? If big companies make more money, does the impact reach regions outside Tokyo? No."

"I'd like to properly communicate the meaning of regional revitalization" to expand support for his leadership bid, he said, adding that he has visited as many places as possible throughout Japan on his campaign trail. Jiji Press