“Ishiba Vision” for Japan Economy Presented before LDP Race

August 28, 2018

Tokyo- Shigeru Ishiba, former secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, on Monday announced his campaign pledges for the LDP leadership race in September, including an "Ishiba vision" for the economy.

The vision, contrasting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Abenomics economic policy package, is aimed at stimulating consumption through regional revitalization and the reconstruction of the social security system.

At a press conference, Ishiba also presented a government reform plan following a series of scandals that undermined confidence in the Abe administration, in an effort to differentiate himself from the current LDP leader seeking a third term.

Ishiba said the government failed in key policies such as growth strategy, female empowerment and the creation of a society in which all citizens can play active roles, citing related data.

While Abe is repeatedly publicizing his achievements, Ishiba said, "Emphasizing self-serving figures is no good."

Under his vision, Ishiba aims to increase the potential of small companies and regional economies so that they will play the central role in economic growth.

The establishment of a trustworthy social welfare system will encourage consumer spending in a stable manner, according to the vision.

Ishiba plans to set up teams for revitalizing Japan and rural areas and discussing economic and financial measures and social security system reforms within the government to produce policies. All discussions would be open to the public.

He pledged to reform how the Cabinet Bureau of Personnel Affairs is run and introduce public document managers at all ministries and agencies. He apparently had in mind a large discount sale of state land to private school operator Moritomo Gakuen, a cronyism scandal involving Kake Educational Institution, headed by a friend of Abe, and public document tampering at the Finance Ministry.

Meanwhile, Ishiba did not say what he aims to change in the country's constitution or when he would do this. But he proposed careful discussions with other parties and efforts to obtain public understanding.

Ishiba promised to open a government office in Pyongyang to resolve the issues of nuclear weapons and missile development and abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korean agents decades ago. He also called for further expansion of the Self-Defense Forces' roles in the Japan-U.S. security alliance. Jiji Press