Nikai Gearing Up to Remain as LDP Secretary-General

August 1, 2018

Seoul- The Liberal Democratic Party faction led by party Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai has started a workshop in Seoul, hoping to highlight its own relevance and keep Nikai in the key post following September's party leadership election.

"I declare full support for the prime minister," Nikai said in a speech at the three-day workshop launched on Tuesday, again making clear his backing for a third term for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as LDP president.

"Amid rapidly changing circumstances both in Japan and abroad, there is no one other than the prime minister that the people can rely on for real leadership," Nikai said.

The remarks called for faction unity in support of Abe at a time when some members of another LDP faction are moving to vote for former LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba in the upcoming leadership poll of the ruling party.

The ongoing workshop, a rare faction gathering abroad, demonstrates Nikai's drawing power as well as influence in Japan-South Korea relations.

Some 300 people, including faction lawmakers and supporters, participated in the event. During their stay in Seoul, faction leaders are scheduled to meet with key South Korean officials, such as Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon.

Abe said in a video message, "I'm surprised at and admire the fact that Secretary-General Nikai's wide human networks are reinforcing his ties with the international community."

As LDP secretary-general, the effective No. 2 in the party, Nikai has consistently supported Abe amid a series of scandals, such as the controversial discount sale of a state land lot to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, once linked to Abe's wife, Akie, during the last parliamentary session.

His faction also contributed to the victory of a candidate supported by the LDP-led ruling bloc in a closely watched gubernatorial election in the central Japan prefecture of Niigata in June.

The Nikai faction has been more supportive of Abe than the faction led by former LDP Secretary-General Hiroyuki Hosoda, from which the prime minister hails, an official of the Nikai faction said proudly.

With Nikai himself often in the spotlight, however, some LDP members suggest that he should be given the largely ceremonial post of party vice president after the September party election.

But faction members are calling for Nikai to be retained as party secretary-general and Nikai himself is believed to be hoping to stay on.

Political bargaining over major party posts is expected to heat up toward the election. Jiji Press