2 days Ago By Mimei Sakamoto
In an interview, Sakamoto pushed 5-time LDP leadership candidate Shigeru Ishiba to explain his views on national security, economic reform, and diplomacy. Published on By The circumstances surrounding Japan and the world have changed significantly in the past three years. There are things that only I, with my long experience in national defense and , can accomplish.
I believe that ensuring Japan's safety has been my mission throughout my years of work in defense. While the government is promoting a shift from savings to investment, I have never considered taxing ordinary investors. However, tax benefits for the wealthy create a sense of unfairness, and is weakening.
I also believe there are aspects of the current that need to be reviewed. I hate the term "oya gacha" (親ガチャ, meaning “born with a silver spoon in one's mouth") more than anything. Japan spends the least on among developed countries.
At this rate, inequality will only continue to grow. It is the state's responsibility to provide equal educational opportunities to all citizens. The fact that some people can’t receive an education due to lack of money needs to be corrected immediately.
Also, we must create a society where not just a few but everyone can live safely and securely. Japan should exercise its own diplomatic power. While considering [ 's] demands, we should address the issue openly rather than through behind-the-scenes negotiations and pursue direct dialogue.
At the core of the issue is also a religious conflict. The US support for involves the ideology of "Christian Zionism." Given these factors, we must continue dialogue aimed at a ceasefire that respects both and .
Since ceasefires and peace treaties are different, we must proceed step by step. Some leaders focus solely on their own happiness, neglecting the well-being of their people, and that is something we cannot afford to overlook. This mindset extends to matters of defense.
The rationale for Ukraine's lack of assistance was simple: it's not part of the . That is why no collective action was taken. But what about Taiwan? Not only is it outside NATO, but Japan doesn't even have diplomatic relations with it.
How do we protect it? What will Japan do? For 20 years, I've advocated for an Asian equivalent of NATO. While no one listened then, I stand by it now. If Ukraine's plight is due to its exclusion from NATO, shouldn't we be discussing a similar framework for Asia? I'm often perceived as someone who speaks out and can be a bit out of touch, which leads to some dislike [me].
However, Japan tends to shy away from debates, yet meaningful engagement with the international community requires discussion. We cannot afford to be passive. Without open debate, we risk being sidelined.
How can we ensure Japan remains a key player in global trade? Let's find effective solutions rather than just paying lip service. Japan needs to take a proactive stance. I am committed to confronting the public honestly and directly, without evasion or deception.
Therefore, I urge everyone to meet this challenge with the same commitment, as Japan's future depends on it. Author: EDITORIAL | Japan, South Korea Cooperation a Must Amid Security Threats LDP Leadership Election: The Nine Who Aspire to Become PM Chinese Naval Base Expansion Near Senkakus a New Concern EDITORIAL | LDP Leadership Sweepstakes: 9 Candidates and a List of Priorities INTERVIEW | Hudson Institute's Ken Weinstein on Priorities in Security for Japan's Next Leader Order on the Sea: Tracing the Genesis of UNCLOS You must be logged in to post a comment You must be to post a comment..
