Japan’s new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has addressed the public for the first time since taking office, expressing deep regret over the scandal involving the governing party’s slush funds that plagued his predecessor. Ishiba’s immediate focus is to appease public discontent over financial misconduct within the Liberal Democratic Party and regain support ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election on October 27.
In his policy speech, Ishiba emphasised his commitment to serving the people rather than the interests of politicians. He outlined five key policy pillars, including security, economy, and disaster resilience. Notably, he pledged to enhance Japan’s military capabilities to defend against threats from China, Russia, and North Korea under the Japan-U.S. security alliance framework.
While Ishiba refrained from mentioning certain contentious goals he had previously advocated for, such as reforming the Japan-U.S. security alliance and establishing a collective defence system in Asia, his focus on bolstering Japan’s security in the face of regional challenges was evident. He highlighted recent airspace violations by Chinese and Russian warplanes, as well as North Korea’s missile advancements, to underscore the need for a stronger Japanese military.
Additionally, Ishiba expressed his intention to cultivate a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship with China, enhance ties with South Korea, and strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States. He underscored the importance of the Japan-U.S. security alliance in maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
However, Ishiba’s initial approval ratings have been lukewarm, with some criticism from opposition leaders for swiftly calling an election without making substantial policy impacts. Despite this, Ishiba outlined his economic vision, which includes advocating for sustainable wage increases, promoting investment for growth, supporting low-income households, and prioritising regional revitalisation and disaster resilience. Notably, he signalled a shift towards maximising the use of nuclear energy and exploring renewable sources to meet the growing energy demands in a technology-driven era.
As Ishiba navigates the challenges of leading Japan amidst domestic and international pressures, his first policy speech sets the tone for his tenure and signals his priorities for addressing critical issues facing the country.