The LDP presidential election is heating up. At the moment, about 10 people have expressed their desire to run, so a fierce battle is expected. It is reminiscent of the recent Tokyo gubernatorial election, but I see it as a good opportunity to hear the voice of the ruling party. The Constitutional Democratic Party’s leadership election will also be held next month.
Now, regarding the LDP presidential election, I would like the candidates to discuss their vision of what Japan should be like and the policies they will implement to achieve that vision.
It is not clear where Japan is heading. In peacetime, this ambiguity would have been a hidden ingredient to maintain harmony, but now we are close to a state of emergency. Should we say we are on the eve of a state of emergency? At least, it is not peacetime.
The issues surrounding Japan are too numerous to mention: population decline and labor shortages due to a declining birthrate and aging population, an unstable economy, and a chaotic international situation. In these difficult circumstances, Japan must immediately show its guidelines for how to survive and how to walk the path of development. In that sense, the upcoming presidential election and the election for the leadership of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan will be a good compass.
I hope to see more future-oriented discussions, rather than short-sighted thinking focused on whether they can gain an advantage in the next election.
Even so, it is unusual that around 10 people are running for the presidency. Some say that this is the result of the dissolution of factions, but it remains to be seen whether this will be a blessing or a curse.
Looking at the candidates featured in the media, the majority are in their late 60s. The average age is about 62. In Japan, an aging society, it may be natural for people in their 60s to become leaders, but in other developed countries, the majority are in their 40s and 50s, who are in the prime of their working lives. Surely it is those in their prime who have the mental and physical energy to lead a turbulent era who are best suited to leading a party? Takayuki Kobayashi, the first to announce his candidacy this time, is relatively young at 49 years old. If younger people were allowed to run more freely, more realistic and frank discussions would likely unfold. (Kei Kitajima)

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