Realignment?

Prime Ministers of Japan had ensured a more flourishing economy, an effective political system and projects that would cater to the needs of their people. But in between these promises internal, as well as external problems have prevented them from reaching these goals for a better society.

Talks of reforming the fiscal policy had been a concern for former Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro. He proposed to cut pension benefits as well as bad debts in major banks which helped the economy recover. He also showed his support for the US led coalition against terrorism deploying troops of Japan Self-Defense Forces to Iraq. In addition, political realignment was also a concern of Koizumi.

Following the footsteps of his predecessor, Shinzo Abe also pushed for fiscal reforms by balancing the Japanese budget. Moreover, Shinzo gave emphasis on instilling nationalism among the Japanese youth and had proposed a bill to encourage this. Furthermore, similar to Koizumi, Shinzo Abe supported the coalition against terrorism. He desired for a revision on Article 9 to facilitate military deployment abroad.

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda’s short-lived residence in the office made little impact in Japanese politics. He shunned Shinzo Abe’s attempts in revising the pacifist constitution and emphasized stronger ties with China. The first visit by a Chinese head of state was hosted by Yasuo Fukuda. He also thought of a stable ground towards North Korea in solving the issue of the abduction of Japanese nationals by Pyongyang in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The present Prime Minister, Taro Aso, prioritizes the security of the economy and the Japanese population from the damages of the current global crisis. He also plans to depart from previous the fiscal policy reforms proposed by Koizumi Junichiro and his successors.

All of the above mentioned Prime Ministers all come from the Liberal Democratic Party- the ruling party since the year 1955 up to the present. A party that is heavily factionalized which reflects an unstable ground of common ideals and principles. To answer the question, a prospect for political reform should be the rise of a new coalition and a replacement of the current dominant party. I think Japan should experience a fresh air and depart from the leadership of the LDP. It is easier said than done but what if the DPJ offers a better proposition for effective and efficient governance?