Kishida to be tested in local elections, Hiroshima G7 summit

Sanae Takaichi, economic security minister, publicly lambasted Kishida, saying in a Twitter post that she did not understand the premier's "true intention."

Let me help. Usually their intention is to stay as PM for long enough to not seem like a flash in the pan - usually about 18 months is enough, and maybe get a picture shaking hands with the US president of the time - and divide appointments among the various LDP factions without upsetting anyone, so that everyone can ride the gravy train smoothly. They also don't want to upset the voters enough that a few members of the party might have to really fight their election instead of being a regular shoo-in. Other than that, the rule seems to be, if no one complains, just be passive (don't suggest, don't encourage, don't change anything, don't surprise, don't think of anything, don't do anything except the minimum to maintain things exactly as they are).

April? It's not even January, and in the world of Japanese politics, an eternity!

But Masahiro Iwasaki, a political science professor at Nihon University, said Kishida would not carry out a large-scale cabinet reshuffle, which would be the first since August, as it could pose a high risk.

Kishida is apparently "fed up with picking dangerous figures," the professor said.

He shouldn't appoint anyone from the LDP, then.

There is nothing to be tested on Hiroshima G7 summit.

The nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki averted Operation Downfall, which would have cost the lives of at least 5 million Japanese civilians and the division of Japan into Communist North Japan and Capitalist South Japan as the result of the Soviet invasion of Japan from Hokkaido.

This is why factually correct historical education is so important, because Japanese would stop complaining about the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki if the US decided against it and went ahead with the division of Japan instead.

Isn’t that is what matters in Japan?

Outward appearances

There sure isn’t anything reformative nor positive about Kishida’s term, is there?

He has probably never been tested, his bland unimaginative personality got him the top job. LDP factions choose him exactly because of this. Factional politics outweighs any beneficial policies for tax payers. Last thing any faction wants is a strong leader with an idea of future planning. That would upset too many people.

Still 7 months to go, do you think Mr Kishida can hang on staying his post until August next year. His cabinet was unstable, more scandals related with U.C. were emerging. He might be resigned in Easter!

Kishida seems hopeful that his ruling party's wins in a spate of local elections in April and a successful Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima in May will help improve his battered political strength.

When the same idiots keep voting for jimin election after election, he has zero to worry about. Japan is effectively a one party state.

And what constitutes a successful G7 summit? PR for tourists to visit Hiroshima? Vote LDP, you get LDP.

Aside from meaningless appearances, Japan/LDP is no different from China/CCP. They at least don't pretend to be democratic.

And then back in the real world where nuance actually exists...

Well, I personally think the LDP should take a 10 year siesta and let someone else try to bring back Japan's once vigorous economy, but no one's asking my opinion.

That said, Kishida has done a better Job than Suga did in governance. I don't know what more one can expect from the figurehead of a political monopoly.

Kishida is eager to pitch his vision of a "world without nuclear weapons"

This guy is a master of deception. Say one thing, do the opposite. Don't reveal your true intentions!

LDP will send out brown envelopes to supporters, to motivate them to canvas.

He should be tested for a brain first

His biggest accomplishment if you are trying to find anything it’s slim pickings, but he did get his son a job. So that’s a success.

That said, Kishida has done a better Job than Suga did in governance.

How so? I don't see it.

Suga did two unforgivable things

He went through with the Olympics during the pandemic

He supported the GoTo Travel campaign during the pandemic

I don't think he's ever apologized for these missteps.