Japan's ruling party scandal continues, Takashimachi cabinet is in deep crisis of confidence

China News Service, October 10th. Recently, Japan’s political arena has been experiencing renewed turmoil. Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ryō Kazuo's inappropriate remarks continue to cause controversy, with constant criticism from both the government and the public, and the new cabinet of Takaichi Sanae facing a severe test of governance.

Image source: Screenshot from Japanese media reports

"Public revenge"? Japan’s agricultural minister caught in turmoil

Just over half a month after taking office, Liang Hesheng staged a "quick apology" scene.

On October 5, he expressed his position to the media in Congress, admitting that his previous relevant remarks were "extremely inappropriate and he will reflect on this", but said he would not resign.

The incident dates back to a rally speech given by Liang Hesheng in May. He said at the time that two districts that did not support him in the election had their budgets slashed. This was questioned by the Japanese media as "public revenge for private revenge".

According to Japanese media reports, Liang Hesheng said at the rally that "the road budget for this fiscal year has been significantly reduced in Nasu Karasuyama City and Nakagawa Town in Tochigi Prefecture." Both are located in Leong Ho Sang's constituency, but they were not supported in February's House of Representatives election. Liang Hesheng was defeated in the election, but was eventually "resurrected" and elected through proportional representation.

In recent days, Liang Hesheng's relevant remarks have been strongly criticized by many parties. Opposition parties have called for his resignation and held Gaoshi accountable for his employment. The Japanese people have also questioned his personal abilities and said that he should resign as soon as possible.

On the 9th, the chairmen of the six opposition parties in the Senate, including the Japanese Cadet Party and the National Democratic Party, held talks and confirmed that they would discuss submitting an accountability resolution regarding Liang Hesheng’s inappropriate remarks.

Criticism abounds and resignation may be inevitable

Faced with the offensive from the opposition parties, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae denied that he would replace Liang Hesheng. She said on the 8th, "I personally think this is inappropriate, so I have given a stern warning." She also expressed her intention to keep him in office, saying "I hope he will continue to perform his duties after giving a full explanation."

On October 5, local time, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae delivered a policy speech in the Diet.

On the same day, Liang Hesheng said at the Senate plenary meeting about his speech, "I made a statement that was inconsistent with the facts. This is a personal misconduct on my part and it is really inappropriate. From now on, I will be strict with myself and perform my duties with all my strength." He once again denied his resignation.

However, relevant statements failed to calm the storm.

Japan Jiji News Agency pointed out that even within the ruling party, criticism is increasing and concerns are spreading. There are voices within the Liberal Democratic Party that Liang Hesheng's resignation is inevitable.

The pressure from the Japanese Reform Society is also increasing. Yoshimura Hirofumi, the leader of the Reform Society, believes that Liang Hesheng's explanation is not sufficient and cannot convince the people.

A relevant person from the Liberal Democratic Party pointed out that "it is only a matter of time before Liang Hesheng is forced into a desperate situation." A former cabinet minister said, "The damage will continue to expand. If you want to replace him, the sooner the better."

Scandals continue, Gao City cabinet is questioned

Since Takaichi took office, Japan's ruling party has been exposed to numerous scandals, which has continued to arouse criticism and questioning from Japanese public opinion.

In March, Japanese media exposed negative news about the then Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Yohei Matsumoto, saying that Matsumoto had an inappropriate relationship with a married woman even though he already had a family.

In July, the Liberal Democratic Party's Fukuoka Prefecture assembly group exposed a "tribute" scandal. Several people who had served as the prefectural speaker and deputy speaker revealed that they were forced to submit large sums of money to the group before taking office to pay for golf fees, catering expenses, etc. After the incident, Isamu Kuranai, who was accused of being one of the recipients of "tribute" funds, resigned from the positions of Fukuoka Prefecture Speaker and Member of Parliament.

In October, Osamu Narita, an important figure of the Liberal Democratic Party in Aichi Prefecture and deputy speaker of Aichi Prefecture, was accused of driving into the competition venue during the Asian Games, causing widespread controversy. Osamu Narita has apologized for the incident and said he will resign as deputy speaker.

The successive scandals have intensified Japanese public opinion's distrust of Takaichi's cabinet.

Japan Jiji News Agency pointed out that if there is a change of cabinet due to the scandal, this will be the first time since Takaichi came to power, and it will definitely be a blow to him.

According to relevant reports, some Japanese people left messages saying that Gao Shi had a great responsibility for this incident and questioned the judgment of his appointment.

Some Japanese commentators pointed out that in Japanese politics, once a scandal occurs among cabinet ministers, they tend to end with resignation or dismissal. However, as public attention wanes, the investigation and accountability for the incident may also go by the wayside. "This vicious cycle is absolutely unacceptable." He further said that the real problem is not whether he will stay or leave, but rather "politics and money", as well as shortcomings at the electoral and policy levels.

Japanese people have expressed anger and concern on social media. Some people said, "The Takashima Cabinet does not investigate various scandals or improve the country's strength. What it does is only make the Liberal Democratic Party stronger."

There are also voices saying that the Liberal Democratic Party is still in power despite being riddled with scandals. The successive scandals are annoying, and the Takaichi cabinet is accustomed to "evading responsibility" and they hope that the entire cabinet will resign.

("International Knowledge Bureau" column)