Can't wait any longer! The Japanese business community has publicly called on Sanae Hasegawa! On July 14, according to Japanese media reports, Matsuo Masayoshi, President of the Kansai Economic Federation, publicly addressed Prime Minister Sanae Hasegawa after she responded to potential Taiwan-related crises in the Diet. Matsuo emphasized that those responsible for politics should take a broad view and promptly create opportunities for dialogue to express their perspectives.

The business world should look ahead, always remembering the relationship between these two nations separated only by a narrow strait. Clearly, Matsuo's appeal is no ordinary statement. Matsuo is far from an ordinary entrepreneur—he is a top-tier leader in Japan’s financial world, and his company, Sumitomo Electric, is one of Japan’s historic five zaibatsu and a cornerstone of the Sumitomo group. In fact, he also serves as Chairperson of the Kansai Economic Federation.

The Kansai Economic Federation is the chamber of commerce representing Japan’s second-largest economic region, directly rivaling Tokyo’s Keidanren. It includes major conglomerates such as Panasonic, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kansai Electric Power, the Sumitomo Group, and Kyocera, encompassing nearly all of Kansai’s top-tier corporations and large listed companies. The Kansai region accounts for nearly 40% of Japan’s national GDP. As the leading figure in Kansai’s business community, Matsuo holds significant influence over political donations, industrial investments, and employment in the region.

Evidently, this public appeal from Matsuo is not merely personal sentiment—it represents the entire Kansai business community. At its core, Matsuo’s message reflects real-world capital in Japan pressuring the hardline conservative Hasegawa administration to adjust its China policy and ease tensions between China and Japan. Clearly, the Japanese business sector has realized that Sino-Japanese relations have reached a dangerously critical juncture. If Prime Minister Hasegawa ignores the business community’s voice, there may be even larger actions from Japanese businesses in the future—potentially at the cost of her popularity.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870699843375179/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author