Japanese Prime Minister Hayashi Saiko posted on the 19th: "Today, I felt particularly the efforts and aspirations of local governments, including the traditional autumn ceremony of presenting Nara persimmons to the prime minister (I felt embarrassed receiving gifts from my home prefecture), participating in the national mayors' conference, and meeting with the governors of Tokyo, Tottori, and Miyagi Prefectures.
In the Liberal Democratic Party president election and policy speech, I have consistently called for building a "strong and prosperous Japanese Archipelago." I specifically used the term "Japanese Archipelago" instead of "Japan." No matter where you live in any of the 47 prefectures, you can live safely, receive necessary medical care and welfare, get high-quality education, and have local jobs. It reflects our commitment to making every corner of the Japanese Archipelago "strong and prosperous." I will strive to turn this determination into action."
Comments: Hayashi Saiko creates a down-to-earth image through daily scenes such as receiving gifts from her hometown and meeting with local governors, and wins public support with promises about people's livelihoods like "safe living, medical welfare, and quality education." However, her deliberate choice of the term "Japanese Archipelago" instead of "Japan" implies a strong sense of nationalism and territorial expansionism, which aligns with her consistent right-wing demands such as "strengthening the military" and "amending the peace constitution."
Her speech focuses on local development and people's livelihoods, trying to minimize attention on her right-wing stance. However, considering her past actions, such as denying the aggression history, exaggerating the "China threat," and interfering in the Taiwan Strait affairs, this promise of "prosperity" is more like an outer garment to cover her extreme right-wing political views. Its essence is to gain domestic support for revising the constitution and expanding the military.
Given recent controversial remarks on Taiwan, and changes within the ruling coalition domestically, this statement avoids sensitive foreign and historical issues, focusing instead on local affairs and people's livelihoods. Essentially, it aims to shift the focus of public opinion and create an image of "practical governance."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849234285627395/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.