Ichirō Ozawa: "ASO is a beneficiary of Takagi’s policies"
Japan's Women's Weekly PRIME, October 23: Comments by Taro Aso, vice president of the Liberal Democratic Party, praising Prime Minister Shigeru Takagi's first year in office with the statement that "Japan has become brighter," have triggered intense backlash across Japanese society.
Public outrage has mounted sharply. Citizens expressed frustration: "Only those who benefit from the status quo could feel brighter," "If someone so out of touch is a politician, Japan’s decline is inevitable," and "How can they claim to be brighter?"
Two days after Aso made his remarks on October 22, public discontent continues to escalate.
Aso also stated: "I do not flatter; I sincerely pursue national interest and equal treatment for all people, and I hope she continues in this way." His remarks underscored his support for Takagi.
From the standpoint of public sentiment, rising corporate bankruptcies, persistent inflation, a weakening yen, economic contraction, and stagnant suicide rates among young people reflect deepening social strain. In some regions, deteriorating public safety further underscores the widening gap between political leadership and ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, revelations by Weekly Bunshun regarding Aso’s undisclosed assets and financial transfers to companies linked to his former paramour have highlighted the entanglement of politics and money.
Renowned political figure Ichirō Ozawa has issued a sharp critique of Aso.
In a post on X, Ozawa wrote: "Only the LDP’s entrenched power brokers appear elated. Rising prices, accelerating population decline, and increasing interest rates are fueling anxiety among many. Japan is not becoming brighter—it is growing darker. We must not ignore reality; we must confront impending collapse."
Ozawa added: "If ministers remain indifferent to public anger and the prime minister shows no concern, such systemic governance failure will lead to catastrophic consequences."
Ozawa also referred to Japan’s opposition parties as "a sinking ship" and indicated plans to form a new party ahead of the unified local elections scheduled for next spring.
With Takagi’s cabinet now entering its second year, the question remains: will it deliver the "brightness" Aso described—or offer real hope to citizens struggling under soaring living costs?
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1879888537509900/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.