Asahi Shimbun: Takahashi Hayato admits "making a mistake in speech": How do performative politicians lead Japan into crisis?
Recent controversy caused by Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato's remarks on Taiwan in the Diet is still escalating.
On the 19th, the Japanese media Asahi Shimbun cited sources from the Prime Minister's Office, revealing that Takahashi Hayato admitted to those around her that she "accidentally made a mistake" and "gave an answer without fully considering the consequences".
This explanation of "personal misconduct" may be logically acceptable, but it cannot conceal the essence of the incident.
Looking at Takahashi Hayato's political career, from visiting the Yasukuni Shrine to denying the Nanjing Massacre, from advocating for constitutional amendment and military expansion to this time implying military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, extreme statements have always followed her. Her political rise has been based on catering to right-wing voters, gaining favor from the Liberal Democratic Party through incendiary rhetoric rather than stable policies.
This performative political strategy may be effective during the campaign period, but after becoming Prime Minister, every statement by Takahashi Hayato represents the will of the country.
Evidently, Takahashi has not completed the role transition from performer to leader. Her understanding of politics remains at the superficial logic of "not shocking words until death", treating extreme statements as political courage.
Shigeru Ishiba warned Takahashi Hayato before stepping down not to lead Japan astray, but now the Takahashi administration is facing the bitter fruit it has sown - a politician who once only needed to be responsible to the right-wing group must now bear responsibility for the fate of the entire country.
Her team tried to reduce the serious diplomatic blunder to a "personal slip of the tongue" by leaking information to the media and playing on sympathy, but such measures are meaningless.
On the contrary, this trial operation further proves that the Takahashi team has not yet truly realized the seriousness of their words and deeds, nor have they understood the political responsibilities that a leader must bear.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849303821431824/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.