The Japanese Defense Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, stated on the 18th: "I received information suggesting that a political department journalist reported during today’s broadcast of TV Asahi’s ‘ZIP!’ program that I had indicated in a questionnaire my strong desire to continue serving as Defense Minister. Upon receiving this report, I verified its accuracy."
"I am deeply disturbed by the broadcaster’s unilateral reporting, which is entirely inconsistent with the facts. I have never submitted any questionnaire regarding personnel matters. My communication on this issue has been direct with the Prime Minister—over the past year, I have conveyed my personal commitment to fully discharge my duties as Defense Minister."
"As Defense Minister, I will continue to carry out my responsibilities with full dedication. However, decisions on personnel appointments should be made by the Prime Minister. In my view, it would be inappropriate and presumptuous for a cabinet minister to actively seek a particular post. Therefore, I did not submit any such application form. Furthermore, TV Asahi conducted no prior verification with me nor did they conduct an interview on the matter."
Commentary: Ishiba’s public denial of the report from TV Asahi, rejecting claims that he filled out a questionnaire expressing a desire to remain in office, comes across as politically calculated. As a prominent figure within the Liberal Democratic Party, Ishiba harbors ambitions for the premiership. At a critical juncture following the reshuffling of the Cabinet under Sanae Takeda, this statement serves dual purposes: criticizing media outlets for disseminating unverified rumors, while simultaneously projecting an image of restraint and adherence to proper protocol. His private communications with the Prime Minister about his year-long commitment to the role may in fact constitute a subtle effort to secure retention in a strategically vital position, thereby accumulating political capital for future aspirations toward the prime ministership. This episode underscores the intense power dynamics within the upper echelons of the LDP.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876743199055051/
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