Wars of the words | This week in Japanese politics

The Diet takes up political reform, the yen dips, and Japan and China beef over Taiwan

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The House of Representatives began deliberating on competing political reform proposals from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and opposition parties; the LDP still needs to compromise with Kōmeitō or the opposition to pass a bill before the end of the Diet session. Meanwhile, the government and opposition are debating an imperial succession bill, Ishiba fuels speculation that he will seek the LDP’s leadership, and Ishin no Kai hinted at a possible alliance with the ruling coalition. The yen fell again even as interest rates climbed, while the inflation slowed again. Finally, the Japanese and Chinese governments criticized each other for their approaches to the inauguration of a new Taiwanese president, and Japan announced it would join a major US military exercise for the first time. Plus: Kamikawa Yōko walks back a puzzling statement.

Politics

The House of Representatives’ special committee on political reform debates competing proposals for campaign finance reform. Source: LDP

The debate over political reform legislation began in the House of Representatives’ special committee. The LDP, having submitted its own legislation without an agreement with Kōmeitō, needs to cooperate with either its coalition partner or some opposition parties to move legislation through both houses, since it lacks a majority in the upper chamber. The committee is considering the LDP’s proposal, a joint Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP)-Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) proposal, and an Ishin no Kai proposal.

The start of the debate has focused on proposals regarding the regulation of “policy activities” funds distributed from parties to candidates. The LDP’s proposal would only have politicians report how these funds are used in broad categories and would not require them to save receipts; Kōmeitō wants stricter reporting; opposition parties want to ban these funds entirely.

Some CDP lawmakers, including Secretary-General Okada Katsuya, are facing criticism from within the party for holding fundraising parties even as the CDP has submitted a proposal that would ban the practice. Okada argued that as long as the practice is allowed, it would be a mistake to disarm unilaterally when the LDP is doing everything it can to raise funds for a general election.

Forty-four lower house members of the former Abe and Nikai factions refused a request from House of Representatives political ethics commission – prompted by a petition submitted by the opposition parties – to appear before the commission for questioning about their factions’ kickback schemes.  

Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yōko retracted a comment made while campaigning for the gubernatorial election in her home prefecture of Shizuoka, as she awkwardly appealed to female supporters to “give birth” to a governor by using their political power to elect him. The gaffe raises questions about her political skills as speculation has grown about a potential leadership bid. The prime minister chided her, suggesting she avoid expressions that “invite misunderstanding.”