Miyazaki Governor Hideo Higashikokubaru – TV and film comedian and actor turned politician – responded to questions from journalists with Election Campaign Chairman Koga of the LDP after a meeting between the two men on 23rd June, reports the Asahi Shinbun (24th June : morning edition). Higashikokubaru commented “unless there is a change in ruling party, there will be no change in this country” and Mr. Koga explained that he had asked the governor to stand in the next elections because “the LDP needs a new energy”. The following are the main exchanges between the journalists and both men which has been major news on all media since the press conference.
[ translator's note : Higashikokubaru has increased his popularity even more since becoming Governor of Miyazaki; largely thanks to him, and this is why the LDP is moving to harness his popular influence, the possibility of real change in the lives of individuals, prefectures and the country as a whole has become a vibrant current in the popular media. Japanese find his confidence surprising, but his humour and sensitivity to local feeling are deeply appreciated. ]
■ the Governor
——What was the topic of your discussions today?
Election Campaign Chairman Koga and the LDP have asked me to stand for the LDP in the next elections.
——How did you respond?
Today I came here with the intention of listening. And I also had some opportunity to give several indications as to my ideas, convictions and – shall we say – hopes. One was about the position of the National Governors’ Commission on decentralization and the source of local government tax revenues. And I asked that our ideas be placed without alteration in the LDP manifesto and that I would require a promise that these plans would be implemented within 4 years. In addition, I sought approval for the bills submitted by Miyazaki Prefecture and the hopes of the people of Miyazaki. One more thing was to ask whether the LDP was prepared to fight the next election with me as a candidate for the next leader of the party.
——How did Mr. Koga answer?
He responded to the effect that he had heard my remarks.
——If your requests are accepted, will you run?
I think that is going to depend on further discussions. I had a chance to make it clear that I would give my political backing to the party that backed the National Governor’s Commission’s Manifesto; the rest is a matter of translating words into action.
——When will a conclusion be arrived at?
I don’t know. I’m very sorry to speak so bluntly, but this is the most important period for the LDP as to how it can transform itself, reform itself. Unless the ruling party changes, the country will not change.
——Where will you stand?
No specifics have been decided.
——What will you do if the LDP is not ready to support you as its next leader?
I can’t comment on speculation. I want to think about everything after I get a response from the LDP. I suppose it depends on what you might call the ability of the party to purify itself, but from where I’m standing it looks to be falling apart. In such a case, it is no longer a question of changing the party from within – new air needs to be let in from outside… I don’t think that minor changes proposed from within the party are going to get anyone anywhere.
——Do you have a message for the people of Miyazaki prefecture?
We have to request that the state will reform the allocation and management of local government revenues as proposed in Miyazaki prefecture’s bill – I would like to lead those reforms.
——Do you think you can get support for this?
I think I will probably have to have people let me explain things during the next few months.
——Would you offer the same conditions to any party that approached you in this way?
If by the same conditions, you mean acceptance of the finance bill and my publicly-expressed opinions, then, yes, the name of the political party is irrelevant.
——Did Mr. Koga talk to you about any other ministerial positions?
No, that didn’t happen.
■Mr. Koga
——What did you talk about today?
I invited Mr.Higashikokubaru in direct terms to run in the elections for the LDP
——How did the governor respond?
He may have been a little surprised. Of course, he feels the responsibility of the expectations of the people of Miyazaki prefecture. Standing as he does on the front lines of prefectural politics, he probably has various feelings towards the people of the prefecture. The LDP must show its ability to revivify itself and the party has to change. Above all, to be frank with you, we need a new energy – and one that we do not have in the party now. So, I presented to him our wish that he stand in the elections.
——And how did the governor answer?
The governor thought carefully and explained that he wished to talk openly in front of the press to all the journalists about the outcome of the request.
——What was your gut feeling?
It could be fairly difficult. (Comment by Upper House Member Chuuichi Date who was accompanying Mr. Koga.)
