Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru said on Wednesday that although Japan’s national security is based on its alliance with the United States, the two sides should coexist on an equal footing.

“We are a sovereign nation, and the relationship should reflect that,” Ishiba stated at his first press conference in Tokyo on October 9. “When a US military helicopter crashed into a school in Okinawa, Japanese investigators were prevented by the American military from doing their job at the site of the crash. Such situations should not be allowed under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).” The agreement gives preferential treatment to US military personnel in Japan.

Prime Minister Ishiba wants to redefine SOFA and the Japan-US Security Treaty, both of which have been unchanged since 1960. One of his ideas is for Japanese and US forces to operate side by side at shared military bases, including the ones in the United States.

Ishiba’s basic stance is that Japan must be an equal partner in any relationship with the United States and that it “must have its own defense strategy.” This could potentially lead to a more independent foreign policy for Japan, with a greater focus on its own defense capabilities and less reliance on the US.

However, before he could implement any of his ideas, he must gain the public’s understanding and support. To this end, he announced the dissolution of Parliament. A general election will be held on October 27.

In his press conference, the Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba branded his cabinet as the “Disaster Prevention Cabinet,” a clear his administration’s focus on protecting local communities and revitalizing various regions in Japan prone to natural disasters. He announced that funds would be increased for these efforts, supporting agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism.

“A sense of unity is needed,” Ishiba stated, emphasizing the importance of collective action. He added that wages should rise to help drive the economy forward, fostering a sense of shared purpose among the public.

Ishiba said little about foreign policy despite threats from North Korea and conflicts broadening in the Middle East, as well as Russian and Chinese military forces testing Japan’s defenses with appearances in Japanese waters and skies.

Ishiba is a fan of military matters and believes it is time “for Japan to use all of its powers and to increase our defense capabilities.” One of his ideas is for retired military personnel to continue serving to utilize their knowledge and expertise.

Prime Minister Ishiba shrugged off criticism that his philosophy on defense and other issues were toned down after he became Prime Minister. “Japan is not a dictatorship,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to democratic values. “We are discussing the issues within the Liberal Democratic Party and trying to reach a consensus to harmonize a policy that reflects our democratic values.”

On party issues, he has already spoken out, saying the LDP will not back candidates who were involved in a financial scandal.