How will Prime Minister Shinzo Abe solve a mountain of difficult problems? He needs to present policies based on long-term strategy and steer a constructive debate in the Diet.
Abe made a policy speech at plenary meetings of both houses of the Diet. He expressed his resolve to take the initiative in "creating a Japan that will lead the world."
Although there was nothing particularly novel in the content of his address, he enumerated mid- and long-term tasks. Included in them are how to secure the workforce in an aging society with a chronically low birth rate, and how to build a sustainable social security system.
Abe set out a policy of tackling the creation of a "social security system that all generations can feel reassured by" over three years. This is a reasonable idea that takes into account a graying society with a low birth rate.
The government, first of all, aims to raise the continued employment age at companies to beyond 65. This is of great significance in securing employment opportunities for older people who are competent and have the will to work. The government should study crafting a system under which private companies can grapple with this challenge in a positive way.
Carrying out a painful revision of the social security system is unavoidable. Both the ruling and opposition parties should also deepen their discussions on curbing benefit payments and increasing the public's burden.
To solve a labor shortage, the government will expand the number of foreign workers accepted by Japan. Abe indicated his eagerness to revise relevant laws so as to establish new resident statuses.
The revisions are designed to rectify the present state of affairs in which foreigners who are not supposed to aim at working in this country have been engaged in unskilled labor. Efforts must also be made to improve the working environment for foreigners.
Govern with humble attitude
One cause for concern is that Abe did not make any reference to a policy of getting the nation out of deflation. In order to rejuvenate the economy -- the top priority for the Abe Cabinet -- it is important to drive forward deregulation and a growth strategy.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to present its draft of constitutional revisions to the commissions on the Constitution in both chambers of the Diet. It comprises four items, including the revision of Article 9, designed to establish a provision defining the constitutional grounds for the Self-Defense Forces. In his address, Abe emphatically expressed his hope that consensus will be built through discussions in the Diet.
The commissions' primary task is to examine the nation's top law repeatedly and continually. It is indispensable that the LDP, by listening to the opinions of its coalition partner Komeito as well as those of the opposition parties, makes efforts to find common ground with them.
As a "final settlement of account in Japan's postwar diplomacy," Abe said he would strive to solve an issue [with Russia] over the northern territories. Settling the issue over attribution of the four northern islands and then concluding a peace treaty; by adhering to this basic policy, Abe should advance negotiations tenaciously.
To resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, an environment must be created so as to realize a direct dialogue between Abe and Kim Jong Un, the chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea.
Lax discipline and arrogance stemming from his long-lasting administration have been pointed out. "Have I been self-conceited? I will give my full attention to such concerns of the people," said Abe. It is important for him to manage his administration with a humble attitude.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 25, 2018)
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