The four candidates running to become president of the Liberal Democratic Party are making a final push to increase votes from rank-and-file party members and members of affiliated groups. On Saturday, they discussed measures to promote tourism and other key issues in an online debate.
The candidates -- Taro Kono, 58, minister in charge of administrative and regulatory reform; Fumio Kishida, 64, a former chairperson of the LDP's Policy Research Council; Sanae Takaichi, 60, a former internal affairs and communications minister; and Seiko Noda, 61, the LDP's executive acting secretary general -- have participated in a series of policy debates organized by the ruling party ahead of the leadership election to be held Wednesday.
Regarding the easing of restrictions on activities, Kono said Saturday, "I want to explain thoroughly how we can expand economic activities while minimizing the risk of infections, and then I want to open up the economy gradually."
Kishida proposed a tourism support measure dubbed "Go To 2.0" that involves vaccine passports. "I intend to consider what kind of travel is safe through the government's expert panel and other entities," he said.
Takaichi expressed her desire to expand financial aid for the tourism sector, saying, "I want to expand subsidies to help renovate accommodation facilities to better cater to such needs as small family trips."
Noda also stated her willingness to resume the Go To Travel tourism promotion campaign. "I want to lift the travel restrictions as soon as possible," she said.
Earlier the same day, Kono exchanged views online with rice farmers in Yamagata Prefecture and told them, "I want to extend support to make agriculture more profitable."
Kishida visited a learning support center for children in households on welfare in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. He then told reporters, "I will create places to stay for children across the nation."
Takaichi held online talks with Hyogo Prefectural Assembly members. Regarding the Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture that are illegally controlled by South Korea, she stressed, "I won't let more structures be built" on the islands.
Noda exchanged opinions virtually with parents of the intellectually disabled and others. "I will make the problems faced by socially disadvantaged people visible and place them at the center of Japan's policy measures," she said.
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