Chapter 221
Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the new president of the Liberal Democratic Party. Although it was more than twenty-five years ago, I once had the opportunity to meet her when I was serving as Executive Director of the Tokushima New Business Council. On that occasion, about ten venture business leaders and I met with her, and she left a gentle impression—speaking in a soft Kansai dialect that conveyed warmth and sincerity.Personally, I had appreciated the results-oriented approach taken by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Shinjiro Koizumi during the government’s release of reserve rice stocks, rather than a style centered on consensus-building. From that standpoint, I find it somewhat regrettable that such an outcome-oriented stance did not prevail this time; nonetheless, I am keen to observe how Ms. Takaichi demonstrates her leadership. Given her age and experience, she may represent a bridge between the older and younger generations of political figures.
As the first woman to assume the presidency of the Liberal Democratic Party, she will undoubtedly face intense public scrutiny. Yet her election also suggests that the party itself is evolving. I was particularly struck by her bold statement: “Work, work, and work relentlessly.” Some have criticized this remark by invoking the notion of “work-life balance,” but such comments are misguided and irrelevant. For someone standing at the pinnacle of national leadership, the concept of work-life balance simply does not apply—it is a role that demands total dedication, a true twenty-four-hour commitment.
Professional athletes such as Shohei Ohtani and other Major League Baseball players exemplify this spirit. They combine their innate talent with extraordinary effort, enduring rigorous training and fierce competition to remain at the top. Their success is not imposed upon them; it is the result of their own will and relentless pursuit of excellence.
There is a historical precedent: the Ishiba administration lost public support due to an overly consensus-driven approach to governance. For that reason, I hope Ms. Takaichi will pursue a results-oriented style of leadership that places national interests above political convenience. However, defining the “national interest” is not simple. In this context, it refers to ensuring that Japan—despite its rapidly aging population—continues to achieve sustainable economic growth, enabling younger generations to look forward to a prosperous future.
Regrettably, contemporary politics often prioritizes election strategy above policy substance. Politicians tend to focus on appealing to the elderly—who comprise the largest demographic segment of the electorate—resulting in short-term, vote-gathering policies. Furthermore, by invoking phrases such as “protection of the vulnerable” or “support for impoverished households,” they often create the appearance of being active and compassionate policymakers.
Yet one must ask: who are “the vulnerable”? Capitalism is founded on the principle of survival of the fittest—those who are strong succeed, while those who are weak fail. It is a system that rewards diligence, perseverance, and ambition. Those who overcome fierce competition in entrance examinations and the job market to join leading companies, or who take the risk of entrepreneurship to build wealth and reputation, embody the essence of this principle. Even in socialist societies, a minimum level of labor is a civic duty; one is not permitted to live idly at the expense of others.
The causes of poverty are complex. Certainly, individuals facing unavoidable circumstances—such as illness, disability, or the need to care for family members—deserve social support. However, it is simplistic and misguided to categorize all low-income individuals as “vulnerable.” Some, frankly, are simply unwilling to work. Therefore, indiscriminate welfare handouts in the name of poverty alleviation or social equality only foster inefficiency and a sense of unfairness. It would be far more effective to provide targeted assistance to those genuinely in need.
Ultimately, Japan must strive to build a society in which young people can marry and raise children with confidence and hope for the future.
Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, did not discover regulatory T cells—which play a crucial role in immune suppression—by chance or through unfocused research. He developed a hypothesis that challenged conventional scientific wisdom and devoted himself to rigorous experimentation to verify it, ultimately uncovering a profound biological truth. In recent years, the increasing prevalence of joint Nobel Prizes reflects the growing complexity of modern research, where significant discoveries often result from collective effort rather than individual genius. Likewise, in today’s increasingly complex and interdependent world, making sound policy decisions is no easy task.
Expectations for Japan’s new party president are high. I sincerely hope that Ms. Takaichi will demonstrate strong, purposeful leadership that advances the nation’s long-term prosperity and secures a brighter future for the generations to come.
A heavy load of ripe persimmons in a Naruto farm
October 7, 2025
With great expectations for the new party president
