Lonely Koizumi v. Rising Ishihara

▽ "Prime Minister Ishihari" theory getting power = Jumping on the wagon, governor Ishihara has started to move fast. In a recent TV dabate, Ishihara said, "The Liberal Democratic Party will not support Prime Minister Koizumi. Without the support, it is impossible for him to hold on to his job."

Political analysts consider his remarks convey a significant implication. They believe that he indicated, among other things, his intention of establishing a new party of his own. Ishihara has represented the conservatives in Japan. Therefore, if he founds a new party, not only Liberal Democrats, but also many members of the Democratic Party would join. Consequently, the structure of the Japanese politics will undergo a huge change. One senior politician predicts, "If the new party is founded before the dismissal of the Diet, some 30 Democrats will join the party, making it an organization of considerable influence."

Former Prime Minister Nakasone also supports the creation of the new party. He has criticized the incumbent Prime Minister Koizumi, saying, "What the current administration knows is popularity."

What attracts the attention of the public is when Ishihara will make his come back. The gubernatorial election in Tokyo is scheduled for next April. Thus, Ishihara could either run for reelection, or found a new party, giving up his bid for Tokyo`s governorship. In short, he is at a fork. It transpired that Ishihara would have a dinner party on Dec. 19th. At the meeting, experts expect that Ishihara would make an announcement for his future.

Young-Ee Lee yes202@donga.com