Momentum Added on Japan`s Rightist Movement.

Re-elected by overwhelming difference in a vote for a 3-year term ruling Liberal Democratic Party chief, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has virtually secured his long-term power.

In Saturday`s LDP race, Koizumi won re-election by a wide margin, taking 399 of 657 votes (60.7%) cast by LDP lawmakers and representatives of its local party members.

Fresh from victory, Koizumi named three top party aides on Sunday; Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe was appointed as secretary general and Deputy Secretary General Fukushiro Nukaga took over as party policy chief, and General Council Chairman Mitsuo Horiuchi retained his post. Former Secretary General Taku Yamasaki was replaced by Abe.

Koizumi`s new Cabinet will be announced and launched on Monday.

Japanese political circles are faced with an incoming general election, as Koiziumi has hinted that the House of Representatives will be disbanded and a general election will be held in November.

Over 50 percent of approval ratings from the general public played a critical role in the landslide victory of Koizumi who declared to be unbiased to any factions. Incumbent lawmakers who have been critical against Koizumi`s policies, however, also cast votes in favor of him, as Koizumi would the best candidate to win the general election.

˝The rising popularity of the Democratic Party, the top opposition party, among middle-class people and intellectuals rather helped Koizumi win the race,˝ Japanese media noted.

Koizumi, however, has much burden as he has now debts to pay off, since major factions in the party claim their contributions in his winning re-election. Conservatives, which still hold majority seats in the party, are demanding revision of structural reform policies or alternation of the speed of reforms, so as to, primarily, stop privatization of state-owned companies and hold back budget expenses.

˝I will continue to push structural reforms to revitalize Japan`s economy,˝ Koizumi said right after the confirmation of his re-election.

Influential figures of the LDP, however, claim that the government should inject more capital into public constructions in order to prime the pump. They are also demanding to replace Economics and Financial Services Minister Heizo Takenaka, a former professor, for weakening Japan`s financial situation.

Experts believe that Koizumi`s overwhelming victory will make open criticism on reformers reduced but the prime minister is still likely to negotiate with realities in order to appease his supporters.

The existing foreign policy which emphases the importance of alliance with the U.S. along with neighbors, such as South Korea and Japan is to be maintained.

The confidence gained from the re-election, however, is likely to give momentum to the rightist movement. ˝The Self Defense Force should be properly treated as an Armed Force. And we need to hear public opinion on amending the constitution,˝ Koizumi said during the race, showing his willingness to reinforce its armed forces and amend the constitution.

Promotion of Abe, hardliner particularly on North Korea, indicates that Koizumi took out the card to push for the constitutional amendment rather than in consideration of the general election.

parkwj@donga.com