Next on the Line, Please

Resignation of two female ministers of Shinzo Abe Cabinet, who had been a major resource of its popularity, left a great burden on the administration. Revitalized by their money scandal, the opposite parties are barraging the leading parties with various weapons in the National Diet. They started rejecting discussions in committees, threatening a number of bills on table, and kept on accusing some other lawmakers in Liberal Democratic Party. Defensive ability of Abe is tested.

Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yuko Obuchi, is still in the quagmire, even unknown for herself, after stepping down from the post. One supporter of her revealed that he received a bottle of wine, labeled with her name and picture. It has a close image to bribe. Opposite parties, Democratic Party of Japan and Japan Restoration Party, agreed with accusing Obuchi and Midori Matsushima, who simultaneously resigned, and required testimony designated to their scandal.

LDP and Komeito reconfirmed to be stick together for passing bills on preventing landslide disaster or reforming temporary labors. However, they do not seem to have enough power to dismiss negative campaign of the opposites, even with majority in both Houses. Secretary General, Sadakazu Tanigaki, stressed his colleague to review their handling of administration of these two years and stay humble. It is fair to say the scandal made a great turnover in a political bowl game.

The resignation exposed a line behind Obuchi and Matsushima inside LDP. Minister of Defense, Akinori Eto, has been accused his management of political money. Even after correcting his report, the opposite parties has still been doubtful of his record and demanding further explanation.

Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, Yasuhisa Shiozaki, is said to be closer to next resignation than Eto. A weekly magazine carried a story that his secretary had consulted with an officer of MHLW about establishing a nursery for aged people in Matsuyama City, from where Shiozaki was elected. Mediation of interest is strictly prohibited for public workers, including politicians. Although Shiozaki’s case is not clear whether his secretary received reward, it must be criticized by the public.

Minister on Abduction Issue, Eriko Yamatatni, took pictures with guys with hate speech organization. Ministers do not stop visiting Yasukuni Shrine. Even if they do not violate laws, it is possible for ministers to step down with ethical reasons. Offensive team has every choice of formation, run or pass, and even gamble to accuse Abe administration.