As Japan prepares for its next prime minister, the candidates' views on foreign policy and defense raise concerns about potential shifts in the country's diplomatic stance. Some contenders advocate for nuclear weapons or closer ties with NATO, which could strain relationships with China and other neighbors.
TOKYO – Four of Japan ’s nine prime minister hopefuls are regular visitors to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in a practice that, if the successful candidate continues, will throw a wrench into
He or she will also have to contend with a US election on the horizon, as well as simmering fears of a Taiwan conflict.given that all nine prime ministerial hopefuls agree on the need for Japan to strengthen its own defences and work closely with like-minded democracies. “But the US does not have nukes to be introduced in Japan,” Professor Kotani, who teaches at Meikai University, argued. “Nuclear submarines also do not fit in the shallow waters of the East China Sea, and it would be a waste of money for Japan to possess them.”
“Unlike Europe, Asia comprises countries with diverse value systems and different approaches to China,” Mr Motegi said. “Who should be included? Singapore? Thailand? India?” The shrine is regarded by Japan’s neighbours as a potent sign of its past militarism. Fourteen Class A war criminals are honoured there alongside other war dead, so top-level visits are seen as a sign of unrepentance and a refusal to atone for war atrocities.but have stayed away from the shrine – even the Emperor has not visited it after World War II – since then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe went there in 2013.
Ms Takaichi, Mr Kobayashi and Mr Kato, however, said that it should be normal to “offer gratitude and respect to those who were martyred in the line of duty for their homeland”.
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