politics

Former PM Abe wins LDP leadership election

79 Comments
By Malcolm Foster

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79 Comments
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Thought as much.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I really hope he won't get to be a crap PM twice.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Yeah, that's right. Put the failure in power who you witch-hunted out yourselves the last time he was the top dog.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

He can take all those lessons learned from his previous "successful" premiership, and continue steering the LDP into the basement where they belong. No sense in repeating the same mistakes, already!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

The boneless meat....why he wants to lead anything again?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

He had his chance. If anything I'd like to see Taro Aso, he was kind of cool ha.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

LMAO! The DPJ is gonna PARTY tonight! For the LDP to select this loser AGAIN is a boost to the DPJ - Japanese voters will go for the "lesser of two idiots" every time!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Abe's foreign policy can be described in a nutshell as "Speak loudly and carry a small stick."

8 ( +9 / -1 )

And thus the DPJ and Noda get another term. Good result. Well done LDP, you've shot yourself in the foot with a rocket launcher here.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

So what is Abe going to now, that he didn't do before. He was a failure and voted out by his own party, why are they reappointing him? Looks as if they don't have anyone to take the leadership position other than old wash ups...

0 ( +3 / -3 )

1 step forwards, 2 steps back. heaven help us if he gets back in. Bet the islands will become a cornerstone of his election campaign and foreign policy,

1 ( +2 / -1 )

good news for the DPJ, bad news for the citizens of a country in dire need of leadership. Oh and I guess this is good news for Hashimoto in Osaka.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

"Beautiful Japan 2, The Sequel"

Will he finish what he hasn't even started?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

The manga freak is back

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

I read all these posts and not a single constructive word. Japan is just the USA and vice versa. A huge domestic debt and the only way out is Osterity.

SHINZO ABE now may be the time to turn Japan in a new direction. At 58 he is the closest aged Japan leader who relates to a population that has a median in the 50's.

Everybody may just be getting on the same page and if so Japan can as it has done before pull together and at least hold position and improve the landscape.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

At his age, he's still got a rich boy mentality - he's weak under even a little pressure, knows little about the real world and has determination as tough as a jellyfish.

I'm sure it was all pre-determined through backroom deals, but what did the LDP think about, or can they manage any thinking activity??? Clearly no.

Choosing this man is like choosing a collapsed hotel that's not really been fixed or reinforced.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Mr Noda will be tempted to call an election, how about this Sunday?!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I'm always glad to see new, young, fresh faces with new ideas entering the political scene.... Well, it's no my day.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Problem is ... there are those among Japanese voters who think Abe is "the man." When the next general election rolls around there might be enough (actually I'm at a loss of words to fill this in ... but it's probably) "charm" in him to vote for his LDP comrades and thus put him at the helm.

Noda and Minshuto will have to really perform well from now until election time (whenever that will be) to keep a hold on power. Expect Abe and the LDP & Komeito to continue dragging their feet in parliament as they attempt to force an election and "crush" Minshuto (thus continuing their ongoing battering of the average Japanese citizen).

Just hope Noda can hold off an election until Springtime, but it's doubtful.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Paul Jones: well, you are right. Nothing much positive it but being about same age is not really an argument. For voters, that might suffice but is 'patriotic eduction', for example, the right direction? Is revisionism the right direction? Closing the country is not going to solve anything. Japan is not in position to play the nationalist card anymore.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@Paul Jones

You do know that Abe was PM previously (after Koizumi), and actually tried to quit just 3 days after initially being sworn in officially? Then he finally managed to quit a year later due to stress. His term was defined basically by antagonising China, S.Korea like by going to Yasukuni in an 'unofficial' capacity like Koizumi, and pretty much nothing else.

The only thing going for him is that some of his family are of Taiwanese descent and he was (is?) relatively well-received over there. I doubt he would be able to offer anything spectacular towards working towards a resolution for the Senkaku dispute though. After the last 5 years, the country needs stability under one party and PM to actually put policies into practice without stop-starting and rebooting every year. Keeping Noda and the DPJ in for the next 2 years at least represents some progress, whereas the LDP and Abe are just rewinding the tape back to the beginning.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Some jokes aren't funny the second time round.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Only in Japan! And I really mean that, ONLY in Japan would a PM who was utterly useless, lied through his teeth, was proven wrong and then resigned due to illness after only a YEAR, be reelected with a good chance of winning. I am utterly speechless as to the stupidity of this nation and its process sometimes! Let's start placing bets on how long before he quits AGAIN.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Real change here then!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

cubic: "The only thing going for him is that some of his family are of Taiwanese descent and he was (is?) relatively well-received over there."

Actually, the only thing to Abe's credit was that he had some interesting ideas towards educational reform -- ie. the idea that students can be suspended and/or expelled, but that was quickly rejected by the public. He'll get a tummy-ache again, I guarantee it; he's already said himself the same ailment still exists. Before long it'll be nine PMs in 8 years for Japan. How can they possibly take on China or other nations when they cannot even hold a seat without for a year without running for the toilet seat?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

"Everybody may just be getting on the same page and if so Japan can as it has done before pull together and at least hold position and improve the landscape".

I really hope you are right but given the 'sterling' record of Japanese politicans over the years and their 'lengthy' stays in office, heck call me a cynic but somehow I doubt it.

Wake up and smell the wasabi Japan, the only people who CAN 'improve the landscape' of this country are you! - the citizens of Japan. People need to work less, sleep more, man up (maybe J guys should consider cutting down on the soy - just a thought), stand up for their rights more, protest more and live more! THEN! and only then, there will be progress.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

THIS is the best Japan can do? A man who's name is synonomous with failure. A man that took all of the momentum, economic and otherwise, of the Koizumi era and flushed it down the toilet. This is the best this country can do? Mr. "Beautiful Nation"? Oh dear me.....

2 ( +4 / -2 )

smithinjapan: ah yes, there's another string to Abe's bow. There's no chance the general pubic (intentional) will vote for him again, even they can see through this.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

ROFLOL! You people voted for idiots who supported the same idiot twice to ruin Japan. OMG, are you people sheeps waiting to be slaughtered? Your political system is a complete failure because no body has any vision or guts to do the right thing. Its partly ya'll's fault for being silent and ignoring the problem. Its so easy to get elected, make as much money and power as you can, bow and apologize to the people, step down and do it all over again while fattening his wallet. Because you people don't care. You just don't care. Its a damn shame.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Abe is keen on Hashimoto, and Hashimoto wants to cut spending which (non-selfishly) is what Japan needs. And also perhaps Abe personifies the Japan that wants to be given another chance.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

I see a Hashimoto- Ishihara- Abe coalition coming on....

Not a happy thing.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

timtak: "And also perhaps Abe personifies the Japan that wants to be given another chance."

The Japan that quit its job after a year on it? It's good that you're taking an optimistic tack, but betting on the horse with the broken leg isn't going to win you anything but grief. Abe will get in again as PM because of proper lack of representaiton across the nation, and as splinter groups -- probably from tomorrow -- rush to form 'coalitions' with the LDP, and then Abe will quit again within a year of being chosen as PM.

Seriously, I hope when delegates or overseas heads of state call to congratulate him (as I'm sure the LDP will win the next election) they ask, "So, are you going to stick around this time? Can we send you some tums?" or just not call at all and say they'll schedule the call for the next PM.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I can just see it:

Obama: Hello?

Abe: Ummm... weren't you going to call to congratulate me?

Obama: On what? Who is this?

Abe: New Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.

Obama: Oh, I thought that was done a few months back, sorry. Ummm... congrats. Say... were'nt you PM just a while ago? before the guy who couldn't read or write Chinese characters?

Abe: Um, no sir. I was the guy before the guy who wore glasses, PM Fukuda. He lasted less time than me, by the way. The man you were referring to was PM Aso.

Obama: What did you call him? Seems impolite to swear about your successors, regardless of your feelings.

Abe: No, his name was Aso. Anyway, I'm fourth PM since he left about four years ago.

Obama: Ah, yes. I remember now. So, why did you call?

Abe: Ummm... waiting for a congrats? I got over my tummy-ache, mostly! I'm ready to play ball... just please don't mention sex slaves in the Senate again, okay? That REALLY got the stomach acids going!

Obama: Have your next PM call me back in a few months; I'll still be here for four more years yet.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

I prefer Italian politics. It's as ridiculous and splintered as Japanese politics but it at least throws up entertainers like Berlesconi.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Abe is not very inspiring.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

He won jon-ken-pon last night in a little room downtown Tokyo.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The LDP has once again swung to the Far Right, in choosing Abe as their Leader. God help Japan. Back to the old days of Patriotic Education, and Ysukuni Shrine of Hate visits. Japan is doomed is the LDP get back in power again.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If Abe wins, then it is time to say goodbye.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I am so happy today. My boys are back!!

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

I wish Mr Abe shall not 'running away' from post like last time!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I'm sure Abe-San will Show these Chinese who can not to fool the Japanese people. Gambare Abe-San!!

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Abe is the man.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I'm sure Abe-San will Show these Chinese who can not to fool the Japanese people. Gambare Abe-San!!

Yes I'm sure Abe will show them the "tough attitude" and worsen the relations even further, benefiting nobody. Congratulations Japan you've done it again. Idiots, I swear there are only idiots in East Asia.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

So do you think that if Abe pisses of China even more, then that somehow benefits people? Seriously? You think that? For real?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Sweet baby jesus...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Abe said China didnt deserve to be a part of the international community if it couldnt protect Japanese citizens in China.

The protests have subsided, and China did protect the Japanese citizens. So now I guess Abe can follow up to confirm that China does deserve to be part of the international community. MInd you, following-up is not his strong suit, is it.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Does japan has any 'say' in the international community? Can anyone please remind me!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

All together now ... WTF?! Ishiba was the only hope the LDP had of getting votes. Now it looks like the DPJ might actually have a chance at retaining power. Or people will vote for one of the many ridiculously small parties. Or people won't vote at all.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

In these times Japan needs a leader who will not appease the PRC bullies.

The more time passes the more China appears to be following in Nazis Germany's footsteps.

As with Germany back then China is now threatening it's neighbor and invading their soveriegn territories.

Japan needs a Churchill more than ever and I hope Abe is that man.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

If he couldn't stomach the job the first time, what makes him think he'll stomach it this time?

Funny though, if the LDP were going to resurrect a dead politician, you would thing they would have done it to Koizumi.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Abe, you already has your turn. Remember? You screwed things up and then blamed your tummy. Why would the Japanese public give you another chance to once again blame stress and tummy issues on not being able to do your job?

I'm happy. This means Noda will last a bit longer and Japan can stop having a new PM every few months! About time. I was getting tired of having to learn new names - though I guess if Abe came in, one less new one to remember...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

And this just in, Republicans dump the Romboid and nominate bush for a third term. "He may have failed before but we think voters want soneone who they know will fail again."

Amazing. This is the loser who rode the NK kidnapping to become the PM and then basically dissapeared from the job. Is the LDP so hard up that they are recyling loser PMs? Why not go for Mori, he was a real gem.

Winners with this annoucement, Hiashimoto for sure. DPJ as well. Losers, Japanese people. I pray that this keeps the LDP out of power for good.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I can't believe this! ಠ_ಠ, Abe is a nationalistic ape. The Chinese and the Koreans had their blood pressure raised during his term, but the Taiwanese loved him.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well, if I had a vote in Japan, before today I was 90% sure I would have voted for Noda. After this it's hit 100%

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If people vote for this guy and the LDP in the next election, Japan is doomed. What were they thinking???

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The DPJ deserves some more time to get things done (same as Obama). I hope this really does damage the LDP's chances of getting back in.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Shinzo Abe again ?! The soldier of fortune.. A white-bread man with no skill in getting things done despite his firm conviction in rebuilding the glory of a strong & grand Japan !

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This topic is suggesting there is no political talents in LDP of Japan.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"honest Abe", yup he is the one to lead the LDP.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

People here are completely out of touch with the current sentiment of Japanese people, especially among youth. Abe is the man, believe or not, with the fresh ideas that are needed for Japan right now.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I wish the DPJ will put Hatoyama against him. I miss his colorful clothes.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Good for Japan! Oh, having Shinzo back should settle REAL NICE with the Commies...:)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I am utterly speechless as to the stupidity of this nation

How is it Japan's fault?! In the first round of voting, which allowed non-MPs to take part, Abe came second. It was only in the second round, when party elders were able to muster support of MPs for Abe, that he won. In a popular vote of LDP supporters, it's highly unlikely Abe would have won.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

There are other national parties! Why do they want the LDP back?

They're just going to wreck the whole country again!!

Too quick to forgive, I tell you!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There goes the neibourhood...again.

S

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Did anyone read his book (Towards a Beautiful Country)?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Fascinating. The majority of LDP party members voted for Ishiba, but in the second round MPs ignored their wishes and chose Abe. If these scoundrels won't even listen to members of their own party there is zero chance of them listening to the Japanese people.

Tanigaki said he had been working to change the LDP over the past few years, yet it seems he has failed and they haven't changed at all. Abe was utterly useless as a PM, obsessed with the constitution, "patriotism" and other irrelevant things. This is why his cabinet approval rating was less than 30% before he resigned, yet the LDP idiots still think he is the best man for the job.

If you Japanese people vote for this clown you will get what you deserve: a country ostracised by its neighbours and with a failing, bankrupt economy. On the bright side, you'll be able/forced to sing the national anthem much more than you do at present.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So the LDP is basically telling Noda - "let's have an election, but to even it up, we're going to do it blindfolded. With our arms tied behind our back. Legs chained. Shut in a box. Thrown in the trunk of a car. Suspended over a pool of sharks. Held with a single strand of old twine. Tied with a bow to a crane arm made of balsa wood. In a typhoon. That should almost give you guys a chance."

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Ever since the earthquake and tsunami last year, the LDP seems to have been doing all it can to stay out of power. Tanigaki started it by refusing to cooperate unless Kan, the one man to stand up to TEPCO, was sacked, the rest of them have continued since by opposing anything and everything proposed by the DPJ simply for the sake of opposing it, and now the cherry on the cake is the announcement that if the electorate, after all they've seen in the past year, are still stupid enough to vote LDP, we get Shinzo 'Tummy-ache' Abe as PM.

It's obvious the LDP are determined to stay in opposition. Though I do believe they are stupid enough to believe that what they think they're saying is what Hiko says they're saying.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If Abe thinks he had trouble with his tum-tums before, he's going to have an even worse time because the state of the country has worsened since he was "in power".

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Abe is the man, believe or not, with the fresh ideas that are needed for Japan right now".

So tomoki, let me just get this straight. Basically you are saying that re-electing a guy, who did not show much promise the first time around, and who has a strong possibility of escalating the already extremely tense situation with China (and Korea) to the brink of war is "needed for Japan right now"? Right....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I don't know if the election of Abe will be good or bad for Japan, yet. But those who say that the relation between Japan and China will get worse because he is a hard-liner against China are so naive. So you think the tense between these countries will get calmed by having a soft-liner as a leader? When Democratic Party gained power, Hatoyama said that he wanted to make East-China sea as sea of friendship and fraternity between Japan and China, and we all know what happened afterwards. China sent a fishing boat which rammed into Japanese Coast Guard ship, and threatned Japan with economic sanction. What I am trying to say is if you take soft stance against China, China will take it as a sign of weakness and will try to take advantage of the situation. So I hope that whoever will be the next Prime Minister of Japan, will stand firmly with cojones against this rouge state. When we were kids, we all saw bullies picking on other kids. Did these bullies picked on strong kids who could fight back? NO! They picked on weaker kids. Same thing apply to China, which is the bully of east Asia.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@black_jack

I agree with you. I never said that Japan should elect a soft leader. In fact, that is part of my point. I was speaking to many Japanese people today about Abe and a large proportion of them thought of him as "weak", "indecisive", "wishy-washy" and a "mummy's boy" (actual quotes not my comments).

Any country needs a strong leader during a crisis. Of course. But there is a difference between a leader who is strong and leads his nation well (take Roosevelt for example or Churchill) and someone who is 'strong' (whether Abe is or not is debatable of course) and who makes inflammatory comments about no evidence for comfort women.

Bottom line: Japan should not budge on its stance against China and I applaud Noda for doing this but why make unnecessarily inflammatory comments (or what Japanese euphemistically often refer to as 'shitsugen') which are certain to make the situation worse? You know what I mean?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Do you get extra compensation for having been PM of Japan? Or do they do it just for kicks?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Japan needs a Churchill more than ever and I hope Abe is that man.

Let's see, Churchill... army officer, veteran of several campaigns, escaped PoW, later First Lord of the Admiralty and Secretary of State for War, all prior to WW2... how about Abe? "Non-entity" is about the kindest word I can think of to describe him.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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