A New Approach to Diet Deliberations and Policy-Making in Japan

A New Approach to Diet Deliberations

The ordinary Diet session under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishihara has begun, marking a new chapter in Japanese politics. Following the ruling coalition's setback in the Lower House election, the focus shifts from "thorough deliberation" to ensuring enacted policies truly benefit the people. This 150-day session presents a crucial test for both the ruling and opposition parties.

Prime Minister Ishihara, in his policy speech, emphasized the importance of earnest policy discussions to achieve better outcomes. The initial focus will be on the proposed budget, the largest in the nation's history. To ensure its validity, the Lower House Budget Committee will implement "agency-specific reviews" of individual expenditure items. The government and ruling coalition must demonstrate a willingness to amend the budget based on these reviews, avoiding unnecessary increases.

With the Upper House election approaching, opposition parties are expected to intensify their efforts to promote their own policies. The ruling minority must resist the temptation to simply concede to opposition demands without rigorous examination of cost-effectiveness and funding sources.

Ishiba also expressed a desire to discuss "the long-term direction of policies" and "sustainability of systems." This session will consider legislation related to pension system reform, addressing public concerns about the future of social security and state finances.

Despite the focus on policy discussions, Ishihara's speech lacked mention of "restoring public trust in politics." While he proposed discussions about the electoral system and campaign methods, he did not address the slush funds scandal or offer concrete plans for revising rules concerning corporate and organizational donations. This issue remains unresolved, despite revelations of a slush fund within the LDP faction of the Tokyo metropolitan assembly.

Another important topic omitted from Ishihara's speech was the legalization of selective separate surnames for married couples. With most opposition parties supporting this initiative and the leader of Komeito indicating it's time for a decision, Ishihara should lead internal party discussions within the LDP to put this issue on the agenda for the current Diet session.

The 150-day session presents a crucial opportunity for the Diet to demonstrate its commitment to effective policy-making and regaining public trust. Whether it succeeds in this challenge will depend on the willingness of both the ruling and opposition parties to engage in earnest discussions, prioritize the people's interests, and address unresolved issues like the slush funds scandal and separate surnames.