The term "Pioneering Administration" likely resonates with the generation born after 1980. At the core of this administration was Hiromu Nonaka. I've never cast my vote for the Liberal Democratic Party from the past to the present, and I've held onto a liberal stance. In the past, I supported the Social Democratic Party. However, as I've long passed my sixties, I've come to realize that the old Liberal Democratic Party embraced a wide range of ideologies, spanning from right to left, and there were numerous individuals whose views aligned with mine. In a sense, it seems that society has shifted towards the right more so than before.
Hiromu Nonaka held positions such as Chief Cabinet Secretary and Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party. He entered central politics relatively late, securing his first election victory at the age of 57. Had he entered a bit earlier, the times might have changed.
The book titled "The Man Called the Shadow Prime Minister" is a compilation of Nonaka's political activities presented in a nonfiction form, authored by Masafumi Kikuchi, a reporter from Nippon Television who covered Nonaka's activities. Since Hiromu Nonaka passed away in 2018, I believe the author wrote this book with the intention of preserving his legacy.
Nonaka supported the Social Democratic Party's Murayama administration while being a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. He played a significant role as the Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission during the Aum Shinrikyo incident, and later played an active role in establishing the coalition government between the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito. It's widely known that he was the first to be referred to as "a dove guarded by a hawk."
His way of life is intense and difficult to emulate, yet I can empathize with his stance of standing with the underprivileged, sharing their struggles, pursuing power, finding compromise with opponents while seeking common ground, and executing actions. When asked about the meaning of conservatism, he replied, "Upholding the constitutional ideals of anti-war and peace, and nurturing society so that all citizens can become part of the middle class." It's odd; I used to think such words should originate from the Communist Party or the Social Democratic Party. However, he also strongly rejected the idea of the country becoming monolithic due to his wartime experience. He was a unique individual who persisted in opposing the one-party dominance within the Liberal Democratic Party, even when alone.
Reaching this age, I reflect on the clear danger of charismatic and overpowering leaders who do not tolerate opposition. Especially during times when direct military threats are increasing from China, North Korea, and Russia, and when relations with South Korea are strained, there's a tendency for citizens to yearn for strong leadership. This could be in the form of an individual leader or an organization, and both the public and the media tend to become enthusiastic about such emergence. "Japanese people have a vulnerable trait of easily becoming monolithic," Nonaka states. I wholeheartedly agree. Reflecting on my own past, I also feel the same way.
Now there is a strong debate about strengthening military capabilities and having offensive capabilities. Watching North Korea launch missiles in defiance of the United Nations and observing Russia unilaterally taking military actions in Ukraine, supported by China, it might be emotionally natural for discussions about Japan's nuclear armament and constitutional amendments to surface. Japan cannot win against China in terms of economic and military power. To engage with North Korea and Russia means eventually confronting China as well. In such a scenario, there's a possibility that the United States might not intervene to prevent nuclear war. Hence, the logic of further bolstering Japan's military becomes understandable. However, it's essential to recognize that at the heart of this debate is the fact that "Japan cannot militarily defeat China, even if the country turns itself upside down." Thus, I believe Japan should put intellectual effort into diplomacy and cooperation with the United States, Australia, Europe, and South Korea. In other words, knowing from the outset that attempting to fully conquer China or defeat the United States is unrealistic and choosing isolationism based on nationalistic fervor without reflecting on the disastrous consequences of starting a foolish war that caused the loss of three million lives worldwide is a concern. It's undoubtedly necessary to have a minimal military capability to protect oneself and deter adversaries. However, once you build up enough military strength to surpass your opponent, your opponent will strive to amass even greater military power. It's an endless cycle.
Observing Hiromu Nonaka's life, I can't help but wonder if he would have continued to assert himself, find compromises with opponents, and exhaust all his efforts to reach common ground, even if he were alive today and became the last standing. Regardless of whether one's beliefs lean right, left, or center, this book makes me want people to know what he sought in life.
