News

by Masaharu Nakagawa, Staff Writer

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba gave an interview to the Chugoku Shimbun on May 2 and spoke about his resolutions on domestic and foreign policies.

【Nuclear Policy】
For what reason did you send the foreign minister to the third Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) for the first time in seven years?
Both nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states participate in the NPT conference, and it is Japan’s role as the A-bombed country to find common ground between them. Even nuclear weapon states do not think nuclear proliferation is a good thing.

Is it difficult to participate as an observer in the Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)?
Some countries participated as observers (in the past), but most of them did not participate this time. It is desirable to focus on the NPT.

【Support for automotive industry】
How will you support the automobile industry affected by U.S. tariffs?
Japan is the largest investor in the U.S. and the largest creator of employment, so the situation is completely different from other countries. Whether it is Mazda or Toyota, a steep decline in our exports is definitely not in the national interest (of the U.S.).

As the automakers have a large supporting industry, there are concerns about the impact. Cabinet members are visiting various parts of the country to listen to requests and respond to them in a timely manner. In Hiroshima, a parliamentary secretary from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is listening to requests from automobile parts manufacturers as well. We must not allow cash flow problems to hinder wage increases. We are taking measures to considerably relax requirements for loans and are striving to make it better known.

【Secret funds】
What is your view on disclosing the use of the Cabinet Secretariat's remuneration (secret funds)?
The Board of Audit conducts thorough inspections. Disclosing the recipients and uses of funds would make it difficult to gather information necessary for the Cabinet to perform its duties. Enforcing proper use of funds is one thing, and disclosing how it is used is another. It is a matter of course that those who use the funds must exercise restraint.

【Regional revitalization】
How will you address the problems of correcting concentration of population and industry in Tokyo and creating jobs in other regions?
It is difficult to create jobs by attracting companies as in the past. That would not lead to an extensive reorganization of Japan. We will focus on primary industries as well as small and medium-sized businesses and service industries which are common in provincial areas. We will shift to an economy based on small-lot production of a wide variety of products and high added value.

The big outflow of young people and women is not limited to Hiroshima, but is common throughout the country. This has been pointed out since the beginning of the efforts for regional revitalization 10 years ago, but the trend has not been reversed. With the spread of digitization and artificial intelligence, it is now possible to do in provincial areas what is done in central Japan.

【Handling of government】
How do you feel now that you have been in office for more than six months?
New center-right, conservative political parties are demonstrating their great strength. I keenly feel the political landscape is no longer what it used to be. I am always considering governing the country correctly in cooperation with the Komeito Party.

(Originally published on May 3, 2025)