There have been several corruption scandals before, but this one comes at a painful time.
“The economic situation has affected people’s thinking,” said Professor Murakami. “People have suffered greatly because of the (coronavirus) crisis. They are barely paying their bills. But now (they) see politicians with a lot of money who are not paying taxes.” This was a reference to the LDP’s admission that some of its members did not properly report their income.
Despite his plummeting popularity at home, Mr. Kishida has done well on the international stage. Before becoming prime minister, he was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister. As prime minister, he hosted the G7 summit last year, visited Ukraine, and improved relations with South Korea, a key ally against China and North Korea.
His relationship with Washington is stronger than ever. He spoke to Congress earlier this year at the invitation of President Biden and received a standing ovation.
“Thank you,” he told the audience. “I have never received such great applause in the Japanese parliament.
Japanese domestic media criticized the visit, running headlines such as “Kishida should not use summit as a tool of domestic politics.”
If that was the goal, he didn't succeed. Mr. Kishida was caught up in battles on so many fronts that his party and voters were losing patience.
“People vote on their wallets,” said Professor Kingston. “It's great that he's been going around NATO, the EU and the US. At the end of the day, I want to see more money in my wallet.”
Prime Minister Kishida said the LDP must make a fresh start and convince the Japanese people that change is possible.
The opposition remains too weak and divided to be a viable option, but there is enormous distrust within the ruling party.
Can a different face at the top unite the Liberal Democratic Party and repair its tarnished image? September will tell.
