Nobody seems willing to step forward to ask whether the law of the jungle should prevail. Nobody is asking whether we really want the rich to grow richer and the poor poorer. Nobody is asking about the possibility of contributing to an economic revival through the use of social welfare measures. When ideological debate tapers off and political options narrow, party politics loses vitality. And when all the parties are spouting much the same line, naturally nobody is interested in going out and voting.
Creative leadership is indispensable for party politics.
Politicians with distinctive personalities can open new horizons. The political scene lacks tension. In former days the jockeying among the LDP factions kept the party on its toes. For Japan to stand tall again, a revival of its political leadership is required.