‘The other prime minister’: Is Ozawa following Tanaka’s path?

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

‘The other prime minister’: Is Ozawa following Tanaka’s path? - Akahata, ‘Current’ column

December 16 marked the 16th anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei. He was arrested on charges of receiving bribes from the aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Corporation. With his plan to “remodel the Japanese archipelago,” Tanaka carried out large-scale public works projects throughout Japan primarily in the interests of major construction companies and thus left his mark on the history of the Liberal Democratic Party.

A large LDP faction led by Tanaka assumed real political power. It was called the “inner-party party,” meaning an independent party existing within the ruling LDP. Tanaka wielded his power as “the other prime minister” in the “inner-party party.”

Tanaka’s grave is located on the ground of a house where he was born in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture. On the 16th anniversary of his death, many people visited the grave, including Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Ozawa Ichiro, who called Tanaka “daddy” and who had a close relationship with him.

Ozawa was favored by the former prime minister and thus could assert his rise to power in the LDP. After visiting the grave, Ozawa told reporters, “Thanks to Mr. Tanaka I can work in the political world. I’ll do my best to become a politician like him.”

Concerns over Ozawa’s strong influence on the Hatoyama cabinet are widely shared by many people, including those who support the DPJ-led government. Although the DPJ is calling for “politicians’ leadership,” this slogan could be turned into a slogan calling for “the DPJ’s leadership” or even into “Ozawa’s leadership.” They are concerned that Ozawa might become “the other prime minister” like Tanaka.

Ozawa also follows Tanaka’s shadow by allegedly receiving illegal donations from construction companies, including Nishimatsu Construction. The trial on his arrested secretary involved in the scandal opens today.

- Akahata, December 18, 2009