As Japan's Cabinet Shakes, 'Abe's Political Rivals' Reexamined... Are Former Heavyweights Rising Again?

Former Prime Minister Noda Commuting to Constituency for 37 Years
Reevaluated through Abe's Eulogy... Possibility of Coalition Government

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda providing political commentary on YouTube. (Photo by Former Prime Minister Noda's official website)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] As Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's approval rating falls to a historic low and the cabinet shakes, calls for the return of former heavyweight politicians such as Taro Aso, Deputy President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga are rising.

Amid this, former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, once considered a political rival to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe within Japan, is also drawing attention. Although he belongs to the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, he personally attended and even delivered a eulogy at Abe’s state funeral held last year in Japan despite opposition within his party, leading to speculation that he could become a central figure in a potential grand coalition.

On the 4th, the Nishinippon Shimbun reported on Noda’s morning commute greetings. Except for his tenure as prime minister from 2011 to 2012, Noda has been greeting commuters at train stations in his electoral district every dawn for 37 years.

His morning greetings to citizens might make him seem like a late-blooming political newcomer, but in fact, Noda is a heavyweight opposition figure famous for being Abe’s political rival. During his time as prime minister, he engaged in fierce party leader debates with Shinzo Abe, then LDP president. These debates were broadcast live across Japan, establishing a clear rivalry between the two.

As Abe’s political rival and the 95th prime minister, Noda currently serves as the highest advisor of the Constitutional Democratic Party. Having been elected nine consecutive times in Chiba Prefecture, he has managed his constituency so well that the political world refers to Chiba’s 4th district as the “Noda Kingdom.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

With the LDP’s long-term dominance weakening the presence of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Noda seemed destined to be forgotten in history. However, through his rival, he has begun to be re-evaluated by the public.

In October last year, Noda attended Abe’s state funeral and delivered a eulogy. Toward the end, he said, “You can’t always win, can you, Abe-san?” This remark became a major topic in Japan. Although they had been fierce rivals, Noda’s words subtly expressed his sorrow that, with Abe’s death, they could no longer face each other in this world. At that time, Abe’s wife was moved to tears by the eulogy, and positive public opinion began to prevail, saying, “Despite political differences, offering condolences and respect is true cooperation.”

He has even been mentioned as a candidate for a “political elder’s comeback.” As the Kishida cabinet falters and rumors of the return of LDP veterans like Deputy President Aso and former Prime Minister Suga circulate, Japanese media have noted “unexpected figures” including Noda. There is a possibility of a grand coalition by the Kishida cabinet, which could ultimately reach out to Noda.

A local Japanese media outlet quoted a political insider saying, “If an emergency such as a financial crisis arises in the Kishida cabinet, the LDP and Komeito might enter a grand coalition with the Constitutional Democratic Party for tax increases. In such a situation, experienced Noda might take a position. In fact, some Ministry of Finance officials have mentioned Noda’s comeback.”

That Noda shares some positions with the LDP also supports the comeback theory. Japanese media Daily Shincho explained that since Noda’s father was a member of the Self-Defense Forces, he aligns with the LDP on issues like increasing defense spending.

He is currently campaigning again for the House of Representatives election scheduled for next year. Recently, he has been preparing and distributing 3,000 leaflets daily during his morning greetings that contain his policy positions. Visiting train stations in his constituency for 37 years, Noda says, “If I stand in front of the station even for one day, I advance by 0.5mm. If I rest due to my circumstances, I will retreat.” He told the Nishinippon Shimbun, “I am ‘Noda of the streets.’ I have no intention of taking down this sign.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.