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Japan

Wanted: A New Prime Minister

Japan needs a leader strong enough to preside over its assumption of a world diplomatic leadership role but one who is also clean. Suvendrini Kakuchi of IPS reports from Tokyo.
BEFORE Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kalfu's term expires by end of October, the manoeuvring to find his successor has begun within the factions of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Leadership talent and promises of political reform are some of the qualities being touted for the candidate for the post whose selection, political analysts say, comes at a crucial time when Japan is on the brink of embarking on a more active role interHatlon-ally.
Kaifu, who assumed the position in 1989 after every other potential prime minister was tainted by scandal, is widely seen as a leader incapable of handling these new challenges.
Expressing a common sentiment within the LDP, former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone has called Kaifu a "rookie" and "relief pitcher" waiting for instructions from his coach.
While enjoying popularity with voters for his clean image, Kaifu Is clearly seen as a
temporary prop set up by the largest faction in the LDP controlled by Noboru Takeshita who had to step down from the prime ministership for his role in the Recruit sharcs-for-favour stock scandal In 1989.
Analysts are playing a guessing game as to who the winner will be but say the race can be roughly narrowed down to the two senior candidates from among four vying for the LDP presidency.
The president of the LDP, who is chosen from candidates appointed by the four different factions in the party, becomes prime minister.
"Kaifu has proven himself a weak leader because he was slow to take a positive stand in international matters such as during the Gulf War and the attempted coup in the Soviet Union," explained Minoru Morita, a senior political analyst.
A strong contender is Kilchl
Miyazawa, 71, a former finance minster and deputy prime minster, who heads the third largest faction in the party.
Miyazawa, who announced his intention to seek the LDP presidency in early September, is respected for his English proficiency and strortg connections in the United States.
"These arc some of the advantages that would make Miyazawa a keen statesman who could lead Japan to taking new responsibilities," explained Morita.
Other analysts, however, doubt Miyazawa's sincerity as a
politician.
"He talks intelligently but he cannot be trusted," said political commentator Rutaro Hosokawa who is known for his close connections to senior politicians.
"Most people feel he will not follow through on what he promises," Hosokawa added.
Miyazawa, who recently apologised publicly for his alleged involvement in the Recruit scandal which forced his resignation in 1989, appeared last week in a 90-minute talk show with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger showing off his abil-
ity to converse in English and rub shoulders with international figures.
Another potential candidate is former Finance Minster Michio Watanabe who was also disgraced in the Recruit scandal but has promised political reform If he is elected.
"Watanabe Is a frank politl clan which is what Japan needs, a leader who can tell the world* the truth and be respected for it,* said Hosokawa.
Analysts say Watanabe would be effective in Asia because of his close relations with China, Cambodia and Vietnam. Beside, he will have strong backing within the LDP. which would help him in carrying out reforms.
But Watanabe, who often appears in public puffing on a huge cigar, has caused controversy with is insensitive and racist remarks.
The third candidate is Hiroshi Mitsuzuka, who heads the second largest faction in the LDP. but is considered the most inexperienced politically.
Nobody is discounting Kaifu, the fourth candidate, being reelected. The prime minister has not announced his plans but is expected to seek reelection when his term ends Oct 30.
But whoever the new prime minster will be, most Japanese feel the call for a political system that can purge itself of its scandalous image Is remote.
"It's been a long time since Japan had a leader who displayed true principles and international leadership skills," said a Tokyo businessman.
Experts blame the Japanese electoral system as being at the core of the problem.
Explained Hosokawa : 'The prime minister is not elected by the people but by the factions they represent. He is chosen not for his policies but for 1 his ability to buy votes within the faction.
"Unless this changes, Japanese leaders will continue to be mediocre."