Koizumi's son on energy

October 8, 2013

Koizumi's son says it's time to thoroughly discuss energy policy

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201310080054

By RYO AIBARA/ Staff Writer

NAGOYA--The lawmaker son of retired Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is clearly sympathetic to his father's much-publicized call for a radical change in energy policy, putting him in step with growing popular sentiment.

Shinjiro Koizumi said during a speech here Oct. 7 that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party needed to have wide-ranging discussions on future energy policy, such as how to promote the use of renewable energy sources.

His remarks carry weight for a number of reasons. At age 32, Koizumi--partly due to his name value--is widely regarded as a candidate for a future prime minister. He is not only his father's designated successor, but is also popular with the younger generation of LDP lawmakers, as well as the public at large.

Koizumi was recently appointed as parliamentary secretary in charge of reconstruction from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster that led to reactor meltdowns at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture.

"(Following the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami), looking toward the future, everyone thought it was time for Japan to change," Koizumi said. "It is a good opportunity for the LDP to alter itself. The party has to change."

Many people regard Koizumi as a future savior for the LDP. He was elected to the Lower House for the first time in 2009, and re-elected in December 2012. He served two years as director of the party's youth division, a position that is regarded as one path to success in the LDP.

"I want to make him the prime minister someday," LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba has said on occasion. Koizumi was named to his first government post on Sept. 30.

Asked about his father's recent call for Japan to immediately pull the plug on nuclear power, Koizumi replied: "I think there is a feeling of suspicion among Japanese citizens."

"There is continuing concern that it may be inappropriate (to maintain or further increase dependency on nuclear power) without debate," Koizumi added. "Because the economy is now apparently in the process of recovery, people are keeping silent."

He reminded the audience that promoting nuclear power is not his party's only option.

"The LDP does not only promote nuclear power generation," Koizumi said. "Its campaign platform for the Upper House election (in July) pledged it will make every effort to enhance the introduction of renewable energy sources. ... The LDP has a chance to discuss (its energy policy)."

By RYO AIBARA/ Staff Writer