Japan’s Ishiba, leading a minority government, must find political nous to survive and thrive

TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, held hostage to the whims and demands of the opposition as he heads a minority government, began and ended his second policy speech to Parliament by quoting a man who lasted just 65 days as premier.

“We must form a habit of frankly exchanging opinions on national issues and, while clarifying each party’s position, join forces to keep up with the progress of the world,” Mr Ishiba said on Nov 29, citing a line from a speech made by Mr Tanzan Ishibashi on Feb 4, 1957 – incidentally also the day Mr Ishiba was born.