Press Conference:
"LDP Presidential Candidate"
Shigeru Ishiba, Member of the House of Representatives, LDP
Friday, September 11, 2020, 13:00 - 14:00
(The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.)
Yoshihide Suga, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's loyal enforcer since 2012, is his presumed successor in the upcoming LDP presidential election, but Shigeru Ishiba remains the public's favorite.
Before announcing his fourth bid to lead the party, Ishiba scored over twice the public support of Suga in a Kyodo News survey. He has the support of many LDP rank-and-filers, though less among parliamentarians who will decide the contest.
A former defense minister, Ishiba, 63, never lets his hopes of becoming Japan's next leader curb his tongue. He was a rare critic of Abe and now pledges a different policy road to Suga, especially in diplomacy.
Ishiba says Japan needs to build closer ties with its Asian neighbours, particularly China and the two Koreas, in contrast to the Abe government's more confrontational approach.
A policy wonk with a reputation for intelligence and forthright honesty, Ishiba has agreed to come to the FCCJ before the Sept. 14th election to discuss his views and the future of Japan.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, name of media outlet, FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions, please note there will be a limited number of reservations to attend. Doors open at 12:30. Please sign in your name and contact details at the reception with your own pen and to have your temperature taken before proceeding.
How to watch online: https://youtu.be/C7IF-OqF7Y0
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel.
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/r4dYXhEgjfZAPztq8
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form (English only).
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Door open for TV crews only at 12:15. There will be five positions available for livestreaming.
Professional Activities Committee