Questions from Readers
Recently, two politicians, Ishimaru Shinji and Tachibana Takashi, have been attracting attention. They are making strong criticisms of the existing political landscape and establishing themselves in an unconventional position. But can they truly be called “reformers”? Ishimaru achieved second place in the 2024 Tokyo gubernatorial election, following Koike Yuriko, and has launched a regional political party named
“The Path of Revival,” gearing up for the 2025 Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly elections. His political style is characterized by logical reasoning and a focus on eliminating waste. His debates and communication skills appear to garner significant support. On the other hand, Tachibana is famous for his slogan “Break NHK” and plans to run in the 2025 Chiba gubernatorial election. He adopts a unique strategy by conducting his campaign activities not in Chiba, but in Hyogo. While his approach can be extreme, there is no denying that he possesses the ability to influence national politics. Both politicians share a strong criticism of existing political structures and engage the public with their powerful messaging. However, their methodologies differ. Ishimaru questions the nature of politics in a logical manner, advocating for reforms from a rational perspective. In contrast, Tachibana captures attention with his radical slogans and strategies, appealing to the emotions of the masses. This raises the question: which of the two can truly be considered a “real reformer”? Or are they both merely creating headlines? Is it possible that they are both necessary figures as new-age politicians, simply approaching their roles differently?
The Truth About Political Reformers
Recently, two politicians, Ishimaru Shinji and Tachibana Takashi, have been drawing attention. Their presence seems to bring a fresh perspective to the existing political scene, fueled by their strong criticism. However, can they genuinely be called “reformers”?
Ishimaru’s Logical Approach
Through his activities in the Tokyo gubernatorial election, Ishimaru established the regional party “The Path of Revival.” His style is logical, with a notable effort to eliminate waste. Listening to his debates reveals a persuasive quality to his statements, helping many to empathize with him. However, there are moments when his actions seem inconsistent. Does he truly possess a deep strategy, or is he merely performing to attract temporary attention?
Tachibana’s Radical Style
On the other hand, Tachibana is known for his impactful slogan “Break NHK.” His messaging is undeniably strong and seems to resonate with many people. However, his approach can sometimes be too extreme, making it challenging to evaluate him as a politician. His tendency to push the boundaries of the law risks turning into problematic provocations. While there is a certain level of acknowledgment for his presence, one must question whether his policies are truly effective.
Are Neither of Them “Reformers”?
In my view, it is difficult to label either as a “true reformer.” They appear to gather support primarily from individuals with simplistic thinking. Particularly for Tachibana, the lack of substantial policies and his past conviction for defamation often lead to questions about his relevance. While Ishimaru does exhibit awareness of issues, it seems his actions do not match his intentions.
The Need for New-Age Politicians
Nevertheless, despite their differing approaches, both may be necessary as new-age politicians. The discussions and interests they spark can provide fresh perspectives in contemporary politics. While their methodologies raise doubts, the importance of increasing public interest in politics cannot be overstated. Finally, what do you think? If you have any thoughts on Ishimaru or Tachibana’s approaches, please share your comments. I would love to hear your experiences and perspectives!
