Thread by @observingjapan

This column in Sankei by Abiru Rui, a Sankei writer who also wrote several rather hagiographic books about Abe, is an extremely helpful look at how the right wing sees Kono. My quick reading follows.

https://twitter.com/Sankei_news/status/1440889254968659973

He opens by noting his anxiety about Kono's basing his campaign on his "ability to breakthrough" challenges. He says that Kono's vague promises that can be easily ignored are reminiscent of the DPJ.

(Has anyone done systematic study on the uses of the DPJ in right-wing rhetoric?)

He then repeats Kishida and Takaichi critiques of the Kono pension proposal mentioned in this story, suggesting Kono isn't being honest about how high consumption tax rate will need to be to fund pension scheme.

https://twitter.com/observingjapan/status/1441023967226118146?s=19

Again, like the straight news article, he recounts how Kan Naoto had wanted to do something similar but was vague about the details.

He accuses him of similar vagueness in national security, noting that he dismissed the acquisition of strike capabilities but then only offered a reference to strengthening US-Japan deterrence capabilities.

Then he adds another attack. He says that Nihon Tanshi -- the electrical connector business -- where Kono worked briefly, where his younger brother is CEO, and in which Kono holds shares, is expanding its business in China and could therefore influence his China policy.

Kono, he says, brushed this off brusquely when asked in a press conference this week.

Then, another DPJ comparison. He notes that Kono said he has declared his holdings openly, much like Ozawa's group declared its property holdings.

He ends on a threatening note.

"It is not difficult to imagine that every time he takes a decision regarding relations with China, his relationship with Nihon Tanshi will come up."

確かに、対中関係で何かを決めるたびに、日本端子との関連が取り沙汰されるのは想像に難くない。河野氏はもっと具体的かつ丁寧に語るべきではないか。

(Of course, nothing about Abe's three-year diplomatic campaign with Beijing in coordination with corporate Japan.)

(Also never mind that Japan has not decoupled from China and plenty of businesses are investing more.)

While Kono's investments are fair game, this kind of dare I say, red baiting is a worrisome development. It also shows how Japan's China debate has narrowed over the past year.

This effort to build a case against Kono -- going so far as to tar him with the DPJ brush -- is why it's hard not to be bearish about his chances against Kishida.

It also suggests that if Kono does win, the right wing could be a thorn in his side.