Stay updated with the latest news and articles about Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.
The candidates' strategies became evident during the session of LDP election, particularly in how they interacted with former Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Both Ishiba and Koizumi, who have been prominent in opinion polls, were each nominated three times by their peers, signaling their strong positions in the race.
Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato has made "doubling the nation's income" his central policy goal. Announcing his candidacy on September 10, Kato emphasized his determination to achieve significant income growth quickly. His approach includes supporting wage increases and reskilling initiatives to narrow income gaps, particularly between men and women, reflecting his commitment to addressing wage disparities.
In a statement following a hospital visit in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, Hayashi acknowledged the public’s apprehensions regarding the integration process. The current plan calls for phasing out existing health insurance cards and consolidating their functions into the My Number Card by December. However, Hayashi emphasized the need to address these concerns proactively to ensure a seamless transition.
During his announcement, Hayashi addressed one of the key issues of the election—the strengthening of financial income tax. He advocated for a cautious approach, suggesting that the situation should be reassessed in 2025, once corrective measures targeting the super-rich have been implemented. Hayashi underscored the importance of harmonizing tax policies with the broader economic shift from savings to investment, reflecting a nuanced understanding of Japan’s evolving economic environment.
Kobayashi, 49, is expected to secure the necessary recommendations from at least 20 LDP lawmakers, bolstered by support from House of Representatives members backing his bid. Despite his relatively low profile, Kobayashi has been actively building a broad base of support by engaging early with various factions within the party. He is affiliated with the faction led by former Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai, though Nikai himself has announced plans to dissolve the faction, leaving Kobayashi without direct support from it.
In addition to assessing the local impact, Hayashi indicated that the government is also examining the potential relationship between this earthquake and seismic activity associated with the Nankai Trough. The Nankai Trough, a well-known seismic zone off Japan's southeastern coast, has been closely monitored due to its history of generating major earthquakes. Hayashi’s remarks suggest that officials are investigating whether this recent quake could be linked to the broader seismic patterns of the Nankai Trough, which could have implications for future quake risks in the region.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi highlighted the importance of aligning Japan's AI regulations with international standards while ensuring that domestic policies are informed by global developments