Japan's newly minted Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba used the grand occasion of his first policy speech to Parliament on Oct 4 to reminisce about a simpler time.
People were not wealthy, he said, but had smiles on their faces and kindness for one another.
"Before we knew it, we have become a society where people drag down and badmouth one another," the 67-year-old said at the tail end of his 35-minute speech. "I want to bring smiles back onto everyone's faces again."
Whether this wholesome vision for Japan cuts any ice with voters will be determined in an Oct 27 snap poll and, in what will be seen as populist, he has instructed his Cabinet to compile an economic relief package by the election to tackle rising costs of living.
Still, the public has cast a withering eye on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over a political slush fund scandal that involved nearly one in five lawmakers.
There clearly is also a lot to be unhappy about in a society where seven in 10 youth, according to a 2023 media consultancy survey, see no hope for the future.
Mr Ishiba carved a political name for himself as a maverick on the fringes of the LDP, having been one of the most strident critics of government policy and a foe of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Yet, having finally summited the pinnacle of politics on his fifth attempt, he has found himself with barely any room to manoeuvre.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 05, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 05, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Krupnova brings positivity to Wondersticks and S'pore
While it has been only two weeks since Eliska Krupnova joined Singapore Floorball Premier League (SFL) side Wondersticks, the 2020 world's best female floorball player has lit up the league in more ways than one.
HER UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Belarusian Goutseva back to complete her artistic swimming vision for Singapore
Villa now in the big leagues, thanks to their manager
On The Ball | There are doubts about the new Champions League format, its extended group stage and \"Swiss model\" fixture list. Try telling that to anyone connected with Aston Villa, though.
REDS' WIN 'SPECIAL' FOR SLOT
Manager says it will let wife see a happy man, but warns of tough stretch ahead
Respectful Emery wary of United's winning mentality
Unai Emery praised the under-pressure Erik ten Hag on Oct 4 as the Aston Villa boss labelled Manchester United \"the best team in the world\" despite their dismal form.
ANGE FACES A 'CURIOUS' TEST BY HURZELER
Brighton boss, who asked 'many questions' on a day at Spurs in 2023, has 'inside info'
Pogba's 'nightmare is over' as ban cut to 18 months
French international footballer Paul Pogba said on Oct 4 that his \"nightmare is over\" after a four-year ban for doping was reduced to 18 months.
Blues need time to compete with City, Arsenal
Chelsea are improving but are not yet ready to compete with top English Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal, manager Enzo Maresca said on Oct 4.
Billie Jean King Cup to align with Davis Cup format
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will transition to an eight-team event in 2025, from the current 12, to mirror the existing Davis Cup format, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Oct 4.
Money talks to grow US rugby reportedly back on
Rugby union's governing body World Rugby has revived talks to raise funds for growing the sport in the United States, three people familiar with the matter said.