On the 28th, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso referred to Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in Ashiya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture. He stated in his speech, regarding Kamikawa’s appearance, that he wouldn’t call her ‘beautiful in such way’. However, contrary to this comment, he acknowledged her competence, adding that ‘she speaks confidently, carrying the dignity of a diplomat’.

Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister Aso praised Kamikawa as a ‘rising star’. Yoko Kamikawa is attracting attention as a new face within the party, and Aso indicated his understanding that her presence demonstrates new possibilities for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

On the other hand, the LDP is currently being shaken by issues of politics and money. With ongoing scrutiny from the opposition in the Diet, Aso’s remarks came out during a bean-throwing event for Setsubun in his hometown of Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Despite reflecting the severity of the situation, his statement could also be viewed as a call for a leader capable of bringing fresh change to the current status quo.

Whether these remarks bring about change within the LDP will be under the spotlight in future developments.