Japan: Koizumi's Gamble and the Politics of Public Image

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) released its election manifesto Aug. 19, along with a statement by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi making it clear that wholehearted support for his leadership and his proposed reform of Japan Post is the only route to an LDP victory. As Koizumi faces the very real possibility of defeat in the Sept. 11 election, he has expertly crafted a public narrative that portrays him as a bold leader willing to confront political destruction for the sake of his political and economic vision. Ultimately, the election is not intended as a referendum on the privatization of Japan Post but as an affirmation of Koizumi's personal leadership and ambitions.