Prime Minister Takaichi's official site removes 'column' section detailing conservative policies
Prime Minister Takaichi's official website has removed the 'column' section that contained her political views and conservative policies.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's official website has seen the removal of a 'column' section where she expressed her political beliefs and policy positions. The decision to eliminate this section, as explained by her office, is aimed at streamlining the content of the site. It remains uncertain whether the past columns will be reinstated in the future, according to sources close to Takaichi.
The column had been a fixture for over 20 years, detailing Takaichi's direct involvement in various policies and her reflections on the political landscape, including strong conservative viewpoints. In one notable instance, she described pre-war education pronouncements as "value systems that should still be respected today." During a parliamentary session last November, when questioned by opposition leaders about these sentiments, Takaichi stated that the government does not intend to promote the use of such educational viewpoints within schools, while simultaneously asserting her intention to maintain a transparent account of her political journey, including retractions of some previous statements.
Notably, Takaichi has previously advocated for the creation of the 'Crime of Destroying the National Flag,' arguing that it would uphold a sense of belonging and unity concerning national identity. After becoming Prime Minister, she integrated this initiative into the coalition agreement with the Japan Innovation Party, indicating a strong commitment to her conservative policy agenda. The removal of her column section now poses questions about her future political communication strategies and how it may affect her relationship with her base and critics alike.