Japan's Ruling LDP 'Power Broker' Nikai Secretary-General Marks 5 Years in Office... Attention on Future Moves

▲Toshihiro Nikai, Secretary-General of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Toshihiro Nikai, the second-in-command of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), marked his 5th year in office on the 3rd, drawing attention to his future moves amid the upcoming party presidential election and related events.

Nikai was appointed as secretary-general by then LDP President and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the summer of 2016, after the previous secretary-general, Sadakazu Tanigaki, was involved in a cycling accident that left him with mobility difficulties.

The secretary-general manages the party's finances, holds the nomination rights, and wields strong influence over party personnel.

With his authority and excellent political acumen, Nikai became the longest-serving secretary-general in early September last year and has remained a powerful figure within the party even after Yoshihide Suga took office as prime minister.

Entering politics as a local assembly member and serving 12 terms as a member of the House of Representatives, Nikai expanded his influence within the party through his outstanding political insight, extensive network, and skillful use of factional rivalries.

Although the Nikai faction is smaller than the Hosoda faction, to which Abe belonged, and the Aso faction led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso, Nikai quickly established support for Suga when his administration began, positioning himself as a kingmaker.

With Prime Minister Suga's term as party president ending next month and the House of Representatives' term expiring on October 21, competition for key positions within the LDP is intensifying, and Japanese political circles are closely watching whether Nikai will continue as secretary-general.

Some dissatisfaction is also emerging regarding Nikai's long tenure as secretary-general.

In particular, criticism has arisen among other faction members who have served as cabinet ministers, claiming that "there are too many decisions and financial allocations favoring the Nikai faction," according to the Yomiuri Shimbun.

As the possibility of the LDP losing seats in the upcoming general election grows, noise surrounding candidate nominations is increasing, and dissatisfaction toward Nikai may spread during this process.

In March this year, Suga announced early support for his own reappointment, which is interpreted as a strategy to cooperate in maintaining his prime ministership while also securing his position as secretary-general.

To block challenges against himself, Nikai is leveraging Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, a potential rival within the LDP.

Having maintained a good relationship with Koike, Nikai expressed last month that he "greatly welcomes" her plan to return as a member of the National Diet.

Koike previously served as a member of the House of Representatives and held cabinet positions.

This can be seen as a warning that Nikai might join forces with Koike to counter any moves to oust him.

At 82 years old, Nikai also faces criticism for leading what some call outdated politics.

Within the LDP, voices have been raised saying, "If Nikai stays entrenched, the party will be perceived as having an old-fashioned structure," according to Yomiuri.

Nikai is also known as a pro-Korea politician and places importance on relations with China.

He is particularly famous for maintaining a brotherly relationship with Park Jie-won, the head of South Korea's National Intelligence Service.