Key Facts
On April 25, the political talk show For JAPAN Season 3 #4 aired on ABEMA, featuring Shunji Ishimaru, former mayor of Akitakata City in Hiroshima Prefecture and leader of the regional political party “Path to Revival.” The program highlighted Ishimaru’s perspectives on political reform, leadership, and succession planning.
During the discussion, Masakazu Ohno, CEO and Chairman of Sankodo Co., Ltd., questioned Ishimaru about his political convictions and approach to succession. Ohno remarked that many politicians lack a clear sense of purpose, stating, “There are plenty of people who want to become politicians, but many end up aimlessly holding office without a strong conviction. Politicians should set goals and prepare successors. Is this something you aim for?”
Ishimaru responded by emphasizing his commitment to leaving Japan in a better state for future generations. He stated, “When I think of conviction, I immediately think of wanting to pass this country on to the next generation in a better form. There are many things that need to be done, but without administrative reform, much of it is impossible. My mission is political reform.”
On the topic of succession, Ishimaru made a striking statement: “I don’t worry much about succession. It’s simple-if I disappear, the problem is solved.” He elaborated that organizations should not rely on individuals but instead function independently. Reflecting on his tenure as mayor, he explained, “Even if the next mayor is incompetent, the staff can manage. I believe in creating systems that are not dependent on any one person.”
The program’s host, Ichiro Furutachi, humorously commented on Ishimaru’s remarks, saying, “Hearing this at my age makes me question why I haven’t retired yet,” prompting laughter from the audience.
For more details, visit the original article: ABEMA TIMES.
On April 25, the political talk show For JAPAN Season 3 #4 aired on ABEMA, featuring Shunji Ishimaru, former mayor of Akitakata City and leader of the regional political party “Path to Revival.” Ishimaru discussed his vision for political reform and succession planning, emphasizing the need for administrative changes to improve Japan for future generations.
During the program, Masakazu Ohno, CEO and Chairman of Sankodo Co., Ltd., questioned Ishimaru about his political convictions and approach to succession. Ohno noted that many politicians lack clear goals, prompting Ishimaru to respond, “My mission is political reform. I want to pass this country on to the next generation in a better form.”
On succession, Ishimaru made a bold statement: “I don’t worry much about succession. If I disappear, the problem is solved.” He explained that organizations should not depend on individuals but function independently, citing his tenure as mayor as an example. He added, “Even if the next mayor is incompetent, the staff can manage.”
The program’s host, Ichiro Furutachi, humorously remarked, “Hearing this at my age makes me question why I haven’t retired yet,” eliciting laughter from the audience.
For more details, visit the original article: ABEMA TIMES.
